Great Issues Questionnaire and Alumni Answers

The Great Issues Course as an experiment in applied general education has three fundamental objectives: First, to provide for all Dartmouth Graduates a better transition from their last year of liberal arts education in conventional classroom forms and texts to the forms and reading sources of a continuing adult education; in other words, to provide an experience in applying and carrying on one's general education.

Second, to give all seniors, regardless of major and elective studies, a common intellectual experience so as to stimulate out-of-class discussions, which are an important part of self-education and of developing maturity.

Third, to develop among all Dartmouth seniors a sharper awareness of the values involved in great issues which confront men today, thereby promoting a heightened sense of common public purpose and individual public-mindedness.

A. Was it clear to you while you were taking the course that these were its objectives? No. % Hardly at all 17 1.7 Only in part, or at times 229 23.1 Yes, through most of the course 740 74.6

B. As you see it now, to what extent did the course actually contribute to your attainment of each of the above objectives? To attainment of the first objective? Practically not at all 56 5.6 Slightly 270 27.2 Considerably 448 45.2 Very much 209 21.1 Xo attainment of the second objective? Practically not at all 64 6.5 Slightly 293 29.5 Considerably 409 . 41.2 Very much 218 22.0 To attainment of the third objective? Practically not at all 46 4.6 Slightly 210 21.2 Considerably 434 43.7 Very much 296 29.8

C. As you remember it, what was your general attitude toward the course at the end of your senior year? Strong dislike 23 2.3 Mild dislike 58 5.8 Neutral feelings 168 16.9 Mild liking 373 37.6 Strong liking 365 36.8

D. As you look back on the course now, how would you evaluate its contribution to your education? Of little or no value 19 1.9 Of less value than the average course 58 5.8 Of about the same value as the ordinary course 152 15.3 Of greater value than the average course 504 50.8 Of very great value 252 25.4

E. Do you believe that your interest in public affairs is now more active as a result of the course? Definitely no « „ , Probably no 108 10.9 Uncertain 85 8.6 Probably yes 3SO 33.3 Definitely yes 432 43.6

F. Do you believe the course increased your discrimination in regard to the quality of newspapers and other media? Definitely no 32 3.2 Probably no 64 6.5 Uncertain g8 3.2 Probably yes 213 21.5 Definitely yes 647 65.2

G. In your opinion, of how much value to you were the projects on which you worked in the course? Of little or no value 206 20.8 Of moderate value 563 56.8 Of very grea t value 216 21.7

H. Listed below are some benefits which a student might obtain from the Great Issues course. As you see it now, to what extent did you get these benefits from the course? Please rate each item. Answer by using the numbers 1 to 4 with the following meanings: (a) A greater tendency to keep yourself well-informed about public affairs than you otherwise might have had. Practically not at all 68 6.9 Slightly 268 27.0 Considerably 440 44.4 Very much 211 21.3

(b) An increased desire to participate actively in public affairs (community, state, nation, world). Practically not at all 257 25.9 Slightly 442 44.6 Considerably 221 22.3 Very much 66 6.7

(c) A new understanding of the interrelations of knowledge you had previously acquired (integration). Practically not at all 207 20.9 Slightly 421 42.4 Considerably 279 28.1 Very much 76 7.7

(d) Awareness of new issues, or new perspective on familiar issues. Practically not at all 49 4.g Slightly 222 22.4 Considerably 478 48.2 Very much 238 24.0

(e) Changed attitudes in relation to certain issues on which you had previously taken a position (revised values). Practically not at all in- 19.7 Slightly 496 Considerably 234 23.6 Very much 58 5.8

(f) A stimulus to out-of-class discussion with classmates or others. Practically not at all 93 g.4 Slightly 311 31.4 Considerably 366 36.9 Very much 218 22.0

(g) An experience in applying your values in judging men, publications, and affairs as an adult citizen. Practically not at all 52 5.2 Slightly 201 20.3 Considerably 4 77 48.1 Very much 257 25.9

(h) Benefits arising from the opportunity to hear and appraise men who were playing important roles in national life. Practically not at all 24 2.4 Slightly 131 13.2 Considerably 330 33.3 Very much 502 50.6

(i) Increased awareness of the range and degree of variation in the portrayal of the same daily life by different newspapers (comparative press). Practically not at all 26 2.6 Slightly 125 12.6 Considerably 331 33.4 Very much 506 51.0

(j) Increased awareness of the extent to which the views of individuals and groups are influenced by the news sources they rely upon. Practically not at all 41 4.1 Slightly 203 20.5 Considerably 381 38.4 Very much 362 36.5

(k) Increased discrimination in your use of a newspaper and other media of communication. Practically not at all 74 7.5 Slightly 208 21.0 Considerably 359 36.2 Very much 345 34.8

I. Which of the above possible benefits do you consider the most important in your own case? Please list below, in order of descending importance, the letters of the five you regard as of most importance.

Ranked according to the magnitude of a weighted score derived by multiplying the number of times listed as first choice by 5, second choice by 4, third choice by 3, fourth choice by 2, and fifth choice by 1.

1 a - 2198 7 j _ 1322 2 h — 2061 8 f— 874 3 g-1696 9 c- 737 4 k— 1537 10 b— 711 5 i — 1519 11 e — 344 6 d — 1364