General Education as an Alternative to Liberal Education: Some Dissenting Views

Authors

M. Neil Browne, Bowling Green State University
Lisa Licata, Bowling Green State University

Abstract

At a time in the development of higher education when colleges and universities are competing for students by appealing almost solely to student requests for job-related training, a discussion of alternative approaches to pre-professional training may appear anachronistic. However, this ascendent vocationalism has actually contributed to an expanding dialogue on the meaning of general education. Those of us disburbed by the deemphasis of general education on most campuses have become increasingly self-conscious about the content and quality of our general education offerings. If we are going to maintain a flourishing general education component in higher education, we must present a convincing case that it is at least as valuable as accounting or computer science in satisfying personal objectives. Students and legislatures are no longer willing to provide support for general education simply because a coterie of professional educators voice persistent praise of its merits. These merits must now be made explicit and be defended on clear grounds of practicality. Vague statements about the purpose and form of general education contribute ammunition to those who would prefer to see general education confined to educational museums.

Recommended Citation

Browne, M. Neil and Licata, Lisa (1976) "General Education as an Alternative to Liberal Education: Some Dissenting Views," Perspectives (1969-1979): Vol. 7: No. 3, Article 5.
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/perspectives/vol7/iss3/5