Soviet academic credits

[Your Name]

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Date: Wed, 29 Jan 2003 13:42:16 -0500
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Professor Robin's method of translating Soviet-type degrees into a
U.S. equivelant is quite useful, in my opinion.  An objective
standard of measure is offered that can be applied by all.

However, the esteemed professor intimates that a Soviet degree
is ipso facto of less worth than a U.S. degree, due to "cheating".
The assumption is made that no cheating takes place in the U.S.,
and that cheating takes place in former Soviet institutions of higher
learning unless proven otherwise.

Understand my chagrin upon learning of how I "cheated" in order
to recieve a Master of Arts in Philology from St. Petersburg State
University, or how my wife's Master of Arts in Art with a
consentration on Art Conservation was obtained other than
through 6 years of study and dedication.  She will be justly
shamed this evening when I show her this e-mail.

In other words, I would suggest using measureable criteria in
judging the worth of a degree from other than one of our "highly
superior" institutions of higher learning.  I agree that there is a
place for measuring the knowlege of the person who is applying
for a place in a university department.  That is the norm no matter
where the person obtained his or her degree, I believe.

Lastly, are not students in institutions requiring five years of study
required to write a thesis or some equivalent project involving the
application of all learned material?  I know that one may obtain a
masters degree in the U.S. by merely taking a few more classes
instead of writing a masters thesis.

To my mind the current system in Russia follows a formal
approach, requiring that the student obtain the faculties to be an
effective analytical thinker, then apply them in the last year of study
on an appropriate research topic; in writing a thesis.

For that matter, what are these seminars students take in Russia
throughout their courses of study all about?  Perhaps some
analysis takes place there.

Hopefully my comments will stimulate some analytical thinking
about Russian institutions of higher learning.

Respectfully yours,
Hoyte King

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