03 Universities should require every student to take a variety of courses outside the student s field of study

Most of universities recommend that student to take a variety of courses outside the student’s field of study. For example, students need some credits from basic science, second languages or, physical training classes, such as jazz dancing, bowling, and etc. In some countries like Korea, it is prerequisite credits to graduate. However, I do not find necessities of these extra courses.

The purpose of extra, even irrelevant, classes is the balanced educations. So to speak, students need to have some degree of knowledge, though it is not their fields. We do understand the point of view of universities or educators. However, it is quite costly for students and parents. Many universities in the United States charge tuition by credits. The more credits students register, the more tuition they have pay. Furthermore, the extra classes are not something that you do not have to study either, since it affects the grade. In case of Korean education system, you need to take 134 credits during 4 years and 8 semesters. 26 out of 134 credits, 13 courses, should be cultural courses. In result, it takes time and money for a lot of students, of course, it could be very stressful.

Most of students go to university to study what they are interested in and to be a professional in their fields. Malcolm Gladwell, best-selling author, suggested idea 10,000 hours of appropriately guided practice lead anyone could achieves a level of proficiency that would rival that of a professional. What he claims is that is that we need a lot of time to be professional in their fields. In other words, we do not have time to struggle to take a variety of courses outside the student’s field of study.

In any case, the purpose of the courses is very good and reasonable. Also, it would be good opportunity to students to explore outside of their fields. Who knows students might find better interests in other fields than in the fields pursuing currently. However, the choice of taking extra courses should be made by students, not by university or education system. It believes it is the right of students.