An overview of the present liberal arts disciplines points out the vast amount and diversity of knowledge available to the general education student. Addressing the question of what part of this knowledge is of most worth to the prospective teacher, it is suggested that a sound general education should be organized around six basic and persistent life themes; (1) social science explanations of human behavior; (2) the physical environment; (3) health-safety-wellness; (4) communication; (5) aesthetics and literature; and (6) democratic institutions. Eighteen specific university disciplines of study, with examples of key concepts in each discipline, are cited as characteristics of a more worthwhile general studies program. A strong argument is made for completely reorganizing general studies, based on persistent life themes that are relevant to students of all ages. The basic concept undergirding this proposal is that elementary/secondary students, as well as university students preparing to teach, should engage in the same multidisciplinary studies, though at different levels of difficulty. It is proposed that teachers be certified in one of the six broad areas of a general education program rather than as specialists. (JD)