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LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Classics
Forum | 11/2/04
Posted online at 2:56 AM EST on 11/2/04
The value of a liberal arts education begins with classical studies. It is-and always has been-the foundation of education. To dismantle this department would fly in the face of Brandeis' commitment to a strong liberal arts education.
I take pride in the fact that I acquired my undergraduate degree from Brandeis University, a school with a good reputation and clear mission. And yet, even more so, I take pride in that I majored in classical studies, a department that, despite its small size, exemplifies what Brandeis is all about.
-Ilana Krug '96
New Brunswick, N.J.
To the Editor:
All of the uproar during the last few weeks regarding the classics department and the rumors surrounding the issue have done at least one good thing-they've made me realize that the humanities are failing at Brandeis.
As depressing as it is, Brandeis seems to be losing its identity as a liberal arts school. Most of the students are pre-professionals. That's great, but where are the intellectuals? What happened to the philosophers and the writers? Nothing against sciences, but without a strong humanities presence the University will become more of a technical institute. Our professors are great, but when they have no students there's not much that they can do. There are so many small departments in the humanities, all of which are facing dwindling enrollment as more of the students flock to economics, biology, international and global studies and other majors. While it's wonderful that those departments are attracting students, we're losing the diversity that Brandeis tries so hard to maintain.
Students at Brandeis have never been hesitant about letting their opinions be heard. The problem is that we're all far too apathetic. It takes something as concrete as the "threat" of taking away classics to get us truly interested. Brandeis is a school where you can be as involved in administrative decisions as you want to be. What's the point of that if no one cares?
I came to Brandeis because from the minute I sat down at the fall open house two years ago, I knew I would love it here. I still do, but I don't have any illusions that it's perfect. I came here because Brandeis has great science departments and an incredible humanities faculty. I wasn't expecting no one to care. I came here because I wanted a liberal arts college with a good science department, not because I wanted to come to a technical institute with a few humanities majors. If the lack of interest in the humanities continues, Brandeis will be in danger of going from one of the top universities in the country to an elite trade school. This school is in the position to be so much more than that. I for one am going to take advantage of every opportunity that I have to make my voice heard, to do whatever it takes to create interest in the humanities here.
I just wish I weren't the only one.
-Kathryn Walker '07
I take pride in the fact that I acquired my undergraduate degree from Brandeis University, a school with a good reputation and clear mission. And yet, even more so, I take pride in that I majored in classical studies, a department that, despite its small size, exemplifies what Brandeis is all about.
-Ilana Krug '96
New Brunswick, N.J.
To the Editor:
All of the uproar during the last few weeks regarding the classics department and the rumors surrounding the issue have done at least one good thing-they've made me realize that the humanities are failing at Brandeis.
As depressing as it is, Brandeis seems to be losing its identity as a liberal arts school. Most of the students are pre-professionals. That's great, but where are the intellectuals? What happened to the philosophers and the writers? Nothing against sciences, but without a strong humanities presence the University will become more of a technical institute. Our professors are great, but when they have no students there's not much that they can do. There are so many small departments in the humanities, all of which are facing dwindling enrollment as more of the students flock to economics, biology, international and global studies and other majors. While it's wonderful that those departments are attracting students, we're losing the diversity that Brandeis tries so hard to maintain.
Students at Brandeis have never been hesitant about letting their opinions be heard. The problem is that we're all far too apathetic. It takes something as concrete as the "threat" of taking away classics to get us truly interested. Brandeis is a school where you can be as involved in administrative decisions as you want to be. What's the point of that if no one cares?
I came to Brandeis because from the minute I sat down at the fall open house two years ago, I knew I would love it here. I still do, but I don't have any illusions that it's perfect. I came here because Brandeis has great science departments and an incredible humanities faculty. I wasn't expecting no one to care. I came here because I wanted a liberal arts college with a good science department, not because I wanted to come to a technical institute with a few humanities majors. If the lack of interest in the humanities continues, Brandeis will be in danger of going from one of the top universities in the country to an elite trade school. This school is in the position to be so much more than that. I for one am going to take advantage of every opportunity that I have to make my voice heard, to do whatever it takes to create interest in the humanities here.
I just wish I weren't the only one.
-Kathryn Walker '07
