The loose smorgasbord distribution requirements and free electives of the '60s, have given way to more proscribed requirements and core programs. General education is a response to a need to reaffirm the connectedness among people. The agenda for general education is to teach those common experiences, relationships, and ethical concerns. (MLW)

Argues that most college students do not enjoy tragedy in literature because they cannot accept the constraints of a tragic world view. Examines the cultural, institutional, and literary trends responsible for students' bored, indifferent, and impatient attitudes toward the teachings of tragedy. (DMM)

Traces the history of the debate over the definition of liberal education and the extent to which education should be liberal. Contrasts the position of Aristotle with those of his teachers, and of later theorists, including John Dewey, Mortimer Adler, Robert Maynard Hutchins, Allan Bloom, and E. D. Hirsch. (DMM)

Explores John Dewey's contributions to the recent debate over the role of the classics in the college curriculum. Argues a "modified Deweyan solution" advocating flexibility in the selection and study of classic texts. (FMW)

The current discipline-based organizational structure of the college curriculum in which general education is treated as an isolated learning experience should be replaced with a more integrated curriculum. In addition, general education should take different forms in institutions with different missions. Such a curriculum redesign could help…

Traces the roots of the concepts of the humanities and liberal arts education to the ancient Greeks, describing how their customs, language, philosophy, and literature have contributed to current concepts of education. Suggests that the Greek idea of education stressed the arts and mathematics but was opposed to all professionalism. (MAB)

Considers the various educational roles that community colleges have played in attempts to be democratizing institutions and their success in fulfilling these roles. Advocates structured, sequential education in college-level courses, and the development of action agendas focusing on college identity, financing, accountability, scholarship, and…

College students must learn the subject matter and conventions of their majors but must also become part of a larger knowledge community to understand disciplinary processes and conventions from a broader perspective. Educators must take responsibility for helping students accomplish both these goals. (Author/MSE)

Based on reports of 10 disciplinary task forces concerning improvement of college instruction, it is suggested that faculty respond to suggestions for curricular change in ways that reflect their disciplinary perspectives. It is concluded that faculty from varied disciplines need thoughtful leadership to develop support for any common curricular…

For change in higher education to be effective, it is necessary to integrate three important current movements: curriculum development; instructional improvement; and college outcomes assessment. The problems prompting the movements are closely connected, and their solutions are interrelated. Faculty workload and reward system are related issues.…

An unusual degree requirement at Christ College, the honors college of Valparaiso University (Indiana), involves freshman production of an original musical theater production. The role of such a collaborative and imaginative effort in a liberal education is discussed, focusing on the arts as a context for inquiry. (MSE)

Integration of models of college student development and identity development suggests that the multicultural college curriculum is the best catalyst for creating educational communities of peace. It is most effective to build common ground with others who are different but can and will continue a dialogue in search of truth. (MSE)

At the 10-year anniversary of the Association of American Colleges and Universities' report, "Integrity in the College Curriculum," an association administrator reviews accomplishments during those years and examines how the report might be rewritten to reflect current concerns. (MSE)

On college campuses, the climate is polarized because of intolerance and discrimination, censorship, factionalism, and anger among students and faculty. As a result, the campus is in danger of becoming dominated by political issues and discouraging the exchange of ideas characteristic of a true liberal arts education. (MSE)

Transferability of skills in learning is discussed, focusing on the notions of cross-disciplinary, generic, core, and transferable skills and their role in the college curriculum. Cross-disciplinary or cross-curricular skills are examined in terms of their relationship to cognitive domains, and transferable skills in relation to social domains.…