6. The russian character

There are a lot of wonders in Russia. Nevertheless, it is true to say that Russia is most famous for its people.

To understand Russian people, one must know from where they come. Nature has not been kind to Russia. Winters in Russia are cold, windy and snowy. Therefore, in old Russia people could do little during long winter months. But in spring there was a lot to be done, and all the work was to be done in a short period. Perhaps, this explains why the Russians are often inactive for long periods of time and then show bursts of energy.

The harsh climate explains the Russians’ strength and their ability to overcome hardships. The climate has also made them cautious. Yet most of the Russians are open people. They are neither reticent nor reserved as the British are. Russian people love to sit down for a nice long chat. They like having parties and receiving guests. The Russians are known to be hospitable people. According to old traditions, a guest should always be welcomed with the symbol of life-giving food – bread and salt.

Russian people have always loved their country, though life in Russia has never been easy. They have always been devoted to their Motherland, fighting for peace and independence against enemies.

We can’t say that the Russians are conservative. On the contrary, they encourage research and innovation. Still, there are a lot of customs and traditions in their life. For example, before leaving on a journey, many Russian people sit down quietly together for a few minutes.

Russian people are clever and talented. We can name a lot of outstanding Russians who are well-known all over the world. And we can say that we are a nation that has done a lot for the world civilization.

When foreign guests leave Russia, they usually say different things about the country. Some of them like it, others don’t. But practically everybody agrees that Russian people are wonderful. They are friendly, kind and very hospitable.

Task I. Answer the questions.

1. How much is the Russian national character influenced by geography?

2. How different or alike do you think the Russians and the British are?

3. The British are said to be polite. And what about the Russians?

4. What are the main traits of the Russian character?

5. How can you prove that Russian people are hospitable?

6. Do the Russians have a sense of humour?

7. Do Russian people love their Motherland? And what about you?

Task II. Dwell upon the following:

1. Every country has its own famous people, things, traditions, places, events. One of the English newspapers offered its own selection of the best items (Royal family, Loch Ness Monster, double-deckers, etc.) What are the best items of our country? Name at least ten of them.

2. Write a composition. Choose one of the given themes.

a. The mysterious Russian soul.

b. Russia is the land of contrasts.

c. He who loves not his country can love nothing (Byron).

7. Education in russia

The public educational system in Russia includes pre-schools, general schools, specialized secondary and higher education. The so-called pre-schools are kindergartens in fact. Children learn reading, writing and maths there. But pre-school education isn’t compulsory – children can get it at home.

Schools in Russia. All Russian children have the right to education, but it is not only a right, it is a duty too. Schooling in our country is compulsory and lasts eleven years. It consists of primary and secondary stages.

Primary education starts when children are at the age of six or seven and continues for four years. The primary-school curriculum includes Russian, Maths, Reading, Drawing, PT and Music. In some schools English, History and Computer Science are taught beyond a “core curriculum”.

After four years of primary-school classes pupils go to secondary school, where they study a variety of subjects. Most of the schools in Russia are comprehensive: they take pupils of all abilities. But there are also some specialized schools, lyceums and gymnasiums giving profound knowledge in various academic subjects. Besides, they offer different “elective” subjects. A pupil chooses the electives that will give him knowledge necessary for his future work or in further education at university or college.

After finishing the ninth form, pupils must sit for examinations. In addition, they have to choose one of the following ways to complete their secondary education: to continue education for two more years at the secondary school, to go to professional school, or to pursue an associate degree at a college.

After classes, pupils do not usually go home right away. They have some extracurricular activities. Their social and cultural life is well organized. Schools have different clubs and societies, and pupils can take part in their work according to their preferences.

The school year begins in September and ends in May. It is divided into 4 terms with holidays of up to 10 days between them. The summer holidays last from June to September.

Task I. Answer the questions.

1. At what age do children start school in Russia?

2. What types of schools are there in Russia?

3. What options do Russian pupils have after finishing the ninth form?

4. Is secondary education compulsory in Russia?

5. Do Russian pupils have holidays?

The State Unified Exam.

This kind of examination has been adopted recently. It is a test, which is passed at the end of the 9^th and 11^th form. The answers are written on special blanks, digitally scanned and two parts out of three are checked automatically.

An excellent score ranges, depending on the subject, from 65 to 90 out of 100.

What’s good for the pupils of the 11^th form is that now they do not have to pass both their final school exams and entrance exams at the university. The score of several, usually three, subjects is summed up; this total score is the basis of admitting a pupil to the university. Pupils now also have a chance to apply to several universities and choose one after they get to know if their score is enough to enter this or that university.

Higher education.

Higher education plays an important role in the life of any country as it provides the country with highly qualified specialists.

The Russian educational policy is a combination of economic and social objectives. In terms of the ration of students to the total population, Russia ranks among the top ten countries in the world. There are a lot of universities and colleges in Russia. Nowadays, the country has 685 governmental higher education institutions, all of these having state accreditation. Besides, 619 non-governmental higher education institutions have been licensed for education activities. In 2003-2004, the total number of students of higher education institutions was 5,947,500.

Higher education is not compulsory in Russia. Most of the students of state universities and colleges do not have to pay for their education. Students who do well in all subjects receive grants.

The academic year usually lasts nine months and is divided into terms. Students take exams at the end of each term. Twice a year they have a vacation. They take a fortnight rest after winter exams, and they are holidaying for four weeks after summer exams.

Higher education institutions are headed by Rectors. Vice-rectors are in charge of the academic and scientific work. The Departments are headed by the Deans.

Higher education institutions train students in one or several specializations. A student can choose a program of higher education running four to six years. There are four different degrees that are conferred by Russian universities. The first is the Bachelor’s degree. Bachelor programmes last at least 4 years of full-time university-level study. The programmes include professional and special courses in Science, Humanities and Social-economic disciplines, professional training, completion of a research paper and passing state final exams. The Bachelor’s degree is awarded in all fields except Medicine after defending a Diploma project prepared under the guidance of a scientific advisor and passing the final exams.

Holders of the Bachelor’s degree are admitted to enter the Master’s degree course. The Master’s degree is awarded after a successful completion of two years of full-time study. Students are to carry out a one-year research including practice, write and defend a thesis (constituting an original contribution) and sit for final state examinations.

Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees were introduced not very long ago; they did not exist during the Soviet period.

Task I. Answer the questions.

1. Why is higher education important in the life of the country?

2. Do students in Russia pay for their higher education?

3. Do all students get grants?

4. What degree do students get after four years of study?

5. Can they continue their education after four years of study?

6. What degree can students get after two years of further study and research?

7. Can you compare the Russian system of higher education with those in other countries?

Postgraduate education.

After obtaining Master’s degree, a student may enter a university or a research institute to pursue postgraduate education. The first level of postgraduate education is aspirantura that usually results in the Candidate of Science degree. The seeker should pass three exams, publish at least three scientific articles, write a dissertation and defend it. This degree is roughly equivalent to the Ph.D. in the United States.

After graduation, a student may continue postgraduate education. After two to four years of study in doctorantura, if he obtains important scientific results, has them published and writes another thesis, the student can be awarded the Doctor of Science degree. Typically, the post-graduate works in the university or research institute while preparing his new thesis.

Granting of advanced degrees is overseen by the Higher Attestation Commission of the Ministry of Education and Science.

Some problems.

The systems of secondary and higher education in Russia are going through a transitional period. In secondary education, the idea of replacing eleven years of classes by twelve years of study is being discussed now.

Other problems concern the reforms within universities. The main objectives of the higher education reform are: decentralization of higher education system, development of the autonomy of higher educational institutions, expansion of academic freedoms of faculties and students, developing of new financial mechanism.