But faculty members say the origins of these concepts are murky, with some suspecting they were developed by outside consultants with ties to the newly appointed trustees. They worry that the focus on logos and techne will limit critical thinking and diversity of thought among students, instead promoting a narrow worldview that aligns with the conservative ideologies of the current administration.
“It’s concerning that these concepts were introduced without any input from faculty or students,” said one faculty member. “We pride ourselves on being a place of open inquiry and intellectual diversity, but these changes seem to be moving us in the opposite direction.”
As the overhaul of New College’s core curriculum continues, faculty members are bracing for further changes that they fear will undermine the college’s longstanding commitment to academic freedom and liberal arts education. With tensions running high between faculty, administrators, and trustees, the future of NCF’s core curriculum—and its mission as a public liberal arts college—remains uncertain.
The New College of Florida (NCF) has unveiled a new core curriculum that aims to blend critical thinking and practical knowledge to offer students a cohesive and transformative educational experience. The draft proposal of the plan emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of community among students while also providing them with an exceptional academic experience that will unite them and prepare them for life after college, according to Interim-President Corcoran.
Some elements of NCF’s new curriculum appear to have originated from discussions between Corcoran and former Harvard University preceptor David Kane. Public records show that Kane proposed a major curricular redesign based on classical education principles after reaching out to Corcoran in April 2023. Kane, who had previously taught data science at Harvard, advocated for a shift towards classical education and the study of great books, criticizing the current educational approach at NCF.
Kane’s proposal, which emphasized the need for a pedagogical overhaul and a focus on preparing students for the modern world, caught the attention of NCF officials. While not all of Kane’s recommendations were adopted, some aspects of his ideas were incorporated into the new core curriculum plan. Kane suggested a move away from lectures in favor of discussion-based classes, with instructors teaching multiple sections to keep class sizes small.
Despite assurances from Corcoran that individualized programs at NCF would not be eliminated, faculty members have expressed concerns that the new core curriculum will limit student options and reduce the college’s distinctiveness. They worry that the changes will make NCF’s offerings more homogeneous and less diverse, potentially making it harder for the college to stand out among other institutions in Florida’s public university system.