标题: issue 13 新手求教 [打印本页] 作者: wyx2012 时间: 2013-3-2 17:11 标题: issue 13 新手求教 13.Universities should require every student to take a variety of courses outside the student's field of study.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the claim. In developing and supporting your position, be sure to address the most compelling reasons and/or examples that could be used to challenge your position.
Should universities require every student to take a variety of courses outside the student’s field of study, as the speaker asserts? While the speaker might overlook the possible side effects of implementing the policy, I fundamentally agree that a wide range of knowledge is needed for every undergraduate.
Admittedly, subjects are interrelated and each of them is an essential block to construct a whole knowledge system which gives students an insight into their own major and leads to solutions of those problems which cannot be solved by one specific discipline. For example, environment science is an interdiscipline that depend physical, chemical, biological and geographical approach to solve environmental problems. In this case, certain knowledge of these relevant subjects facilitates students to understand the basic principles of the sophisticated technology involved. As a matter of fact, it is impossible for those who only focus on their concerning fields of study to meet the needs of this technologically advanced society.
Besides, liberal studies such as sociology, philosophy, history and anthropology contribute to development of students’ value systems and ethical standards. An aesthetic appreciation of the world can be gained through courses in the fine arts, the performing arts and literature. These courses lead students to better use of their technical knowledge and skills to advance the progress of the society. Without being educated by such courses, one will be less likely to determine which goals in his life are worthwhile and whether the means of achieving those goals are morally acceptable.
Nevertheless, the students’ time and energy is limited in the short university period. A student taking a variety of courses outside his field of study without specific emphasis may probably become a dilettante in all these subjects, which leads to little help to his major. Moreover, the required courses also bring out burdens to students because they must pass the examinations of courses which they may not be good at, even may not be interested in to get credits. Since it is difficult for students to balance the major and the minor, plentiful courses required will be likely to result in less command of their main field of study.
In sum, it is admiring that universities tend to provide students a broader education. However, directions should be given in order to guide students to take proper courses which will benefit for them not only in their future career, but also in their whole life. Otherwise, the variety of courses may be counterproductive, which wastes the most flourishing period of one’s life in vain.