Why Do I Have to Take This Course? A Guide to General Education [Revised Edition]

Reviewed by Jennifer Riggs, Professional Specialist, Saint Mary's College on 9/12/25

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

This text includes many helpful topics that can and should be included in the dialogue around the importance of completing a general education or liberal arts curriculum. Whether you are new to these concepts or are a seasoned advisor in higher education, you will benefit from reading and using this book.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

Sources are cited within the text, and a list of references used within each section is found at the end of each section. Nearly all of the high-quality sources are peer reviewed or were obtained via a government or professional organization. Information is accurate and relevant.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

I was drawn to this book because of its title. As an advisor for incoming first year students, I am often asked, “Why do I have to take this class?” It has been coming up more lately, it seems, as more and more students are coming to college with dual, AP and/or IB credit. This summer, I advised more students than ever before who were entering our four-year liberal arts school with an Associate degree. It seems that many of these students came with the impression that they will not have to take any classes other than those within their major. I can sympathize with students who are hoping to save money and, perhaps enjoy a lighter credit load as a result of their hard work in high school. However, sometimes it seems that students do not understand why they are still being asked to fulfill general education requirements. This book gives us the language needed to explain to students why a general education curriculum is important.

Clarity rating: 5

The sections are concise. The text is clear and easy to understand.

Consistency rating: 5

Each book section and page are formatted in the same way. Quality and quantity of information are also consistent across the book. I believe that students and advisers will appreciate the short reading sections.

Modularity rating: 5

Each section is visually appealing and easy to navigate. The headings for each topic are appropriate. This book would be a good resource to use during training sessions to educate advisers on how to relay this information to advisees.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

Each section is broken down into smaller sections and concludes with sections entitled “Final Thoughts” and “References and Further Reading.” Section eight includes practical resources for instructors such as course description and syllabi statement examples and strategies for addressing student questions and concerns. Some sections also include helpful and entertaining videos and activities.

Interface rating: 5

I have not experienced any interface issues with this book. The book is available as an online book and an e-book and can be downloaded in pdf format.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

Grammar is correct. Language is appropriate for an undergraduate student. There is even a little humor thrown in for instructors!

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The author provides an historical overview of general education that provides context for current issues. Another section defines the different types of higher education institutions. Furthermore, several sections describe why certain aspects of a general education curriculum are important for fostering an understanding across people and cultures. For example, the “Speaking and Listening” section discusses the importance of learning a world language and considering others’ experiences. Additionally, the section on diverse perspectives describes different types of diversity and includes the brilliant TED talk by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The danger of a single story.

Reviewed by Rachel Feldwisch, Associate Dean, College of Education & Behavioral Sciences, University of Indianapolis on 9/1/25

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

While Tracy's text was less comprehensive than Zakaria (2015), I found her writing to be approachable and inclusive. For example, Tracy defined key terms associated with the college experience. She answered commonly asked questions related to liberal arts education in brief excerpts that would fit well in many contexts. The "For Instructors" section was also a highlight of this text.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

Coverage of history was brief and accurate. Information was presented without error or bias. Content aligned with common knowledge in higher education.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The textbook is timely, as we find ourselves in the United States having to defend the value of a liberal arts education. Public institutions are fighting against funding cuts and the closure of academic programs. We feel a political push toward professional and technical programs in the United States. Given the current lack of public confidence in traditional higher education, a textbook like this could help explain the value of liberal arts to our own students who someday may advocate for educational experiences like their own. While the textbook is timely, the issues addressed are unlikely to become outdated anytime soon.

Clarity rating: 5

The textbook was written in an accessible way and could easily be understood by college students. As previously mentioned, I found the definitions of key terminology to be quite helpful.

Consistency rating: 5

Each segment contained learning objectives, reflective questions, "Final Thoughts," and References/Further reading. The consistency of this outline would be helpful to college learners.

Modularity rating: 5

The author used her own institution as an example, but otherwise the book is not specific to any college setting and is not overly self-referential. Tracy provided guidance on assigning sections under "Course Examples."

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The book included an engaging introduction with a video link. Text was divided into four main sections, and the author shared that instructors may use the entire book or specific sections that would be helpful within a particular course of study.

Interface rating: 5

I did not observe any issues with navigation, images, or general interface of the textbook.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

I did not observe any grammatical errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The videos provided include images of people representing different cultural backgrounds. The book included a land acknowledgement and a tribute to activist John Lewis. Subsequently, the concept of "Good, Necessary Trouble" was woven throughout the book. The text was not offensive or culturally insensitive in any way, but I found it to be relatively specific to higher education in the United States. The text may have relevance in other English-speaking countries.

The book was informative and easy to read. I envision this text working well as part of a freshman seminar course.