The Necessity of Unrelated Classes in Educational Foundations: Building a Comprehensive Bachelors Degree
A bachelors degree serves as the cornerstone of a person's journey towards becoming an adult and establishing a foundational knowledge base for their future career. Among the diverse experiences offered, the importance of unrelated classes in the curriculum cannot be overstated. This article explores why colleges often require students to take courses that may seem unrelated to their specific goals.
From Teenagers to Young Adults: The Transformational Process
Undoubtedly, a bachelors degree marks a significant transition. It is a period when individuals grow beyond their teenage years and begin to shape their future paths. This journey is not solely academic; it also involves personal growth and maturation. As someone who majored in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, my educational experience included a robust foundation of both specialized and seemingly unrelated coursework.
Foundational Requirements
As a freshman, I was required to take core classes that seemed tangential to my engineering path, such as Physics and Materials Science. These subjects form the bedrock of my engineering education, teaching me the fundamental principles that underpin my future career. Similarly, the eight humanities or social science courses I was required to complete throughout my undergraduate years played a crucial role in my personal development and understanding of the broader context in which engineering operates.
The Necessity of Humanities and Social Sciences
While an engineering degree is understandably focused on technical skills, understanding history, economics, and politics is essential. Engineering is inextricably linked to economic and political factors, making these subjects indispensable. For instance, understanding the historical development of engineering and the political dynamics that influence the funding and projects are critical for a well-rounded professional. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that graduates are not only skilled but also informed and adaptable.
Broader Education vs. Early Specialization
The US college system emphasizes a broad education rather than early specialization, allowing students to gain a diverse set of skills and knowledge. Unlike the UK universities, where students often choose a specific area of study early on, American colleges provide a more holistic view of various disciplines. This approach has its advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, it allows students to complete their degrees in less time by focusing on specialized coursework. On the other hand, it can lead to the perception that some required courses might not be engaging or relevant.
Challenges in a Broad Curriculum
Despite the benefits of a broad education, many students grapple with the idea of taking courses that seem unrelated to their goals. It is common for students to enroll in classes that they find challenging or uninteresting. However, this diversity in coursework is essential for personal development and career readiness. For instance, Majors who completely ignore courses outside their field of study may miss opportunities for interdisciplinary thinking and holistic development.
US College Requirements: The Core Curriculum
Most US colleges mandate core courses that form a significant portion of a student's academic experience. Some schools, such as Columbia and the University of Chicago, even have a core curriculum that can take up a substantial amount of time. The value of these requirements lies in their ability to provide a well-rounded education and prepare students for a variety of professional and personal challenges.
Independent Study and Alternative Schools
Not all colleges follow the traditional core curriculum approach. Some institutions offer independent study options, where students can tailor their coursework to their specific interests. Examples include Hampshire College, a private liberal arts college founded in 1970. Hampshire College stands out for its alternative curriculum, which emphasizes progressive pedagogy and self-directed academic concentrations. This approach allows students to pursue their passions and interests through unique and creative learning experiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the requirement of unrelated classes in a bachelors degree is a deliberate and strategic design intended to provide a comprehensive education. While some may perceive these courses as unnecessary or uninteresting, they play a vital role in personal and professional development. US colleges have shown great wisdom in determining what is necessary for students to succeed, and many graduates appreciate the value of this broad education. As higher education continues to evolve, the balance between specialized and diverse learning will remain critical for nurturing well-rounded and adaptable professionals.