To the Point
Are the Humanities in Crisis?
Half as many college students major in humanities as did 50 years ago. What's at stake when higher education becomes more career focused and fewer study the humanities?
By Barbara Bogaev • • 1h 0m ListenHalf as many college students major in the humanities as did 50 years ago. Is this cause for concern? What's college for? Guest host Barbara Bogaev looks at what's at stake when higher education becomes more career focused and fewer students study the humanities. Also, a new court decision calls NSA surveillance legal, and more men on the job are taking advantage of paternity leave. It turns out the time off for men can have far-reaching benefits for women, including helping to close the gender pay gap and shatter the glass ceiling.
Banner image: Tricia Wang
In this episode
3 storiesNew Court Decision Calls NSA Surveillance Legal
A federal court in New York ruled today that the National Security Agency's bulk collection of Americans' telephone records is constitutional just a few weeks after a Washington District Court Judge Richard Leon found that the NSA program violates the constitutional ban on unreasonable search.
Read the story7 minAre the Humanities in Crisis?
Only about 12% of all college students major in the humanities, a big change from just 50 years ago, when there were twice as many. Only about 7% major in subjects like English, Music or Art.
Read the story35 minThe Case for Paternity Leave
In 2002 California guaranteed six weeks of paid leave for both mothers and fathers. New Jersey and Rhode Island have since anted up with 12 and 13 weeks, and other states are setting up similar policies. Many tech and Fortune 500 companies offer paid leave, and even Major League Baseball gives new dads paid time off.
Read the story8 min
