In just a few months, I’ll be off in the real world on my own. I’ve already started applying for jobs, looking at apartments, and creating wish lists to fill my future classroom and home. But even with graduation being so close, I still don’t feel as prepared as I should be.
At every university, students are required to enroll in general education courses. These typically include a few science, history, math and English courses that students need to take before they can dive into their major. But, are these really the courses that universities should be forcing students to take? I’m not suggesting that we completely get rid of these courses, but I believe we should take some time to reassess and reevaluate which courses every student should be required to take before they graduate.
Here are some of my recommendations.
Criminal Justice
If you’re anything like me, I rarely watch the news. Any news that I do watch or hear about is made available to me through social media websites. I had almost no interest in what was going on in the world around me until I took a Criminal Justice course. My teacher was very traditional and only lectured to us about what we needed to learn. The news I learned from him was strictly without technology, one of the only sources I used to find out my information. After taking his course, I gained so much knowledge about our court systems, the important jobs that are held in the 3 branches of government, and the names of all 9 supreme court justices. Now when my dad and grandpa are having a heated debate about politics, I can chime in with my opinion and understanding. This class taught me the importance of voting and the hidden corruption of our system. The nation that we live in is fascinating, and I don’t think everyone will be able to understand and appreciate all of the behind the scenes work that happens each day without taking this course.
Agriculture/Nutrition
Being from a school that is well-populated in agriculture majors, I have always wondered where my food comes from. There’s all this talk about poor farming practices, especially in regards to GMO’s, and hostile food production. The reality of it is that I don’t know a thing about it. I grew up in a big city suburb in Chicago where our only real “farmland” was just recently transformed into a 300 home subdivision. I wish I was required to take a class in which I learned basic farming skills, learned about how foods are made, and what foods are best to eat. There are also a plethora of skills a class like this would teach me.
Economics
Where I went to high school, it was a requirement that we take one semester of economics. In that class, I learned how to budget, manage money, and do my taxes. However, it’s been four years since I took it and I have retained almost nothing. I vaguely know what a 1098 T form is, my money management skills are terrible, and the worst of it is my dad still does my taxes. Getting a refresher course in college, especially since most of us are now out on our own, would benefit each individual for the better.
Mechanics
In my high school, we were fortunate enough to have a car garage to hold a mechanics class. There were a few courses available, and my brother attempted to take all of them. Unfortunately, in his final year the teacher was unable to host the advanced class because not enough students signed up for it. That should not be happening. In fact, mechanics should be required. I have seen videos and relatives change a tire. To be honest though, if I am in a situation where I needed to, I’m not going to know how. I don’t even know where the spare tire is on the new car that I’m driving. If I am required to take a mechanics class or even a simple tool identification course, my confidence in fixing my car or matters within my house would greatly increase.
Self Defense
I hate to admit it but no one is 100% safe with where they are, whether male or female. Knowing how to defend yourself and fight back should be taught in every school. According to CrisisForums.org, 2,300 Americans are reported missing each day. You can’t even argue with this one.
Language
The United States is the World’s Melting Pot! What better way to embrace this aspect of our nation than requiring every student to take language courses. There are so many different languages and cultures within our nation. Most other countries even teach their students the English language, so it only makes sense that we require U.S. students to do the same.
Photo by Vasily Koloda on Unsplash
When I have children, I will highly encourage them to take all of the classes listed above. Having the background knowledge within these subjects will make future graduates like me feel more prepared for the many changes that lie ahead.