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Soundings: An Introduction to the Liberal Arts, Castleton State College.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Soundings: An Introduction to the Liberal Arts, Castleton State College.
Language: English
Authors: Mark, Joseph T., Castleton State Coll., VT., American Association of State Colleges and Universities, Washington, DC.
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 12
Publication Date: 1989
Document Type: Reports - Descriptive
Descriptors: College Freshmen, Cultural Activities, Curriculum Development, Higher Education, Introductory Courses, Liberal Arts, Models, Program Administration, Program Descriptions, State Colleges, Student Attitudes, Teacher Attitudes
Abstract: To introduce college students to the liberal arts, Castleton State College established the Soundings Program in fall 1985. The program was designed as a general education requirement for freshmen that earned one credit in each of the two semesters of the first year for attendance at (1) a limited number of required lectures and (2) eight elective events chosen from a variety of lectures, concerts, plays, dance performances, and art shows. The program was developed by college faculty and is under the aegis of the faculty's cultural affairs committee. Since the program's inauguration, significant changes include inclusion of debates on controversial issues, addition of optional trips to New York City, improved advance publicity about upcoming events development of a two-credit colloquium on Soundings events, incorporation of several special events into the freshman orientation program, and creation of a quarter-time faculty position as program coordinator. While initially controversial among some faculty, the program has gained wide acceptance and support. Student evaluations have grown more positive as former participants have advanced through their four years at the college. (Author/MSE)
Entry Date: 1990
Accession Number: ED316126
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:To introduce college students to the liberal arts, Castleton State College established the Soundings Program in fall 1985. The program was designed as a general education requirement for freshmen that earned one credit in each of the two semesters of the first year for attendance at (1) a limited number of required lectures and (2) eight elective events chosen from a variety of lectures, concerts, plays, dance performances, and art shows. The program was developed by college faculty and is under the aegis of the faculty's cultural affairs committee. Since the program's inauguration, significant changes include inclusion of debates on controversial issues, addition of optional trips to New York City, improved advance publicity about upcoming events development of a two-credit colloquium on Soundings events, incorporation of several special events into the freshman orientation program, and creation of a quarter-time faculty position as program coordinator. While initially controversial among some faculty, the program has gained wide acceptance and support. Student evaluations have grown more positive as former participants have advanced through their four years at the college. (Author/MSE)