VANGUARD EDITORIAL: Redundancy studies

It may come as a surprise that the aim of a university is not to educate students in merely one area of study, but rather to create an individual educated on many fronts. Universities endeavor to produce students capable of critical thinking, who possess in addition to their area of focus a wide breadth of knowledge spanning history, math, science, ethics and more.

In short, an institution of higher education creates a well-rounded and enlightened student.

It would seem that Portland State’s answer to educating in such a manner is the University Studies program—a portion of study required of all undergraduate students. And while the program certainly aspires to create a well-rounded education, a number of students find that it falls short in many ways, it is simply another series of hoops to jump through, rather than an educational experience they will take with them beyond college.

According to PSU’s University Studies website, the program’s goals are to teach inquiry and critical thinking, enhance students’ communication skills, expand students’ understanding of ethics and social responsibility, and provide an appreciation for the diversity of human experience.

University Studies looks good on paper but in practice, runs into a number of issues. For example, a student enrolls in an upper division history course that contributes toward their degree. One might assume that such a class is more challenging than a lower division course. However, other students attempting to merely check off the requirement for a University Studies cluster course can also enroll. Not only does this take away space for students engaged in this area of study, but it also fills the class with students who hold little interest, or any preemptive knowledge, of the subject.

The time it takes to complete the program—encompassing all four years of a PSU student’s college life—is a tedious and drawn out ordeal. Though these courses can be interesting, they take time away from students wanting to delve deeper into their concentrated area of study. The goals of University Studies can easily be achieved through a variety of different and less complicated avenues.

Instead of intrusively claiming a major portion of time, the programs aspirations can be accomplished simply by requiring certain standards from students in all of their courses. One need not take University Studies in order to think critically, write academic papers, communicate across different mediums, or understand ethics and the human experience.

This is not to say that University Studies has no place at PSU. Having a depth of experience and variety of knowledge is an important part of our education. However, University Studies is greatly overwrought to a point where it is beyond being helpful and more of a hindrance. There needs to be more distinction between classes offered to students striving for a degree and students looking to fill a general requirement.

The last thing a student needs is yet another hurdle to jump over while obtaining a diploma.

Virginia Vickery Editor-in-Chief Corie Charnley News Editor  Nicholas Kula Arts & Culture Editor

Richard Oxley Opinion Editor Kevin Fong Sports Editor