Nikki Gosselin
ENG 110
Section C
Final Draft
Entry Prompt
Education is a necessity for how our world works today. It is how people make a living, and achieve their hopes and dreams. Attaining higher education by attending Universities and colleges allows these dreams to become reality. It is very important that knowledge is passed down to new generations throughout this system, or else our society would not grow. Ronald Barnett and Martha Nussbaum both describe their views on higher learning.
Ronald Barnett’s view on higher learning is that even though genuine higher education is great, it is challenging in many ways. Students put in so much effort by burying themselves in library books or pulling all-nighters to study. Barnett believes that this overall experience is not complete until the student understands that “there are no final answers” no matter how much work is put in. (Barnett. The Idea of Higher Education). The world is constantly changing and students have to look at the world in a realistic way. Furthermore, Barnett uses words such as “subversive”, “unsettling” and “disturbing” to describe his views on genuine higher learning.
Martha Nussbaum explains that students are submerged into college by having to take a variety of courses, many of which do not relate to their major. The U.S. educational system decided that liberal arts courses, such as humanities, prepare these students by helping them become “informed, independent, and sympathetic democratic citizens…” (Nussbaum. Reading World). As stated before, Barnett believes that the higher education experience is not yet achieved until the student realizes that there are never final answers. Nussbaum states that it is U.S. educational tradition that students shall inquire more information and question everything. This helps prepare students for adapting in the real world by allowing them to challenge their mind and to solve problems that they might face in the future. Nussbaum’s view is positive and hopeful that this system will help students later in life. However, Barnett believes the process of getting there is a struggle and frightening.
Though I am only a freshman in college, I have already gotten a glimpse of the way higher education works. The courses and professors challenge the students into pushing themselves harder than they have ever had. I agree with Barnett in the aspect that higher education “is not meant to be a cosy experience” (Barnett. The Idea of Higher Education). Learning new things at a college or university is meant to be overwhelming and stressful. Sometimes people cannot take this kind of pressure that this type of education gives. In addition, my professors have had me look at things in different ways. They intend to stretch your mind and get you out of your comfort zone as we enter adulthood. Even though this whole system is difficult, it is worth it in the end. I believe that a higher education is essential for the world to advance and prosper.
My knowledge and experience of higher education reflects both Barnett’s and Nussbaum’s ideas. Throughout Barnett’s views, I am aware that a genuine higher education is scary and disturbing. You don’t have someone next to you holding your hand and showing you the way. However, it allows one to grow into an independent and confident person. You learn to find yourself and push yourself to your limits. I must accept that there are no final answers in order to complete my higher education. Nussbaum describes this concept because it is important to sculpt individuals who are informed and independent. It is very beneficial to our society if the majority of people had these attributes. Throughout my own experience, I am taking a variety of courses to enhance my learning. I believe a higher education allows one to become a well-rounded citizen who can help contribute to society. It is encouraged for students to participate by asking questions and go the extra step to learn more. In many of my classes, I have to exhibit these qualities in order to achieve this.
Overall, higher education serves to many purposes to an individual and the society. Both Barnett and Nussbaum express their views and make very good points. Barnett describes the brutal process of completing a higher education, and does not sugar coat it. Nussbaum simply discusses the U.S. educational traditions and what students can do to achieve their goals.
