Wednesday, July 18, 2012

"Practically Human": An Invitation to the Liberal Arts

A collection of my colleagues have produced a wonderful little book entitled, Practically Human: College Professors Speak from the Heart of Humanities Education, published by the new Calvin College Press (who've produced a very handsome text).  It's an engaging, accessible manifesto of sorts, articulating the unique strengths of a liberal arts education that values the humanities at the core of its educational vision.

But what's unique about the book is that it is written for high school students and parents who are thinking about college choices.  It would be a great resource for high school juniors and seniors, their parents, high school guidance counselors, and youth pastors.

Here's a peek at the Table of Contents:


Introduction: Two Farms Gary Schmidt and Matthew Walhout 
Greater Than Gold: The Humanities and the Human Things Lee HardyPhilosophy 
“The Ducks Are Hazards in the Classroom”: Learning to Listen with Perception and Grace Benita Wolters-FredlundMusic 
Who Wants to Live in the “Real” World? Will KaterbergHistory 
Getting Engaged: The Joys of Studying History Karin MaagHistory 
Good Looking Henry LuttikhuizenArt and Art History 
Science in a Human Matrix Matthew WalhoutInterdisciplinary Studies of Science 
Ruining the Movies? Carl Plantinga, Film and Media Studies 
Why Stories Matter More Than Ever: A Letter to a Friend Just Beginning College Jennifer HolbergLiterature 
Why Come to College to Study Writing? Gary SchmidtWriting 
How a Speech Can Change an Audience: Why Studying Public Address Is ImportantKathi GroenendykRhetorical Studies 
Shouting at Your Neighbor: Why We Bother with Other Peoples’ LanguagesDavid I. SmithForeign Languages 
New Life from Ancient TextsDavid NoeClassics 
An Invitation Won LeeBiblical Studies