A multicultural environment, Braşov (Corona, Kronstadt, Brassó) was renowned not only as an important medieval trade centre, but also as a cultural and academic „fortress”. Braşov is also known as the place where the first spark of an anticommunist uprising was lit in November 1987.
The Structure of the Program
A. Intensive Romanian language courses (60 hours)
The Romanian language courses are taught according to a flexible syllabus and adapted to the students’ requests and needs. In order to develop the fluency of expression and to strengthen previously learned grammatical structures, the vocabulary and grammar exercises are alternated with individual and group communication activities. The reading syllabus includes texts about everyday life, as well as literary texts, press articles, songs, etc. These instructional media are supplemented by the use of audio-visual teaching materials.
The instructors selected for teaching the Romanian classes are chosen primarily for their professional skills, but also for their friendly attitude, enthusiasm and patience.
Participants are enrolled in several study groups that are selected and formed based on an initial language test that evaluates the students’ level of linguistic competence, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2). Each group consists of approximately 8-12 students.
The beginners’ level aims to obtain simple comprehension skills, as well as to communicate in familiar situations.
The intermediate level develops the comprehension abilities of more complex texts, as well as competencies in written and oral communication, on various topics.
The advanced level – students will improve their skills of understanding long and complex texts, appreciating distinctions of style as well as improving their communication skills through the use of nuanced expressions.
Certificate of Attendance: At the end of the programme, students will be given a written and oral exam. Upon succesful completion of the course, the Faculty of Letters of Transilvania University – Braşov will award the participants with certificates of language proficiency, and the Romanian Cultural Institute shall present the students with a certificate that indicates the level of Romanian language knowledge the student has achieved.
Transilvania University of Braşov grants 3 (three) credits for this program in the ECTS system.
B. Lectures in Romanian culture and civilization (twice a week)
The Romanian Cultural Institute invites and provides a public forum for university professors and researchers and other notable figures in Bucharest and Braşov to give lectures that cover history (dr. Silvia Marton), cinema (Irina-Margareta Nistor), politics (Radu Cristescu), literature (dr. Andrei Bodiu and dr. Ion Manolescu). The talks are given in both the English and Romanian languages.
C. Creative Workshops (twice a week)
1. 19th century ball dancing
2. Journalism and publicity
3. Gastronomy
4. Drama acting
The ball dancing workshop will be coordinated by Nermina Damian, head of the professional ballet dancers from Braşov Opera, and aims to familiarize the students with the “Romana” dance, a column-dance that was highly fashionable in Romanian families during the 19th century.
During the journalism and publicity workshop, participants enter the “ inner world” of the editorial office of Gazeta Transilvaniei (The Transylvanian Gazette) and learn about the history of publicity in the 19th century, while also working together to edit a newspaper. The workshop will be coordinated by dr. Valer Rus, a historian.
The workshop on gastronomy will present the world through the use of a “cookbook”. The participants will learn about the first Romanian cookbooks and how to prepare Romanian traditional food. The program wiill be coordinated by dr. Ana Borca and professional chef Maria Vlasin.
The drama acting workshop will take place at Reduta Cultural Centre and will be coordinated by Marius Cisar, a professional actor.
D. Film screenings
Participants will attend Romanian film screenings once a week. The film productions are selected from works by renowned (new)-wave Romanian film directors and recipients of important awards at great European film festivals or films, as well as from film classics.
E. Cultural and sightseeing program
Fieldtrips will be organized during weekends in the Old City of Braşov, Sibiu, the fortified Saxon fortresses around Braşov and Sibiu (Prejmer, Viscri), the Peleş Complex in Sinaia (Peleş, Pelişor), the George Enescu Memorial House in Sinaia and a traditional village. These site visits benefit from the informed narratives and comments of cultural guides that are specialized in the region and its history, its traditions and its rich socio-cultural and ethnographic milieu that exists in this area of Romania.
F. International evening
An international evening will be organized for the participants, who are asked to present the specific customs, foods and drinks, objects and other things relevant to the countries they come from. This event is followed by a party. Venue: Bistro del Arte (www.bistrodelarte.ro)
More details:http://www.icr.ro/cursuri_brasov
