Philosophical origins and evolution of a Brooklyn College (New York) early childhood/elementary teacher education curriculum that integrates studies in liberal arts/sciences and teacher education are described. The curriculum includes a humanities, social sciences, and mathematics/sciences strand. It was developed in response to local realities…

Plans of some to reduce the time for completing the traditional undergraduate degree or to redefine it to require fewer credits are examined critically. Reasons for considering time-shortened degrees and responses to the idea are considered. A reexamination of the meaning of the undergraduate degree is recommended. (MSE)

The Association of American Colleges and Universities' national initiative for college curriculum and faculty development, entitled "American Commitments: Diversity, Democracy, and Liberal Learning," is described; and a panel discussion of two central themes, which concern cultural pluralism in higher education, is summarized. (MSE)

Because of the rapid evolution of electronic publishing and information technology, books will be only one of a wide variety of formats for information exchange. In undergraduate study as in other areas, the future of books is dependent on the continuing habitual tendency and preference of adults to read text. (MSE)

Two recent reports, the Association of American Colleges'"The Challenge of Connecting Learning" and The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching's "Scholarship Reconsidered: Priorities of the Professoriate," urge higher education to reshape the college curriculum and refocus its attention on what constitutes faculty…

Undergraduate education is illiberal because the progression from general to specialized learning does not support students in learning how to make choices or explore their consequences. Courses late in the student's program, rather than at the outset, that explore disciplinary boundaries and interconnections could be useful. (MSE)

A new approach to general education at Bowling Green State University based on "essential skills and functional understandings" is discussed. The model includes skills in: problem solving and critical thinking; reading and writing; computation and mathematics; listening and speaking; and decision-making and values-conflict resolution.…

A small, Catholic liberal arts college surveyed its alumni, freshmen, and seniors about their college experience, employment history, and the contribution of the curriculum to their Christian attitudes and personal growth in specific areas. While not all responses were favorable, the response rate was high, suggesting an institutional bond. (MSE)

The goals of intercultural education inherently involve values: development of a conceptual framework of how peoples interact, developing an in-depth knowledge of at least one other culture and language, and developing an educated imagination. (MSE)

Classic literary and philosophical texts have a unique place in fostering inquiry and awareness, stemming from the relation between inquiry and the ability to empathize with radically new perspectives. College students need exposure to them to increase both awareness and knowledge. (MSE)

There are many uses of computers appropriate in a liberal arts setting, but a college's culture and its administrative approach to computers should be congruent. The college can also actively use its culture to support computer use, building on faculty and student experience and interests. (MSE)

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.…

The role of colleges and universities in promoting the health of their students and of the community's youth is examined, and initiatives to develop partnerships with community groups are discussed. One suggested approach is to integrate health-promotion activities into the college curriculum, through public service projects and coursework.…

At the beginning of each academic year, Shippensburg University (Pennsylvania) organizes small group book discussion sessions designed to draw freshmen into the academic culture and develop critical thought processes. Considerations in selecting books for discussion and in preparing for and orchestrating the sessions are outlined. Some unresolved…

Higher education reform is failing because public policies address a student population that no longer dominates and are too weak to support the curricular changes necessary. Contracts between policymakers and institutions that specify and require reporting of program outcomes would involve students and institutions in the responsibility for those…