Philosophy, Interdisciplinary Teaching and Student Experience
ABSTRACT: This paper focuses on novel approaches open to teachers of philosophy in particular, but more generally also to other university teachers, in the face of what Allan Bloom saw as the waning of a literary culture. It is argued that, although some of Bloom's suggestions regarding the successful engagement of students' interest-against overwhelming odds-are didactically valuable, he neglects precisely those avenues from which students could benefit most on the basis of their own experience in a world largely devoid of literary attachments but saturated with audiovisual ones. These options are explored in some detail from various perspectives, including the difference between a written and an audiovisual text, the philosophical-critical potential of rock music and the interdisciplinary value of a teaching model that has student experience as its point of departure.
Does the ancient discipline of philosophy still have something of value to give to university students as we approach the millenium? In a world suffused by proliferating media-images and sounds, does a discipline whose insights are born of the interpenetration of thinking and language stand any chance of being heard amid the noise, or noticed in the headlong rush for greater global investment and development? I shall argue that it does, and that philosophy is, in fact, alive (perhaps dormant) in the most unexpected practices and activities, albeit not always easy to recognize, and although philosophers and teachers of philosophy face the sometimes difficult task of enlivening these philosophical sparks into a steady flame.
My argument rests on the assumption that philosophy is not only an anc...
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Rock n’ roll gave people the voice they did not have in the early years. As the genre of music became more wide spread, people actually began to speak out. Altschuler touches on the exploration of how the rock n' roll culture roughly integrated with replaced and conflicted with preceding cultural values. Many of these values were very touch topics. Besides black civil rights, sexuality were one of the most sensitive t...
Imagine a cardiovascular surgeon about to crack the sternum of a dying patient; tension is high while the clock of life ticks desperately slower and softer for the poor soul on the cold steel table that saw death the hour before. Is it logical that at that moment the purveyor of life is contemplating whether his freshmen philosophy class back at SMU has thoroughly prepared him for what he is about to do? Not likely. In higher learning institutions, liberal art classes like philosophy are not meant to be directly applied to one’s life or career; however, they are structured and devised to be a strong base that the individual can expand upon through scientific learning and experience. This is precisely the reason colleges and universities require and place much emphasis on these classes; nevertheless, there has been a shift away from the liberal arts towards the direction of highly specialized areas of science and business because of their growing integration in everyday life. Although people need a limited number of liberal arts classes to attain a basic understanding of ourselves and our evolution, state universities are aptly moving towards technical education, because, in this fast paced world, many people don’t have the time or money to spend studying the humanities alone.
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Although considered the day Rock ‘n’ Roll was born, many other events in American history have given foundation to this much loved idea. Rock ‘n’ Roll is much more than just music, rather it is the movement which underlines cultural imperialism. Rock had been promoting a culture of comfort and freedom from social constraints as well. Although the style of ‘Rock music’ is easily adaptable into many different sounds, it is still thoroughly identified by its definingly amplified rhythm. The sudden worldwide popularity of rock and roll resulted in an unparalleled social impact. Rock ‘n’ Roll influenced lifestyles, fashion, attitudes, and language in a way few other social developments have equaled. The social impact is so large that rock stars are worshipped worldwide. In its early years, many adults condemned the style of music, placing a stigma on its name, and forbid their children from listening and following its ways. Many considered Rock ‘n’ Roll culture as a bad influence to all people, but as the genre aged and the now not-so-young crowds had matured, Rock was respected and
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It was derived off of the Food Stamp Plan, created 80 years earlier, which was made to help families get the essential foods after the Great Depression. When you research what SNAP provides it will say, “SNAP offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families and provides economic benefits to communities.” Unfortunately, many people are taking this for granted. Young children need healthy foods to help them grow and develop fully. Giving them junk food to eat will only cause developmental issues and
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He recognizes that students forge these degrees into an armor of achievement in hopes that it will cushion them from the harsh uncertainty of the future. Shiffman believes that the drop in interest in the humanities results in the inability of students to have clear bearings amid life’s uncertainties. He believes that only by studying the humanities will students be able to introspect and recognize that endless achievement may not add up to a meaningful life (Shiffman 5). However, Shiffman fails to realize that this form of reflection need not be done solely by those majoring in the humanities. It can be done by all who try, their fields of study are no limitation.
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The second book of the Republic shows the repressive quality of Plato’s society. Plato, talking through Socrates, wants
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produces more than enough food to feed all of its citizens. Unfortunately, most of the food produced and resources used is put to waste; this extensive waste proves to be one of the most critical issues affect the U.S. today. The food shortages exist more as a lack of access to resources rather than a technical lack of food. Research goes on to show that food is stratified based on levels of income. Income gaps at the federal level only further contribute to the food insecurity issue. Furthermore, the welfare system is unable to prevent a sufficient safety net for those at lower income levels. There are several common themes discussed in welfare policy: compassion for the poor versus deterrence, private charity versus tax-supported welfare, local versus state, federal authority, symptoms versus causes, welfare reform versus, benefit levels, and means-tested programs versus entitlements. Food assistance programs can be looked at by each era, changing every time. Current welfare and food assistance programs are governed by legislation passed in 1966 by President Clinton, known as the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act. Unfortunately, although the cost of food assistance programs appears high, they have a minimal effect on the individual and family. There are a few key elements vital to any successful welfare policy: adequate minimum wage, increased tax credits, subsidized housing, health care protection, as well as support for child care, training programs, and treatment of substance abuse and mental health