The physical fitness required to perform complex athletic feats has a parallel in the intellectual fitness it takes to perform complex mental tasks. At the heart of liberal education sits the idea that moderate training in several disciplines is better than intensive training in just one. Through exercising students' abilities in interpreting…

A process of professionalization of the humanities has occurred as a result of the proliferation of specialities and subspecialities within each academic discipline. Suggestions are offered for re-establishing humanities as the basis for a common culture, for approaching questions which are fundamental to all disciplines. (SW)

Educators must reinforce the distinction between the first 2 years of college education, to be reserved for general education, and the second two, in which specialization is appropriate. This might mean only loosening some requirements. In addition, more broad-based introductory courses should be provided for students to choose from. (MSE)

The myth of the teacher-scholar is injurious to liberal education because when it becomes the ideal for a liberal arts college, the development of experts takes priority over the development of wise people. The liberal arts college must resist vocationalism, deemphasize faculty publishing, and create a reward system to restore teaching to utmost…

Some perceived losses by academic institutions are discussed including: cynicism pervading the academic community; faculty difficulties in tight job markets; homogenizing and lack of character of campuses; splintered interests of academic specialization; and enrollment projections. (MLW)

General education programs need not be circuitous or formless. They should: stress development of the intellect; focus on problem-solving skills; integrate general objectives and professional competencies; and foster interdisciplinary studies. (MSE)

The problems of traditional overspecialization in British universities and current efforts to liberalize the curriculum are discussed in the context of the historical development of the university and curriculum structure. (MSE)

The nature of scientific investigation involves both data collection and interpretation. The liberal arts college is so structured that these skills can be developed in many students for whom a university setting would be inappropriate. (Author/MLW)

Issues to consider in introductory college-level courses include: considering general education's purpose in the context of specific disciplines; avoiding the assumption that freshman-level courses must be broad-based; thinking of the disciplinary as leading to the interdisciplinary; and using the first year to engage issues significant in the…

Both general education and the structure and process of specialization on the undergraduate level must be reformed in relation to each other to strengthen curriculum and practice of liberal learning. Reform could mean either redistributing the time allotted in the undergraduate curriculum or tying general education to specific student interests.…

Instead of the random scattershot of the core curriculum, a program of overlapping curricular circles could provide students with a more effective educational experience. Each circle would center on the student's major, and would draw together the underlying strands of a liberal education. (MSE)

A tendency in liberal arts to organize the disciplines into a common, core curriculum and to evangelize this common learning in a puritanical way is examined and criticized. It is recommended that the liberal education mission must not be imposed on those who do not seek it. (MSE)

The purpose of the university is enough different from that of the liberal arts college that there exists a systematic bias against and neglect of liberal arts in the former. Insights are given into the causes of and solutions to this problem. (MSE)

The concern for general education as one of several possible responses to the current ills of higher education is discussed. The Federated Learning Communities of Stony Brook, wherein the environment and the content of general education are dovetailed and mutually supportive, is described. (Author/MLW)

The character of academic disciplines profoundly influences the curricular organization and pedagogical practices of undergraduate education. A critical interpretation of liberal arts disciplines and their place in undergraduate education is discussed, with a positive rationale for a different approach to undergraduate education outlined.…