Monthly Archives: January 2011

  Mark Twain, whose death centennial was recently marked by the publication of a piece of his autobiography, was a master at depicting rapscallions. (There will be a prize offered for the best fine distinctions among rapscallions, rascals, scoundrels, and … Continue reading →

  Barry Popik writes a blog called The Big Apple, covering politics in — of course — New York City.  Summer before last he featured one of those gems of wisdom that floats in the culture, gathering supposed progenitors around … Continue reading →

  The richest understanding of education in the liberal arts and sciences emphasizes its transformative power.  It is not about accumulating knowledge, despite the praiseworthiness of the notion of  “a broad liberal arts education.”  Nor is it about the acquisition of … Continue reading →

  I think I just heard a discouraging word.  The other night I was party to an organized discussion of Martha Nussbaum’s recent book, Not for Profit. The book is a defense of the humanities in higher education and an … Continue reading →

  For several years, Phi Beta Kappa has supported the U.S. Professors of the Year awards program, founded by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education and also supported by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.  … Continue reading →