Evgeny Dengub

Research

My research and professional work focus primarily on language teaching and learning, especially Russian and heritage language education. Current and recent interests include:

• second language acquisition and proficiency-oriented teaching
• assessment, feedback, and ungrading in language education
• creativity, identity, and agency in advanced language learning
• teacher education and faculty development
• authenticity and meaning-making in the language classroom
• the thoughtful use of technology and AI in language education

I am also interested in the role of language programs and language centers as sites of faculty expertise, innovation, and professional development.

Teaching

I teach Russian language and culture and work with instructors on proficiency-based and humanistic approaches to language teaching.

Over the course of my career, I have taught at USC, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Smith College, Amherst College, Mount Holyoke College, and Middlebury College. I have also directed and taught in intensive immersion programs and teacher-training institutes.

I regularly conduct workshops for language educators on teaching, assessment, curriculum design, technology, and faculty development.

Publications

Books and edited volumes

Dengub, E., Dubinina, I. Modern Russian Classroom: A Handbook for Teachers of Russian as a Foreign Language. Taylor & Francis. Forthcoming.

Dengub, E., Mesrobian, L. Grading Less – Learning More: Ungrading (Alternative Grading) in World Languages and Cultures. Georgetown University Press. Forthcoming.

Dengub, E., Dubinina, I., & Merrill, J. (eds.). (2020). The Art of Teaching Russian. Georgetown University Press.

Textbooks and instructional materials

Dengub, E., & Nazarova, S. (2021). Этажи: 2nd Year Russian Language and Culture → Georgetown University Press.

Rifkin, B., Dengub, E., & Nazarova, S. (2017). Panorama: Intermediate Russian Language Textbook → Georgetown University Press.

Dengub, E., Alexieva, P., & Lucey, C. (2015). About that Which Did not Happen: An Annotated Russian Reader.

Rojavin, M., Dengub, E., & Forrester, S. (2013). Russian for Advanced Students.

Selected articles and chapters

Dengub, E. (2025). “Beyond Grades: A Humanistic Approach to Russian Language Learning through Ungrading.” In Assessment of Russian as a Foreign Language: Unlocking Proficiency. Routledge.

Dengub, E. (2025). “Cultivating Expertise: Language Centers as Catalysts for Professional Development.” Language Center Handbook 2025.

Merrill, J., Dengub, E., & Pastushenkov, D. (2021). “Learner Performance in Online and Face-to-Face Russian Immersion Programs: A Comparison.” Russian Language Journal 7.2.

Dengub, E., & Rojavin, M. (2010). “The Conjunctions А, НО and И: A Comparison of Usage by Heritage and Traditional Students of Russian.” Slavic and Eastern European Studies Journal 53.4.

See the full publication list in the CV →

Learning Materials

I am developing apps, podcasts, and other resources for students and teachers to practice Russian. This includes the Raketa podcast and interactive materials for language practice.

Visit the Learning Materials page →

OK Story Cards

OK Story Cards is a set of text-free illustrated cards designed to get learners speaking. I co-develop language-learning materials that encourage storytelling, description, interpretation, and spontaneous interaction without requiring learners to begin with a written text.

The cards are designed for use across languages and proficiency levels and can be adapted for classroom discussion, pair work, storytelling, and creative language practice.

Learn more about OK Story Cards →

Hobbies

CV

For a complete record of academic positions, administrative work, publications, presentations, grants, awards, and professional service, see the full CV.

View CV →

Contact

Evgeny Dengub
Center for Languages and Cultures
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

dengub@usc.edu

USC Center for Languages and Cultures →

Resource Center for Teachers of Russian →