Russian studies room opens with praise
William Wright, Staff Writer
When the Annie S. Woolslayer Russian Studies Room dedication was cancelled three Fridays ago, it was as if the snows of Russia came to celebrate as well.
The new room, praised by language professors and students as a model for all classrooms, is helping redefine how students learn foreign languages. Thanks to high-tech facilities, lush furniture and authentic Russian decorations, the room allows students to learn Russian in a environment that is “ideal, beautiful and comfortable,” Dr. Elna Doshlygina said.
Despite the lack of snow at the dedication last Friday, students still came to tell of how Doshlygina and Professor Yevgeny Yevtushenko helped them learn the Russian language in an exciting new way. According to students, Doshlygina tests what students know, not what they do not know. Her classrooms have a relaxed, stress-free feeling as she walks around to each student individually, speaking with them in Russian about whatever they want to talk about.
The students also described Yevtushenko, a world-renowned poet, filmmaker and actor, as an inspiration. At the event, Yevtushenko read an impassioned poem he wrote in the ‘60s about the day people in Russia and America could call each other brother.
College of Arts and Sciences Dean Tom Horn spoke about the impact the Annie S. Woolslayer Russian Studies Room would have on the Russian program at TU, calling it a “model for other classrooms.”
The room, which features relaxing colors, comfortable chairs arranged in a semicircle, a computer and a video projector, allows students to watch Russian TV, listen to Russian radio and read current Russian newspapers at any time of the day. In addition, bookshelves line the walls with Russian novels and textbooks, and Russian maps allow the students to understand cultural and political developments in Russia.
At the dedication, plaques were given to both Doshlygina, for her outstanding work in Russian Studies, and Mary and Bob Woolslayer, for their generous donation.
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