UNIT 6
HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE USA
I. Study the list of topical vocabulary to avoid the difficulties in understanding the text in exercise VI. Consult the dictionary to pronounce the words correctly.
alumni – бывший студент
bachelor – бакалавр
complete – завершать, заканчивать
comprise – включать, содержать
employment – трудоустройство
fee – плата
last – длиться
link – связь
major (in) – специализироваться (по, в области)
master – магистр
offer – предлагать
private – частный
public – государственный
skill – умение, мастерство
support – 1) поддержка, средства к существованию
2) поддерживать, содержать
tuition – обучение
II. Translate the following constructions and word combinations into Russian. Try to memorize them. Make up sentences using some them.
On the average, generally speaking, moreover, in addition to, nearly, two thirds, along with, entirely, immediately, right away, relevant to.
III. Read and translate the sentences paying attention to the pronoun one (ones). The pronoun one (ones) substitutes the noun already mentioned in the sentence.
Example 1: Is that book the one that I gave you? –
Это та книга, которую я тебе дал?
Example 2: The programmes offered by a college are not as numerous as the ones at a university. – Специальностей (программ обучения), предлагаемых колледжем, не так много как специальностей в университете.
1. A public college is one supported by government.
2. Higher education in Russia is mostly free of charge, but the one in the USA is very expensive.
3. Courses in medicine are longer than the ones in management.
4. Doctor of Philosophy is the highest academic degree in the USA, the one awarded after 3 – 8 years of extensive research work.
5. The academic consists of two semesters with the examinations at the end of each one.
IV. Read and translate the text, say what its main points are.
HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE USA
After graduation from high school over half of American students (at the age of 18 on the average) enter institutions of higher education. Higher education in the United States of America is provided by colleges and universities. Generally speaking, there is not much difference between these institutions of higher education. Usually, a university is larger than a college – it offers a greater variety of subjects to specialize in. Moreover, a university offers special programmes of advanced studies in addition to fundamental programmes.
There are about 1900 institutions of higher education in America. Some of them are public ones: they receive government support from local, state or federal sources. Nearly two thirds of colleges and universities in the USA are private: they are supported by private individuals, alumni or religious groups. Students must pay the tuition fees, but at public educational institutions the fees are less than at private ones. Higher education in America is getting more expensive every year. Only few American families can afford this.
Every college offers a wide range of courses and their numerous combinations. The same college may comprise the Faculty of Health Studies along with, for example, the Faculty of Engineering or Business, Law and Economics.
Most university or college courses last three or four years. Courses in such field as medicine may be even longer. During this period students are studying for a degree in chemistry or economics, for example, as they usually major in some specific field (chemistry, economics, philosophy, computer science, physics etc.). Degree is the title showing qualification when a student completes a university or a college course successfully. This can be a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS).
Students at American colleges and universities are called according to the year of study: freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors. Freshmen are the first year students, sophomores are the second year students, juniors are the third year students, seniors are the fourth year students.
Colleges usually offer programmes of study leading to employment or to a Bachelor’s degree. Students who major in business, management or art and design are entirely prepared for a career immediately after graduation from college.
Universities can offer postgraduate programmes preparing students more specifically for research work. They lead to a Master’s degree – Master of Arts (MA) or Master of (MS), or to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – the highest academic degree. (Sometimes Master’s degree programmes are extended first degree (BA or BS) programmes.) It takes two years to gain a Master’s degree in any academic area. A PhD degree is awarded after 3 – 8 years of extensive research work.
There are also two-year junior colleges awarding the lowest associate’s degrees. They have strong links with local industry and agriculture. These colleges offer courses related to them. Students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to use right away. Many the students who take such courses at night have daytime jobs relevant to their education. Examples are schools for primary and secondary school teachers, schools for agriculture and forestry, some schools of art and nursing.