College: What It Was, Is, and Should Be

Delbanco, Andrew. College: What It Was, Is, and Should Be. 2023. 280p. ISBN 9780691246376.

Over the last decades, the traditional four-year college experience, characterized by exploration and intellectual growth, has been eroded by the increasing emphasis on pre-professional training, threatening the very essence of the meaning of liberal arts education. Our understanding of what a liberal arts education is an environment which fosters critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and a broader understanding of the world. This transition to more technical and professional training originates with the push towards more STEM and STEAM education, and a shift towards emphasizing technical skills.

College: What It Was, Is, and Should Be traces the historical evolution of the American college, highlighting its origins in Puritan thought and its gradual expansion to include women, minorities, and students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. It argues for the enduring value of a humanistic education in an increasingly globalized world, acknowledging the importance of STEM fields while advocating for a balanced curriculum that cultivates well-rounded individuals. The challenges that face higher education today, such as financial, intellectual, and ethical issues are important, but ultimately, preserving the ideals of a liberal arts education remains crucial for the continued success of American democracy.