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To: Hodar
No, I don't think I would have appreciated poetry the same if I had not been required to analyze some pieces in detail.

Yes, I do think that a Bachelor's degree in anything should require some math and science. As to the specific I don't know. I think I was only required to take a selection of freshman level courses, and one or two sophomore level courses.

I still hold that a smattering of Liberal Arts courses is good for people in technical fields in that it broadens one's exposure and reinforces other avenues of creativity. Plus, there's chicks...

39 posted on 02/29/2012 8:02:31 AM PST by Jack of all Trades (Hold your face to the light, even though for the moment you do not see.)
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To: Jack of all Trades
Plus, there's chicks...

I'll concede that point. As a geek, aside from the dorm parties and bars; this was true.

But, the music I listen to, the plays I've attended, the symphonies I've paid to see - all these I did on my own .... voluntarily.

One way to trim excessive college expenses, is to remove those courses that do not contribute to the course of study. Forcing me to sit through 2 semesters of "Spanish", "German" or "French" will not help me as an engineer - probably because my industry workmates will likely speak English, Chinese, Japanese or Hindi. If we were to remove the non-contributing college courses; I submit that a 4 yr degree would become a 2.5-3 yr degree. That's a 25% cut in college courses, without affecting the educational skills of the graduates. Do you care if your engineering new-hire likes Poetry, Art, History, Womyn's Studies, Child Development, Theater or Music? No. You care that he can do what he was hired to do.

What we learn and take to heart, we do voluntarily. You cannot 'force' someone to be well-rounded; any more than I can 'force' you to be kind, passionate, and self-sacrificing. I can encourage these things, we can agree that they are good things; but these come from within. Forcing you to take these classes does little more than consume your time, rob your money and take away time and effort that could be better spent studying the discipline you wish to puruse as a career.

40 posted on 02/29/2012 8:12:41 AM PST by Hodar ( Who needs laws; when this FEELS so right?)
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