Unit 3 |
THE BELARUSIAN STATE UNIVERSITY |
Belarus has one of the highest student-to-population ratios in Europe. There are 54 higher educational establishments, of which 43 are state owned. Classical and profile universities provide a two-level system of higher education with academic degrees of a Specialist (Bachelor) and Master.
In Unit 3 you will learn about the Belarusian State University, its history and present-day activities, its students and teachers, structure and facilities.
University Administration Office
APPROACHING THE ISSUE
1 The word ‘University’ was derived from Latin word universitas (совокупность, общность) Many other words, which we use today speaking about university, its structure, subjects taught, are also of Latin and Greek origin. Many of these words are the so-called international words and you can easily guess the meaning of them. Read the following words and give their Russian equivalents. Mind their pronunciation.
university, faculty, academic, rector, professor, student, semester, college, department, philosophy, psychology, sociology, economics, ethics, logic, history, humanities, lecture, lecturer, seminar, specialist, communication, culture, national, tradition, form, professional, reform, technology, journal, correspondence, pedagogical, result, modern, encyclopedia, information, archives, laboratory.
2 Work in pairs. Ask and answer questions about the University. When answering use the following phrases:
As
far as I know/remember … – Насколько
я
знаю
…/ помню
…
If
I’m not mistaken … – Если
я
не
ошибаюсь
…
If
my memory doesn’t fail me
… –
Если
мне
не
изменяет
память
…
What’s
your … (full
name)? Have
you got
… (a
nickname/any pets)?
How
old/tall
…? When/Where
… (were
you born)? Who
is
your … (hero/favourite
singer)? When/Where
did you … (get
education)?
What
was the word ‘university’ derived from?
As
far as I know, the word ‘university was derived from &…
What
subjects do students study at the University?
As
far as I remember, ….
How
many higher educational establishments are there in Belarus?
3 Work in pairs. Interview your partner using the questions. Present the results to the class.
1. Why did you decide to study at the Belarusian State University?
2. What do you know about your future profession?
3. What subjects do you study?
4. Do you often work at the University library?
5. What do you want to do after graduation (окончания)?
ReadING FOR INFORMATION AND DIsCUSSION
1 The Belarusian State University is the major higher educational establishment in Belarus. The BSU students’ community consists of about 29,000 undergraduate and over 600 post-graduate students. The BSU trains specialists with fundamental knowledge and special skills in more than 250 specializations. Read the text and find answers to the following questions:
When was the BSU founded and who was the first Rector of the BSU?
How many faculties does the University have today?
What forms of learning are available at the University?
What is the structure of the University?
What is the academic staff of the BSU?
What facilities are there at the University?
In what international projects does the University participate?
Where do university graduates work?