Something Is Going Right at Universities

Several American universities are increasingly emphasizing humanistic education and civic engagement, highlighting a shift towards fostering critical thinking and moral development in students amid ongoing debates about higher education’s purpose.

Recent observations from educators and scholars indicate that many colleges are revitalizing their focus on the humanities and core curricula that explore the great ideas, philosophies, and moral questions of human civilization. This movement is partly a response to critiques that universities prioritize vocational training over moral and civic education. Notably, figures like Roosevelt Montás, who leads Columbia’s Center for the Core Curriculum, advocate for teaching students to engage with the ‘Great Conversation’—the ongoing debate of ideas that shape society. Montás and others emphasize that humanistic education equips students with tools for a life of freedom, moral judgment, and civic responsibility. This approach aims to develop not only skilled workers but also morally grounded citizens capable of navigating complex social and political challenges.

Why It Matters

This renewed emphasis on humanistic education matters because it addresses concerns that higher education may neglect moral and civic development. By fostering critical thinking, self-awareness, and engagement with diverse perspectives, these efforts could strengthen democratic participation and social cohesion. It also challenges the narrative that universities are solely focused on economic outcomes, highlighting their role in shaping well-rounded individuals.

Background

Historically, American higher education has oscillated between emphasizing liberal arts and vocational training. In recent years, critiques from policymakers and the public have argued that universities have become too utilitarian, neglecting the moral and civic dimensions of education. However, educators like Montás illustrate that many institutions are actively countering this trend by reinvigorating core curricula and humanistic teaching. This shift is part of a broader conversation about the purpose of higher education and its role in fostering democratic societies.

“What I’m giving the students is tools for a life of freedom.”

— Roosevelt Montás

“The fundamental obligation of a humanities teacher is to develop in students an allergy to ideology and certainty.”

— Andrew Delbanco

What Remains Unclear

It remains unclear how widespread this renewed focus on humanistic education will be across all U.S. colleges and whether it will significantly alter the overall trajectory of higher education policies and practices.

What’s Next

Next steps include tracking the adoption of humanistic curricula across more institutions, evaluating student outcomes related to civic engagement and moral reasoning, and observing how policymakers respond to these educational shifts.

Key Questions

Are most universities adopting this humanistic focus?

While some institutions are emphasizing humanistic education, it is still uncertain how broadly this approach is being adopted across the entire higher education sector.

Does this focus improve job prospects for students?

Humanistic education aims to develop critical thinking and moral judgment, which can enhance adaptability and leadership skills, though its direct impact on employment varies by field and individual effort.

Why is this shift happening now?

This movement responds to critiques that universities have become too utilitarian, and it reflects a desire to reaffirm the role of education in fostering democratic citizenship and moral development.

What challenges do these programs face?

Challenges include funding constraints, ideological debates over curriculum content, and competition with vocational and STEM programs focused on immediate job skills.