Subject: Studying Abroad in the UK?

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I did history at Leeds and a couple of Americans were there for a year - I think they found the approach we take here very different and harder

Different and harder how? could you elaborate please? Like I've said, I've got plenty of time to decide if I'll actually spend the $$ to study abroad

well it seemed that when they took a class in say Early Medieval English History in the US there was 1 book everyone bought and the entire course could be found in it.

whereas in the UK you get given a list of 40+ books and papers and you are expected to dig through them in the library to get your stuff
(edited)

quite a lot more books, but last semester I had to acquire 15 books for 1 course on Western Civilization. Talking Rome ----> Renaissance type stuff. Some I purchased, some I just borrowed from a classmate or the library.. So it could be a lot different depending on the number of books/papers like you say..

In the US classes are taught through lectures. You have to come in, sit down and take notes and class participation is mostly limited to clever arse exchanges between lecturer and a few choice students, be them the class prat or genius.

In the UK, teaching is based far more on class participation and a dialogue between lecturer and students, enabled by far more work done in preparation by both sides. Lecturers prepare specific and detailed bibliographic lists for the entire term/semester or class and students have to prepare for classes. There is no "right answer" and people are encouraged to take part.

It's easier to be a student in the US but you also get through more material there.
In the UK you turn out a better expert in your field because you learn how to think and use the tools of the trade.

so basically you're saying that in the US I'd get more of a brief understanding of many topics, but in the UK, it would be "less material covered," but more in-depth about the amount of material covered.

Nope, I certainly did NOT say that. By trying to simplify my meaning, you miss the point.
In the UK, the lecturers make more effort. They prepare the material and reading lists more carefully and to a greater extent. The student is expected to do more work too, thus a more fruitful and productive exchange takes place in class rather than a straight one way monologue by the lecturer. The advantage of the US system is that the lecturer can put his entire point of view forward from every angle and covey his angle on the subject. In the UK it's more of an exchange guided by the lecturer.

So in the states, the lecturer reads it to you, and in the UK, the lecturer says "you've read it, i've read it, what do you think ?"

Reluctantly, Yes! ;-)

I'm too simple for clever universities. That's why I went to Derby.

forgive me for assuming. Hence my reasons to want to learn now rather than 12 months from now when I may actually be in the UK. =)

also, I'd like to mention that it seems rather similar to what I'm doing now based on this.. I have certain sections to read following the instructor's syllabus. Come to class and discuss said reading in depth(if you don't read it, obviously you can't participate in said discussion). Then occasionally, write a paper as well as the class discussion.

Maybe by watching Dead Poets Society twice and making assumptions, Rogi is doing the americna system a small disservice ? ;)

The aforementioned Rogi studied in several countries to achieve advanced degrees, so he has a smattering of knowhow about the differences between the education systems. However, the UK system is certainly more akin to the Dead poet society than the sketch about the students' councillor in Little Britain.
:)

Israeli says, "No!"