750 Word Draft

The goals I have for my future in education vary, I want to learn in all fields of study from STEM to English, but the one constant is my desire to learn and be knowledgeable about the world and people around me in a way that puts what I know into perspective. I hope to find a specific field of study that will not only teach me technical skills but also tools and techniques that will help me succeed in life after college regardless of the career I choose. Through readings and in-class discussions, I have learned that an enriched major accomplishes those desires I have for my future field of study. The term enriched major is introduced by writer Ernest Boyer, he explains what he means by it as follows, “By an enriched major we mean encouraging students not only to explore a field in depth, but also to help them put their field of study in perspective.” After learning what an enriched major is, and having an idea of what I want to study, I have chosen to research the Environmental Studies major at UNE. After researching the major and interviewing a faculty member, I have found that the Environmental Studies major at UNE is an enriched major. 

The Environmental Studies major puts a great emphasis on discussing and learning about sustainability and human connections to nature. In the Environmental Studies mission statement it says “The curriculum stresses sound interdisciplinary understanding of natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities disciplines in order to explore past, present, and potential ways of living on the earth.” This curriculum is necessary when determining if the major is enriched. From the mission statement, we learn that the major does not focus on one specific aspect or field of study, rather opening it up to natural and social sciences, along with the humanities. This ability to look at the major through multiple perspectives is vital to being an enriched major. Boyer says in his writing, “If a major is so narrow and technical that it cannot be discussed in terms of its historical and social implications of the work in the proposed field of study cannot be a broadening experience, then the department is offering more technical training that belongs in a trade school, not on a college campus.” The environmental studies major at UNE not only supplies but relies upon its work in multiple disciplines and perspectives. It is clear the Environmental Studies major is commited to being an enriched major and that the people within it are passionate about the environment and how humans can learn to protect and conserve it.

(Introduce Interview)

In his essay “Critical Thinking and the Liberal Arts,” Jeffrey Scheuer warns of the threats facing liberal arts colleges. As he says “Liberal arts colleges seem an endangered species as curricula shift toward science, technology, engineering, and math–the STEM disciplines” Students are wanting to find a major of study that will train them to do a specific task and allow them to start their first and final career right out of college. The want for a broad education that prepares you for a multitude of possibilities after graduation seems to be fading from the minds of college students. Ernerst Boyer notices this as well in “The Enriched Major,” he says “We found that in many fields, skills have become ends. Scholars are busy sorting, counting, and decoding. We are turning out technicians.” Where Boyer veers away from the ideas of Scheuer is when he continues by saying “But the crisis of our time relates not to technical competence, but to a loss of social and historical perspective, to the disastrous divorce of competence from conscience.” Boyer disagrees with Scheuer that the main problem with the decline in the study of the liberal arts is the emergence of the STEM fields. He recognizes that the STEM fields have become more popular, but instead blames the societal loss of perspective and understanding. He is upset with the lack of social, historical, and ethical perspective in our society, not with the uprising of STEM majors and students. With these issues and threats to the liberal arts in mind, it is even more important and impactful to learn that the Environmental Studies major at UNE is an enriched major and values social, historical, and ethical perspectives along with many others. In the section of the Environmental Studies webpage titled “Philosophy” it says “The Environmental Studies Programs prepare students to become informed citizens, competent professionals, and lifelong learners.” This commitment to learning and being an engaged citizen and worker is exactly what is required from a liberal arts education and an enriched major.

1000 Word Draft

The goals I have for my future in education vary, I want to learn in all fields of study from STEM to English, but the one constant is my desire to learn and be knowledgeable about the world and people around me in a way that puts what I know into perspective. I hope to find a specific field of study that will not only teach me technical skills but also tools and techniques that will help me succeed in life after college regardless of the career I choose. Through readings and in-class discussions, I have learned that an enriched major accomplishes those desires I have for my future field of study. The term enriched major is introduced by writer Ernest Boyer, he explains what he means by it as follows, “By an enriched major we mean encouraging students not only to explore a field in-depth, but also to help them put their field of study in perspective.” After learning what an enriched major is, and having an idea of what I want to study, I have chosen to research the Environmental Studies major at UNE. After researching the major and interviewing a faculty member, I have found that the Environmental Studies major at UNE is an enriched major. 

The Environmental Studies major puts a great emphasis on discussing and learning about sustainability and human connections to nature. In the Environmental Studies mission statement, it says “The curriculum stresses sound interdisciplinary understanding of natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities disciplines in order to explore past, present, and potential ways of living on the earth.” This curriculum is necessary when determining if the major is enriched. From the mission statement, we learn that the major does not focus on one specific aspect or field of study, rather opening it up to natural and social sciences, along with the humanities. This ability to look at the major through multiple perspectives is vital to being an enriched major. Boyer says in his writing, “If a major is so narrow and technical that it cannot be discussed in terms of its historical and social implications of the work in the proposed field of study cannot be a broadening experience, then the department is offering more technical training that belongs in a trade school, not on a college campus.” The environmental studies major at UNE not only supplies but relies upon its work in multiple disciplines and perspectives. It is clear the Environmental Studies major is committed to being an enriched major and that the people within it are passionate about the environment and how humans can learn to protect and conserve it.

(Introduce Interview)

In his essay “Critical Thinking and the Liberal Arts,” Jeffrey Scheuer warns of the threats facing liberal arts colleges. As he says “Liberal arts colleges seem an endangered species as curricula shift toward science, technology, engineering, and math–the STEM disciplines” Students are wanting to find a major of study that will train them to do a specific task and allow them to start their first and final career right out of college. The want for a broad education that prepares you for a multitude of possibilities after graduation seems to be fading from the minds of college students. Ernest Boyer notices this as well in “The Enriched Major,” he says “We found that in many fields, skills have become ends. Scholars are busy sorting, counting, and decoding. We are turning out technicians.” Where Boyer veers away from the ideas of Scheuer is when he continues by saying “But the crisis of our time relates not to technical competence, but to a loss of social and historical perspective, to the disastrous divorce of competence from conscience.” Boyer disagrees with Scheuer that the main problem with the decline in the study of the liberal arts is the emergence of the STEM fields. He recognizes that the STEM fields have become more popular, but instead blames the societal loss of perspective and understanding. He is upset with the lack of social, historical, and ethical perspective in our society, not with the uprising of STEM majors and students. With these issues and threats to the liberal arts in mind, it is even more important and impactful to learn that the Environmental Studies major at UNE is an enriched major and values social, historical, and ethical perspectives along with many others. In the section of the Environmental Studies webpage titled “Philosophy,” it says “The Environmental Studies Programs prepare students to become informed citizens, competent professionals, and lifelong learners.” This commitment to learning and being an engaged citizen and worker is exactly what is required from a liberal arts education and an enriched major. It is important to find a major that will prepare you to become a valuable citizen to your community. If you want to have an impact on your way of life and how your community operates it will help you greatly to be prepared through an enriched major. 

There is a lot of confusion and misunderstanding about what the liberal arts are, and how they provide the foundation for an enriched major. In his article “7 Major Misperceptions About the Liberal Arts,” Sanford Ungar explains that the idea of college graduates with a liberal arts education have a harder time finding a good job. Ungar reports, “A 2009 survey for the Association of American Colleges and Universities actually found that more than three-quarters of our nation’s employers recommend that college-bound students pursue a “liberal education.” An astounding 89 percent said they were looking for more emphasis on ‘the ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing,’ and almost as many urged the development of better ‘critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills.’” Ungar proves here that employers value students who enroll and graduate in an enriched major greatly. During my interview with Dr. Klak, I learned that the Environmental Studies major at UNE helps students with the exact skills that Ungar reported employers were looking for.

1200 Word Draft

The goals I have for my future in education vary, I want to learn in all fields of study from STEM to English, but the one constant is my desire to learn and be knowledgeable about the world and people around me in a way that puts what I know into perspective. I hope to find a specific field of study that will not only teach me technical skills but also tools and techniques that will help me succeed in life after college regardless of the career I choose. Through readings and in-class discussions, I have learned that an enriched major accomplishes those desires I have for my future field of study. The term enriched major is introduced by writer Ernest Boyer, he explains what he means by it as follows, “By an enriched major we mean encouraging students not only to explore a field in-depth, but also to help them put their field of study in perspective.” After learning what an enriched major is, and having an idea of what I want to study, I have chosen to research the Environmental Studies major at UNE. After researching the major and interviewing a faculty member, I have found that the Environmental Studies major at UNE is an enriched major. 

The Environmental Studies major puts a great emphasis on discussing and learning about sustainability and human connections to nature. In the Environmental Studies mission statement, it says “The curriculum stresses sound interdisciplinary understanding of natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities disciplines in order to explore past, present, and potential ways of living on the earth.” This curriculum is necessary when determining if the major is enriched. From the mission statement, we learn that the major does not focus on one specific aspect or field of study, rather opening it up to natural and social sciences, along with the humanities. This ability to look at the major through multiple perspectives is vital to being an enriched major. Boyer says in his writing, “If a major is so narrow and technical that it cannot be discussed in terms of its historical and social implications of the work in the proposed field of study cannot be a broadening experience, then the department is offering more technical training that belongs in a trade school, not on a college campus.” The environmental studies major at UNE not only supplies but relies upon its work in multiple disciplines and perspectives. It is clear the Environmental Studies major is committed to being an enriched major and that the people within it are passionate about the environment and how humans can learn to protect and conserve it.

With the intent of furthering my knowledge and understanding of the Environmental Studies major at UNE, I scheduled and had an interview with a professor of mine, Professor Thomas Klak, a professor in the School of Marine and Environmental Programs at UNE. During the interview, Professor Klak shed some light on what it would be like to work and study within the major, and how the major prepares students for the future and life after school. When asked about what the relationship between students and faculty is like in the major, Professor Klak responded by saying “In this department, there is a lot of shoulder to shoulder work with professors and other students.” He emphasized that working with others and being able to communicate is critical. Later, Professor Klak said, “Communication is really strongly emphasized in these programs.” Professor Klak proves that the Environmental Studies major is enriched because of how it prepares students for the real world and teaches them liberal arts skills as well as technical skills specific to the field of study. When talking about the impacts of a liberal arts education, Professor Klak said “A really important part of education is to be engaged.” Professor Klak understands the importance of being engaged and a participant, he believes that being engaged in class will help to prepare students to be engaged with life outside of the classroom. 

In his essay “Critical Thinking and the Liberal Arts,” Jeffrey Scheuer warns of the threats facing liberal arts colleges. As he says “Liberal arts colleges seem an endangered species as curricula shift toward science, technology, engineering, and math–the STEM disciplines” Students are wanting to find a major of study that will train them to do a specific task and allow them to start their first and final career right out of college. The want for a broad education that prepares you for a multitude of possibilities after graduation seems to be fading from the minds of college students. Ernest Boyer notices this as well in “The Enriched Major,” he says “We found that in many fields, skills have become ends. Scholars are busy sorting, counting, and decoding. We are turning out technicians.” Where Boyer veers away from the ideas of Scheuer is when he continues by saying “But the crisis of our time relates not to technical competence, but to a loss of social and historical perspective, to the disastrous divorce of competence from conscience.” Boyer disagrees with Scheuer that the main problem with the decline in the study of the liberal arts is the emergence of the STEM fields. He recognizes that the STEM fields have become more popular, but instead blames the societal loss of perspective and understanding. He is upset with the lack of social, historical, and ethical perspective in our society, not with the uprising of STEM majors and students. With these issues and threats to the liberal arts in mind, it is even more important and impactful to learn that the Environmental Studies major at UNE is an enriched major and values social, historical, and ethical perspectives along with many others. In the section of the Environmental Studies webpage titled “Philosophy,” it says “The Environmental Studies Programs prepare students to become informed citizens, competent professionals, and lifelong learners.” This commitment to learning and being an engaged citizen and worker is exactly what is required from a liberal arts education and an enriched major. It is important to find a major that will prepare you to become a valuable citizen to your community. If you want to have an impact on your way of life and how your community operates it will help you greatly to be prepared through an enriched major. 

There is a lot of confusion and misunderstanding about what the liberal arts are, and how they provide the foundation for an enriched major. In his article “7 Major Misperceptions About the Liberal Arts,” Sanford Ungar explains that the idea of college graduates with a liberal arts education have a harder time finding a good job. Ungar reports, “A 2009 survey for the Association of American Colleges and Universities actually found that more than three-quarters of our nation’s employers recommend that college-bound students pursue a “liberal education.” An astounding 89 percent said they were looking for more emphasis on ‘the ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing,’ and almost as many urged the development of better ‘critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills.’” Ungar proves here that employers value students who enroll and graduate in an enriched major greatly. During my interview with Dr. Klak, I learned that the Environmental Studies major at UNE helps students with the exact skills that Ungar reported employers were looking for.

Peer Review

Final Draft

The goals I have for my future in education vary, I want to learn in all fields of study from STEM to English, but the one constant is my desire to learn and be knowledgeable about the world and people around me in a way that puts what I know into perspective. I hope to find a specific field of study that will not only teach me technical skills but also tools and techniques that will help me succeed in life after college regardless of the career I choose. Through readings and in-class discussions, I have learned that an enriched major accomplishes those desires I have for my future field of study. The term enriched major is introduced by writer Ernest Boyer, he explains what he means by it as follows, “By an enriched major we mean encouraging students not only to explore a field in-depth, but also to help them put their field of study in perspective.” After learning what an enriched major is, and having an idea of what I want to study, I have chosen to research the Environmental Studies major at UNE. After researching the major and interviewing a faculty member, I have found that the Environmental Studies major at UNE is an enriched major. 

The Environmental Studies major puts a great emphasis on discussing and learning about sustainability and human connections to nature. In the Environmental Studies mission statement, it says “The curriculum stresses sound interdisciplinary understanding of natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities disciplines in order to explore past, present, and potential ways of living on the earth.” This curriculum is necessary when determining if the major is enriched. From the mission statement, we learn that the major does not focus on one specific aspect or field of study, rather opening it up to natural and social sciences, along with the humanities. This ability to look at the major through multiple perspectives is vital to being an enriched major. Boyer says in his writing, “If a major is so narrow and technical that it cannot be discussed in terms of its historical and social implications of the work in the proposed field of study cannot be a broadening experience, then the department is offering more technical training that belongs in a trade school, not on a college campus.” The environmental studies major at UNE not only supplies but relies upon its work in multiple disciplines and perspectives. It is clear the Environmental Studies major is committed to being an enriched major and that the people within it are passionate about the environment and how humans can learn to protect and conserve it.

With the intent of furthering my knowledge and understanding of the Environmental Studies major at UNE, I scheduled and had an interview with a professor of mine, Professor Thomas Klak, a professor in the School of Marine and Environmental Programs at UNE. During the interview, Professor Klak shed some light on what it would be like to work and study within the major, and how the major prepares students for the future and life after school. When asked about what the relationship between students and faculty is like in the major, Professor Klak responded by saying “In this department, there is a lot of shoulder to shoulder work with professors and other students.” He emphasized that working with others and being able to communicate is critical. Later, Professor Klak said, “Communication is really strongly emphasized in these programs.” Professor Klak proves that the Environmental Studies major is enriched because of how it prepares students for the real world and teaches them liberal arts skills as well as technical skills specific to the field of study. When talking about the impacts of a liberal arts education, Professor Klak said “A really important part of education is to be engaged.” Professor Klak understands the importance of being engaged and a participant, he believes that being engaged in class will help to prepare students to be engaged with life outside of the classroom. 

In his essay “Critical Thinking and the Liberal Arts,” Jeffrey Scheuer warns of the threats facing liberal arts colleges. As he says “Liberal arts colleges seem an endangered species as curricula shift toward science, technology, engineering, and math–the STEM disciplines” Students are wanting to find a major of study that will train them to do a specific task and allow them to start their first and final career right out of college. The want for a broad education that prepares you for a multitude of possibilities after graduation seems to be fading from the minds of college students. Ernest Boyer notices this as well in “The Enriched Major,” he says “We found that in many fields, skills have become ends. Scholars are busy sorting, counting, and decoding. We are turning out technicians.” Where Boyer veers away from the ideas of Scheuer is when he continues by saying “But the crisis of our time relates not to technical competence, but to a loss of social and historical perspective, to the disastrous divorce of competence from conscience.” Boyer disagrees with Scheuer that the main problem with the decline in the study of the liberal arts is the emergence of the STEM fields. He recognizes that the STEM fields have become more popular, but instead blames the societal loss of perspective and understanding. He is upset with the lack of social, historical, and ethical perspective in our society, not with the uprising of STEM majors and students. With these issues and threats to the liberal arts in mind, it is even more important and impactful to learn that the Environmental Studies major at UNE is an enriched major and values social, historical, and ethical perspectives along with many others. In the section of the Environmental Studies webpage titled “Philosophy,” it says “The Environmental Studies Programs prepare students to become informed citizens, competent professionals, and lifelong learners.” This commitment to learning and being an engaged citizen and worker is exactly what is required from a liberal arts education and an enriched major. It is important to me to find a major that will prepare me to become a valuable citizen in my community. If I want to have an impact on my way of life and how my community operates it will help me greatly to be prepared through an enriched major.

There is a lot of confusion and misunderstanding about what the liberal arts are, and how they provide the foundation for an enriched major. In his article “7 Major Misperceptions About the Liberal Arts,” Sanford Ungar explains that the idea of college graduates with a liberal arts education have a harder time finding a good job. Ungar reports, “A 2009 survey for the Association of American Colleges and Universities actually found that more than three-quarters of our nation’s employers recommend that college-bound students pursue a “liberal education.” An astounding 89 percent said they were looking for more emphasis on ‘the ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing,’ and almost as many urged the development of better ‘critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills.’” Ungar proves here that employers value students who enroll and graduate in an enriched major greatly. During my interview with Dr. Klak, I learned that the Environmental Studies major at UNE helps students with the exact skills that Ungar reported employers were looking for.  Communication and critical thinking skills are increasingly more valuable, and the Environmental Studies major at UNE will provide me with both. When I eventually decide on a major at UNE, whether it is the Environmental Studies major or not, the major must be an enriched major. This means that I will have to do the work necessary to determine if a major is enriched or not based on my understanding of the term. An enriched major is important to me because it will provide me with the information and resources necessary to not only be successful in my future career but also as a citizen of the world and a member of society. I am hopeful that I can make a difference in the world and impact the people around me in a positive way, the first step I need to take to achieve this goal is choosing to study an enriched major here at the University of New England.