The world’s top economists just made the case for why we need English majors(washingtonpost.com)
washingtonpost.com
The world’s top economists just made the case for why we need English majors
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/10/19/worlds-top-economists-just-made-case-why-we-still-need-english-majors/
5 comments
To imply that the pursuit and achievement of an English undergraduate degree confers absolutely zero benefit or skill (or that everything even needs to be a “skill”, but that’s another conversation) is inaccurate at best. The ability to parse complex written information/documentation and distill value from it as well as to clarify your own thoughts in writing and communication is absolutely valuable and enriching for an individual.
Though I could very well be wrong and it is an absolutely useless degree, after all, I majored in philosophy ;)
Though I could very well be wrong and it is an absolutely useless degree, after all, I majored in philosophy ;)
You can train people in reading and good writing far more efficiently than an English degree. Edit: And I'd value students who take their study more seriously a lot more, but most are just third-rate students at third-rate schools getting a piece of paper.
This is all nonsense. You know, it's like when we say communication is important in the workplace. I don't want to replace my engineer with a communications major. I want all the engineering prowess and the communication skill multiplies that effectiveness. If I get a comm major I get engineering prowess of zero multiplied by some amount of comm skill and that's useless. I don't want that.
This arguments in this article aren't convincing.
Having well rounded citizens is good, but I don't think that means we need more English majors struggling to make a living.
Having well rounded citizens is good, but I don't think that means we need more English majors struggling to make a living.
Maybe instead of English majors, these kids could spend a stint in the military. Or join an orchestra. Or work in sales at a car dealership. Something that involves developing a skill and exercising discipline.