In regard to Arts and Sciences, most college freshman entering four years of undergraduate studies know very few basics, despite having been in numerous required History and English classes. Part of the blame lies with high school teachers that often have only a rudimentary understanding of their subject area. These teachers rely daily on their “wrap-around” teacher editions that specify questions to be asked and provide a variety of classroom activities. Blame must also be placed with school administrators, parents, and students themselves.

Significant Gaps in Basic Knowledge

Typical objective and subjective answers from college freshmen taking Western Civilization and American History survey courses frequently include answers such as the following:

• During the French Revolution, the army communicated by radios.
• Benedict Arnold commanded the American Continental Army.
• Rome is located in Greece.
• The Boston Massacre resulted in the destruction of the city by a British army.
• Abraham Lincoln is best known for freeing Native Americans.
• Early Christianity was spread in the Eastern Empire by Spartacus.
• The Nile River separates Western and Eastern Europe.
• Shakespeare’s plays were written in a dead language.

The list goes on and on and many instructors can share equally foolish answers, often from students that graduated high school with honors.

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