3/4 Russian class

[Sarah Heyer]

A request went out for ideas to use with a combination 3d and 4th year class
where half the students were native speakers.
It was noted that the two classes kept their separate syllabuses and texts.
That set me wondering ...

We have classes where 3d and 4th year students are together,
and I was toying with the idea of doing this more often --
making all classes after 2d year open to all (i.e. 3d and 4th year students).
The classes would have themes (like comedy and use 12 Chairs --
the abridged version with exercises, etc., from Slavica)
and make use of available textbooks at the 3d year level.
The classes would run in a sequence of 6 (independent) semesters
so there wouldn't be any repeating for students who hung around.
My thinking was that both groups of students have covered the basic grammar
and will have similar problems: mainly getting enough exposure to Russian.
Or are there specific items which are taught at the 3rd year level?
Are 4th year students far enough ahead that they'll take over the class?
We only have 2 to 4 students at each level, and I thought combining
them might be a solution.  So set me straight.

Please direct all replies (and flames) to my personal e-mail address.
After I've heard from everyone who'd like to help,
I'll summarize and post to the list (unquote)

Sarah Heyer
ga4224 at siucvmb.siu.edu