The "Cornerstone" Approach to Reinvigorating General Education

FAIN: AH-274009-20

Teagle Foundation Inc. (New York, NY 10022-6837)
Andrew H. Delbanco (Project Director: May 2020 to present)
Loni M. Bordoloi (Co Project Director: August 2020 to present)

A five-year cooperative agreement to develop and implement new humanities pathways in undergraduate education.

The Teagle Foundation proposes a cooperative agreement with the National Endowment for the Humanities to revitalize the critical role of the humanities in undergraduate general education. The “proof of concept” that has inspired this proposed initiative is Purdue University’s Cornerstone Integrated Liberal Arts certificate program, which introduces incoming college students to significant works of literature and philosophy and enables them to draw connections between the humanities and their professionally oriented programs of study through thematically organized clusters of general education coursework. We propose a high-profile grant-making initiative, complemented by annual faculty professional development institutes, to provide institutions with a strong mix of incentives and support to embark on genuine reform that places the humanities at the center of general education.

Media Coverage

Needed: A New Rehearsal Space for Democracy (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Jon Parrish Peede, Andrew Delbanco
Publication: Inside Higher Education
Date: 9/30/2020
URL: http://www.insidehighered.com/views/2020/09/30/colleges-must-revive-general-education-opinion

Humanities For Everyone: A Plan (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Jon Parrish Peede
Publication: Humanities: The Magazine of the National Endowment for the Humanities
Date: 11/10/2020
URL: http://www.neh.gov/article/humanities-everyone-plan

Can We Pull Colleges Away from Politics and Back to Wisdom? (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Thomas Gibbs
Publication: Dallas Morning News
Date: 11/20/2020
URL: http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2020/11/20/can-we-pull-colleges-away-from-politics-and-back-to-wisdom/

The Teagle Foundation Partners with the National Endowment for the Humanities (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Date: 9/23/2020
URL: http://philanthropynewyork.org/news/teagle-foundation-partners-national-endowment-humanities

Grants Aim to "Reinvigorate the Humanities" by Connecting Them to Career Goals (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Mike Scutari
Publication: Inside Philanthropy
Date: 2/22/2021
URL: http://www.insidephilanthropy.com/home/2020/9/23/grants-aim-to-reinvigorate-the-humanities-by-connecting-them-to-career-goals

Teaching: What Students Want Their Professors to Know (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Beth McMurtrie
Publication: The Chronicle of Higher Education
Date: 9/24/2020
URL: http://www.chronicle.com/newsletter/teaching/2020-09-24

Can the Humanities Truly Transform Undergraduates' Lives? (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Steven Mintz
Publication: Inside Higher Ed
Date: 1/3/2022

In 1961, MLK Taught a College Class. Its Syllabus Might be Contentious Today (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Roosevelt Montas
Publication: Financial Times
Date: 2/26/2022
URL: http://www.ft.com/content/bcb8e762-0191-459f-af79-d63f09752d9b

10 Books to Read: The Best Reviews of November (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Roosevelt Montas
Publication: The Wall Street Journal
Date: 11/29/2021
URL: http://www.wsj.com/articles/10-books-to-read-the-best-reviews-of-november-rescuing-socrates-fuzz-appomattox-grisham-11638205189

Aristotle and Tocqueville Walk Into an HBCU (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Roosevelt Montas
Publication: The Wall Street Journal
Date: 11/25/2021
URL: http://www.wsj.com/articles/aristotle-tocqueville-hbcu-great-books-classics-11637711054

In Acrimonious Time, Some Welcome Fresh Attention to Socrates and the Art of Civilized Arguing (Media Coverage)
Author(s): George F. Will
Publication: The Washington Post
Date: 6/8/2022
URL: http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/12/31/harvard-classics-socrates-how-to-argue/

Saving Classics From Identity Politics (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Thomas Chatterton Williams
Publication: The Atlantic
Date: 1/14/2022
URL: http://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/01/ideas-vs-identity-liberal-arts-montas-padilla/621241/

The Left Should Defend Classical Education (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Liza Featherstone
Publication: Jacobin
Date: 12/6/2021
URL: http://jacobin.com/2021/12/great-books-liberal-arts-college-class-meaning?fbclid=IwAR0Xb8ZLjp255-Ug2CGPo4GH03zKezJh4VkmCVaaQGdN5GHxe3Scl1wQjIQ

This is the Way the Humanities End (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Brian Rosenberg
Publication: The Chronicle of Higher Education
Date: 1/7/2022
URL: http://www.chronicle.com/article/this-is-the-way-the-humanities-end?cid2=gen_login_refresh&cid=gen_sign_in

Great Books, Graduate Students, and the Value of Fun in Higher Education (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Leonard Cassuto
Publication: The Chronicle of Higher Education
Date: 1/20/2022
URL: http://www.chronicle.com/article/great-books-graduate-students-and-the-value-of-fun-in-higher-education

Why the Core Matters for a New Generation (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Roosevelt Montas
Publication: The Chronicle of Higher Education
Date: 11/16/2021
URL: http://www.chronicle.com/article/why-the-core-matters-for-a-new-generation?cid2=gen_login_refresh&cid=gen_sign_in

Enough With the Culture Wars (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Dan Edelstein
Publication: Inside Higher Ed
Date: 3/30/2022
URL: http://www.insidehighered.com/views/2022/03/30/stanford-first-year-curriculum-avoids-culture-wars-opinion

AAC&U Conference Tackles Democracy and Liberal Education (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Rebecca Kelliher
Publication: Diverse Issues in Higher Education
Date: 1/20/2022
URL: http://www.diverseeducation.com/leadership-policy/article/15287626/aacu-conference-tackles-democracy-and-liberal-education

General Education and the Humanities (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Annie W. Bezbatchenko and Loni Bordoloi Pazich
Publication: AAC&U
Date: 1/14/2022
URL: http://www.aacu.org/article/general-education-and-the-humanities

Do the Great Books Hold the Keys to Success? (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Robert A. George
Publication: Bloomberg
Date: 5/1/2022
URL: http://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2022-05-01/reading-the-great-books-is-the-secret-to-professional-success?sref=hsVjBwkB

Core Curriculum (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Lindsay Johns
Publication: TLS
Date: 6/8/2022
URL: http://www.the-tls.co.uk/articles/rescuing-socrates-roosevelt-montas-book-review-lindsay-johns/

Yes, the Great Books Make Us Better People (Media Coverage)
Author(s): John McWhorter
Publication: The New York Times
Date: 12/17/2021
URL: http://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/17/opinion/great-books-socrates.html

Why a Liberal Education Is Worth Defending (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Steve Mintz
Publication: Inside Higher Ed
Date: 9/20/2021
URL: https://www.insidehighered.com/blogs/higher-ed-gamma/why-liberal-education-worth-defending

Reviving the Humanities Through General Education (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Andrew Delbanco, Loni Bordoloi Pazich
Publication: Inside Higher Ed
Date: 10/20/2021
URL: https://www.insidehighered.com/views/2021/10/18/revitalizing-humanities-general-education-opinion

Finding Dignity and Excellence in the Great Books (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Roosevelt Montas
Publication: The Wall Street Journal
Date: 11/4/2021
URL: http://www.wsj.com/articles/finding-dignity-and-excellence-in-the-great-books-11636046843?st=s7c4mvkbqhzvuto&reflink=desktopwebshare_twitter

Why the Core Matters for a New Generation (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Roosevelt Montas
Publication: The Chronicle of Higher Education
Date: 11/16/2021
URL: http://www.chronicle.com/article/why-the-core-matters-for-a-new-generation?cid=gen_sign_in

Oh, the Humanities: Can These Colleges Help Save Tradition in Higher Education?? (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Chris Burt
Publication: University Business
Date: 3/4/2022
URL: http://universitybusiness.com/oh-the-humanities-can-these-colleges-help-save-tradition-in-higher-education/

How Humanities Play a Vital Role for Community College Students (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Liann Herder
Publication: Diverse Issues in Higher Education
Date: 3/1/2022
URL: http://www.diverseeducation.com/institutions/community-colleges/article/15289136/how-humanities-play-a-vital-role-for-community-college-students

NEH, Teagle Foundation launch $7 million humanities initiative (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Publication: Philanthropy News Digest
Date: 9/26/2020
URL: http://philanthropynewsdigest.org/news/neh-teagle-foundation-launch-7-million-humanities-initiative

Lilly Endowment Splits $62 Million Among Every College and University in Indiana (Grants Roundup) (Media Coverage)
Author(s): M.J. Prest
Publication: The Chronicle of Philanthropy
Date: 9/29/2020
URL: http://www.philanthropy.com/article/lilly-endowment-splits-62-million-among-every-college-and-university-in-indiana-grants-roundup?cid=gen_sign_in

Yes, and! to Delbanco and Peede (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Monisha Pasupathi, Sylvia Torti
Publication: Inside Higher Education
Date: 10/1/2020
URL: http://www.insidehighered.com/views/2020/10/01/reinvigorate-gen-ed-include-stem-and-arts-fields-addition-humanities-letter

Foundation Chief Andrew Delbanco Wants All Students to Wrestle With Great Books (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Emily Bobrow
Publication: The Wall Street Journal
Date: 12/18/2020
URL: http://www.wsj.com/articles/foundation-chief-andrew-delbanco-wants-all-students-to-wrestle-with-great-books-11608310173?st=8z4maa1jdmylw9f&reflink=article_email_share

Classic Books or Diverse Books? (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Roosevelt Montas
Publication: The Chronicle of Higher Education
Date: 7/19/2021
URL: https://www.chronicle.com/article/classic-books-or-diverse-books?cid=gen_sign_in&cid2=gen_login_refresh

What Should Students Learn? (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Roosevelt Montas
Publication: The Point
Date: 8/15/2021
URL: https://thepointmag.com/examined-life/what-should-students-learn/

Associated Products

A Toolkit for Revitalizing the Role of the Humanities in General Education (Web Resource)
Title: A Toolkit for Revitalizing the Role of the Humanities in General Education
Author: Melinda Zook
Abstract: First iteration of toolkit mentioned in work plan to help institutions adapt the Cornerstone program model in their settings; toolkit will be revised over the course of the project
Year: 2020
Primary URL: http://www.teaglefoundation.org/Resources/Insights-from-Grantees/Cornerstone-Learning-for-Living/Toolkit
Primary URL Description: n/a
Secondary URL: http://www.teaglefoundation.org/Resources/Insights-from-Grantees/Cornerstone-Learning-for-Living/Toolkit
Secondary URL Description: n/a

Cornerstone: Learning for Living (Main Landing Page) (Web Resource)
Title: Cornerstone: Learning for Living (Main Landing Page)
Author: Teagle Foundation
Abstract: Main landing page with resources and links on activities and participants in the Cornerstone: Learning for Living initiative
Year: 2020
Primary URL: http://www.teaglefoundation.org/Call-for-Proposals/Initiatives/Cornerstone
Primary URL Description: N/A
Secondary URL: http://www.teaglefoundation.org/Call-for-Proposals/Initiatives/Cornerstone
Secondary URL Description: N/A

Cornerstone: Learning for Living Faculty Institute (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: Cornerstone: Learning for Living Faculty Institute
Abstract: In October 2020, The Teagle Foundation hosted its inaugural Cornerstone:Learning for Living faculty institute.
Date Range: October 2020
Primary URL: http://www.teaglefoundation.org/Resources/Convenings-and-Webinars#cornerstone

A Toolkit for Revitalizing the Role of the Humanities in General Education_revised Fall 2021 (Web Resource)
Title: A Toolkit for Revitalizing the Role of the Humanities in General Education_revised Fall 2021
Author: Melinda Zook
Abstract: Revised fall 2021 to capture lessons from a broader array of grantees.
Year: 2021
Primary URL: https://www.teaglefoundation.org/Teagle/media/GlobalMediaLibrary/documents/resources/Cornerstone_Toolkit_FINAL_CGP-Edits_9-23-21.pdf?ext=.pdf

Why Liberal Arts Matter for STEM Majors (Radio/Audio Broadcast or Recording)
Title: Why Liberal Arts Matter for STEM Majors
Writer: Melinda Zook
Abstract: Melinda Zook, history professor and director of Cornerstone Integrated Liberal Arts at Purdue University, initially set out to make sure that STEM majors were exposed to liberal arts courses. It resulted in a grant-funded program with a national reach. In this episode, she discusses the evolution of the program and its impact on undergraduate education.
Date: 9/28/2021
Primary URL: https://nacu.edu/nacu-programs/podcast/
Format: Other

Teaching with Transformative Texts (Session I) (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: Teaching with Transformative Texts (Session I)
Abstract: Reginald Dwayne Betts in conversation wtih Major Jackson on why reading and writing matter and the ways in which teachers can bring literature alive for students. As part of this session, Major Jackson reads his poem entitled "Let Me Begin Again" and Dwayne Betts reflects on his poem, “In Alabama.”
Date Range: 10/7/21
Primary URL: https://teaglefoundation.org/Resources/How-and-Why-I-Teach/Resources/Teaching-with-Transformative-Texts-(Session-1)

The Great Questions Seminar 2020-2021 Student Voices (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)
Title: The Great Questions Seminar 2020-2021 Student Voices
Writer: Theodore Hadzi-Antich Jr.
Abstract: Students discuss their experience in the Great Questions Seminar at Austin Community College.
Year: 2021
Primary URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtaHR4mb1EU&t=1s
Format: Video

Reginald Dwayne Betts in Conversation with Major Jackson on Why Reading and Writing Matter (Radio/Audio Broadcast or Recording)
Title: Reginald Dwayne Betts in Conversation with Major Jackson on Why Reading and Writing Matter
Abstract: Reginald Dwayne Betts in conversation with Major Jackson on why reading and writing matter and the ways in which teachers can bring literature alive for students. As part of this session, Major Jackson reads his poem entitled "Let Me Begin Again" and Dwayne Betts reflects on his poem, “In Alabama.”
Date: 10/7/21
Primary URL: http://www.teaglefoundation.org/Resources/How-and-Why-I-Teach/Resources/Teaching-with-Transformative-Texts-(Session-1)
Format: Web

Roosevelt Montas on Rescuing Socrates (Radio/Audio Broadcast or Recording)
Title: Roosevelt Montas on Rescuing Socrates
Abstract: In November 2021, The Teagle Foundation hosted a workshop featuring Roosevelt Montás, senior lecturer in American Studies at Columbia University and Rene Plessner Lecturer for its Freedom and Citizenship program, discussing his new book, Rescuing Socrates: How the Great Books Changed My Life and Why They Matter for a New Generation (Princeton University Press).
Date: 11/4/21
Primary URL: http://www.teaglefoundation.org/Resources/How-and-Why-I-Teach/Resources/Roosevelt-Montas-on-Rescuing-Socrates
Format: Web

Stanford's new Civic, Liberal and Global education program awarded and implementation grant (Article)
Title: Stanford's new Civic, Liberal and Global education program awarded and implementation grant
Author: Unknown
Abstract: The $250,000 grant for COLLEGE, which supports the launch of Stanford’s new requirement for first-year students, is part of a broader national initiative aimed at underscoring the value of liberal education.
Year: 2021
Primary URL: http://news.stanford.edu/report/2021/09/30/new-civic-liberal-global-education-program-awarded-implementation-grant/
Format: Newspaper

Faculty work to revitalize humanities at Berks (Article)
Title: Faculty work to revitalize humanities at Berks
Author: Unknown
Abstract: Two Penn State Berks professors are on a mission to revitalize the role of the humanities at Penn State Berks.
Year: 2021
Primary URL: http://www.psu.edu/news/academics/story/faculty-work-revitalize-humanities-berks/
Format: Newspaper

'Cornerstone Learning for Living' Grant Awarded to the SLU University Core (Article)
Title: 'Cornerstone Learning for Living' Grant Awarded to the SLU University Core
Author: Unknown
Abstract: Saint Louis University has been awarded a $25,000 Teagle Foundation/National Endowment for the Humanities “Cornerstone Learning for Living” planning grant (June 2021-June 2022) to build pathways through the new University Core curriculum.
Year: 2021
Format: Newspaper

Grant: Great Works Academic Certificate Program (Article)
Title: Grant: Great Works Academic Certificate Program
Author: Unknown
Abstract: The Great Works Academic Certificate (GWAC) program has been awarded a grant of $150,000 from the Teagle Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities to make core texts in the humanities more widely read by UNLV students.
Year: 2021
Primary URL: http://www.unlv.edu/news/accomplishments/great-works-academic-certificate-program

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