2008 Woodie Awards
Are General Studies Classes Appropriate For Your Career?
Point: General Studies Waste Our Time.
Anna Semenova
Issue date: 9/30/03 Section: Opinions
- Page 1 of 1
In an ideal world, students have to contribute more time and attention to their major - something they have chosen to pursue a degree in and build a career. Otherwise, academic time and effort should be spread evenly between general, elective and major studies. In Lakeland reality this doesn't happen.
"As a liberal arts college...Lakeland provides students with an education that is broad in scope, comprehensive in spirit, and focused in at least one area of study (Lakeland College Academic 2003-2004 Catalog, p.7)." "Broad and comprehensive"-undoubtedly, "focused" -hardly.
An average Lakeland student has to complete 60 hours of general studies, while required credit hours for majors vary from as few as 32 to as many as 56, with few exceptions.
In other liberal arts schools of the same level students are required to take only 40 to 50 credit hours of general studies. Looking at Lakeland requirements, I think we could change them quite a bit.
First of all, not every one needs two science classes. In my opinion one science class with a lab is enough. As for students who want to improve their analytical skills, all I can say is that's what high school is for. Still, they can take a science class as an elective. For now there is no reasonable balance between sciences and humanities, which needs to be investigated as well. However, students should be required to take more math and foreign language classes. At least they are useful in every major and in daily life.
Secondly, it can be argued that students with undecided majors can choose what they want to do through taking general requirements classes. I think reducing general requirements will give them the opportunity to take more electives, making choices for themselves. What if a student is 100 percent sure of what he or she wants to do in the future?
I am a senior Business Administration major. Upon transferring, I have not met Lakeland graduation requirements. I am taking one more science class now, which added a bit of work, presented in the form of 12 quizzes, two five-page papers, two group presentations, five articles, and a final exam. I spend more time doing homework for that class than for any other! Studying Business Administration for three years and having two years of work experience in the field, I would rather dedicate more time to the classes which actually teach me how to operate in my future work place.
Students have to take more electives for their particular field of study. As future professionals, they must get a wide view of their future profession through taking a set of courses from different departments that would focus on their field.
Personally I can clearly see that the time has come to make some changes. As Lakeland transfers to a three credit system next year, we may only hope that some of the general studies will be eliminated from the academic program.
"As a liberal arts college...Lakeland provides students with an education that is broad in scope, comprehensive in spirit, and focused in at least one area of study (Lakeland College Academic 2003-2004 Catalog, p.7)." "Broad and comprehensive"-undoubtedly, "focused" -hardly.
An average Lakeland student has to complete 60 hours of general studies, while required credit hours for majors vary from as few as 32 to as many as 56, with few exceptions.
In other liberal arts schools of the same level students are required to take only 40 to 50 credit hours of general studies. Looking at Lakeland requirements, I think we could change them quite a bit.
First of all, not every one needs two science classes. In my opinion one science class with a lab is enough. As for students who want to improve their analytical skills, all I can say is that's what high school is for. Still, they can take a science class as an elective. For now there is no reasonable balance between sciences and humanities, which needs to be investigated as well. However, students should be required to take more math and foreign language classes. At least they are useful in every major and in daily life.
Secondly, it can be argued that students with undecided majors can choose what they want to do through taking general requirements classes. I think reducing general requirements will give them the opportunity to take more electives, making choices for themselves. What if a student is 100 percent sure of what he or she wants to do in the future?
I am a senior Business Administration major. Upon transferring, I have not met Lakeland graduation requirements. I am taking one more science class now, which added a bit of work, presented in the form of 12 quizzes, two five-page papers, two group presentations, five articles, and a final exam. I spend more time doing homework for that class than for any other! Studying Business Administration for three years and having two years of work experience in the field, I would rather dedicate more time to the classes which actually teach me how to operate in my future work place.
Students have to take more electives for their particular field of study. As future professionals, they must get a wide view of their future profession through taking a set of courses from different departments that would focus on their field.
Personally I can clearly see that the time has come to make some changes. As Lakeland transfers to a three credit system next year, we may only hope that some of the general studies will be eliminated from the academic program.