Some cautionary notes about interdisciplinary programs are offered. (JH)

The terms "humanities" and "new technology" have a broad spectrum of meanings, which often imply a tension between two somewhat incompatible concepts. If one views humanities as the general learning that should be in the possession of all human beings and new technology as the convergence of two or more sophisticated technologies in expansive and…

Reviews the "decaying civilization,""utility of the humanities," and "excessive vocationalism" arguments typically advanced for renewing emphasis on the humanities. Identifies challenges facing community college humanities faculty: involving students and faculty in curriculum design, developing more focused definitions of humanities, and taking…

The decline in the instruction of "close reading" and in interest in the power of language is to blame for students' frustration with and lack of interest in literature. Students want to believe in literature and language but don't know how. (MSE)

Citizens of technologically advanced nations are confronted with tremendous ethical dilemmas that students need to develop sophisticated ethical frameworks to deal with. The humanities must teach students to think as carefully about questions of value as about questions of fact. (MSE)

Lack of support for language and literature study in higher education reflects the larger attitudes of American culture: that learning for its own sake has little value. This provincialism is outmoded, dangerous, and intellectually indefensible, and must be eliminated in order to redefine language and literature studies. (MSE)

Describes the Nigerian educational system. Answers critiques of the liberal arts legacy of the colonial period by pointing out the contributions of the tradition. Advocates a balanced educational curriculum integrating science and technical education with a wide range of humanistic disciplines that address traditional and contemporary issues. (DMM)

In response to William J. Bennett's "To Reclaim a Legacy: A Report on the Humanities in Higher Education," five essays provide insights into the humanities from varying perspectives. "Humanities Education and Business," by John A. Ziegler, underscores the importance of a liberal education in business and industry, considering…

Three groups of contemporary advocates of the humanities in higher education are compared: traditionalists who argue for the implicit worth of the humanities, pragmatists who see them as having real use-value in terms of contemporary social issues, and radicals who see them as a force for social change. (MSE)

This collection of materials examines and advocates the role of the humanities in society. First, the importance of advocacy in explaining the significance of the humanities is underscored, and the purpose and content of the collection are outlined. Next, the mission of the humanities in helping people understand their options and develop their…

In light of the pressures of historical circumstances and with a commitment to educational integrity, this work seeks to reconceive the mission of the liberal arts and sciences. Chapter I defines the key criteria of humanism and holism and offers a critique of current liberal education in terms of curriculum coherency and intellectual and personal…

Broad changes in the academic culture and the curriculum since the 1960s are reviewed, and the need is emphasized for a re-formation of the curriculum to bring the student back into focus and to rebuild the humanities. (MSE)

When the introductory philosophy course evokes cognitive dissonance over philsophical problems in which students are already interested, it can help develop students' skills in reasoning and assessing arguments. This kind of course should play a key role in the undergraduate curriculum. (MSE)

Problems associated with overspecialization in U.S. higher education are considered, based on the view that colleges provide training for an advanced society but fail to clarify how a particular career will be part of a larger social and global system that has many serious problems. An education that seeks to integrate ideas across disciplinary…

Discusses the question of whether community colleges are providing valid liberal arts/general education curricula, citing both community college critics and supporters. Argues for a definition of liberal arts/general education that takes into account the educational aspirations of community college students. Considers the fine line between liberal…