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The Liberal Arts, Economic Value, and Leisure
Stop trying to make an economic case for the liberal arts, writes Johann Neem. Their value to society and citizens is too important for that.
Diversity or Discretion?
Richard D. Kahlenberg questions the rationale for the University of Texas defense of affirmative action.
Gore Vidal and Harvard
Jon Wiener shares some of the highlights of his discussions with the late author about the university he was supposed to attend.
Academic Hunger Games
Now that she's an adjunct again, on her terms, Carolyn Foster Segal ponders why colleges pay part-timers so much less than they pay their full-time colleagues -- and proposes a new class of academic: the adjunct committee member.
The Nobel Satirist
The most famous literary award in the world finally catches up with Chinese literature. Scott McLemee discusses Mo Yan.
To the Barricades -- With Data
The recent political flap over unemployment rates shows just why federal data collection efforts need the support of scholars and the public, writes Felicia B. LeClere.
The New Liberal Arts
It's time for traditional disciplines to replace term papers with skills that will help graduates throughout their careers, writes Michael Staton.
Remembering Bill Friday
His interpersonal antennae and deft political skills helped make the longtime leader of the University of North Carolina the man and the higher education giant that he was, writes Art Padilla.