Fraternities and Sororities

Fraternities and Sororities, associations, mainly of college or university students and alumni, established to further the social, academic, professional, or humanitarian interests of members. Fraternities and sororities are often referred to as Greek-letter societies because they are almost always designated by letters of the Greek alphabet. Fraternities started out in colonial America as literary and debating societies for students. Sororities came into existence later, in the mid-19^th century. The word fraternity comes from the Latin word frater, meaning “brother”; the word sorority comes from the Latin word soror, meaning “sister.” There are four types of Greek-letter organizations: social, professional, academic or honorary, and service. Of these, social Greek-letter organizations are the best known and most numerous.

During the colonial era, American colleges focused almost exclusively on teaching the classics (Greek and Latin literature) and promoting religious piety, rather than liberal arts (science, history, and literature) or applications of learning such as engineering and agriculture. In response, students created their own outlets to debate the intellectual and political ideas of their time. The early debating societies took on names that reflected classical thinkers or ideas. In 1776 Phi Beta Kappa became the first society to identify itself with Greek letters. Founded at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, Phi Beta Kappa displayed many of the characteristics associated with today’s Greek-letter fraternities: the mystery of secrecy, various rituals, an oath of loyalty, a secret grip, a motto, a badge, and a strong bond in friendship and sense of community. During the late 18^th century many of these literary societies had better and more extensive libraries than the colleges where they were located.

During the 19^th century, Greek-letter literary societies declined in popularity as colleges diversified their curriculums and expanded their libraries. At the same time, social fraternities experienced explosive growth on American college campuses. Instead of filling a void in the school’s curriculum, the social fraternity, or social club, sought to address the social and emotional needs of students. The first social fraternity, Kappa Alpha, was established on the campus of Union College in Schenectady, New York, in 1825.

The first social sorority got its start in 1851 by women at Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia. The women founded the Adelphean Society, which later became a Greek-letter sorority, Alpha Delta Pi. Other early Greek-letter sororities for women included Pi Beta Phi, established in 1867 at Monmouth College, in Monmouth, Illinois, and Kappa Alpha Theta, established in 1870 at DePauw University (formally Indiana Asbury College) in Greencastle, Indiana.

Until the 20^th century, most fraternities and sororities excluded African American students. The movement to create organizations for African American students began in 1906 with the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity at Cornell University. Two years later, the first sorority for African American women, Alpha Kappa Alpha, was established at Howard University. Members of African American Greek-letter organizations sought to help other black students develop to their full potential in a mutually supportive atmosphere. Historically, the founding principles of African American Greek organizations included service to their community, academic achievement, and creation of cultural and social outlets for students.

At present social fraternities and sororities contribute to the social development of members through organized social events and service projects. Campus fraternities or sororities are generally referred to as chapters, and may or may not be affiliated with a national organization. Many chapters maintain houses on or near the campus where members can meet and hold social functions. Most of these houses provide living accommodations for a portion of their members, and some also provide meals. Social fraternities and sororities are known for their parties, dances, and other social activities. But they also promote academic achievement, offer scholarships, and provide leadership opportunities. They may organize charity events and encourage their members to be active in community service work and other campus organizations. Many of these activities benefit members by helping them adjust to college, make lifelong friends, and prepare them for the future. However, social Greek organizations have also been plagued by their share of social problems. These problems include discrimination, dangerous initiation rites, high alcohol consumption, sexual assault, and even rape.

Today, only a small percent of college students are members of social fraternities and sororities. About 5 percent of all college students belong to social Greek-letter societies. At four-year colleges, about 7 percent are members. The number of members varies from campus to campus. Some campuses don’t have any, while at others more than half the students are members. Social fraternities and sororities select their members from the student body without regard to academic major or field of study. Social fraternities and sororities restrict membership to a single sex and often consist of persons with similar religious backgrounds or ethnicity.

Traditionally, during the fall of each academic year, students interested in becoming members of a fraternity or sorority participate in rush. During this time, students get acquainted with different Greek-letter organizations and the organizations have the opportunity to meet prospective members. At the end of the rush period, organizations extend invitations for membership, known as bids. Students then decide which bid, if any, to accept. If they accept a bid, they are said to be “pledged” to that organization and are known as pledges or probationary members. During the probationary period - which may last from a few days to several months - pledges learn about the history, traditions, and ideals of the fraternity. At the end of this period, the fraternity or sorority initiates pledges into lifelong membership. The initiation takes place at a special ceremony designed to embody the spirit and beliefs of the organization. Each chapter has its own ceremony, which it tries to keep secret.

Today, some of these traditions are changing. For example, some chapters no longer use the term pledge because they are concerned it suggests a lower status. Instead, some chapters now refer to pledges as new members or associate members. Some chapters are also abandoning the annual rush in favor of an ongoing recruitment effort that is not limited to one particular time of year. Participation in a fraternity or sorority produces a significant impact on the lives of many members. Members participate in more extracurricular activities than nonmembers, are more likely to graduate, and many claim to be more satisfied with their education. Research shows that membership can have a positive effect on grades if a chapter supports academic achievement, and a negative effect if it does not. Fraternities and sororities can provide a supportive peer group and help new students adjust to college. They also offer a network of people who may be able to help advance the careers of other members. But there is little reliable evidence that Greek-letter organizations perform these functions better than residence halls and other kinds of student organizations.

Fraternities, and to a lesser extent, sororities have faced three troubling social problems: hazing, alcohol and other drug abuse, and sexual harassment. Hazing is the practice of initiating pledges into fraternity membership by having them perform difficult, humiliating, or dangerous tasks. Examples include requiring pledges to drink excessive quantities of alcohol, consume large quantities of food, or submit to beatings with a paddle. Deaths and serious injuries attributed to hazing have prompted most states to enact laws specifically prohibiting it. In the 1990s leaders of Greek organizations have responded to these problems by eliminating or drastically shortening the pledge period, which has lessened, but not eliminated, the problem. About 70 to 90 chapters per year are suspended by national fraternity organizations because of hazing violations. Individual colleges and universities may also suspend or disband fraternity chapters in the aftermath of hazing incidents.

Studies have shown that members of fraternities and sororities drink substantially more alcohol than nonmembers. They also experience more of the problems associated with alcohol abuse, including serious illness, violence, and sexual assault. Fraternities have had an ongoing problem with sexual harassment - and sometimes rape - of women, partially associated with heavy drinking. A 1994 study by Harvard University called fraternities and sororities “functional saloons.” The study, published in the Journal of American Medical Association, reported that 86 percent of men and 80 percent of women who live in fraternities and sororities are binge drinkers, consuming four or more drinks in a row at least once every two weeks. Fraternities pay a high financial price for these problems, spending nearly a third of

Most contemporary social issues are mirrored in Greek organizations. For example, some chapters are unenthusiastic about the idea of broadening their memberships to include students from all ethnic and religious backgrounds. Some chapters discriminate against homosexuals. On a national level, some Greek organizations are strongly resisting pressures by women’s rights organizations to eliminate single-sex restrictions on membership. Fraternities also remain insulated from public scrutiny and accountability by codes of secrecy and silence, demands for group loyalty, and campus judicial systems that sometimes fail to punish serious infractions.

Professional fraternities generally limit their membership to students pursuing a particular field of study such as engineering, psychology, or veterinary medicine. Membership in any of the more than 80 professional fraternities is open to both men and women. These fraternities promote a field of study, support the education and professional development of members, and honor their achievements. The largest professional fraternities include Beta Alpha Psi (accounting), Delta Sigma Pi (business), and Phi Delta Phi (law). Academic or honorary fraternities recognize and encourage superior academic performance and leadership achievement. They are open to both men and women. There are approximately 110 different fraternities of this type. Some are open to students from all fields of study. Others restrict their membership to certain fields such as education or journalism. Still others recognize excellence in overall achievement. The largest academic fraternities include Phi Kappa Phi, which limits membership to college juniors and seniors who have excelled academically; Phi Eta Sigma, a national honor society for college freshmen; and Phi Beta Kappa, which honors students graduating at the top of their college class. Service fraternities provide service to the collegiate community and to people burdened by hardship in surrounding cities and towns. These organizations select their membership without regard to academic major, gender, ethnicity, or religious affiliation. The largest service fraternity is Alpha Phi Omega, which derives its principles from the Boy Scouts of America.

 

II. Answer the questions:

· What are the main goals of fraternities and sororities?

· Why do these societies use the Greek letters?

· Why did sororities appear much later than fraternities?

· Did fraternities and sororities accept African Americans in the past? Has the situation changed and why?

· What are the four basic types of Greek-letter organizations? How are they different from each other?

· What is the role of fraternities and sororities in the on-campus life of American students?

· How can you join a fraternity or a sorority? Is it possible for a female student to become a member of a fraternity?

· Explain the terms chapter, rush, bid, pledge, hazing.

· What are the positive sides of being a member of social fraternities or sororities?

· What are the troubling social issues associated with these societies?

· In what way are the problems of fraternities and sororities connected with the problems of American society in general?

· Would you like to become a member of any type of Greek-letter organizations if such existed in Russia? Why or why not?

III. Find in the text English equivalents for the following:

 

дискуссионный студенческий клуб; клятва верности; обширная библиотека; заполнить пробел; служение обществу; быть членом национальной организации; обзавестись верными друзьями; обряд посвящения; сексуальные домогательства; принять приглашение; испытательный срок; пожизненное членство; дух и взгляды организации; стать группой поддержки; способствовать карьерному росту; достоверные данные; принять законы, запрещающие злобное подшучивание над новичками; временно запретить деятельность организации; современные социальные проблемы; закрытый для общества; поощрять достижения; ограничивать членство в обществе; заимствовать принципы.

 

IV. Translate using words and phrases from the text:

1. Первоначально мы думали, что приглашения будут выданы всем, безотносительно к занимаемой должности, но оказалось, что организация ограничила участие в конференции только руководителями.

2. Хотя всем известно, что эти люди подвергаются дискриминации, полиции не удается наказать виновников.

3. Эти печальные события оказали настолько серьезное влияние на ее личную жизнь, что она надолго оставила мысль о замужестве и сконцентрировалась на работе.

4. Любой может стать членом нашей организации и получить возможность развивать свои способности в атмосфере взаимной поддержки.

5. После того как организаторы веселых дискотек закончили учёбу в университете, заполнить образовавшуюся пустоту оказалось некем, поэтому проведение свободного времени в стенах университета утратило свою популярность среди студентов.

6. Летние лагеря создают прекрасную возможность для проявления лидерских качеств, способствуют развитию личности подростков, поощряя их достижения в разных областях.

 

V. Use the following word-combinations in the sentences of your own:

 

to further smb’s interests;to focus on smth; to promote smth rather than smth else; to create an outlet to do smth; mutually supportive atmosphere; to contribute to smth through smth; to discriminate against smb/smth.

 

VI. Render the following in English:

 

17 ноября – Международный день студента. Да-да, оказывается, есть и такой день! И то обстоятельство, что Международный день студента во всем мире отмечают 17 ноября, а россияне еще и 25 января, позволяет извлечь из этого выгоду – все наше студенчество гуляет два раза в год, отмечая и День студента, и Татьянин день. История Международного дня студента берет свое начало еще в XIX веке, когда было создано международное объединение студенческой молодежи. В декабре 1893 года в Женеве прошел международный конгресс студентов-социалистов, принявших решение установить и развивать связи между студентами разных стран. А в ноябре 1939-го пражские студенты выступили против террора фашистов. Во время демонстрации был убит студент медицинского факультета Карлова университета Ян Оплетал, в руках которого был белый щит с надписью: “Пошел на бой за справедливость в мире”. В день похорон Яна Оплетала, 15 ноября, тысячи студентов и рабочих вышли на улицы, траурное шествие вылилось в антифашистскую демонстрацию, на что гитлеровские оккупанты ответили репрессиями против студентов – 17 ноября были окружены студенческие общежития, арестованы 1850 студентов, 1200 из которых отправили в концлагерь Заксенхаузен. В тот же день руководители студенческой организации были расстреляны. Одним из первых решений Всемирного совета студентов в 1941 году в Лондоне было провозглашение 17 ноября Международным днем студента в память о трагических событиях в Праге.

Несмотря на печальную историю праздника, отмечать его студенты привыкли по-студенчески, весело. Студенческие традиции празднования этого дня за границей для некоторых наших ребят, которые там побывали, не совсем понятны. Как правило, всё проходит спокойно и благообразно. В Бельгии любят собираться компании давних знакомых, чаще всего 7­8 человек. Самое популярное место проведения праздников – бары. На природу, точнее, на пикники, бельгийские студенты выезжают крайне редко: так поступают, в основном, люди постарше. Что касается проведения самих праздников, то в отличие от наших студентов бельгийцы не очень любят петь, хотя послушать современную музыку совсем не против.

Студенты в Дании предпочитают проводить праздники в кругу самых близких и верных друзей. Обычно днем они собираются у кого-нибудь дома, шутят, поют песни, иногда под гитару, а вечером отправляются компанией в бар. Из алкогольных напитков датчане чаще всего предпочитают пиво, стараясь сделать праздник приятным, душевным и в меру веселым. Интересная традиция существует у выпускников гимназий. В день окончания учебы в семье выпускника берут напрокат большую машину, напоминающую грузовик, и весь вечер катаются по улицам. В машине все члены семьи поют песни, после чего гулянье продолжается дома или в баре. Для американцев отпраздновать событие – не проблема: поездка с друзьями на природу, поход в клуб или ресторан… Главное, они всегда стараются делать то, что им нравится.

В России Международный день студента стали праздновать недавно. Студенты в этот день традиционно веселятся на полную катушку, забыв о предстоящей сессии, зачетах и «хвостах». Без внимания не останутся ни ночные клубы, ни бары, ни посиделки в общежитии… Но российский студент (об этом уже было сказано выше) отмечает свой день дважды в год. Ведь вряд ли кто-нибудь откажется от лишнего праздника!

 

 

Over to you

 

I. Comment on the following:

1. A student at work on his true vocation becomes creative and passionate.

2. Education is what remains when we have forgotten all that we have been taught. (George S. Halifax)

3. The college graduate is presented with a sheepskin to cover his intellectual nakedness. (Robert M. Hutchins)

4. Education is that which discloses to the wise and disguises from the foolish their lack of understanding. (Ambrose Bierce)

5. Training is everything: the peach was once a bitter almond; cauliflower is nothing but cabbage with a college education. (Mark Twain)

 

II. Describe the university where you study to an applicant. Speak about its location, history, faculty, departments, students’ population, curriculum, etc. Be honest: specify the strong and weak sides of your alma mater.