Summer School in Russian and Eurasian Studies (SSRES)
at Nazarbayev University
Program dates for SSRES 2016:
May 25­­July 8 (or, May 25­­July 22, for students who choose to
enroll in the optional elective course in Eurasian Studies or
Translation).
SSRES (Summer School in Russian and Eurasian Studies) at Nazarbayev
University in Astana, Kazakhstan is an intensive academic program that offers
students the chance to immerse themselves in the Russian language and to
experience Kazakh language and culture in the heart of Eurasia.
ACADEMICS
The main component of the SSRES in 2016 will be the Intensive 6­week course in
Russian, which will offer 20 contact hours per week of in­class instruction in all
aspects of the Russian language (for a total of 120 contact hours over 6 weeks).
The Russian curriculum will be taught using the communicative method of
instruction in the situation of linguistic and cultural immersion. Students will be
placed into appropriate levels of Russian, based on the results of a placement
test and according to their level of proficiency (as specified in ACFFL Proficiency
Guidelines). Russian courses will be taught by professionals trained in current
methodologies and experienced in teaching international students.
Politics and Governance of Eurasia
AVAILABLE
ELECTIVE COURSES
The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with the politics of the
Eurasian region (also commonly referred to as the former Soviet Union (FSU)
and/or the post­Soviet space). Specifically, this course will examine topics such
as the collapse of the USSR; historical legacies of the Soviet Union in Eurasia
today; the nature of the ruling regimes in Russia, Central Asia, and the
Caucasus; unresolved conflicts and enduring wars; Great Power relations; as
well as a variety of regional challenges such as state failure, Islamic terrorism,
and the regional drug trade. This is an advanced undergraduate seminar
CULTURAL
designed to enhance students’ overall understanding of the study of
PROGRAMS
contemporary Eurasian politics.
Introduction to Translation
The course will provide an overview of the history of translation, from the classical to the contemporary period, both in the West
and in Russia. Students will read and discuss a selection of the most influential theoretical texts from the field of translation
studies, including works by John Dryden, Friedrich Schleiermacher, Walter Benjamin, Roman Jakobson, and others.
Discussions will center on questions of translatability, fidelity, accuracy, and the politics of translation. In practice sessions, we
will discuss approaches and methods used by professionals in the fields of news translation, advertisement translations,
subtitling, and interpreting. In the second part of the course, students will translate fiction, including poetry (Pushkin, Mandelstam,
Brodsky), a children’s story and a short story of their choice. Students will workshop their translation projects in these fields and
genres and compare different translations (those created by practicing translators and by the students in class) in order to
examine how each version works and discuss how translators make decisions of language, style, format, and cultural
equivalency. accuracy, and the politics of translation. In practice sessions, we will discuss approaches and methods used by
professionals in the fields of news translation, advertisement translations, subtitling, and interpreting.
nusummer@nu.edu.kz
+7 7172 70 64 07
Kabanbay batyr 53, Astana 010000 Kazakhstan, Nazarbayev University,
Department of International Cooperation www.nu.edu.kz
BONUS COURSE
ON KAZAKH
LANGUAGE AND
CULTURE
SSRES 2016 will also offer a free Kazakh language and culture course “Practical
Course in Kazakh Language and Culture.” The course is designed for learners
who are interested in Kazakh language, culture, and cuisine, and who have little or
no previous experience with Kazakhstan. The course will introduce students to
elements of Kazakh culture related to language and rituals, especially rituals
related to interactions of man with nature (Cosmocentrism), and rituals related to
the stages of socialization of man (besyk toi, tusau kesu, bet ashar, shashu, til
ashar, etc.). The course will be taught in English. Each session will give relevant
vocabulary in Kazakh with translations and explanations in English. This course
will also introduce students to basic grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation of
Kazakh, and help them develop basic speaking skills.
ADMISSION
SSRES is open for both graduate and undergraduate students as well as working professionals. The students should be eligible
to obtain a visa to live and study in Kazakhstan. Nazarbayev University will provide visa information and support (included in the
cost of the program).
Deadline for applications is April 15, 2016
All questions should be addressed to Alibek Abdullayev, Program coordinator by email: nusummer@nu.edu.kz.
PROGRAM FEES
Option #1
$3999
6-week Intensive Russian
Language Program (120 contact
hours) in the period of 30 May –
July 8th
Practical Kazakh language course
included.
Housing, meal plan, gym pass, and
cultural program are included.
Option #2
$5941, if paid by April 20.
Includes Intensive Russian language
program (120 contact hours) in the
period of 30 May – July 8th and an
optional elective course in the period of
30 May- July 22.
Practical Kazakh language course
included.
Housing, meal plan, gym pass, and
cultural program are included.
Estimated Additional
Expenses:
Airfare estimate (from
the USA): $1600
Visa: $200
ACCOMMODATION
AND MEALS
International students will live in our NU dormitories. A typical room has two beds, two study desks,
wardrobes or built-in closets, and bath. Students will also have access to a fully-equipped kitchen in the
dormitories. Dormitories contain everything a student needs including a small grocery store, pharmacy,
laundry, cafeteria, salon, study rooms, and more. There is security at the entrance to the dormitories and
resident assistance is available 24/7. All persons entering the area must display a student pass issued by NU.
The meal plan includes two meals a day (lunch and dinner) from Monday to Friday. For breakfast, students can
prepare food in their kitchens, or purchase breakfast at the cafeteria or at one of the coffee shops on campus.
Weekend meals will be either included in the excursions, or will be purchased separately.
nusummer@nu.edu.kz
+7 7172 70 64 07
Kabanbay batyr 53, Astana 010000 Kazakhstan,
Nazarbayev University, Department of
International Cooperation
www.nu.edu.kz
CULTURAL
PROGRAM
During their six-week stay in Kazakhstan, the students will have weekly excursions
in Astana and around the country, including a weekend trip to Burabay (Borovoe)
—the “Switzerland of Kazakhstan,” an optional trip to Almaty, a visit to a GULAG
camp for the wives of the “enemies of the people” (ALZHIR), a trip to the Korgalzhyn
nature reserve—the northernmost habitat of pink flamingoes, and other excursions
to cultural and historical places of interest.
Highlights of the SSRES 2016 Cultural Program
29 May
Three-hour tour of Astana. The students will visit the Square of Independence,
Khazret Sultan Mosque, water-green boulevard complex, Astana – Bayterek
monument, the Round square, and the shopping and entertainment center Khan
Shatyr.
4-5 June
Hunting with Eagles. By participating in this tour, you will learn the history of
Berkutchi, ways of hunting with eagles, and some basic techniques. This
demonstration of hunting takes place outside Astana.
Hunting with eagle
11-12 June
Weekend trip to Burabay (Borovoe). The students will have a guided tour of Burabay
National park (Borovoe), which occupies 85,000 hectares of the northeastern part of
Kokshetau elevation. There are 14 lakes in the park, each having surface area of more
than 1 sq. km, and a large number of small lakes. The trip includes meals and a onenight hotel stay.
18-19 June
Business tour of Astana. The students will visit KazMunaiGaz – the state-owned oil
and gas company of Kazakhstan, and the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of
Kazakhstan “Atameken”
25-26 June
Day trip to ALZHIR (“Camp of Women's Tears”) the Akmola camp for the wives of
“traitors of the Motherland.” ALZHIR is one of the largest GULAG camps of the
former Soviet Union and one of the "islands" of the "Gulag Archipelago."
Day trip to Korgalzhyn Natural Reserve. Korgalzhyn State Natural Reserve is the
largest natural protected area in the country, a unique place in the entire territory of
Central Asia, located just 150 km from the capital of Kazakhstan. Tengiz-Korgalzhyn
lakes are widely outspread in the midst of vast arid steppe, making it the most
extensive water area on the entire Eurasian continent. Diverse flora and fauna
amazes and fascinates. On the islands of Tengiz lake there is the world's largest
northernmost breeding population of relict species of flamingo, listed in the Red Book
of Kazakhstan.
The Lake Borovoe
2-3 July
Optional Weekend Trip to Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan and the biggest
city in the country. The students will take a train to Almaty and will be housed and
entertained by Nazarbayev University students. The trip will include a tour of Almaty
and visits to the main tourist sites such as the Central State Museum, Republic
Square and Monument of Independence, Abai Opera and Ballet Theatre, Astana
Square, Almaty Railway Station, Central Mosque, Green Bazaar, Panfilov Park, Abai
Square and Palace of Republic.
06-07 July
Participation in Astana Day festivities. On July 6, Astana will celebrate its 18th
anniversary as Kazakhstan’s capital. July 6, or Astana Day, is a national holiday and
an official day off in Kazakhstan. Every year this bright and exciting event is a fun,
beautiful celebration for the city’s visitors and residents. Week-long festivities with
vibrant performances and rich cultural events entertain people while celebrating
Kazakh culture and Kazakhstan’s multi-ethnic social fabric. Astana Day is a
celebration of national pride for all Kazakhs, not just the city’s residents, as the day
recognizes Astana’s growth from a provincial city into a 21st century regional hub.
ALZHIR Camp