Non-USA curriculum

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by cdhale, Apr 15, 2002.

Loading...
  1. cdhale

    cdhale Member

    Why is it that Universities in other locations besides the USA tend to only focus on the topic of study? What I mean by that is that for my BA in English, I took a gazillion non-English courses to obtain my "liberal arts" degree.
    When I read the slate of courses from UNISA or UofL, I notice that they only have English courses. Could someone explain that to me or am I missing something?
    Thanks,
    clint
     
  2. Kane

    Kane New Member

    Hmmmm

    I may be misunderstanding your question. Are you saying that U of L and UNISA only seem to offer DL courses in English?

    If so, Unisa offers many degree programs via distance education. For example: Criminology, Law, Sociology, Business, Psychology...etc and I do mean etc...with a capital !

    U of L offers many courses through their "External Degree Programme" including business degrees and a Bachelor of Laws Degree along with several others. check out: www.londonexternal.ac.uk/

    Kane
     
  3. Craig Hargis

    Craig Hargis Member

    No Kane, I think the idea is that they have few "general education" requirements--you just take courses in what we would call the major. In other words, to get a degree in English one would not need to take courses in math, science, and history.
     
  4. Guest

    Guest Guest

    My guess without doing research would be that Foreign degree programs seem to deal more with depth over the subject area where US programs have a little more breadth/less depth with a a liberal arts flavor.

    I would say that each system has it's own benefits and draw backs. This has been debated before here. An example was provided by someone regarding a US graduate trying to study mathematics in Great Britian (PhD level) and finding himself in over his head due to the preparation of the British students in the subject area. On the other hand the US graduates are pretty much world leaders in any academic field you care to mention.

    If you search the forum you will find a greaaaaaaat deal of discussion on this issues (at time quite heated and without conclusion).

    North


     
  5. cdhale

    cdhale Member

    Craig has the right idea. Sorry my original question wasn't clear enough.
    My wife and I have been discussing this, and I haven't seen this question discussed here since I started hanging around. I will check on past posts and see what I can turn up.
    Thanks for your input.
    clint
     
  6. Kane

    Kane New Member

    Ooooops

    Sorry, must cut down on those strong beers.
     
  7. dlkereluk

    dlkereluk New Member

    I know that one of my high school teachers, who studied at Oxford, always referred to the fact that he "read" for a history degree there. (I think that this is also mentioned in John Bear's book.) I really don't know the logic behind it, but from a personal standpoint, I would prefer such a system because it would allow me to choose course that I was actually interested in, rather than having to take a bunch of extraneous stuff.

    Darren.

    --
    "Actually, I -- this may sound a little West Texan to you, but I like it. When I'm talking about -- when I'm talking about myself, and when he's talking about myself, all of us are talking about me."
    --George W. Bush on "Hardball," MSNBC, May 31, 2000
     
  8. cdhale

    cdhale Member

    No doubt Darren, I agree.
    My question really was intended to make sure that I wasn't missing something. I really find the whole idea appealing that I would only be required to focus on English (or whatever the subject was), rather than other subjects.
    Of course, this is mostly important for my wife, who still needs to get a BA (or equivalent). Most studies I would participate in would be graduate level.

    But anyway, I just wanted to make sure I was understanding what I was reading. It was just different than my experience has been - but certainly a welcome change.

    Thanks to everyone for your help. And by the way Kane, I misunderstand about half the stuff I read here, the first time I read it.:D
    clint
     

Share This Page