A participant in a conference on interdisciplinary general education at the college level highlights some of the issues addressed there: institutional limitations and opportunities; interdisciplinarity versus the power of deep disciplinary inquiry; cross-disciplinary linkages versus interdisciplinary inquiry; and the role of student development…

Two higher education leaders present perspectives on the meaning of the baccalaureate degree. The first argues that institutions can satisfy the need for public accountability for the degree without sacrificing autonomy. The second stresses that a clear statement of institutional objectives and desired outcomes is important and is consistent with…

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…

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…

Both general education and the structure and process of specialization on the undergraduate level must be reformed in relation to each other to strengthen curriculum and practice of liberal learning. Reform could mean either redistributing the time allotted in the undergraduate curriculum or tying general education to specific student interests.…

Chronicles the history of the liberal arts college in the United States from mid-19th century, identifying four periods: the 19th century, when establishment of liberal arts institutions brought new variety to higher education; 1900 to 1940, which saw development of this new collegiate model; 1940 to 1970, a period of confidence and challenges;…

Examines the 1997 "Handbook of the Undergraduate Curriculum," a 34-chapter "operating manual and desk reference" to the college curriculum. Assert that, while the dominant trend in higher education in the 20th century has been specialization and proliferation of programs and courses, a historic reversal of this trend is occurring, with…

This examination of the associate degree and its role within community college education in the United States begins with a historical perspective on the evolution of the associate degree since the beginning of the 20th century. Chapter II reviews the literature concerning the diversity of the associate degree and the ways in which it is perceived…

In response to recently raised concerns about the effective integration of general education into community college occupational programs, this report offers a review of the literature on general education and its place in the vocational curriculum. First, definitions of general education are presented and synthesized into the following…

The success of critical thinking courses poses a significant threat to the conception and status of the humanities. In an effort to remediate deficiencies in the writing and reading skills of students attempting to undertake college-level work, courses have been developed which aim to improve the cognitive skills needed for effective…

Five positions on the nature and purpose of basic studies in the college curriculum are considered. The five positions are summarized as follows: (1) to develop essential skills; (2) to introduce students to disciplines of knowledge; (3) to introduce students to the basic modes of thinking or ways of knowing; (4) to develop understanding and…

Community colleges have always embraced general education in principle, but have largely failed to deliver a meaningful program of general studies. Definitions of general education stress the importance of teaching the common knowledge, cultural and environmental understanding, skills, values, and attitudes needed by each individual to be an…

The focus of this paper is the subject matter preparation of teachers: what subject matter preparation entails, where and when it occurs, and with what outcomes. Since research on teachers' learning of subject matter is a relatively new domain of inquiry in teacher education, the literature is scant. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to…

This discussion of the role of general education in community college programs in Ontario begins with an acknowledgement of the absence of a broadly accepted working definition of general education and an admonition to community colleges to accept the responsibility for providing students with a total education. Next, the paper proposes various…

This bulletin focuses on general education programs and also provides an update on four core curriculum projects. One viewpoint on general education is presented by Theodore D. Lockwood in an article entitled, "A Skeptical Look at the General Education Movement." The following general education programs of six colleges are described:…