Ex. 3. Fill in the correct preposition, then choose any item and make up a sentence.

To operate in accordance … smth/ smb; to pave the way … smth; to be introduced … smb; to be relevant … smth; to be compatible … smth; to be known … smth; to be committed … smth; to meet the needs … smb; to provide smb … smth; to bring smth in line … smth.

Ex. 4. Match these sentence halves[21] and translate.

	Knowledge changes so fast that	a	in order to understand better one’s career preferences.
	If we are able to make Russian degrees fully recognizable,	b	will automatically make Russian universities competitive.
	To compete successfully in the global education market	c	it is necessary to improve the content and quality of university programs.
	It would be wrong to assume that the adoption of the two-tier system	d	the simple memorization of texts and formulae is perfectly useless.
	In light of the sharp demographic challenges Russia faces in the coming years	e	it is crucial to offer them the chance to change course and even institution.
	It is very useful to gain work experience before commencing a master’s degree	f	many people will in fact return to Russia.
	As students move from bachelor’s to master’s,	g	it is extremely important to attract foreign students to our universities.

Ex. 5. Complete the text[22] using the correct alternatives.

While the calls for the “urgent modernization” of Russian higher education are not new, the key question is whether recent reforms will have a positive 1) ………………. on the sector in the current economic and social climate. Russia has been striving to make up the loss in higher education that occurred during the severe 2)……………… during the post-Soviet transition period. Although a number of initiatives have been implemented, such as the creation of federal universities and national research universities, 3)……………. on education as a percentage of gross domestic product has not changed considerably since 2005. But today, international pressures are contributing to the 4)…………. of the need for reforms. Concentrating finance on developing flagship universities could alleviate regional higher education 5)…………. and provide resources to strategic research initiatives, as well as setting them on the road to becoming internationally prominent institutions. However, attention should be paid to the development of other, non-status universities and to the quality of working conditions for teaching and research 6)………………… in the higher education system. Whether the proposed plans for Russian higher education will turn into reality will depend on the 7)…………… of these reforms and on Russia’s economic situation. The 8)……….. seems positive.

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.

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

VOCABULARY

Date: 2016-01-05; view: 1910