Over the last several years, HMC has been dealing with the issue of how to balance the technical education with a broader one which will ensure that the student understands "the impact of [his or her] work on society." Additionally, the Humanities and Social Sciences department, along with all other departments, has begun this year an in-depth curriculum review. Although HumSoc requirements are only one aspect---and arguably a small one---of fulfilling this part of the mission statement, the mission should be kept in mind during any reform effort.
Quite independently from all this activity on campus, over the summer of 2002 I wrote a proposal to reform the HumSoc requirements. This proposal stemmed from concerns and frustrations I experienced during my time at Mudd. These concerns include ensuring that students not only understand the impact of their work on society, but also are well-versed in all areas of HumSoc. I discussed these concerns with my HumSoc advisor during my time at Mudd, but at that I didn't have the energy to pursue the matter further. Events in my own life caused me to revisit these issues in the spring of 2002, leading to my proposal.
The student response to this proposal has been generally positive. Please take look at the Alum/Student Response page to see those response for which I've received permission to post. I have also received permission from two faculty members to post there thoughts on the proposal. Their criticisms may be found on Faculty Response page. That page also has a link to my rebuttal to their arguments. I further hope that as more students and faculty write in with their thoughts, I will secure permission to post their responses as well.
Finally, I would like to urge students and alumni, regardless of their thoughts on my proposal, to contact their favourite member of the HumSoc faculty and share their thoughts on the curriculum. Right now the faculty are reshaping the curriculum and is the best time to effect change.
The proposal, last modified 2 Jan 2003, is available in a host of formats: HTML DVI PostScript PDF ASCII Text. The Integrative Experience which is referenced in the proposal is a new requirement, just implemented in the 2001-2 year. More information can be found about it here.
Once you've read it, I'd love to hear your thoughts on it-both positive and negative. With your permission, I would like to post your response on the website as well. For students and alumni, I have created a nifty Alum/Student Feedback Form. Filling out this form, in addition to allowing you to express your views, gives you the option of officially adding yourself to the ranks of supporters. Others are welcome to email me with their thoughts.
1 Nov 2003. I've added Professors Groves' letters as well as my rebuttal to the Faculty Response. I've also changed the latest news section to be in inverse chronological order.
21 Aug 2003. The shiny new Faculty Response is up. With the department starting its curriculum review, hopefully there will be more news from now on.
2 Jan 2003. OK, so I'm totally lame, but it has been a very busy quarter. However, I've finally put together the Alumni Response page. I've also made a correction to the section regarding Hum 2, which I've discovered was somewhat unclear.
12 Sep 2002. Sorry for the delay in getting the "Alumni Comments page up." I've come down with a terrible cold. I hope that this weekend I'll get around to it. On the good news from, today I got an email from President Strauss which state:"I admire the thought that has gone into your HumSoc requirements proposal. I've sent a copy to Sheldon Wettack, our dean of faculty, and will get back to you once we have the opportunity to discuss it." Pretty neat, huh?
4 Sep 2002. Today I sent of the proposal to Chair Groves and President Strauss.
3 Sep 2002. Yesterday the ranks of supporters made it into double digits. Look for the "Alumni Comments" section to be coming soon.
16 Aug 2002. I just put up the web page today, and I haven't even sent off the proposal to the Important People yet. So, not much news.