Old and new British universities

Extend your vocabulary

There are 46 universities in Britain, of which 35 are in England, 8 in Scotland, 2 in Northern Ireland and 1 in Wales. They can be roughly divided into a few groups.

Oxford and Cambridge: Scholars were studying in these ancient universities in the early thirteenth century. Since that time Oxford (1249) and Cambridge (1284) have continued to grow, but until the nineteenth century they were the only universities in England, and they offered no places to girls.

The colleges are not connected with any particular study and are governed by twenty to thirty fellows. Fellows of a college are tutors, or teachers often called dons. They teach their own subject to those students in the college who are studying it, and they are responsible for their progress.

The university is like a federation of colleges. The university arranges the courses, the lectures, and the examinations, and awards the degrees. Most dons give one or two lectures a week which students from any college of the university may attend. No lectures are compulsory and tutors usually advise their students which lectures they should go to.

Each college has its own completely separate living quarters, its own dining hall and its own chapel. Cambridge and Oxford both now have two women's colleges. Today most of the colleges are co-educational.

The University of London can also be called a kind of federation of colleges, but the system is entirely different. The largest of the London colleges are like universities in themselves, having many different faculties and departments. Some specialise in certain subjects, for example the London School of Economics and Political Science, the Imperial College of Science and Technology. All arrange their own lectures and classes, but the university organises the examinations and awards degrees.

Four universities were founded in Scotlandbefore Scotland and England were united: St. Andrews {1411), Glasgow (1450), Aberdeen (1494) and Edinburgh (1583).

The redbrick universities: In this group are listed all unversities founded between 1850 and 1930, including London University. They were called redbrick because that was the favourite building material of the time, but they are rarely referred to as 'redbrick' today.

The new universities: These were all founded after the Second World War. Some of them quickly became popular because of their modern approach to university courses.

Do you know these words?

ancient древний, старинный; античный

ancient monuments памятники старины; ancient literature античная литература

roughlyгрубо, приблизительно

fellow товарищ, собрат; стипендиат, занимающийся исследовательской работой

tutor ['tju:ta] руководитель группы студентов; репетитор

to be responsible for быть ответственным за

to arrange приводить в порядок; устраивать; подготавливать

to award [a'wo:d] награждать;to award a degreeприсваивать степень

to attend посещать; attendance посещение; to attend lectures посещать лекции

to advise советовать

living quarters ['kwo:taz] жилье

chapelчасовня, молельня; богослужение; chapel folk нонконформисты

entirelyполностью, всецело, совершенно

department факультет; отдел, отделение; область, отрасль; departmental teaching система обучения, при которой преподается только один предмет или несколько родственных предметов to list вносить в список, составлять список;list список, перечень to found основывать, создавать; обосновывать; foundation основы, освоение

approach подход, приближение; to approach smth/smb приближаться к кому/чему-либо

Exercise 10а. Read the words paying attention to the stress and translate the words:

,uni’versity

,fede’ration

e,xami’nation

,edu’cation

,co-edu'catio

,co-edu'cational

,eco'nomics

,inte'llectual

b Read and translate these word-combinations:

university

students courses lecturers teams buildings laboratories

human

nature being behaviour relations affairs race

с Read these definitions and translate into Russian:

humanist - a) student of human nature o human affairs(as opposed to theological subjects); b) supporter of humanism; c) (especially in the 14th to 16th centuries) student of Greek and Roman literature and antiquities

humanitarian - person who works for the welfare of all human beings by reducing suffering, reforming laws about punishment etc.

Exercise 11a. Match the verbs with appropriate nouns:

to organise

to teach

to arrange

to attend

to write

to award

courses

degrees

examinations

lectures

subjects

papers

b Make a short sentence with each of the above word combinations, like this:

He did not want to attend these lectures.

с Explain the difference, if any, and translate these words into Russian:

fellow - tutor – don

a women's college –

a co-educational college

university - college - institute

faculty - department

to found _ t0 establish

Exercise 12. Explain the meaning and translate the following words into English:

undergraduate

postgraduate

undergraduate/postgraduate work

undergraduate/postgraduate studies

in his undergraduate/postgraduate

days

Exercise 13. Make short sentences of your own using the following two words in different possible meanings:

A first is	a first-year student at university a first term at a university the best degree one can get a pass in the first exam one takes at university
A graduate is	a student who is working for a degree a student who has got his/her degree a student who stays at university because he/she failed to get a degree a junior lecturer

Exercise 14. Give synonyms or synonymous expressions of the following:

fresher__________________________

finals______________

to do world history____________________________________

to get first class honours________________

to get on well with smb________________________ ____

the system works_______________

Exercise 15. Match the following terms with their descriptions:

public schools comprehensive schools grammar schools polytechnics universities a teacher a professor a lecturer/tutor/don a common room a hall of residence

a hall of residence schools for all abilities very famous private schools schools usually by competitive entiy institutions for advanced learning, awarding degrees and engaging in academic research institutions for advanced full-time and part-time education a senior university academic a person who teaches at a university/college a person who teaches at school a building where students have their bed-sitting rooms a large sitting room where students can meet together

Exercise 16a. Add the missing letters, write, read and translate the words:

tu...tion educ…tion desig…ation schola…ship

prestige…ous profess…ional car...fui thro...gh

vari ...ty l...an d...gree lect...re

to af…iliate to d...vide to pr...vide to res...ach

b Choose the right preposition and write a sentence of your own with each correct expression:

1 institutions (in, at, of) higher education

2 grants (for, in, at) higher learning

3 to compare Britain (with, from, of) the USA

4 to graduate (of, from, by) the university

5 to take a degree (in, at, with) a subject

6 a valuable qualification (in, for, through) a job

7 to specialise (in, at, with) a certain field

с Use articles if necessary, and write sentences of your own using these words:

1.... Oxford University

2.... Moscow State University

3.to study at... university

4.to leave ... school

5. to graduate from ... university

6. to enter ... university

7. to go to ... university

8. to be at... university

Exercise 17. Translate into English:

1 Первые университеты появились в XI—XIII вв. в Италии, Испании, Франции и Англии.

2 Московский университет был основан в 1755 г.

3 Он сейчас учится в Оксфорде.

4 Когда он поступил в Оксфордский университет?

5 Она окончила школу в прошлом году.

6 Она училась в гимназии.

7 Кембридж и Оксфорд — старейшие университетские центры.

Speak English

Grants

Some time ago a radio journalist interviewed an English student for foreign listeners. Here is a part of the interview:

Interviewer:

Is it easy to get a place at university?

English student:

I wouldn't say so. First, good exam passes in at least two subjects are necessary. Then a candidate is interviewed. And if the university is satisfied, the candidate gets a place. Generally speaking, the competition for places is fierce.

Interviewer:

And are students paid any grants?

English student:

As far as I know, all British students get grants from their Local Education Authority. And is the amount big enough? The amount depends on the parents' income. If the parents do not earn much, their children will receive full grants which will cover all their expenses. Otherwise, the grunts cover tuition fees and only some of the living expenses.

Interviewer:

If I am not mistaken, British students usually don't live at home but rent rooms near universities. Is that really so?

English student:

That's true. Most young people are fairly independent and when the time comes to pick a college they usually choose one as far away from home as possible. It is very unusual for university students to live at home.

Interviewer:

Do your parents live in London?

English student:

Oh, no. They are living in Folkestone, in South East England. They were really very sad when I told them I wanted to leave them and study at London University. But I tried to persuade them it was a necessary part of becoming an adult. And in the end they approved of my move.

Interviewer:

And do you often see them now?

English student:

We reunite during my vacations betweenthe terms. The first term is from October to December, the second — from January to

March, and the third - from April to June. And I like the first, I mean Christmas vacation, most of all.

Do you know these words?

passсдача экзамена; пропуск; проход; to pass проходить, проезжатьcompetition [,kompi't∫in]соревнование; конкуренция; to compete соревноваться, конкурировать fierceсильный, неистовый

authority власть, полномочие; авторитет; authorities власти amount сумма, количество; важность; a large amount of workмного работы

to depend on зависеть от

income ['iŋkΛm] доход

to earn зарабатывать; earnings заработок, прибыль

to cover expenses оплачивать расходы; to incur expenses нести расходы

tuition fee плата за обучение

to choose (chose, chosen) выбирать; chooser тот, кто выбирает; choice выбор; choice word меткое слово dormitory общая спальня apartment комната (с мебелью)

community [ka'mju:niti] местность, населенный пункт; общность, сообщество

to persuade убеждать; to persuade smb to do smth убедить кого-либо сделать что-либо

to convince smb that., убедить кого-либо в том, что...

adult ['ædΛlt] взрослый; syn. a grown-up

to reunite собираться, воссоединяться; reunion встреча, воссоединение

Exercise 18а. Read these words paying attention to the sound [ð]:

then the university their the amount

that the candidate otherwise the parents

this the student mother the income

these the competition father the reunion

b Read these general questions paying attention to the intonation:

General questions are pronouhced with the rising tone: Is it easy to get a place at uni versity!

1 Are students paid any grants?

2 Is the amount big enough?

3 Is that really so?

4 Do your parents live in Moscow?

5 Do you often see them now?

6 Is the first term from October to December?

7 Is the second term from January to March?

Exercise 19a. Complete the sentences as in the interview:

1 Good exam passes in at least... are necessary.

2 Then a candidate is ...

3 And if the university is satisfied the candidate ...

4 The competition for places ...

5 All British students get grants from ...

6 The amount depends on ...

7 British students usually don't live ... but rent...

8 Most young people are ... independent.

9 When the time ... they usually choose ... as possible.

10 It is very unusual... at home.

b Translate into English:

1 Он получал стипендию только на первых двух курсах.

2 Она не сдала один экзамен и поэтому не получила стипендию этом семестре.

3 В нашем университете есть именные стипендии.

4 В прошлом году я вместе с другом снимал одну квартиру.

5 От чего зависело решение этой комиссии?

Exercise 20a. Read the sentences with verbs in Future Indefinite, explain the formation and translate the sentences:

1 In such cases the students will receive full grants.

2 The grants will cover all their expenses.

3 They will cover all their living expenses, to be exact.

4 We do not know when the student will go to Folkestone.

5 I hope her parents will be glad to see her any time.

6 I shall read this interview again to remember the details.

7 We shall discuss this interview later.

b Translate into English:

1 Все расходы по оплате обучения ее родители возьмут на себя.

2 В прошлом году все летние каникулы он работал в кафе.

3 Кто оплатит эти расходы по его поездке?

4 Мы обязательно прочитаем и обсудим эту статью.

5 Они решат все эти вопросы.

Exercise 21а. Read and translate the sentences paying attention to this rule:

Future Indefinite is not used in if- and when-clauses. Present Indefinite is used in such clauses instead.

1 If the parents do not earn much, their children will receive full grants.

2 If their income is high enough, the children will not receive full grants.

3 If the students receive smaller grants, they will cover tuition fees and only some of the living expenses.

4 If he receives a full grant, he will be able to rent a room for himself.

5 If he does not receive a full grant, he will share a room with his friend.

6 When he gets a place at university, he will know what grant he will have.

7 As soon as he gets a place, he will let his parents know.

b Read the above sentences paying attention to the intonation and these rules:

If- and when-clauses like any incomplete sentences are pronounced with the rising tone principal clauses, like any simple affirmative sentenes are pronounced with the falling tone. If the parents do not earn much, their children will receive full grants.

с Translate into English:

1 Если он заработает достаточную сумму в каникулы, то он, конечно, посетит эту страну.

2 Если его доходы уменьшатся, он сменит работу.

3 Как только она получит диплом, она начнет искать работу.

4 Прежде чем посетить Лондон, я прочитал несколько книг по истории Англии.

5 Я начну собирать материал, после того как выберу тему диплома.

Read the text

Academic degrees

Although Britain has a small number of students at universities compared with many countries, the number of graduates is large. This is because students are carefully selected and only 10 per cent leave without getting a degree.

At most universities an honours degree is taken in one main subject and one subsidiary, or secondary, subject. A general degree is taken in a variety of subjects, but carries less weight than an honours degree. If students pass their final exam, they get a degree marked first, second or third class. Some universities divide their second class into 2(1) and 2(2). Oxford offers a fourth class.

Few students get first class degrees, so these are a valuable qualification for a job. Students with any class of degree become Bachelors of Arts or Bachelors of Science, and can put B.A. or B.Sc. after their names.

If they want to go a step further and become Master of Arts or Master of Science, they have to write an original paper, or thesis, on some subject. Oxford and Cambridge graduates have a rather unfair privilege. They can buy their M.A.s and M.Sc.s for a small sum of money. All they have to do is wait for a few years before applying!

If students wish to become academics and perhaps teach in a university, then they will work for a higher degree, a Doctor of Philosophy — a Ph.D. For this, they will have to carry out some important research work.

Exercise 24. Read the text and mark the following statements as true (T) or false (F):

1 Britain has a great number of university students as compared with many foreign countries. □

2 The number of graduates of British universities is big. □

3 The candidates wishing to get a place at university are carefully selected. □

4 Only ten per cent of British students get a degree. □.

5 At most British universities an honours degree is taken in one subject only. □

6 A general degree is taken in a few subjects. □

7 A general degree is much more important and prestigious than an honours degree. □

8 Students get a degree marked first class if they pass their first exam. □

9 Some universities divide their second class degrees into four groups. □

10 Oxford University has also a degree marked a fourth class. □

Exercise 25a. Complete the sentences as in the text and read them:

1 Few students get first class degrees, so these are ...

2 Students with any class of degree become ... Science.

3 Then they can put... after their names.

4 If they want to go a step further and become ..., they have to write ...

5 Oxford and Cambridge graduates ... privilege.

6 They can buy their M.A.s and M. Sc.s for ...

7 All they have to do is wait...

Read the text

Higher education in the USA

The United States of America has more than 1,500 universities, colleges and other institutions of higher learning.

Almost all institutions of higher learning in the USA use the German system of designation for academic degrees. Common postgraduate degrees are master's degrees or Ph.D.s, or specialized professional degrees such as a J.D. for a lawyer, an MBA for a businessperson, a Pharm. D. for a pharmacist or an M.D. for a physician.

As with the lower level public education system, there is no national public university system in the United States; each state has its own public university system. There are also many privately run colleges, universities, and trade schools, some of them religiously affiliated. State university tuition ranges from nearly free on up, but is generally significantly lower than at private schools, and is often lower for state residents than for out-of-state students.

The most prestigious private universities of the United States are the eight Ivy League schools. There are also a set of public schools known as the Public Ivies. All around the country, there are also many other colleges and universities, both public and private and of a variety of sizes, whose names carry prestige.

The US government provides some federal grants for higher education to many families. Most universities offer scholarships and need-based aid; however, many students assume some of the cost of their own education through work and loans.

Note: Ivy Leaque

Лига унивеситетов северных штатов, основанная в 1865 г., включает Гарвардский, Ельский, Принстон-ский университеты и другие (ivy — плющ, растение увивающее здания многих университетов)

Exercise 26. Read the text and mark the correct answers with a tick:

1 How many institutions of higher education does the USA have?

a) Less than one thousand.

b) More than one thousand.

2 What system of designation for academic degrees do American institutions of higher education use?

a) Their own system.

b) The German system.

3 What are common postgraduate degrees at American universities?

a. Master's degrees.

b. Bachelor's degrees.

4 What is the abbreviation for a master's degree?

a. M.D.

b. Ph.D.

5 Is there any national public university system in the USA?

a. No, as well as in the lower level public education.

b. No, unlike the lower level public education.

Exercise 27. Mark the meaning (with a tick) in which these words are used in the text:

public — государственный

— общественный

to run — бежать

— иметь

to affiliate — устанавливать связи

— устанавливать отцовство

state — государство

— штат

free — свободный

— бесплатный

school — школа

— факультет университета, дающий право на получение ученой степени

league — льё (мера длины)

— союз

scholarship — эрудиция

— стипендия

to assume — принимать

— предполагать

through — сквозь

— от начала до конца

Write English

Studying humanities

Make a presentation

The role of humanities

Exercise 31. Make a presentation of your essay to your group-mates. The following may be of help:

I would like to tell you about...

I appreciate your attention ...

You are a very good audience ...

If I am not mistaken ...

As far as I know ...

I am sure you ...

Thank you for your kind attention ...

Exercise 32. Imagine a conference ' The rote of humanities today' is being held in London. You are one of the speakers. Write and present your report. The following may be of help for your presentation:

Ladies and gentlemen, I am very happy to have a chance to speak ...

You certainly know very well that ...

But strange as it is ...

There is one thing I would like to draw your attention to. It is ...

Let me thank you all again ...

And I hope ...

Extend your vocabulary

Old and new British universities

There are 46 universities in Britain, of which 35 are in England, 8 in Scotland, 2 in Northern Ireland and 1 in Wales. They can be roughly divided into a few groups.

Four universities were founded in Scotlandbefore Scotland and England were united: St. Andrews {1411), Glasgow (1450), Aberdeen (1494) and Edinburgh (1583).

The new universities: These were all founded after the Second World War. Some of them quickly became popular because of their modern approach to university courses.

Do you know these words?

ancient древний, старинный; античный

ancient monuments памятники старины; ancient literature античная литература

roughlyгрубо, приблизительно

fellow товарищ, собрат; стипендиат, занимающийся исследовательской работой

tutor ['tju:ta] руководитель группы студентов; репетитор

to be responsible for быть ответственным за

to arrange приводить в порядок; устраивать; подготавливать

to award [a'wo:d] награждать;to award a degreeприсваивать степень

to attend посещать; attendance посещение; to attend lectures посещать лекции

to advise советовать

living quarters ['kwo:taz] жилье

chapelчасовня, молельня; богослужение; chapel folk нонконформисты

entirelyполностью, всецело, совершенно

approach подход, приближение; to approach smth/smb приближаться к кому/чему-либо

Exercise 10а. Read the words paying attention to the stress and translate the words:

,uni’versity

,fede’ration

e,xami’nation

,edu’cation

,co-edu'catio

,co-edu'cational

,eco'nomics

,inte'llectual

b Read and translate these word-combinations:

university

students courses lecturers teams buildings laboratories

human

nature being behaviour relations affairs race

с Read these definitions and translate into Russian:

humanitarian - person who works for the welfare of all human beings by reducing suffering, reforming laws about punishment etc.

Exercise 11a. Match the verbs with appropriate nouns:

to organise

to teach

to arrange

to attend

to write

to award

courses

degrees

examinations

lectures

subjects

papers

b Make a short sentence with each of the above word combinations, like this:

He did not want to attend these lectures.

с Explain the difference, if any, and translate these words into Russian:

fellow - tutor – don

a women's college –

a co-educational college

university - college - institute

faculty - department

to found _ t0 establish

Exercise 12. Explain the meaning and translate the following words into English:

undergraduate

postgraduate

undergraduate/postgraduate work

undergraduate/postgraduate studies

in his undergraduate/postgraduate

days

Exercise 13. Make short sentences of your own using the following two words in different possible meanings:

A first is	a first-year student at university a first term at a university the best degree one can get a pass in the first exam one takes at university
A graduate is	a student who is working for a degree a student who has got his/her degree a student who stays at university because he/she failed to get a degree a junior lecturer