Last week under-classmen were given the chance to spend valuable time with the Student Information System - lovingly referred to by many as the SIS - as they frantically signed up for classes. Unfortunately, for many students, their reunion with SIS proved more frustrating than rewarding as popular classes filled quickly and students were left with gaps in their schedules. Those of you singing the credit-hour blues, however, should not fear. Thanks to the Student Council's Cavalier Education Program, there are some pretty nifty classes floating around on the Course Offering Directory. To find them, you just have to know where to look.
The CavEd program is a Council undertaking that allows passionate students to create and teach their own classes. The concept of student-initiated courses harkens back to the Jeffersonian ideal of the Academical village. Students can now explore their intellectual passions in topics not traditionally covered in the University's course offerings and grow through a discussion of those subjects with their peers. According to Council's blog, the CavEd program's mission is "to give students the opportunity to take charge of their academic experience." This is a prime example of the positive affects of student self-governance at the University and serves as a means to expand the diversity of opinion on Grounds.
Next semester, students have the opportunity to choose from five different CavEd courses listed under the Interdisciplinary Studies Department's course offerings. Those classes range in topic from "Living Art: Introduction to Art Business" to "The West Wing: Where Hollywood Fantasy and Reality Collide." But one course, "American Conservatism in the 20th Century", has stood out by creating a significant amount of buzz both nationally and on Grounds. But don't let the unassuming name fool you: The class instructor, third-year student Rick Eberstadt, assures that the class will prove educative, engaging and entertaining.
"American Conservatism in the 20th Century" is a class that explores the development of modern American conservative thought. The class appeals to many students at the University because of its unique, nonpartisan approach to exploring conservative political ideology. To get the course approved, Eberstadt worked closely with fourth-year College student Wes Siler, third-year Keenan Davis and second-year Nicholas Shaffer who were all pivotal in developing the idea last spring. The founders of the class have gone to great lengths to ensure that the course welcomes individuals of all political persuasions. As Siler commented in an interview with the Poltico Podcast, "At our school we have a class called Modern Liberalism, which I think is a fine thing, but I thought, why not have a class called Modern Conservatism to balance it out, to present all the ideas?"
The course's origins and its dedication to inclusivity lay the groundwork for an exceptional learning experience. As of this weekend, American Conservatism in the 20th Century has 30 students enrolled, but Eberstadt is willing to accept course action forms should the course reach its 40 student enrollment maximum. Both Eberstadt and Siler are exceedingly knowledgeable on differing facets of conservative thought. Additionally, both displayed noteworthy leadership skills during their separate terms as president of The Burke Society. The close ties of the course's leadership with The Burke Society can only serve to increase the quality of the class by creating a base of resources from which the course can draw. Eberstadt has expressed his desire to bring in guest speakers specializing in the various concentrations of conservative scholarship so that students can learn from the most respected scholars. The faculty sponsor, Vigen Guroian of the University Religious Studies Department, will also serve as a valuable resource to students owing to his in-depth knowledge on conservative political thought.
INST 1550, and specifically "American Conservatism in the 20th Century," represents the positive influence of student self-governance on academia. Council should be praised for implementing the concept of student-initiated courses and allowing students to earn credit-hours while pursuing a field of study in which they truly are interested. Likewise, all student instructors of the various INST 1550 sections must be acknowledged for their contribution to Jefferson's desire that his University "be based on the illimitable freedom of the human mind, to explore and to expose every subject susceptible of its contemplation." In the true Jeffersonian tradition, student-initiated courses represent the ultimate democratization of education because the student becomes the teacher. The classes offered under INST 1550 should, therefore, remind every student that the power to make the most out of their college experience ultimately rests in their own hands.
Ginny Robinson is an opinion editor for The Cavalier Daily. She can be reached at v.robinson@cavalierdaily.com.\n
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