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SKILLS. Write a for-and-against article on Bologna process in Russia[23] for your university newspaper. The Introduction has already been given for you. In the main body develop each point with your justifications and/ or examples. In the conclusion write
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SKILLS
Write a for-and-against article on Bologna process in Russia[23] for your university newspaper. The Introduction has already been given for you. In the main body develop each point with your justifications and/ or examples. In the conclusion write a balanced consideration of the topic or give your own opinion. Don’t forget to provide your article with a good title.
INTRODUCTION
Russia joined the Bologna Process in 2003 and is in the process of actually transforming its higher education system to make it compatible with Bologna principles. In particular, Russia has essentially moved to the two-tier, bachelor’s-master’s or four-plus-two year system. The actual transformation is yet to happen, but all the legal foundations are in place. Universities that want to build internationally competitive, and internationally compatible, undergraduate and masters programs have all the necessary tools. However, Russia’s integration into the Bologna Process often receives criticism from inside the country.
MAIN BODY
PARA 1. One major problem that people cite is that the Russian job market is not yet ready to consider four-year programs as “complete” higher education.
PARA 2. The opponents of the system warn that the two-tiered system will lead to the destruction of the traditional Soviet model, which has proven to be excellent.
PARA 3. Another argument goes something like this: If the experiment succeeds and Russian degrees are recognized in the West, this will lead to brain drain and the degradation of Russian academia and education.
PARA 4. However, the main argument in favor of the Bologna Process is that it is better predisposed to the realities of the contemporary world — characterized by high uncertainty and dynamism.
PARA 5. What is more, the Bologna Process gives Russian universities an instrument for bilateral student exchanges and therefore wakes them up to the realities of the European educational system.
PARA 6. Also, the Bologna Process provides Russian universities with opportunities to create new programs, both broad undergraduate programs and specialized master’s programs.
CONCLUSION
To sum up/ All in all, Russia’s integration into the Bologna Process…
UNIT 5.
My Alma Mater
STARTING UP
Ex. 1. Look at these sayings. What do they mean? Which of the ideas do you agree with?
- The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.
Aristotle, Greek philosopher (384 BC – 322 BC)
- One of the greatest problems of our time is that many are schooled but few are educated.
Thomas More, English author (1478 – 1535)
- In the first place, God made idiots. That was for practice. Then he made school boards.
Mark Twain, American author (1835 – 1910)
Ex. 2. Have you ever heard the expressions alma mater and university alumni? Do you know what they mean? Read the entries from Wikipedia[24] and answer the questions.
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| Alma Mater (UK /ˈ æ lmə ˈ meɪ tə / or US /ˈ ɑ ː lmə ˈ mɑ ː tə r/; Latin: " nourishing mother" ) was used in ancient Rome as a title for various mother goddesses and in Christianity for the Virgin Mary. In the modern language in North America, it is often any school, college, or university at which one has studied, and usually, from which one has graduated. The term may also refer to a song or hymn associated with a school. |
| An alumnus (masculine, plural 'alumni') or alumna (feminine, plural 'alumnae') is a graduate of a school, college, or university. An alumnus can also be a former member, employee, contributor, or inmate, as well as a former student. If a group includes both sexes, even if there is only one male, the male plural form alumni is used. |
1. What University would be considered your alma mater: the one where you were awarded a Bachelor’s degree or/ and the University where you are studying for your Master’s degree at the moment?
2. Can you name some notable alumni of the two universities?
3. Do you stay in touch with the alumni of your first University? Would you like to be a university alumni association member? Why?
Ex. 3. How did you choose the university for receiving your higher degree? Speak to your partner about the criteria that determined your choice. Which of the criteria below do you think to be the most important? Why?
ü the quality of teaching and research
ü versatile and flexible system of education
ü excellent programs across all disciplines
ü emphasis on building a theoretical base along with developing practical, employment-related skills
ü the level of technology and scientific techniques available to students
ü the opportunity to tailor your Master program to meet specific career/academic aspirations
ü a very positive reputation of the university in the national/international job market
ü a diverse choice of academic, cultural and athletic activities
ü the visual impression the university makes, its history and location
ü a good support system to fresh-comers
ü the opportunity to combine part-time or temporary work and study
ü low tuition fee
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