Subject
Universities and colleges -- United States Books
Best books
Upton Sinclair
The Goose-step: A Study of American Education
"The Goose-step: A Study of American Education" by Upton Sinclair is a muckraking investigation published in 1923. Sinclair argues that American universities serve plutocratic interests rather than public welfare, controlled through interlocking directorates of bankers and businessmen on boards of trustees. Drawing from interviews with over a thousand people, he exposes how academic freedom is suppressed and faculty members are punished for political dissent. The book reveals a system where education trains students to uphold capitalist power rather than pursue truth.
Paul Klapper
College Teaching Studies in Methods of Teaching in the College
"College Teaching" by Paul Klapper is a scholarly publication written in the early 20th century. This work discusses the methods and issues surrounding teaching in higher education, particularly focusing on the challenges and potential improvements necessary for effective college pedagogy. It is aimed at educators in the college sector who are seeking to enhance their teaching methods and address pedagogical gaps in the field. The opening of "College Teaching" sets the stage by highlighting a significant deficiency in the literature concerning college education compared to the well-developed literature on elementary and secondary education. Klapper emphasizes the importance of quality teaching as a vital part of the educational process, expressing a hope to ignite scholarly interest in college pedagogy. He acknowledges the historical reliance on clergymen and bookish graduates for teaching positions and calls for a more structured approach to teacher training, suggesting that current pedagogical practices often lack the necessary foundation and methodical insight, which can lead to a disconnect between teaching and student learning experiences. This preface establishes a critical view of higher education pedagogy that should resonate with educators looking to improve their instructional techniques and the overall effectiveness of college education.
John Marshall Barker
Colleges in America
"Colleges in America" by John Marshall Barker is an educational account written in the late 19th century. This work provides an overview of the growth, functions, and significance of American colleges, detailing their historical context and evolution from early institutions. The author draws on firsthand observations and a variety of scholarly sources to explore how these colleges reflect the values of a Christian education and contribute to the moral and intellectual development of society. The opening of the book sets the stage by outlining the historical roots of higher education, tracing it back to ancient times and discussing its evolution through European universities. Barker emphasizes the critical role that Christianity played in shaping educational practices, particularly during the establishment of early American colleges such as Harvard, Yale, and William & Mary. The author paints a picture of colonists who sought to create institutions that would promote not only academic knowledge but also moral integrity and civic responsibility, framing the establishment of colleges as a response to the need for educated leaders in a new nation.
Horace Meyer Kallen
College prolongs infancy
"College Prolongs Infancy" by Horace M. Kallen is a critical essay written in the early 20th century, specifically in the early 1930s. The book evaluates the educational system, particularly focusing on how colleges and universities contribute to a prolonged period of immaturity in students rather than preparing them for adulthood. Kallen argues that the ideals and practices of higher education are largely irrelevant to the real-life challenges faced by graduates, perpetuating a sense of dependency and childishness instead of fostering maturity and responsibility. In the book, Kallen presents a thorough critique of the higher education system, illustrating how its structure and curriculum are disconnected from the realities of adult life. He highlights that students often emerge from this system ill-equipped for real-world responsibilities, having excelled in subjects that lack practical application. Kallen discusses the societal implications of this failure, emphasizing that the prolonged youthful state enforced by colleges delays individuals' entry into adulthood, with practical skills often overshadowed by theoretical knowledge. He decries this state of affairs as detrimental not only to the students but to society at large, arguing for a reformation of educational practices that better align with the requirements of both personal development and societal engagement.
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