By Jude V. Nixon Dean, School of Arts and Sciences The essays appearing in this issue of ASpect, different and distinct as they are, coalesce nicely around the value of the humanities and a liberal arts education. There has been no shortage of essays and books in the last year coming to the defense of [...]

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An even more problematic question is whether the core, which is traditionally conceived as a set of key courses (the equivalent in literature of the sacred canon), is like a list of educational ingredients that, when taken like a pill (2 of this, and 3 of that, here a little, there a lot), nutrient, or even purgative, produce the intended result. Rather than set courses, should that prescription, instead, be a recognized set of content information or skills that can be gotten through and across many disciplines?

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By Jude Nixon Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences This is my first opportunity as Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences (SOAS) to address you in ASpect. I wish first to express my deepest gratitude to Chris Fauske, who served tirelessly and diligently as Interim Dean, holding the office together in [...]

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By Dan Albert Department of History Interdisciplinary scholarship and teaching has a fairly sound footing on many college and university campuses where this or that institute, “studies” department, or entire school is dedicated not to the tools and techniques of a traditional discipline but to answering a particular question of immediate and practical interest. The [...]

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by Christopher Fauske Interim Dean, School of Arts and Sciences The School of Arts and Sciences is delighted to welcome Dr. Jude Nixon as the next dean of the school. Dr. Nixon is currently director of The Honors College and professor of English at Oakland University. He will join Salem State College in early July.

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