College: What It Was, Is, and Should Be - Second Edition

The traditional four-year college experience is in danger of becoming a thing of the past due to commercialization, and liberal education is essential to America's democratic promise. Andrew Delbanco offers a defense of a true college education, arguing that it should be available to as many young people as possible. He describes how the idea of college arose in the colonial period, struggled to survive in the nineteenth century, and opened its doors to women, minorities, and students from low-income families. He acknowledges the challenges colleges face but considers what is at stake in protecting them for future generations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 18 April 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press

The commercialization of American higher education has led to a shift in the purpose of college for many students, with a growing emphasis on obtaining a preprofessional credential. This traditional four-year college experience, which allows students to explore their passions, test ideas, and values with the support of teachers and peers, is at risk of becoming a thing of the past. In response to this trend, cultural critic Andrew Delbanco offers a powerful defense of liberal education, arguing that it should be available to as many young people as possible.

Delbanco begins by tracing the history of college, from its origins in the colonial period as a gathering place for Puritan communities to its struggles in the nineteenth century to survive in the shadow of the new research universities. He highlights the unique strengths of American colleges in the modern era, particularly their ability to adapt to the challenges of globalization and their commitment to a broadly humanistic education. While recognizing the growing importance of science, technology, and vocational subjects in the curriculum, Delbanco argues that a liberal education that encompasses the arts, humanities, and social sciences is essential for developing well-rounded individuals and promoting social mobility.

However, Delbanco also acknowledges the serious financial, intellectual, and ethical challenges that colleges face today. He argues that the decline in state funding for higher education, coupled with rising tuition costs and increasing student debt, has created a crisis that threatens the long-term viability of these institutions. Delbanco considers what is at stake in the urgent effort to protect these venerable institutions for future generations, including the importance of maintaining a diverse faculty, promoting academic freedom, and ensuring that college remains accessible to students from all backgrounds.

In conclusion, Delbanco's book offers a compelling defense of liberal education and a call to action to protect and promote these institutions for the benefit of all. While acknowledging the challenges that colleges face, he emphasizes the importance of a broad-based education that prepares students for the challenges of the modern world and promotes social mobility. By working together to address the financial, intellectual, and ethical challenges facing colleges, we can ensure that these institutions continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of our society.

Dimension: 203 x 133 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691246376