DWC Debate Continues

Lack of diversity in the Development of Western Civilization program is a huge problem, according to Eric Hirsch, chair of the Sociology Department, Ph.D., at Providence College.
Hirsch spoke on Tuesday, April 20, to promote the revised changes in the Core Curriculum.

Hirsch holds a seat in the Faculty Senate and has spent many hard years of work trying to reform the program. He finally succeeded in reaching a compromise to revise this five-credit core.

"When I first came to PC, there was no diversity in the curriculum," Hirsch said. "I began to protest for a change, but was not supported by many at all."
DWC will be cut from 20  hours per week to 16. This change to the curriculum will be enforced for the class of 2014, and will be a permanent change for years to follow.

"Much of what is taught in the present DWC program supports colonialism, focusing more on imposing ideas than on other cultures of the world," Hirsch insisted. "It has been evident for many years that a reform is much needed."

The revised curriculum was formulated to move the focus historical chronology to major ideas and themes. This program will allow students to study literature and writings from not only the Western world, but also from the Eastern world as well.

"Students will be required to take a cross-cultural course," Hirsch said. "The classroom size will be cut in half, allowing for a seminar atmosphere. This will allow students to be better engaged in the text and articulate their opinions on the matter easier," he said.

One argument against the current DWC program is that there is a lost connection amongst the four-person teams of professors.

"I have often heard that professors have difficulties working with one another," Hirsch said. "With only two teachers and far less students, time will not be a pressing issue."

With the reduction of credits, prospective students will be capable of taking five classes each semester for all four years, instead of only junior and senior years. The reform will open up opportunities for students to experience more electives of interest.

Hirsch, along with many other advocates, will admit that negotiating for the new curriculum was all but painless. Both faculty and students played a crucial role in preparing, organizing, and petitioning. Although not completely revised, Hirsch admits that progress is positive.

"It is important to understand that what you do matters," Hirsch said. "The power is in the people. Whether you are one or many, the power is rightfully yours."

Although DWC has changed for the better, the honors program will remain unchanged.

"The honors program still needs negotiation," Hirsch admitted.  "We are grateful for the revisions. We are making improvements one step at a time."