In Educating For Democracy by Anne Colby and others, the authors bring about the idea that today’s students need to be more educated in the field of politics as well as more focused on a specific area of study, all in order to become more effective, contributing citizens. On the other hand, in John Henry Newman’s two articles on liberal education, he argues that it is important for students to be well rounded in their education in order to be successful. While these two views may be different, they are both calling for students to use their education in order to become useful, contributing members of society.
Colby’s article states “institutions of higher education have critical roles to play in helping to ensure the vitality and evolution of our culture and democratic system,” (Colby 2). Newman would agree with this claim in that his argument also calls for the advancement of our society through higher education. However, his argument claims that the way to do this is through liberal education and becoming a well-rounded student by studying multiple subjects. Colby claims this should be achieved through students focusing on a smaller area of study so that they can become proficient in it and use that proficiency to become a useful citizen.
Similarities
-Colby and Newman both agree on the importance of advancing society
-Both believe the way to achieve this advancement is through higher education
Differences
-Newman stresses well-rounded students and liberal education
-Colby stresses specialization and focus
- Colby calls for “creative analysis, application of knowledge to new contexts, and other hallmarks of deep learning.”
Carly,
ReplyDeleteI think that this is a great start. You have a lot of useful information about the two pieces that can help write a strong paper.
If you wanted, I believe that you could even add in points from Freeland's article, "The Practical Path, Too, Can Be High-Minded". There are many opinions he shares that can contribute to your argument along with Newman's and Colby's papers.
"The best and highest form of education is the liberal arts and sciences in the form they have traditionally been offered..."
"We should move beyond the shopworn opposition of liberal and professional education and seek ways to nurture in our students both the impulse to grow intellectually and the desire to prepare for the practical and material challenges of adulthood."
"Our goal must always be to empower students to lead the fullest and most rewarding lives they can. The high value we claim for liberal education derives directly from these fundamental purposes: that we free the mind from bias, that we cultivate rigorous thought, that we teach not only tolerance of difference but appreciation of diversity, and that we give our students the tools they need for a lifetime of intellectual adventure and social contribution."
This is obviously just a suggestion. What you have in this particular blog, like I said, will help you write a great paper!
-Natalie