For many students at Fairfield University, the 20 to 22-course core curriculum seems to be little more than a tedious obligation. Many students find it difficult to shake the sentiment that they cannot relate the necessity of the core curriculum to their major course of study. When reading about the changes Fairfield University intends to institute to the core curriculum, I was pleased to hear that the issue is finally being addressed.
The Center for Academic Excellence, directed by Laurence Miners, associate professor of economics, has the opportunity to have a significant impact on future students’ academic experiences here at Fairfield. Could a Fairfield University student one day possibly feel excited to attend his or her core classes? Or might students even see some relevance in their core classes to their major? It is therefore, in my view, the prerogative of Miners to put some life back into the core and to help us see the significance of it.
For example, many students wonder why they must take five religion and philosophy courses. This seems unreasonable to many business majors. And if I may make some suggestions, perhaps a course on tie-tying or etiquette would be welcome. I am sure for many considering a career in corporate America, these skills would prove more valuable than an elementary understanding of Descartes.
I am concerned about why student input has been lacking, or has been at best a minimum. During “syllabus week” in one of my classes, the teacher went around the room and asked the students why we were taking the course.
Over three quarters of the class said they were taking it to fulfill the core requirement and had no other reason to be there. Had it not been part of the core fulfillment, I myself would not have been taking the class. How can students learn or retain information when they have little or no desire to do so?
In Miner’s pursuit to bring substance to the core curriculum, I hope the excuse of a “450-year-old Jesuit tradition” is avoided.
Though some may feel differently, throughout my nearly-40 courses required for graduation, I barely remember a single thing from any of the core. At the end of our days here at Fairfield University, it is not the mundane facts or equations we are obligated to remember that will impact our lives; rather, it will be the debate, discussion and readings that capture our interest and define our persona that will hold bearing in the real world.
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