Official blog of Clark's Blogging for Journalists class, Mass Communication department

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

What should you gain from a university?

Read this New York Times column today, from David Brooks, The Big University.

What is your reaction? Do you get that here at UCO? Should you? Comment below by 5 pm Wednesday.

19 comments:

  1. I think this is a really interesting article, and I think that UCO is getting there. It's on its way to becoming a university that allows students to find things to love and become passionate about. I definitely think a university should encourage this!

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  2. UCO doesn't teach about religious ideologies very much outside of philosophy class. I'm not particularly upset about this as most people go to college, not to be taught morality, but to obtain a degree so they can get a job. In the old days college was meant to give an education for the sake of education. Most who attended college had no need for a job because they came from a wealthy family and would just inherit their father's money upon their death. Now that most everyone has to work, college has taken over as a hurtle one must go through in order to get a job. This isn't necessarily a bad or good thing, it's just necessary.

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  3. I've found in my time at UCO that I have had the opportunity to branch outside of the text books and learn a lot about life. I think in my major, Professional Media, my teachers have gone above and beyond. So many off my teachers offer open conversations in class and while I've learned a lot about my future profession, I've learned life lessons as well. I am satisfied with my time at UCO and I think it has offered more than just a degree. I think if you take the time to get involved on campus you get the most out of your time in college.

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  4. I found this article very interesting. I define myself as a religious person, however, I am glad that UCO doesn't particularly teach religion unless it is specific to the class. I do appreciate the professors who try to relate what we are learning to the real world though. I have had some professors who do and some who don't, so I think UCO is moving in the right direction!

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  5. I think UCO is definitely moving more towards this concept and encouraging students to try and find themselves. Especially in my two majors, professional media and strategic communications, I like how professors really push us to think for ourselves and educate ourselves on issues. I have had professors really challenge my thinking and made me grow and I really like that.

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  6. When I think of Universities I never think of religion. I think of constant stressing over homework and studying. Taking classes that you don't really care about but deals with your major so you have to. UCO doesn't seem to place religion at the forefront but it has some clubs that help without. I think UCO just mainly focuses on peoples education and helping students make the most of their time here.

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  7. So, I don't believe in anything concrete. I don't follow the tenets of any faith; Christianity doesn't do it for me, and neither does Islam. So maybe there is a higher power, and maybe I don't always answer to it. I like to treat the world like a tube. If you put a ball at one end of the tube, labelled good, it will (theoretically) come out the same. I prefer to try to put as much good as I can into the world, hoping to get it back someday. College is hard, living under the poverty line is hard, hoping that I will suffer through 4 years of broke to get a job, when I don't know where my next job is coming form is not only hard, it's scary too. There is a constant gnawing voice in the back of my head, right at the base of my skull, pounding with my heartbeat. It reminds me that there are better people out there than me. There are people who are more put together than me. There are people out there who can do things better than me. This is a constant and uphill battle, but the voice won't win. What I really think I want from the university is something I have already been given by the Mass Communication department and the amazing profs and other students; a support network. People I can go to when the voice in my head has become too much. Professors who know and appreciate my worth. My friends in Comm, always there when I need a hand up. Always there to remind me there is something worth fighting for. I have been given the opportunity of a lifetime to learn form some of the best (and most affordable) professors in the state; and I sure as hell won't waste it.

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  8. I think in the stand point as religion being organized and doubt then yes they are similar. You expect to get something out of both of them, but you get out what you put in. You could find the love of your life at school or with your religion. I won't because I don't exactly go to church unless it's someone's birthday; My mom's, Jesus', the Easter Bunny's, the usual mix. But I can agree with what they said expecting to find something within you. A deeper fix.
    I think UCO is a great school. I get a lot out of it. I know that I am getting trained for the "real world" by some of the best.
    We use to call it Broncho High in High School. I graduated from an Edmond school almost 100 years ago.
    But I was wrong. It's only like kind of now because I am like 7 years older than half the children here.
    I'm off topic now.
    School is good.

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  9. I enjoyed this article quite a bit actually. I may even reference it in a future blog post of mine. I can say that there have been a few classes at UCO that have allowed me to explore my thoughts and beliefs, and ultimately have helped me find myself. The one that is most relevant that I can think of would be my Philosophy class. It was interesting learning so many different theories and seeing which ones I agreed with, and why. There was never a wrong answer, just finding which theory works for you, or creating your own theory inspired by other's. I think it is important to receive that kind of learning at a university because as college students, we get so caught up in getting a degree and graduating, that we forget to enjoy the small things and find our passions. I do think the Mass Communication department is helpful with finding and supporting passions.

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  10. I think UCO is getting closer and closer. I have noticed that in my professors encourage their students to think outside the box. In my major pro media they really make you learn about the current events and know what is going on in the world no matter where or what is happening.

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  11. I feel that UCO doesn't really focus on the religious part but they do try to encourage students to get involved. I can honestly say that in the Mass Communication building, you will find professors that care and want you to be successful. Its amazing to see how much has changed since than to now.

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  12. I found this article very interesting. I am glad university's no longer require religious courses, because I don't believe anyone should be forced into any sort of religion, and that includes learning about it if they don't want to. However, I do think that students should be able to participate in humanities classes and other courses that expand their minds beyond purely academic principals. The founding fathers believed that the purpose of receiving an education was not just to get a job and make money, but to become an informed and educated citizen who could contribute to society in a positive way. I think as a society we've really lost site of that, especially with all the advances in modern technology. It's definely something that I think needs to change.

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  13. I think this article was very interesting but I can't help but think that many a time, professors won't talk about anything at all that could be offensive and so many of us have a strong belief when it comes to God. We do believe in a God or we don't and some really have no opinion at all but I think more people have an opinion than not, it's difficult for anyone to bring up the subject of religion in class even if they find they are trying to deliver this information with no bias. I'm glad we don't have to practice a certain religion in class or at school. If I wanted to do both, I would have kept attending bible college.

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  14. Honestly, I wish I went to college when it was meant to guide you in exploring new ideas and ways of thinking. Today, the primary focus is finishing school, so you can get a job. It's no one's fault, really. We have to do what we have to do. However, I do feel that UCO is beginning to work towards having students explore new ideas while here. I feel like the university understands that teaching us to do our future jobs is important in the progression of our economy. But, I also feel like they understand that challenging us to think about bigger pictures not only helps our immediate circumstances, but has the ability to lead us in a completely new direction in the future. Overall, I believe our university is on the right track - training for jobs, while also challenging ideas.

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  15. I believe that many if not all schools should offer the different tenants listed in the article to allow students to choose a lifestyle based on more educated choices. It allows people to be more well rounded about different views, beliefs and opinions.

    I personally do not get this at UCO, but definitely think that UCO should officially offer ways to experience these different things rather than relying on a student organization to be formed.

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  16. I think that most professors are to constrained when opening up a discussion on religion. They don't want to step on any ones toes or unintentionally hurt someones feelings. But I think that we should be able to openly talk about different styles of religion and why they have that belief.

    I have always wanted to learn why some people believe what they believe and how that religion is different than others, but we don't get that here.

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  17. I think you should get a feeling of community at a university, and I think we get this more here than any other university. I think we do a great job here of being a pretty tight-knit community despite our ever-growing population.

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  18. I don't think UCO emphasizes on religions but they do encourage students to get involved or to be open about their religions. I think it would be beneficial if our university did offer a more complex or variety on topics or issues that push the boundaries.

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  19. I agree that the dynamics of University has changed over the years, the mainstream purpose and perceptions of education seem to constantly be evolving based on the needs and values of the society and culture at hand. As far as UCO is involved, is a decent place to get the things he listed out of. I'm sure there are universities that make it easier to come across transcendent experiences, or explore moral options but it can be done here if one is determined.

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