Applying Anthropology to General Education: Reshaping Colleges and Universities for the 21st Century

By: Jennifer R. Wies and Hillary J. Haldane

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Synopsis: The current higher education policy and practice landscape is simultaneously marked by uncertainty and hope, and nowhere are these tensions more present than in discussions and actions around general education. This volume uses an anthropological approach to contemplate ways of reimagining general education for the 21st century and how faculty, teachers, administrators, and others can transform the educational endeavor to be holistic, comprehensive, and aligned with the needs of people and the planet in the decades to come. Included are analyses of general education concepts such as "diversity," case studies of general education and connecting curricula, opportunities for faculty development, unique general education student populations, assessment strategies, and philosophical/pedagogical challenges. Contributors make the case that far from receding from a central role in higher education, there is a need to strengthen general education curricula as key to the educational needs of students, for the skills and competencies they require in the workplace and for civic engagement.