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Some Practical Suggestions for Teaching Science in the Liberal Arts

Pollack, Robert

The document titled "Some Practical Suggestions for Teaching Science in the Liberal Arts" by Robert Pollack addresses the challenges of integrating science into the liberal arts curriculum. Pollack highlights the declining interest in science among students as they transition from high school to college, attributing this trend to cultural, political, and academic barriers. He argues that the liberal arts, which aim to broaden students' perspectives and foster critical thinking, often fail to adequately incorporate science in a way that engages non-scientists. Pollack proposes several solutions to bridge this gap, including encouraging scientists to communicate their work to the public, advocating for a non-doctrinaire approach to liberal arts education, and providing incentives for scientists to participate in interdisciplinary teaching. He suggests that funding agencies like the NSF and NIH could offer additional support to scientists who contribute to liberal arts education, thereby fostering a new generation of science teachers and a scientifically literate citizenry. Pollack calls for visionary leadership within academic institutions to prioritize and support the integration of science into the liberal arts, ensuring that students develop a balanced and informed understanding of the world.