Core Texts and Courses
This year General Education is trying to bring together a collection of readings for the three schools of City Tech. Faculty have been asked to submit great works that might be incorporated into their courses for the spring term 2005. The basic idea is to select a set of core works that have relevance for Technology and Design, Liberal Arts & Sciences and Professional Studies. Here is an instance where the Liberal Arts and Sciences/Humanities can play an informative and enriching role by entering into the specific practices and discussions of the professions and technologies. Here, faculty are engaged in teaching their own specializations as well as general education. We use the word “core” rather than “classics” or ”canonical” to suggest that works are not limited to the Ancient Near East, Greece and Rome; “texts” rather than readings to suggest that works are not confined to the written word but may include art forms of any genre. “Core Texts” is to be broadly construed, what we take to be a great work. What is important is that the works we select are works we ourselves find great and would reread or read for the first time, works perhaps we have not had the time for because we are too busy with work.
The integrative link between a work in the Humanities with a specific discipline can be known beforehand but need not be a condition for integration. Connectedness—implicit or explicit—can be found along the way. At this point, the link may not be clearly formulated, only a sense that there might be something there worth pursuing. Works are then seen as discovery rather than prediction. Either will do. Interest and commitment to the work is what matters.
Objectives
- be familiar with a wide range of readings from core texts dealing with issues that have contemporary significance
- develop the ability to analyze these texts and make connections among them, classroom work and personal experience
- see core texts as a way of understanding and appreciating diverse views from other cultures
- develop critical thinking skills that are commensurate with upper level students
- hone writing skills by writing critically and reflectively on the readings and classroom work
- develop the ability to speak publicaly by participating in discussions and by leading a class discussion
- make connections between various major fields of study and the readings
