Our “Alma Mater” – the Belarusian State University

UNIT 2

“VIVAT AKADEMIA!”

Communication: Our University

Grammar Focus: the Present/Past/Future Simple

Language Use: Starting/Ending a Conversation; Keeping a Conversation Going

Part A

READING AND SPEAKING

Think ahead

1) What school did you leave?

2) Why did you decide to study at the Belarusian State University?

3) What made you choose this university rather than any other educational institution?

4) How do you imagine your life at the university? What are your expectations?

Ex. 1. Read the text carefully. Check your understanding by answering the questions that follow.

Our “Alma Mater” – the Belarusian State University

The Belarusian State University (BSU) is the oldest university in Belarus. It was founded in October 30, 1921 and 1,010 workers and peasants were admitted to its two faculties. V. I. Picheta, an outstanding historian and professor of Slavic studies, was appointed first Rector of the BSU. He was head of the BSU for eight years, and contributed a lot to the development of higher education in Belarus.

The republic’s first University rapidly grew and developed and in the pre-war period a number of independent higher schools such as Minsk Medical Institute, Minsk Teachers' Training Institute, Belarusian Institute of National Economy, Belarusian Polytechnic Institute.

During the Great Patriotic War the Belarusian capital was destroyed almost completely and so was the University. Part of it was relocated and continued academic work near Moscow. It was only in the summer of 1944 that restoration work began in the recently liberated capital. Soon enough, the university opened its doors again. In the post-war years it was restored and in a short period of time turned into one of the largest institutions of higher education in the country.

At present BSU has become a large educational, scientific and industrial complex. It comprises 17 departments, three research institute, 20 scientific centers and 11 educational establishments. 8500 people work at the University, among them about 400 doctors of sciences and 1600 candidates of sciences. The University trains more than 24000 students in 57 specializations.

The university’s main faculties are mathematics, applied mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, philology, history, philosophy and social sciences, geography, international relations, economy, law, theology, etc. Every year new specialties and specializations are introduced to meet the challenges of life.

The BSU is well reputed not only for its high level of education and professionalism. It is also known as a scientific centre. University researchers won 34 medals and 32 diplomas at various international exhibitions. The University has a modern library equipped with a computerized system of e-catalogues and latest information technologies. So, the students have all opportunities to combine their research and study.

The curriculum is diversified and includes a wide range of subjects which help students not only to obtain knowledge but develop their personality. Besides lectures, seminars and tutorials students participate in social life of the University. They may join different student clubs and organizations, do sports, enjoy different recreational activities.

In 1967 the BSU was awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labour for its contribution to the development of science and academic training.

The BSU is a major world University centre, a member of the International Universities Association. At present the BSU has links with over 100 higher educational establishments and research centres of the world. The University participates in a number of international projects like TEMPUS, INTAS, COPERNIC US, ASE.

Its eighty-fifth anniversary the University celebrated as an internationally recognized classical university integrating essential features of the educational, scientific and cultural centre. The staff is proud of the University traditions and achievements but at the same time it realizes the necessity of further reforms aimed at preserving the accumulated intellectual potential and promoting its progressive development.

1. When was the BSU founded?

2. Who was the first Rector of the BSU?

3. What happened to the University during the Great Patriotic War?

4. How did the University develop in the post-war years?

5. The University is a major research centre today, isn’t it?

6. What extra curriculum activities are the students engaged in?

7. What was the University awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labour for?

8. What have its recent years been characterized by?

Date: 2015-12-11; view: 1626