Paideia program to be reviewed

Luther’s Paideia program is once again up for review. Unlike other departmental programs, Paideia is examined every five to seven years. Because Paideia incorporates a broader spectrum of information than the average course, it is important to determine how the program fits the college.

Professor of History and Paideia Director Jacqueline Wilkie is in charge of setting the review process into motion. She recently put together a balanced committee representing different constituencies.

“Essentially we will identify strengths and weaknesses of the
Paideia program, improve
performance, and reexamine the goals as set down by the academic planning committee, strategic planning group and original grant proposal,” said Wilkie.

Paideia is an endowment-driven program which includes Paideia I and II, a yearly lecture series, Agora interdisciplinary journal, library acquisitions, student writing services, and a faculty development program. While budgeting for these services will be a significant topic of discussion, assessing goals will be the main focus over the next few months.

According to the Luther Website, Paideia maintains the following goals for student academic achievement:

“Breadth of knowledge: knowledge of major intellectual, artistic, and social landmarks of human history—achievements, failures, and challenges; understanding the diversity of people and societies, both historically and cross culturally.

Communication: write with fluency, clarity, and coherence; read a variety of materials for comprehension and enjoyment; speak confidently and coherently in both formal and informal settings; listen with objectivity and empathy.”

In the fall of 2010, outside sources from parallel programs will produce a report containing any recommendations for Paideia at Luther.

Professor of English, David Faldet, will take over as Director of Paideia from the fall of 2010 to the spring of 2011 when Professor Jacqueline Wilkie is involved in the Nottingham program. Faldet’s main concern in the review process is defining Paideia as a humanities course in the context of a liberal arts college.

“We want to make sure that the program has a clear sense of what it is we’re trying to accomplish,” said Faldet, “as well as who has responsibility so that we can establish a better sense of what Paideia is doing.”

According to the Luther Web site, Paideia maintains the following goals for student academic achievement:

“Breadth of knowledge: knowledge of major intellectual, artistic, and social landmarks of human history—achievements, failures, and challenges; understanding the diversity of people and societies, both historically and cross culturally.

“Communication: write with fluency, clarity and coherence; read a variety of materials for comprehension and enjoyment; speak confidently and coherently in both formal and informal settings; listen with objectivity and empathy.”

In the fall of 2010, outside sources from parallel programs will produce a report containing any recommendations for Paideia at Luther.

Professor of English David Faldet will take over as
Director of Paideia from the
fall of 2010 to the spring of 2011, as current director Jacqueline Wilkie will be involved in the Nottingham program. Faldet’s main concern in the review process is defining Paideia as a humanities course in the context of a liberal arts college.

“We want to make sure that the program has a clear sense of what it is we’re trying to accomplish, as well as who has responsibility so that we can establish a better sense of what Paideia is doing,” Faldet said.