Let's Redesign Curriculum: Gen Eds

[Wahoo Redux]

I am not necessarily for the status quo.

I just don't know what the alternative is.

That's why I started this thread.

[marshwiggle]

I am not necessarily for the status quo.

I just don't know what the alternative is.

That's why I started this thread.

As long as it preserves the employment of everyone in the system now........

[mleok]

I am not necessarily for the status quo.

I just don't know what the alternative is.

That's why I started this thread.

As long as it preserves the employment of everyone in the system now........

Naaah, just his job.

[Ruralguy]

I'm not sure why this is so perplexing.

Almost anything can be justified by somebody: status quo, nothing, small skills based core, even bigger bunch of gen eds., etc.

I've already stated my opinions over two threads, but that's not meant as a declaration that other options don't have value.

[mleok]

I'm not sure why this is so perplexing.

Almost anything can be justified by somebody: status quo, nothing, small skills based core, even bigger bunch of gen eds., etc.

I've already stated my opinions over two threads, but that's not meant as a declaration that other options don't have value.

Agreed, the claim that the status quo is the only possibility despite the countless alternatives suggested just feels disingenious to me.

[Ruralguy]

it might be the only *political* option at most schools, but that's a whole other thread. I presumed we were going for candor regarding what we think is best, not necessarily reality on the ground.

[mleok]

it might be the only *political* option at most schools, but that's a whole other thread. I presumed we were going for candor regarding what we think is best, not necessarily reality on the ground.

Yes, let's try to focus on what the ideal is, before worrying about what is possible. The reality is that there are strong external pressures that will likely take these decisions out of the hands of individual departments, so it's better to have a well thought out and well justified general education proposal, as the alternative might very well be the elimination of such requirements altogether.

It's also important to realize this is a conversation and a work in progress, let's try not to shoot things down on a minor technicality. Change is in the air, whether we like it or not, and I seriously doubt that the status quo will remain defensible.

[Ruralguy]

I don't think we all will agree on something. But we can toss around some ideals.

[Mobius]

I've mentioned before l like the notion of computer literacy. Others have mentioned mathematical or scientific literacy. I'd prefer financial literacy as an alternative of a student really doesn't need college algebra. Civics education focused on political mobilization could be an alternative to American history/government. Many of these courses could be taught by faculty in many disciplines. I don't know what to do for fine arts, but that doesn't mean it has value.

[Wahoo Redux]

I was mulling over the scientific literacy class.

Personally, while I think the idea of a scientific literacy class sounds fascinating (I'd take that now if my uni offered it), and if we DO end up with gen eds, that one sounds spot on, we know that many people's approach to science has more to do with politics, socioeconomic class, and religion than it does with science.

I would have to think that such a class could only be good for breaking the political blinders off some students.

At the same time, I could see some blogger somewhere pitching into the "indoctrinating our children" rhetoric. 

 

[kiana]

I've mentioned before l like the notion of computer literacy. Others have mentioned mathematical or scientific literacy. I'd prefer financial literacy as an alternative of a student really doesn't need college algebra. Civics education focused on political mobilization could be an alternative to American history/government. Many of these courses could be taught by faculty in many disciplines. I don't know what to do for fine arts, but that doesn't mean it has value.

Financial literacy is reasonable but I'd also like to see statistical literacy. I have seen way too many garbage statistics being thrown around and they make me want to poke my eyes out with a fork.

[dismalist]

Civics education focused on political mobilization could be an alternative to American history/government.

College as cadre forge?

[marshwiggle]

I was mulling over the scientific literacy class.

Personally, while I think the idea of a scientific literacy class sounds fascinating (I'd take that now if my uni offered it), and if we DO end up with gen eds, that one sounds spot on, we know that many people's approach to science has more to do with politics, socioeconomic class, and religion than it does with science.

That's part of the point. And the media (from all over the political spectrum) contribute to that.

I would have to think that such a class could only be good for breaking the political blinders off some students.

Again, that's exactly the point. Helping student understand how to search for truth, rather than support their own specific ideology, should be what higher education is all about.

[Wahoo Redux]

I was mulling over the scientific literacy class.

Personally, while I think the idea of a scientific literacy class sounds fascinating (I'd take that now if my uni offered it), and if we DO end up with gen eds, that one sounds spot on, we know that many people's approach to science has more to do with politics, socioeconomic class, and religion than it does with science.

That's part of the point. And the media (from all over the political spectrum) contribute to that.

I would have to think that such a class could only be good for breaking the political blinders off some students.

Again, that's exactly the point. Helping student understand how to search for truth, rather than support their own specific ideology, should be what higher education is all about.

Of course.

This is why I think the class could be so important.

I could just see the cultural backlash from some quarters.  That does not mean that the class is any less worthwhile, just that some people are going to shout about it.  People tend to believe what they want to believe.  Voter fraud, anyone?

[Mobius]

Civics education focused on political mobilization could be an alternative to American history/government.

College as cadre forge?

Start their own campus town communes.

I'd want students to know more about city/county/school board government, and what that could mean for them. Learn what the hell government means for them on a day-to-day basis and how to get involved to influence what happens. Churches are doing this, so why not colleges?