Dustin Purnell (yes, that's me) has stated objectives for his education. His university does not have the same objective for his education. This is a problem.
My objectives are, at least in my mind, simple and direct.
1. To learn and study the greatest examples of human history.
Them, their lives, their books, their art, their architecture, what made them great or, in some cases, what made them so magnificently ungreat.
2. To apply these examples in my life as I learn them.
Knowledge for the sake of knowledge is not worth its weight in mud. Knowledge which, when applied, shapes us into something greater than it was yesterday, is beyond price.
The end.
I have begun work on six majors, six degree programs, searching for this. Six different departments, each with a different faculty which had decided on my behalf what I am best served in the classroom. Not one of them has let me dedicate the time needed to these goals. To my joy, I learned not long ago that Henry David Thoreau is probably on my side. According to him, for a student to have a holistic education; to be properly schooled in body mind and soul, requires above all else that the student be sovereign over their education. More on that later.
Thoreau's ideals would allow every student to pursue their ideals. I burn to dig deeply into the ideas, people and books that matter most to me; those Great Men and Women and Great Works which have moved me at the core, built and challenged my faith and character; to ask questions that matter to me, my family, the way I live my life and to the issues which are critical for the world to decide on.
The Great Works and the Great Examples of history are what they are because interacting with them helps us to live, love and think in better ways. I hope every parent hopes, as mine have, that their children will gain such assets from their education. I know many that do.
Right now, this blog is only be Dustin venting. I have strong opinions on the subject, and little know how about how to communicate them well. Here we go anyway. Ready, fire, aim. Over time, the idea is to refine this into a renewal of Renaissance ideals: holistic, comprehensive education for body, mind and soul. To discuss the Great Conversation--the ideas that shape our world and cultures--and how to improve our lives with them, is my objective and my invitation.
Let the games begin.
http://learningoutcomes.byu.edu/ I get the feeling you may not have looked at this particular site ever...
ReplyDeleteAre you talking about "the university's" objectives, or your department's within the university? If it is the university's, "enter to learn, go forth to serve," those are not far off from yours stated above. (Yes, this is the catchphrase in-a-nutshell version: there is of course a more extensive version of the BYU mission statement(s).)
Out of curiosity, what exactly are your chosen major's objectives that are apparently so at odds with your own? [Each department at BYU is required to have stated learning outcomes that they would like each student graduating from their program to have achieved competency in, as does each individual class.] If you read these stated objectives before entering the program, how can you complain when they are not those that you wish them to be? & If they are indeed so different from your personal goals, then why did you choose that/those particular major(s)?