Supplementary reading. Higher education in the USA

HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE USA

There is no national system of higher education in the United States. Higher education is given in colleges and universities. There are over 2100 various higher educational institutions, including colleges, technological institutes and universities. The average col­lege course of study is 4 years, The academic year is usually 9 months or 2 terms (semesters) of four and a half months each. Classes usually begin in September and end in June. The first-year students are called freshmen. Students choose a major subject (профилирующий предмет, дисциплина) and take many courses in this subject. After four years, they get traditional Bachelor's degree. Then the students may go on to graduate school (старшие курсы) and with a year or two of further study get a Master’s degree.

After another year or two of study and research, they may get a still higher degree as Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D.). The student’s progress evaluated by means of tests, term works and final examinations in each course. The student's work is given a mark, usually on a five point scale (5-балльная система). Letters indicate the level of achievement. “A” is the highest mark. “F” denotes a failure.

Most American colleges and universities charge for tuition. The methods of instruction in the universities are lectures, discussions, laboratory and course works and seminars.

Most cities have colleges or universities that hold classes at night as well as in daytime. In this way people may work for a degree or just take a course in the subject that interests them.

STUDENTS LIFE IN AMERICAN UNIVERSITY

Undergraduate students spend a lot of time on their courses: usually 15 to 18 hours a week in classes or in laboratory sessions, and an additional two to three hours preparing for each course meeting. They spend the rest of their time with further individual study, in extracurricular activities, or on part-time job.

Traditionally, a professor meets a group of 20 to 30 students for a 50-minute class two to three times a week. In those courses professors give lectures and there may be additional small group discussions under the leadership of assistant instructors. When classes are small, the lecturer gives way to discussions based upon readings and research.

For almost all courses a student must buy some textbooks. Most textbooks are available either new or used. Used books are cheaper.

American students rarely work and study in groups for the usual class assignments or for examinations. Students receive course credits while working for a degree. One class hour a week for semester or quarter gives one credit. During a semester, the average undergraduate student takes four to five courses, earning 12 to 16 credits. Because graduate-level courses require greater preparation, a graduate student takes fewer courses, earning perhaps seven to nine credits a semester.

Students receive grades at the end of each semester or quarter. Usually they are stated in letters, but they may be expressed in percentile. In the typical letter grading system, A means excellent, B - good, С - average; D - passing; E and F mean Failure. Some schools don't use letters in certain courses and rate a student's performance with a 'Pass" or "Fail". Some institutions use percentile grading (100 percent is the highest achievement) and they designate the lowest passing grade (for example, 65 percent)., Most institutions require an average grade higher than "passing" as qualification for a degree. If a student falls below this standard, he or she may be placed on academic probation, or in extreme case, not to be permitted to continue.

There are various typical arrangements for housing. Living "on campus" usually means living in a residence" hall or an apartment provided by the university on its grounds. "Off campus" housing is sometimes available, in rooming houses and apartments. A few institutions have international houses shared by U.S. students and visitors. Fraternities and sororities, student organizations which frequently operate residences, also offer housing to a limited number of foreign students.

Dormitories for students are not only sleeping quarters. There are usually lounges and recreation areas, libraries and study rooms, dining rooms, small kitchens and laundry facilities.