Bachelor or Baccalaureate

[John Dunn]

Let me see if I can inject some clear Scottish spring water into this turbid stream....

As I understand it, there are two parallel systems in existence at the present time in Russian higher education institutions: the traditional five-year programme leading to a диплом, and the new system of a four-year бакалавриат followed (optionally) by a two-year магистратура.  The latter was introduced during the 1990s, but around five years ago, or so I was told, the older system was preferred by most students.

The situation changed about two years ago when Russia signed up to what is known as the Bologna process (hence my earlier reference to 'children of Bologna').  This is a Council of Europe initiative which includes about 40 countries and which as part of setting up a common European higher education space involves a harmonisation of degree structures.  In particular, there are to be three cycles, leading to bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees; the first two cycles are supposed to last for 3-4 and 1-2 years respectively.  Russia is adopting this structure and with it the new terminology.  

I realise that in those parts of the known universe where this structure has been in place for longer than anyone cares to remember, people may be wondering what the fuss is all about, but for most of Europe this is a significant development, and Russia is by no means the only country where the higher education system is undergoing major upheaval.  There may indeed be other European users of this list who have further comments for our edification and enlightenment.

John Dunn. 

-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Denner <mdenner at STETSON.EDU>
To: SEELANGS at LISTSERV.CUNY.EDU
Date: Wed, 7 Sep 2005 09:32:04 -0400
Subject: Re: [SEELANGS] Bachelor or Baccalaureate

I don't want to muddy the waters here more than they're already muddied (though John's flying pigs might appreciate the muck): 


John Dunn
SMLC (Slavonic Studies)
University of Glasgow
Hetheringon Building
Bute Gardens
Glasgow G12 8RS
U.K.

Tel.: +44 (0)141 330 5591
Fax: +44 (0)141 330 2297
e-mail: J.Dunn at slavonic.arts.gla.ac.uk

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