After our class discussions and readings, I’ve been thinking recently about the bridges that have and haven’t been crossed by the science and humanities communities. Each community is so focused on their own issues – Nobel Prizes, vaccines, dissecting poems, and watching dance performances – that it’s very difficult for them to work together. There’s an obvious connection between math and music, English and science, and business presentations and theatre. Even though these connections seem obvious, many people are not willing to see the connections and make these connections work out for themselves (and in reaction to Fish’s blogs) or students.
These two cultures are evident to anyone involved in either. And not just in the university setting but also in high schools across the country where funding for the arts are trickling into football teams and too many computers. Anyone can easily see that the two cultures – humanities and sciences – are always in a constant battle with each other. This battle doesn’t help either group as no one gets the chance to learn from anyone. Yes – many people associate with being “left brained” and “right brained”, and granted, these brain associations do help define us as people – but we are able to cross these brain types. We, as humans, are able to think for ourselves. And we should be able to cross bridges. As college students, we are required to take General Education courses that cover both the humanities and sciences. These courses assist many students in seeing both cultures. However, is that enough?
Is having to take a course on technical theatre useful to a biology major? And on the flip side, is a biology course needed for someone studying English? The simple answer – is yes. These courses allow us to leave our university as more well-rounded individuals. But being well rounded isn’t the same as crossing the bridge between our cultures. These Gen. Eds. Cross bridges in a university community and, if taught properly, can inspire students to cross bridges in the “real world”. A place that could use more crossing and less burning.
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5 comments:
Agreed. Gen Eds do help to widen a student's perspective and hopefully allow them to realize that colleges and universities offer a lot in terms of majors and concentrations. I know we have been discussing Fish, and Snow, and Menand and so on, who all describe in some way or another the gap between the sciences and the humanities, but once outside of academia do we have that much of a divide? I don't know, but I hope once I graduate and find a job that I'm not constantly batteling a scientist or humanist.
Back to gen eds., I transferred to Mason last semester and compared to the last school I attended I think Mason offers some really interesting and diverse courses for students to take that will fulfill gen eds. It's great!
I do agree with the Gen eds, but what i don't like is how i am an english major, and I am waiting until the fall to declare my minor in elementary Education, and i have to take bio 104, and then another set of Bio. I understand that for teaching i need to know all subjects fine, but for me to have to take two bios, to learn more about how the bodies of animals, and chemicals work? I do like learning about it, but when i really think about it or get a bad grade, i get mad because I'm focusing more on my other subjects then the one I'm majoring in because i need help with the others.
Well said Ryan! I have often wondered why as a Communication major I have to take two separate science classes. It makes sense though, to make a person well-rounded and perhaps open to the possibilities of enjoying more than one subject thoroughly. I do not think I'd consider someone "educated" if all they undrestood was one subject. I think it would be beneficial to create another general education course that requires a teaching of HOW that bridge can be crossed in various ways. Perhaps with some guidance it may come more naturally.
I also agree that General requirements are a necessary tool in closing the gap between the humanities and the sciences...but is that enough? Personally I believe that both subjects are intimadated by the other. There needs to be better communication between the fields. A way in which this could occur would be to make science majors take certain classes that are geared toward writing scientific texts, but in a more approachable fashion. The same could be said for the esoteric language that many Humanities fields lean upon. Basically the "two cultures" need to steep themselves in the other to better understand the motives behind each. I feel that this would lead to better understanding and respect.
Wow this post really made me think about all of the times I have whined about having to take a "pointless" math or science class when I'm a communication major. I have always believed that some people are naturally strong in math and science, while others are naturally drawn to the humanities (aka the left-brain, right-brain theory mentioned). Although I do not nessarily enjoy taking a few of the required gen ed classes I think it's really good that Mason makes them a requirement. Some students may be surprised at what random class they become interested in because they were "forced" to take it. I would've never taken an art history class if I didn't have to fulfill a fine arts gen ed but after taking that class I became so interested in the topic.
The whole concept of having required gen eds is a good choice in my opinion because it not only "build bridges" but it also builds character and self-awareness. The opportunity for students to explore an array of subjects allows them to find a new interest or rule out a certain degree of study. By have a well-rounded education it in turns produces a well-rounded person who is more prepared for the working world because they have a good head on their shoulder full of knowledge and perspective.
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