In his book "College: What It Was, Is, and Should Be," Andrew Delbanco explores the concept

of a liberal arts education in the United States, tracing its history, examining its current state, and
envisioning its future. Delbanco's main idea revolves around the significance of college
education in fostering critical thinking, civic engagement, and personal growth, while also
highlighting the challenges facing higher education institutions.
### Three Important Facts Supporting the Main Idea
1. **Historical Context**: Delbanco emphasizes the roots of American college education in
religious and moral instruction, illustrating how this focus has evolved to include broader
educational goals, including fostering democratic citizenship.
2. **Liberal Arts Tradition**: He discusses the importance of a liberal arts education in
cultivating well-rounded individuals capable of critical thinking and engaged citizenship,
suggesting that this tradition has been eroded by career-oriented and specialized education.
3. **Social Mobility and Inequality**: Delbanco addresses the increasing inequality and social
stratification in higher education, emphasizing that college is becoming less accessible to those
from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, which threatens the democratic ideals associated with
college education.
### Author's Conclusion
Delbanco concludes that college education should refocus on its traditional mission of providing
a broad-based, liberal arts education that encourages students to become active and engaged
citizens. He suggests that colleges must find ways to address inequality and improve accessibility
to ensure they serve a diverse student population.
### Examples of Propaganda, Bias, or Faulty Reasoning
In "College," Delbanco generally maintains a balanced perspective, but some readers may
perceive his advocacy for liberal arts education as overly idealistic. His nostalgia for the past and
critique of career-oriented education could be seen as biased against more pragmatic educational
approaches. Additionally, his focus on elite institutions might neglect the contributions of
community colleges and other non-traditional educational paths.
### Related Ideas in Other Articles or Books
The themes Delbanco discusses in "College" are echoed in various other books and articles on
higher education, particularly those concerned with liberal arts education and educational
inequality. For example, in "Excellent Sheep" by William Deresiewicz, the author explores
similar themes, critiquing the emphasis on prestige and career-focused education at elite colleges
while advocating for a more holistic educational approach. Similarly, in "The Fissured
Workplace" by David Weil, the discussion of inequality and accessibility aligns with Delbanco's
observations about social stratification in higher education.
These discussions highlight a broader conversation about the role of education in society, the
value of liberal arts, and the impact of socioeconomic factors on college access and outcomes.