Universities should require every student to take a variety of courses outside the student's field of study.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the claim. In developing and supporting your position, be sure to address the most compelling reasons and/or examples that could be used to challenge your position.
The above statement throws light on the issue of incorporating a multi-disciplinary approach in education by making it mandatory for students to take up courses in areas other than their current specialization. Clarity in this regard is absolutely essential and has stoked the interests of public policy experts, educationalists and academic institutions for a long time. It is extremely important to have a thorough understanding of the immediate as well as long-term repercussions of enforcing such mandates on young and inquisitive minds .
While it is extremely important to encourage students to explore fields of study apart from the subject they have chosen, it should not be made mandatory. One can nudge the student to enforce a desired behavior. Care must be taken not to compel the student or steer them away from their true interests. In this manner, one can provide adequate freedom of choice to the student. The goal should be to be in the sweet spot between guidance and freedom, rather than a compulsion.
One cannot help but remember the age old adage, " Jack of all trades, master of none", which rings true in the light of this argument. To learn a new subject as an elective or a subject just for one or two semesters might not provide students the skills required for dexterous application and to rise to the challenges of the modern world. In this sense, the compulsion to take up the course will prove to be utterly futile and a complete waste of a student's precious time.
Furthermore, it should be noted that when students are asked to explore the nooks and corners of the subject they are interested in, it can be expected that they identify the complimentary fields of studies on their own. When they have discovered their interests by themselves, it is bound to generate a more genuine and long-lasting energy and drive that will be nurtured towards mastering the other subject. For example, a student who majors in economics is bound to lean towards undertaking courses in mathematics, statistics and data analysis, since an understanding of these subjects can enable him/her to have a more comprehensive understanding of their prime subject. Doing certified courses in these subjects will work in the best interests of the students as it can help them further their academic pursuits as well as make it easier to present credible accreditations while applying for jobs.
One can argue that not all students can be expected to know what lies on the other side of the spectrum while selecting courses that are restricted to the subject they are primarily interested in. In addition, a multi-disciplinary approach to studies provides the student a peak into different vast worlds of organized knowledge and insights. However, this optimism is misplaced as at he end of the day, it is the student who should be given the freedom to choose and any form of paternalism in this regard must be eliminated. An individual can be expected to choose courses that are best suited to his/her circumstances and ambition.
In a nutshell, a compelling case can be created to counter the statement presented above. A good education system is very essential to the development of creating academicians, professionals and workers who will power economies and inventions. Therefore it is extremely important to carefully weigh the pros and con before implementing stringent mandates and compulsions on young students as it can be an obstacle to creativity and specialization.