Greatness of a University. The Second Earl V. Pullias Lecture in Higher and Postsecondary Education.

Overview & Synopsis

The benefits and broad perspectives that can result from higher education and the tension that exists between vocational and liberal education are addressed. It is suggested that this tension is powerfully related both to the content and the quality of higher education. The importance of introducing students to those themes of life that are universal and enduring, and to ideas that can give more perspective to students and greater meaning to their work is stressed. Rather than transmitting fragments of information to students, it is desirable to highlight the interlocking threads of human knowledge. The greatness of the university is also measured by the degree to which students develop a profound respect for the diversity of talents and traditions and discover that people are important. It is suggested that in addition to a curriculum that gives perspective to the student, it is important to have an authentic relationship between faculty and students and a recognition that education is a value-laden process. (SW)