Curricula and earning credits

· An important indicator of the quality of any U.S. college or university is its accreditation status. Unlike many other countries, the United States does not have a central government office that approves educational institutions. Instead, it relies on a system of voluntary accreditation carried out by non-governmental accrediting bodies to ensure that schools meet standards.

· The school calendar usually begins in August or September and continues through May or June.

· The academic year at many schools is composed of two terms or semesters. Other schools use a three-term calendar known as the "trimester" system. Still others divide the year into the "quarter" system of four terms, including a summer session which is optional.

· U.S. students usually study a wide variety of subjects while in college. Many students do not specialize exclusively in one field until graduate school. Students in the first year are called "freshmen," and they are "sophomores" in the second year. Some schools require freshmen and sophomores to take courses in different areas of learning: literature, science, the social sciences, the arts, history, and so forth. Freshmen and sophomores are known as "underclassmen."

· The "junior" and "senior," or third and fourth years, are the "upper classes." Students in these years are known as "juniors" and "seniors"- "upperclassmen." When they enter their junior year, they must choose a "major" field of study. They must take a certain number of courses in this department, or field. In some schools, students also choose a "minor" field. There is usually time for students to choose several other "elective" (extra) courses in other subjects.

· Classes range from large lectures for several hundred students to smaller classes and "seminars" (discussion classes) with only a few students. Students enrolled in lecture courses are often divided into smaller groups, or "sections." The sections meet separately to discuss the lecture topics and other material. The Lecture - This is perhaps the most common university class format. In a lecture class, the professor usually teaches according to a prepared outline (syllabus). During the lecture, which may be supplemented by films or other visual materials, it is important for you to take notes and write down the information emphasized by the professor. This information will most likely be included on the course examination. Since lecture classes are usually large (ranging in size from 25-50 or more students), any questions you ask should be directly related to the content being discussed.

· The Lecture/Discussion - Many large lecture courses offer you smaller once-a-week discussion groups which provide you with the opportunity to ask more detailed questions and to discuss the topics being covered in class. This discussion group is usually led by the professor or a graduate assistant and is designed to help you understand the material covered in the lecture.

· Professors usually assign textbook and other readings each week. They also require several written reports each semester (term). You will be expected to keep up to date with the required readings in order to join in class discussions and to understand the lectures. Science students are also expected to spend time in the laboratory.

· Credits: Each course is considered to be worth a number of "credits" or "credit hours." This number is roughly the same as the number of hours a student spends in class for that course each week. A course is typically worth three to five credits.

· Transfers: If a student enrolls in a new university before finishing a degree, usually most credits earned at the first school can be used to complete a degree at the new university. This means a student can transfer to another university and still graduate within a reasonable time.

· The Independent Study - This type of course is usually available to upper-classmen or graduate-level students. You decide what you want to study and design a plan with a faculty member. You must find a faculty member to supervise and evaluate your activity. The requirements of the independent study most often include extensive reading, research or experimentation on a specific subject which will lead to a written report at the end of the semester. This, however, is an individual decision between you and a faculty member.

· The Lab - The laboratory (lab) classes are important part of many science and computer courses. The lab is used to apply the theories learned in the classroom to practical problems. A lab usually meets once a week for several hours during which time you work on various projects and experiments. Since the lab is conducted in addition to the regular class, you usually receive one extra academic credit for this work. The lab is usually kept separate for registration, testing and grading process.

· The Seminar - A Seminar consists of a small group of students (usually fewer than 20) and is primarily designed for upper-division and graduate-level courses. This type of class involves open discussions and you are often required to prepare presentations for the seminar based on your independent study or research. Another type of seminar is one which involves listening to a speaker and is for personal enrichment. In this instance, all that is required is your attendance.

Grades:

A- Superior ;

B- Above average ;

C- Average ;

Date: 2015-12-17; view: 924