Despite efforts of both administration and faculty, the intent and the execution of new curricular initiatives are not always in alignment. To understand how the declaration of a campus-wide general education initiative was being implemented, this article combines analyses of syllabi and courses from across disciplines. In an initial review, the…

This study highlights the efforts of Indiana University East to make substantive changes to its general education program, resulting primarily from state mandates and legislation, on an extremely aggressive timeline. While fraught with challenges, these legislative mandates also presented opportunities for the institution to make necessary and…

General education reform provides strategic opportunities for departments. This article analyzes reform at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, illustrating how departments could use the reform process to clarify their strategic planning, align with institutional goals, and steer the university closer to departmental objectives. (Contains 1 table.)

The assessment of general education is often approached through broad surveys or standardized instruments that fail to capture the learning goals most faculty members desire for this portion of the curriculum. The challenge in remedying this situation lies, first, in defining general education in meaningful ways that can be both articulated and…

Considered the need for and contributions of liberal education to the educational mainstream. (RK)

Offers a critique of Adler's position on common learning and the future of American education. Sympathizes with Adler's objectives, but sees three flaws inherent in his polemics. Foresees no realization of objectives through Adler's manifesto, but finds it useful for clarifying ideas and generating philosophical discussion. (DMM)

Argues that an understanding of the objectives of general education must precede debates over delivery methods. Sees potential for agreement on objectives through recognition of the existence of a hierarchy of general education's purposes, comprising student liberation; the development of independent learning and thinking skills; and specific…

Author commented on the new type of public institution--the first ones were founded in the 1960s--and on the segment of the American population it is designed to serve. (Editor/RK)

Offers an overview of Nigerian higher education. Analyzes three approaches being taken to introduce general education into the university curriculum (i.e., proscribed course of study, distribution-across-disciplines, and core general education courses). Discusses the difficulties being encountered, including faculty disinterest and rigid academic…

The purpose of English in general or liberal arts education is discussed. (RW)

Reviews the shortcomings of the European university of the 1930s as described by Ortega y Gasset in "The Mission of the University." Considers Ortega's recommendations for educational and political reform within the context of his concepts of life, culture, science, historical crisis, and vocation. Addresses his objectives for teaching…

Reviews the process and method used by the department of economics at James Madison University in developing a coherent and substantive curriculum review within the broader context of university general education reforms. Considers departmental objectives for student outcomes, assessment methods, operational definitions, strategies for…

Reviews arguments surrounding the inclusion of computer literacy as part of core requirements for all undergraduates, considering the effect of the current postsecondary educational reform movement. Describes seven models for linking general education and computer science, and highlights American University's approach, which integrates computing…