As college in the US becomes increasingly expensive and competitive, it’s worth asking what role institutions of higher education play in our society. Do they promote equity and equality? Do they transform or preserve the status quo? Do we prioritize their value as a private or as a public good, that is, as something that benefits the individual, or as something that the public invests in for some broader social goal? Students will read and write about the work of political theorists and educators in order to consider what the political and social mission of the university should be. We will also investigate the business of higher education, examining what happens when a college’s financial considerations might conflict with its educational mission. Other topics we’ll explore include the public financing of college, student debt, practices of for-profit universities, and the size of college endowments.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 12

Prerequisites: None. Open to First-Years only.

Degree Requirements: WFY - First Year Writing

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall

Notes: This course will provide students extra academic support as they make the transition to writing at the college level. It is appropriate for students who did not do much academic writing in English during high school, or who lack confidence in their writing. Section 01 is reserved for first-generation students. Section 02 is open to all students. No letter grades given.