- Nov 2017
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engagements2017-18.as.virginia.edu engagements2017-18.as.virginia.edu
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Some good men, and even of respectable information, consider the learned sciences as useless acquirements; some think that they do not better the condition of men; and others that education like private & individual concerns, should be left to private & individual effort; not reflecting that an establishment, embracing all the sciences which may be useful & even necessary in the various vocations of life,
I feel like the debate of whether or not education should be private and individual is not something we look upon highly nowadays. Now, if you are unable to get an education you are looked down upon, I feel like homeschoolers even get a bad rap. It is interesting that back when this document was written you were considered of high class the more private your life was.
The debate of whether or not to include the sciences in curriculum seems to be an ongoing debate throughout this document. I think nowadays the sciences are considered more essential than the humanities but back then the more "practical" subjects were of value.
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To improve by reading, his morals and faculties.
The use of the word "morals" brings up an interesting point. Does the University have the right or place to influence the morals of its student? In my opinion, I don't think they do. It is unrealistic to think that one's morals can be changed through education alone. The University has to remember that morals of their students are already implemented when they arrive. Nowadays, I think that the University has stopped trying to change the morals of their students but rather just give them the information to make the right choice about how they should react in different situations.
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- Sep 2017
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engagements2017-18.as.virginia.edu engagements2017-18.as.virginia.edu
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be taught reading, writing & numerical arithmetic, the elements of mensuration (useful in so many callings) and the outlines of geography and history, and this brings us to the point at which are to commence the higher branches of education, of which the legislature require the development: those for example which are to form the statesmen, legislators & judges, on whom public prosperity, & individual happiness are so much to depend.
It is interesting and a bit confusing why they did not include any knowledge of science to be learned in primary school. From a modern day perspective I assume science is a core subject but it is possible that this was not the view during the 1800s. Since the University was only accepting white males and wanted them to be "statesmen, legislators & judges" it wasn't necessary for common knowledge of science. I also think it is interesting to point out that the document believes that men in these roles brings "public prosperity" and "individual happiness". What caused this belief and why is it so important to the writers for this to occur in society?
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convenient
The use of the word "convenient" is very interesting to me. What makes placing UVA in Albemarle more convenient than placing it in Lexington or Staunton? Is it convenient because its located closer to a white population or for some other reason? What connotation does that word choice hold?
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