Reexamines the role of the humanities in higher education. Specifically focuses on Kirkwood Community College (Iowa), Richland College (Texas), and the Community College of Philadelphia. Explains that the goals of these three institutions are to (1) tighten requirements; (2)strengthen existing courses; and (3) create opportunities for faculty…

Observes that the humanities first came under attack immediately after their development in ancient Athens. Describes the fifth-century Sophists who developed an education designed for democracy. Urges support of the humanities today as a training in free citizenship, speech, and thought. Warns that technology cannot solve the problems facing…

Reports on a U.S. Department of Education study of the employment and salary status of 1989-90 bachelor's degree recipients. Finds that college graduates with humanities and history majors are not faring as well as their counterparts in other fields as they enter the labor force. Includes two figures and one table comparing humanities graduates…

Warns that higher education, particularly in the humanities, has become politicized. Argues that restrictions on the freedom of speech of professors and students in the name of feminist and antiracist ideologies are one-sided examples of "political correctness." Contends that the humanities are diminished by such politicalization and…

Describes the teacher-scholar program sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Contends that the year-long program is an opportunity for professional self-renewal, providing teachers the opportunity to study topics and texts related to the subjects they teach. Includes a list of 24 teacher-scholars for 1994-95. (CFR)

Discusses the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) 1985 summer seminar on Plato's political philosophy. States that the objective of the seminar was to give high school teachers an opportunity for intensive, uninterrupted study of the world's great literature so they could enrich their own knowledge of the subject and share what they gained…

Traces Asian studies' infusion into the curriculum at Columbia University. Attributes the program's development to Wm. Theodore de Bary's influence, including his translating and editing of primary sources. States his work continues to serve as basic texts in Japanese, Chinese, Indian, and Buddhist traditions. Discusses his views on scholarship,…

Describes incorporating the classics into the elementary school curricula in a number of public and private schools. Argues bringing classical literature and ancient history to the classroom benefits and challenges students. Presents class projects that successfully apply the classics to critical thinking, creative writing, cultural diversity,…