1.  Connection to learning outcomes:

After reading through the learning outcomes of my major I see feel it’s more vocational focused, rather than an enriched. For example, learning outcome number two describes “Demonstrate written communication skills expected of a future professional in the field: and then bullets include  – write for specific purposes and situations, and write informatively, persuasively and clearly. Where does this tie into any of Boyer’s three enriched major questions. I don’t see it giving any indications of the history, I cannot see where ethical or moral issues apply, and I cannot make social/economic connections. Although this is okay, because I don’t believe the three questions have to be used in every aspect. This baseline, technical knowledge is very important as well – and then you can build on this. A lot of these learning outcomes, at first glance, portray this sort of vocational feel. This is where we have to expand into looking at course descriptions ect.

2. Connections to a course description: 

The course, “Social Media: Theory and Practice”, even though it isn’t a required course of the major, I feel that is a very good class to take, that encompasses some very enriched ideas. The course description “This course explores the role of media and mediated communication in shaping human interaction and society. Students will engage with social media and mediated communities in a variety of contexts in the process of reflecting on and critiquing the effect of communication technology on everyday life. The course will evaluate a variety of current events and topics of debate in media culture shaped by social, mobile, and digital communication technology.” Being able to take skills learned in communications (such as the media) and apply it to everyday life. Exploring the role of the media and mediated communication in shaping human interaction and society can be used in a variety of ways to solve social issues ect. A variety of current events will be explored which provides a broad understanding and requires skills that are learned in an enriched major. A vocational major will not provide you with the skills necessary to think critically, analyze, or connect anything. What this major does really well is give students the skills necessary to “lift up a job and give it meaning” (Boyer 22). It provides a broad range of opportunities that aren’t as available in a narrowly focused, specialized education.