LETTER: Removal of SOSC 102 hurts liberal education

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by Wayne Herbert

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To the editor:

I for one am sorry to see that Rice has elected to delete Social Sciences 102 from the list of required courses. None of the alternatives in the course catalog offer the depth or breadth of human and political insight found in SOSC 102.

I have heard numerous engineering students complain about the "irrelevance" of the course, but that very statement in itself shows how badly a course of this nature is needed.

The world revolves around interactions amongst people, and the technology we so avidly pursue today is but a blip in the course of human history. It is equally important that future leaders and voters have some idea of the origination of the principles under which we are governed.

Half the problem with today's electorate is an inability to fathom why society and the individual are separated the way they are. SOSC 102 filled this role like none of the alternatives could or will.

Sure, there are a few problems with the course. The primary problem is the auditorium setting, which essentially precludes any opportunity for discussion and expansion of ideas.

By the time discussion section rolls around, the idea is long forgotten. I would encourage the Committee on Undergraduate Curriculum to speedily create a similar course.

Instead of a large group setting, teach the same material in smaller classes. SOSC 102 really is a necessary part of a well-rounded education.

Wayne Herbert

Brown '97

This item appeared in the Opinion section of the April 19, 1996 issue.

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