I noticed at UEA subjects are grouped very differently from what we might find in the U.S. They have a much more interdisciplinary approach. The schools are more thematic. A great example is the School of International Development. Within that school students can study everything from media to sustainability to education to fisheries, not just political science. There are different streams, allowing a student to specialize within the major area of study. It makes perfect sense. Subjects are artificially separated in American Higher Education. I think this separation must really limit our thinking and our approaches to solving real-world problems. I prefer the more cross-disciplinary thematic structure.
During the Norwich tour I spoke informally to one of the student ambassadors about the admissions process and studying on a 3-year degree. I was curious to know if students ever found themselves in doubt and wished to change their area of study. So I asked her about this. She surprised me by explaining that the level of freedom within the school allows for some shifting of subjects without the need to change schools. After learning more about the School of International Development I can see how this would be the case. The other student ambassador, an American Literature major, said it best, "How can you study literature without history or other subjects. You have to know the context". The same (or greater) emphasis on liberal arts exists. But we find it blended more naturally here.
It is really quite the dichotomy...on one hand the degrees are streamlined to 3 years without the liberal arts requirement, making them much more focused on a single specialty. On the other hand, they seem to do a better job of blending disciplines, as we experience in the real world. This alternate model does cause me to question the effectiveness of our American "grab-bag" style of core curriculum.
After another wonderful meal (I hope my clothes fit at the end) we participated in some mind-mapping and brainstorming related to how we might better utilize Fulbright scholars across campus. Then we said goodbye to the many rabbits on campus and boarded the coach. I wish I had captured a photo of those enormous rabbits. They were everywhere.
We arrived in London just in time to drop our luggage at the Imperial College London and dash across the street to grab our seats at Royal Albert Hall for the BBC Proms. In no way can I claim familiarity with classical music, but I can't help but enjoy a frenetic conductor. The tickets were a nice welcome to campus.
Being in London again is a dream come true. It has been 11 years since my last visit. But we are in town for less than 24 hours. Passing a Wagamama's and a kabab shop, knowing there would be no time, was somewhat painful. I suppose I enjoy it while I can!