ABSTRACT
This chapter highlights some of the public concern expressed about undergraduate education over the past decade, followed by review of the influential critiques conducted by the higher education establishment. In reviewing the 1980s critiques of undergraduate education, we found there to be three interrelated, broad criticisms. The first is that undergraduate education lacks integrity and purpose. The second is that its content, especially the liberal arts “canon,” needs revitalization. The third is that it is too vocational, narrow and fragmented, and needs integration and unity of knowledge. The Carnegie Foundation report challenged those in higher education who have opposed new career-related majors because they are “too novel” or “too new.” Drawing on a broad base of experience and knowledge, both the Carnegie Foundation and the Association of American Colleges reports outlined desired outcomes.
