To be effective in the current rapidly changing environment, individuals need more than a knowledge base. They also need information literacy which includes techniques for exploring new information, synthesizing it, and using it in practical ways. Undergraduate education should focus on such resource-based learning directed at problem solving.…

The debate about political correctness on college campuses focuses not on the goals of diversity and equity but on strategies to attain them. Underlying the debate are different assumptions about our society's nature. Synthesis is needed in alternative models of campus order and openness, curricula, and admissions and hiring policies. (MSE)

As colleges and universities work to foster multiculturalism, simple solutions are engendered, clustering around two extremes, political correctness and cultural literacy. The role of education is providing a framework for understanding and expanding awareness of one's own situation, and denying one's own cultural heritage does not contribute to…

In response to an emerging anti-intellectualism on campus, Saint Lawrence University (New York) instituted an interdisciplinary first-year course built around themes of community and identity. The effort is designed to stimulate intellectual development, bring faculty and students into closer contact, and blend academics and student life. (MSE)

A reflective judgment model of adult intellectual development is proposed, for use by college faculty and staff in helping students question their assumptions about knowing and learning and in making more reflective judgments. The model is based on cognitive development theory and has specific implications for the college years. (MSE)

A well-designed college course syllabus can serve a variety of purposes: as an agreement between teacher and student; as a device for communicating intent, seriousness, and expectations; as an overall plan of action for the course; and as a cognitive map of the course to share with students. This article identifies the major components of a good…

Examines the number and breadth of liberal arts courses offered in community colleges in various disciplines (i.e., English, fine and performing arts, humanities, mathematics, science, and social sciences) and enrollment in these areas. Shows how with rare exception course offerings and enrollments have remained consistent over the period 1975-91.…

Argues that community college's liberal arts curricula should be as responsive to community needs as vocational curricula. Uses the evolution of developmental education curricula as a model. Discusses reasons for and obstacles to diversifying the tradition-bound liberal arts, recommending links between developmental and liberal arts curricula to…

Global higher education can no longer be viewed as secondary; it is essential for educating graduates to cope creatively with the modern world. Second languages are central to the global curriculum; study abroad is desirable. In addition, global education involves a broader way of thinking, not merely a certain content. (MSE)

Whatever the deficits of U.S. international studies, much is happening that is not reflected in current reporting. Programs at Webster University (Missouri), Oregon State University, and the University of Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) illustrate new approaches to higher education that redefine their audience and adapt their procedures for new…

College students around the world confer by computer in the International Communications and Negotiation Simulation. The simulation is offered by schools within the curriculum or as an extracurricular activity, with faculty as coordinators. Student teams are given scenarios and country assignments, prepare a position paper, and participate in the…

Describes a study of general education at 700 colleges and universities, based on tabulation of credits and content analysis of goal statements. Examines degree requirements, the disciplines comprising general education, differences among majors, statements on general education, the use of labels, purpose and rationale, methods, and structure of…

Analysis of curriculum, enrollment, and faculty data from four private liberal arts colleges and two private research universities investigates the most cost-effective curriculum design, using simulation models. It is concluded that simpler college curricula, with fewer courses, less specialization, and more consolidation will yield smaller, less…

One woman faculty member describes several ways in which she helped introduce feminist perspectives into her institution through traditional structures, including development and institutionalization of a women's studies course on gender and communication, service on college and university committees, and serving as a role model for other women.…

College catalogs present a snapshot of the institution's curriculum perspectives at a given point in time and can help document changes over time. For curriculum evaluation, college catalog analysis is best used in conjunction with other methods of curriculum data collection. (MSE)