Florence

More from Berry on the University

The thing being made in a university is humanity. given the current influence of universities, this is merely inevitable. But what universities, at least the public-supported ones, are mandated to make or to help to make is human beings in the fullest sense of those words — not just trained workers or knowledgeable citizens but responsible heirs and members of human culture. If the proper work of the university is only to equip people to fulfill private ambitions, then how do we justify public support? If it is only to prepare citizens to fulfill public responsibilities, then how do we justify the teaching of arts and sciences? The common denominator has to be larger than either career preparation or preparation for citizenship. Underlying the idea of a university — the bringing together, the combining into one, of all the disciplines — is the idea that good work and good citizenship are the inevitable by-products of the making of a good — that is, a fully developed — human being. This, as I understand it, is the definition of the name university.

From “The Loss of the University,” in Home Economics.

hat tip to Bill

More on Berry

Discussion of Berry on the university here. Hat tip to Bill.

Wendell Berry pulls papers

Wendell Berry has pulled his papers from the University of Kentucky in protest of the university's growing emphasis on research and their cozy relationship with the coal industry. Read about it here.
Thanks to Front Porch Republic.

Second Annual Italian Pilgrimage

Reflections on laptops in the classroom

I found this piece arguing that laptops should be banned from the classroom convincing although I had students using them this term and it didn't seem to be a problem. Perhaps it was because the students using them tended to be highly involved in the class discussion and perhaps it was because of the size of the class and shape of the room but I didn't mind them. I do remember in another class, however, making a joke about them watching hockey and realizing when I saw the look on their faces that that was exactly what they were doing. So generally I agree with this argument but didn't find it to be an issue this term. But then, this term I had a wonderful group of students and enjoyed teaching immensely. I'm just sorry the term is done!

New Book

The latest Christian Century came in the mail today and there is a reference in it to Sara Miles, author of Jesus Freak. I had a moment of excitement that the author of Eat this Bread had a new book, an even bigger rush of excitement when it turned out Chapters had a copy of it, and 40 glorious minutes reading it while sitting in the hospital emergency room. I can't wait for tomorrow's three more stints hooked up to an IV to read more.