STANDARD OF DEGREES

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27036, 11 May 1953, Page 3

STANDARD OF DEGREES

CHOICE OF “EASY SUBJECTS” DR. R. A. FALLA DEPLORES TENDENCY (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, May 9. The director of the Dominion Museum (Dr. R. A. Falla) last night criticised university students who picked “easy subjects” to complete their degrees. In an address at the Victoria University College graduation ceremony. Dr. Falla "Warned against over-specialisation by students, and advocated a balanced education. General education in the universities, it appeared, would have to develop through the existing facilities, he said. Therefore, some of the responsibility for geting a full education was thrown from the system on to the student.

"That may be a good thing, for we are inclined to blame systems instead of ourselves for disabilities,” Dr. Falla said.

The average student, having decided on a major course, was still left considerable freedom in a wise choice of his remaining subjects, at least for arts and science degrees, he said. “Is there not a tendency to look for easy options or convenient subjects, instead of others that might help to balance the course? That is one attitude to subsidiary units to be deplored,” said Dr. Falla.

He knew students who were very proud of their main subject, but whispered the rest when pressed as though they were a guilty secret, Dr. Falla said. There was no reason why any subject should not be regarded as worthwhile in itself, and be built on accordingly.