The blame for this rests with Derrida, Foucault, Lacan, and the rest

The state of Shakespeare in top American universities posted by MD

Not good. Of the top 25 universities, top 25 liberal arts colleges (both as ranked by US News & World Report), as well as 20 other schools (the Big Ten, and select in New York and California) — in other words, in 70 of the top university/college English programs in America— only fifteen require Shakespeare...

I would argue this is a state of emergency if I already didn't think the great majority of universities and colleges in this country a profound waste of time and money, at least as their liberal arts education goes. But it is a bit sad, isn't it, that the greatest writer in the English language isn't required at every major university and college.100% of the blame for this rests with Derrida, Foucault, Lacan, and the rest, who inspired a generation of American professors to ruin the Western tradition of Great Ideas.

For a thorough report that provides the above statistics, go to Vanishing Shakespeare and download it.In the meantime, we must rededicate ourselves to reading Shakespeare, many times, to talking about the ideas in his works with others, and to insisting (and persuading) that our children and their children receive one of the most sustainable gifts of humanity to read and enjoy the drama and poetry of Shakespeare.That, and raising hell with universities that don't require Shakespeare. Labels: America, Great Ideas, Home Education 2:27 PM Monday, April 23, 2007