Administering Liberal-General Education for All Students.
At almost every university a series of liberal arts and science requirements, basic courses, or general studies is expected of the student. Writings and speeches on higher education reflect a persistent faith in liberal-general objectives as vital to a civilized society, a democratic way of life, and a humane existence. The aims are incontestable; no one wants a graduate to be without a liberal mind and a general background. Beyond mere catalog statements, the discussion about education that liberates is unimpressive. With some exceptions, the support is relatively feeble; the liberal arts and general studies as core emphases are becoming watered down, if not adulterated. Administering the courses and electives, coordinating the needs of all students, and respecting the desires of faculty members become almost impossible, especially when attention is given to professional and applied areas. The traditional curriculum in arts and sciences or liberal arts and general studies has been forced into vocationalism of a sort. In some disciplines it is being trapped by their own growing relevance to practicality and the payroll. Already in a beginning course it is commonplace for the student to ask more than ever before how it applies to major national issues, how it is useful in everyday life, and how it relates to earning a wage sufficient to buy life's material comforts. A liberal