<p>For someone who wants a conservative curriculum and a liberal arts education, I would suggest considering St. Johns College in Annapolis MD and Santa Fe, NM. Students read the Western canon, learn geometry from Euclid’s texts, and learn ancient Greek and a modern language. It may seem like a retro-education from the previous century; however, a friend who is an alumnus says that although he has read the great books and learned about the great ideas (mostly Western), it is not the content of his knowledge but rather the training in critical thinking that marked his education. </p>
<p>Although it may seem paradoxical at first, I contend that LACs share the same aim to develop critical thinking among their students. Even though they have few course requirements and allow the students to study or not to study certain disciplines, it is not the content of their education but the critical approach to learning that is most important. This type of education is not “learned” by reading certain books or adhering to a particular curriculum but rather “caught” through interactions with inspiring professors and curious bright students. I also believe that the education presently at most LACs is a humble recognition that the world is much larger, more complex, and cosmopolitan than college students in the 1950s could have ever imagined. It is important to understand other points of view. It also is important to accept the fact that others may not think or act like you do. Understanding diversity and respecting others and their beliefs are essential for being a citizen in the current world. </p>
<p>I am a social conservative and share many of the same values as the authors. Although they claim students at Bowdoin are indoctrinated into a liberal value system, I feel the authors also want to indoctrinate students to their conservative values. I would much prefer students develop the critical thinking skills to accept or reject those values. Unfortunately, the lack of critical thinking among the majority of our citizens has contributed greatly to our inability to reach achievable and meaningful solutions to some of our country’s major problems. There is definitely a place and reason for LACs like Bowdoin.</p>