Should broadening courses be voluntary or compulsory for all students Essay Example
Should broadening courses be voluntary or compulsory for all students Essay Example

Should broadening courses be voluntary or compulsory for all students Essay Example

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  • Pages: 3 (823 words)
  • Published: November 26, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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In this essay, the issue of restricted undergraduate education is tackled, along with the central question of whether it is essential to mandate the inclusion of broadening courses. The focal point of this article is the argument that broadening courses must be compulsory. The purpose and objective of this essay is to rationalize the significance of incorporating broadening courses into the university curriculum.

In the area of territorial education, the focus of this study is to explore the benefits of incorporating broadening courses into university curriculums. It is believed that by doing so, educational horizons can be expanded and the learning aspect can be enhanced. To support this argument, personal experiences, reasoning and evidence are utilized. Ultimately, it is concluded that broadening courses are a valuable addition to degree programs.

The significance of broadening courses in the university curriculum is highlighted in this essay. The au

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thor's findings suggest that making these courses compulsory can better prepare students for future challenges. By addressing the issue of narrowness in the undergraduate curriculum, this approach aligns with the rationale of university education, which aims to cultivate excellence and provide diverse perspectives on various subjects through exposure to ideas such as ethnical, scientific, technological, critical, and creative thinking.

In order to foster students' creativity, learning, and freedom of thought and expression, universities should provide knowledge in various professional fields. To achieve this, diverse general courses, known as broadening courses are offered. These courses encompass several academic fields which are classified into four domains at the University of Hong Kong: Humanities and Social Science Studies, Science and Technology Studies, Culture and Value Studies, and Information Technology Courses. Different subjects from various curricula

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fall under each domain.

The objective of these courses is not limited to imparting knowledge but also includes nurturing critical thinking skills and encouraging the exploration of diverse perspectives. For instance, in Culture, Value and Life, a biology student can acquire comprehension of both the technical facets of life and its moral implications. Without a doubt, including expansionary courses in degree programs is imperative for all students. The subsequent section details the advantages of mandating such courses with substantiating arguments and personal experience.

It is necessary for all students to take broadening courses to expand their knowledge and enhance their horizons. For instance, an art student may have the opportunity to learn about scientific topics like astronomy from qualified instructors, while a science student can choose to study subjects related to art such as literature and philosophy. Some broadening courses are intended to increase awareness of critical thinking and morality, including courses like Critical Thinking and Culture, and Value and Meaning of Life. The former class promotes the development of analytical and critical thinking skills, logical argumentation, and problem-solving abilities. Meanwhile, the latter course provides an introduction to ethics that can be beneficial to students in their personal lives.

It is worthwhile to study subjects that broaden our knowledge because they also present an opportunity for social development. Broadening courses are available to all university students, allowing those from various faculties to come together in one class. Through group discussions and projects, students have the chance to meet schoolmates studying different subjects.

As a social sciences student majoring in Politics and Philosophy, I have had the opportunity to meet students from various fields through the broadening course Healthy

Body, Healthy Mind. Among them are two architecture and law students, as well as one business student. Without this course, it would have been unlikely for me to interact with individuals studying such different subjects. Therefore, broadening courses can expand a student's social network.

Within this section, counterarguments are outlined in support of the primary thesis. These arguments highlight the drawbacks associated with voluntary broadening courses. Students may be hesitant to enroll in such courses due to their perception of them as irrelevant, unattractive, and lacking interest, given that they are not directly connected to their majors. Consequently, any course deemed unnecessary by students will likely be avoided as they concentrate solely on subjects related to their specific areas of study. This narrow viewpoint serves to limit their knowledge and comprehension exclusively within their professional field.

Although some argue that students may concentrate better without taking broadening courses, I believe eliminating them would be a poor use of university funding. This could result in fewer users and no guarantee that students would actually improve their focus. Instead, they might end up wasting time on neither their main courses nor broadening courses. Overall, the three-year undergraduate curriculum offers comprehensive education to students who should efficiently use their time to acquire knowledge across multiple professional fields. Broadening courses provide a broader range of knowledge and allow students to apply what they learn in their professional studies to different contexts, preparing them for an ever-changing society. Additionally, these courses offer opportunities for students to enrich their social lives.

Overall, mandating a broadening course for all students would be beneficial.

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