"Lost in the Life of the Mind" Questions

Directions:

Read the essay, "Lost in the Life of the Mind" from IA (The Informed Argument) and answer the questions noted below. Please note that you do not have to write out the questions. Submission is via inline text entry only.

1. What is the "gigantic conspiracy" that colleges engage in, according to Coplin? What evidence does he provide that such a "conspiracy" exists? Do you think that Coplin intentionally exaggerates the existence of such a "conspiracy"? What would he gain by doing so?

2. What are Coplin's chief complaints about what colleges teach their students? On what basis does he make his complaints? Do you think his complaints are valid? Why or why not?

3. What harm can be done when a professor conveys, "Be like me"? Could harm be done if professors are not role models to some extent? To what extent might your answers to these questions provide support for Coplin's argument or offer a counterargument to his position?

4. What solutions does Coplin suggest for the problems he sees with the conventional college curriculum? Do you think his solutions are practical? Explain.

5. How does Coplin believe students should be taught? Why do you think he puts more emphasis on the development of professional skills than on the acquisition of specific knowledge? Do you agree with him on this point? Why or why not?

6. What evidence does Coplin offer to support his claims that colleges do not prepare students for the workforce? How valid or convincing do you find his evidence?

7. How would you describe the tone of this argument? What specific characteristics of his writing contribute to his tone? To what extent do you think Coplin's tone strengthens or weakens his essay?

8. This essay might be described as an argument based on deductive reasoning (see pages 81-83). What basic principle or belief about the purpose of a college education does Coplin base his reasoning on? Do you think this principle or belief is widely shared by Americans? Do you share Coplin's basic belief about college? Explain, citing specific passages from his essay to support your answer.