Identifies institutional pressures and demographic contingencies to be addressed if general education is to be a high-priority and high-quality endeavor at major research universities. Describes the University of Pennsylvania's strategic planning process and its curriculum emphasizing breadth of knowledge, understanding of intellectual inquiry,…

The concept of differential pricing and its current application in undergraduate education are examined, particularly differentiating tuition by program at the upper-division level. Differential pricing is proposed as a policy that can benefit both students and institutions. (Author/MLW)

Discusses the redesign of the sophomore literature course at Francis Marion University by an interdisciplinary team. Considers the three diverse epistemologies found in different disciplines, concluding that literary study is best pursued within the rhetorical tradition of analysis and disputation. (DMM)

This document identifies the essential elements of clinical support for the entire nursing academic mission: undergraduate and graduate education, faculty practice, and research. In addition, it describes the facilitators and barriers to clinical access, particularly focusing on the dynamic nature of the health care delivery system. Among 11…

It is noted that less than 35 percent of 406 collegiate institutions recently surveyed offered a course specifically concerning the history of mathematics. This is viewed as a very disturbing situation. Reasons for teaching such a course are given, and suggestions are made regarding course instruction. (MP)

Higher education must arrive at some fresh convictions to restore integrity to the baccalaureate degree. Assumptions about the degree's meaning should be made explicit in both the curriculum and extracurricular activities. The objectives of the Association of American College's Project on the Meaning and Purpose of Baccalaureate Degrees are…

Examines the role of the faculty in preparing undergraduate psychology students for their postgraduate careers. Increasing concern with career development has led to proposals for curriculum revisions, career development courses, and a changing faculty role. Research indicates that faculty interest in postgraduate careers may increase student…

The curriculum of the Western College Program at Miami University is used to illustrate the effective use of the interdisciplinary approach to undergraduate curriculum. The importance of finding the right question and stating it so the disciplines can complement, not talk past, one another is emphasized. (MSE)

Based on the results of an informal survey of 25 faculty at Worcester Polytechnic Institute on the value and publishability of undergraduate research in chemical engineering, it is indicated that while such research is considered an excellent learning experience, fewer than 15 percent of student projects are actually published. (SK)

Discusses the changing role of history of science courses at Cornell University. The course has served as a link between the humanities and sciences and as an integral part of area studies programs. Suggests that history of science courses in the social sciences and in the undergraduate history major's program are needed. (KC)

Describes two approaches for teaching inorganic reactions and syntheses without having students memorize specific reactions. Briefly indicates topics which should be covered in a junior-senior level course but not at the expense of eliminating teaching students how to make basic inorganic compounds. (Author/JN)

Presents a very brief description of solid state chemistry, its industrial applications, and rationale for its inclusion in the inorganic chemistry curriculum. The topic is intellectually challenging, economically useful and, in the view of the author, fun. (Author/JN)

Suggests: (1) a "coherent" approach featuring mutual reinforcement, unifying themes, the easy incorporation of seemingly isolated facts, and growing powers of predictability: (2) incorporation of current research findings; and (3) special topics, in addition to basics. Suggests "Account of Chemical Research" as a source for…

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)

Discusses the nationwide renewal of undergraduate science facilities that will be required in the near future to sustain the current momentum in curriculum reform. Provides a rationale for space design that is compatible with the kinds of programs that stimulate student interest in science, engineering, mathematics, and technology (SEMT). (DDR)