The Purpose of Higher Education
Essay One: “The Purpose of Higher Education”
Essay Instructions
Society often views higher education as a means to a diploma, which leads to monetary gain in the form of a good job. But, why are employers willing to pay someone with a degree more money? What do those who have gone through the educational system gain that makes them more employable? (Hint—it’s not an enchanted piece of paper.) The main source we’re using for this essay, Paulo Freire’s “The ‘Banking’ Concept of Education,” asks important questions about the flawed education many of us have experienced and the ideal education most of us want. Using what you’ve learned from the Freire’s essay (and at least one other source from the list below), class discussions, observations, and your own experiences, craft a 1,400-to-1,750-word essay in which you answer the question: what is the purpose of higher education?
Keep in mind that while you are focusing your essay on a single purpose for higher education, you are not necessarily arguing that this is the only purpose. David Foster Wallace, for instance, argues that higher education gives us “the choice of what to think about”—a point that he connects to consciousness and awareness. The bulk of his speech, though, is in support of his thesis on choice. You too, must have a clear thesis focused on a single purpose supported by examples, reasoning, logic, quotations and observations. The essay should be in MLA format and use at least five in-text citations (which should be a mixture of direct quote and summary/paraphrase) from at least two different sources, one of which must be Freire’s piece. Include a Works Cited page and a cover letter (both not a part of the final word count).
