Driven by the Industrial Revolution, the 19th century saw seismic advances in science and technology that have continued to this day. The establishment of specialized institutions focused on scientific inquiry and the rise of positivism, a philosophical model that emphasized the acquisition of knowledge from empirical observation, led to the concept of the STEM disciplines: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. There was an increasing separation of the STEM disciplines from the arts and humanities, which were rooted in classical educational models that relied on rhetoric and philosophy. In parallel with this divergence of scientific and artistic scholarship, which continued into the 20th century, university curricula placed increasing emphasis on “real-world” or practical education that prepared learners for specific career trajectories, with a focus on value for money, return on investment, and marketability for employment. This movement led to a proliferation of courses that demonstrated explicit pathways to career destinations, a trend that continues today.
Not Just a No-Show: Understanding Faculty Absence at Graduation
Each spring, university campuses are spruced up: Lawns are mowed and stages assembled, and rows of chairs fill the arena. Graduation is a time-honored tradition, celebrating students’ hard work and
Heidi Hillman
July 21, 2025
