Summary

Focusing solely on the topic of higher education--its opportunities, complexities, and challenges and how to make the most of them--this engaging anthology enriches users' critical thinking, communication, and research skills with reading and writing assignments that will improve one's ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate arguments; construct written arguments and interpretations; plus hone research capabilities using the library, on-line sources, interviewing, and observation. Moves from critical reading to informal journal writing to formal essay writing. Begins each unit with an introductory essay laying out the main issues to be covered; starts each reading with a short description of the author and a brief summary; and follows with a reflective writing assignment. Covers such subjects as popular culture, gender, the environment, the influence of advertising and other media on consumers, the economy, music, AIDS, and literacy, and emphasizes that college is about more than career preparation and personal advancement--that it is about self-understanding, social awareness, community development, learning for the sake of learning, and more. For instructors of college freshman orientation programs; also for those interested in critical reading and writing with a focus on higher education.