Value of liberal education under scrutiny at symposium

The value and content of a liberal education will be debated by representatives of 19 institutions at a symposium celebrating the 50th anniversary of Continuing Studies' Basic Program. "Symposium on Lifelong Liberal Education" will be held on Friday, March 7, and Saturday, March 8, at the Gleacher Center.

"This is an opportunity for scholars and students to consider the past, present and future of lifelong liberal education in America," said Adam Rose, Chairman of the Basic Program Teaching Staff. "We'll ask such questions as: What do we mean by liberal education? In what ways is it relevant to our rapidly changing society? How can it best be delivered in the current educational climate?"

Speakers will include Daniel Shannon, Dean of the Center for Continuing Studies and noted continuing-studies expert, and Jeffrey Wallin, President of the American Academy for Liberal Education. Gerald Graff, the George M. Pullman Professor in English, will give the keynote address, "Teaching with the Enemy, or the Battle of the Books: Coming Soon to Your Neighborhood Classroom." Other speakers will include James Redfield, the Howard L. Willett Professor in the Committee on Social Thought, and Karl Weintraub, the Thomas E. Donnelley Distinguished Service Professor in History.

The Basic Program for Liberal Education for Adults is one of the oldest adult liberal education programs in the country. Its four-year curriculum centers on the great books of the Western canon, including works by Homer, Plato, Freud, Augustine and others. Its purpose is to encourage adults to explore enduring themes through the use of classic texts.

The symposium is open to the public. For registration fees and information, call 702-1722.