Russian Studies programs

[Renee Stillings]

I can't agree more with several of Frank's statements. I have been
predicting for years that parallel with the rise of technology is going to
be the raise in pay for anyone who can actually write.

Market forces have most likely forced technical and business schools to
maintain or even increase their focus. Such market forces are not quite so
clear in the humanities and the focus is becoming lost. I have often said
that I have no regrets over taking an engineering undergrad degree even
though I do not work remotely in the field, as it taught a way of thinking.
When I meet an engineer, I know the approach (more or less) to any
situation, and truthfully, almost all companies like to have an engineer in
the room if only to have someone dissect problems in a different way.
Humanities need to be recognized in that way also--promoting a way of
thinking, which in part contributes to good writing (good writing for
practical purposes meaning clearly relating one's thinking). Writing in and
of itself needs to be a much more serious focus.

One breakthrough could perhaps be allowing all students the option of minor
concentrations in completely different areas. Engineers could take a minor
in English (great boon for technical writing and marketing departments?) and
humanities students could take some technical courses as it really is
becoming more and more impossible to avoid technology altogether, no matter
how hard you try. Most will not cross over "for fun or exploration" because
of the possible drop in GPA when one treads into unfamiliar waters. (I was
once told by a study abroad advisor that it was senseless developing study
abroad opportunities for engineers because they are far to paranoid about
GPA to even consider it. Given the broad generalization that "engineers need
to get out more", doesn't that seem a bit silly?) We can always do it later,
of courses, as continuing education or just picking up a book, but it would
be nice to have the system's blessing even earlier on.

>
> What I really prize is the employee who can write well.  It's not too hard
> to find employees, with or without college, who understand the technology,
> in spite of their high salary demands.
>
>  It is difficult, however, if not at times seemingly impossible, to find
> someone who understands the technology "and" can write well.

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