The aim of the course is to introduce and explain events in contemporary Russia, to show Russia in the world context, and to define the position of Russian as a world language. The lectures focus on selected current areas, such as the language policy of the Russian Federation, Russian in the post-Soviet space (expanded compared to the subject KRF/URU), the Russian Federation in an area perspective, the international geopolitical situation of the Russian Federation, current conflicts, issues of democratization and stratification of Russian society, the phenomenon of Russian emigration, the country’s technological development, education, etc., and present them in broader and deeper historical-political-ideological contexts and interdisciplinary relationships. They explain the formation of the image of a given country in general (national identity, mental mapping, imagology). The content of the course is partly variable, and depends on the current social and political situation in the Russian Federation. The course establishes sociocultural competence and intercultural communication of students. It is also intended to be a form of preparation and motivation for a foreign internship.

In seminars, students present their papers and work with authentic news and journalistic texts and precedent texts. They conduct quantitative and qualitative monitoring of Czech media in relation to Russia, and research Russian news portals. They are guided to effectively obtain and evaluate information, learn to work with sources. The diversity of interpretations of one and the same event is pointed out. Activities in seminars stimulate critical thinking, and improve students’ presentation skills. Secondly, Russian speaking skills are practiced.