Every college student has heard it, or said it, or both: “Why am I taking this class that has nothing to do with my major?” As a political science student, I dreaded fulfilling my science requirement. Every Tuesday and Thursday, for an entire semester, I watched a professor explain astronomy to a group of highly disinterested students.
What was the point? Why did I have to take an irrelevant class to graduate college? The simple answer is that science is a core requirement. There are a certain set of classes which are required for students of every major to complete before graduation. Generally, these classes include a couple classes in English, History, Math, Science, Philosophy, and, for those of us at religious institutions, Religion. The intention for these classes, referred to as the “core” classes, is to ensure each and every student graduates from college with a well-rounded education.
Yes, okay, I am on board. But why do I need a well-rounded education? Here's what I have come up with as a viable answer. A well-rounded education includes a well-rounded social life. Part of learning is learning how to work with people of all different backgrounds, majors and interests. Sure, extracurriculars help with a diverse socialization, but still, you’re surrounding yourself with like-minded people.
Political science students will more likely find themselves at a college democrats or college republicans club than they will find themselves at a mathletes club. Choice in socialization is obviously a right, and no college or university can force its students to join a club or organization contrary to their interests. The next best option to enable diversified socialization is a core requirement.
When every student is required to take English 101, there will be an amalgamation of majors within each English 101 class. Biology majors and Engineering majors will be forced to fraternize with history majors and art majors. And guess what? They will find connections beyond their majors. They will learn to work efficiently alongside students who they normally never would have. Being involved is good, but if you only associate with the same people for your whole college experience, you will not get as much for your dollar as someone who has the opportunity to absorb knowledge and experience from a myriad of types of people.
Fast forward four years. You just graduated, and memories of English 101 lie in the deep crevices of your mind. However, you’re now in what people like to refer to as the “real world.” You are in a workplace filled with other workers who each have a major that was different from yours, in addition to a background that was different from yours. Not everyone shares your interests, but if everyone had a well-rounded education, including a diversified socialization, this workplace will be a smooth functioning machine!
