Another summer come and gone

[davedove]

You have to remember that when these requirements were first formulated, for the most part the only people attending universities were those who already had their futures assured. That is, the children of the wealthy. They didn't have to learn a trade; they were going to take over for dear old Dad.

As such, what they were taught were not skills to survive or make their way in the world. Instead they were taught things like literature, art, philosophy, etc. That way they could participate in the conversation sof the gentry, who weren't concerned with the affairs of "lesser folk."

Now, of course, people from all walks of life can attend and most of them are pursuing a career. Yet, because of tradition, a lot of the old requirements remain. Sure, they may have been adjusted over the years, but you still have the requirements, in the interest of producing well-rounded individuals.

There is some value in learning things outside your field. There are some very highly educated people out there who are brilliant in their field, but are clueless about other things.

[macwilkin]

<removes mod bonnet>

I started to reply to this thread once, but then stopped.

All I'll say is this: Makeitstop, if you're such the expert in matters pedagogical, put your money where your mouth is: Let's see you teach and put up with the rampant academic bureaucracy in the system today.

It's one thing to be an armchair quarterback, it's another thing to practice what you preach. If you can do better, then quit grousing on an Internet forum and get in the classroom.

I am very passionate about my teaching sir -- I realize that most of my students will not go on to be historians, but at the end of the day, I can say that I at least tried to show them that a knowledge of history is valuable in today's world, as well as knowledge in general. I bring a love of history and the blood, sweat and tears I spent not only on my MA, but also working for the NPS interpreting an Civil War Battle.

Todd

[macwilkin]

and a PS:

I have nothing against the History Channel, but it's not the be-all-end-all. My teaching style is that of a storyteller; Good history is a well-told story.

Todd

[Sheep In Wolf's Clothing]

<removes mod bonnet>

I started to reply to this thread once, but then stopped.

All I'll say is this: Makeitstop, if you're such the expert in matters pedagogical, put your money where your mouth is: Let's see you teach and put up with the rampant academic bureaucracy in the system today.

It's one thing to be an armchair quarterback, it's another thing to practice what you preach. If you can do better, then quit grousing on an Internet forum and get in the classroom.

I am very passionate about my teaching sir -- I realize that most of my students will not go on to be historians, but at the end of the day, I can say that I at least tried to show them that a knowledge of history is valuable in today's world, as well as knowledge in general. I bring a love of history and the blood, sweat and tears I spent not only on my MA, but also working for the NPS interpreting an Civil War Battle.

Todd

Thanks for being a caring history teacher..there are very few good ones out there!!
To all students, good luck and enjoy these times...the real world sucks!! (we just have to do those things that make it more bearable)
Sara