East Siberian State Academy of Culture and Arts

East Siberian State Academy of Culture and Arts is one of the recognized higher educational establishments of culture in Russia. It was founded in 1960 as Library Institute. In 1964 it became East Siberian Institute of Culture. In 1995 it got the status of the Academy. Now it comprises six Institutes, namely the Institute of Humanities and Culturology, the Institute of Culture Economics, Management and Producing, Institute of Cultural Heritage and Information Technology in Culture and Arts, Institute of Music, Institute of Dance, Institute of Directing, Acting and Decorative Arts. There are three types of education: day-time, part-time and correspondence (extramural) departments.

The teaching staff is experienced. Most of the teachers have scientific degrees. The bachelor’s course of study lasts for 4 years. There are compulsory subjects in the curriculum: foreign languages, the Russian language, history, philosophy, etc. Then the students start specializing in their major subjects. This depends on their specialization. The teaching process combines lectures, seminars and practical classes. The students attend lectures where they make notes, seminars where they discuss some theoretical issues under the supervision of their teachers, rehearse improving their skills in dancing, singing, acting, conducting, playing musical instruments, directing, master drawing, crafts, design, prepare for the classroom activities. During the course the students are to undergo practical training. The students of the Academy actively participate in various local, national and even international contests, festivals, concerts winning prizes.

After 4 years of studying, the graduates are awarded the bachelor’s degree and may proceed, if they meet certain requirements, to the Master’s course which takes additional 2 years.

Answer the questions:

1. When was the Academy founded?

2. How many institutes are there in the Academy?

3. How do the students acquire their knowledge?

4. What activities do the students take part?

5. What degrees can be obtained by the graduates?

6. How long does it take one to complete the degree course?

Practice the conversations with a partner. Imagine that your partner is a student of some other higher educational establishment. Ask your partner similar questions.

– Excuse me, where do you study?

– I study at the Academy of Culture and Arts.

– How long have you been studying there?

– Since the August of ….... I’m in my first year, I’m a freshman.

***

– What Institute do you study at?

– At the Institute of Culture Economics, Management and Producing.

- What field do you major in?

- Economics.

***

- What kind of specialists does your Academy train?

- It trains various specialists of culture and Arts, including managers, economists…..

Describe the Academy where you study according to the given plan. Use the vocabulary and patterns.

1. Introduction: history, general description of the place.

2. Main body: facilities (positive/negative points), teaching staff, your studies at the Academy (likes and dislikes).

3. Ending: possible changes at the academy.