Curricula Unorgana

 

There are quite a few subjects that can be studied these days, from mathematics, English, geography, history, economics, art, design, law, physics, chemistry, religion and all manner of other topics.

This Dispatch tries to justify why people should attach a higher priority to learning some of these subjects rather than others. I will however say now and again later that rule number one in what you study and indeed what work you do is to concentrate on what you are good at, because this is usually what you also enjoy. Additionally, do not specialize completely because there are many insights into your favorite subject to be found in lateral links with other subjects and other non-study activities.

That said, it is certainly the case that some subjects are more relevant than others in the unorganized world. The core essential curricula unorgana would consist of economics, computing and English for people who’s first language is not English. Additionally, knowledge of the theory of economics is necessary but not sufficient. It also needs to be applied for understanding other relevant topics such as marketing and international business. The study of geography is also very useful because it is improves our understanding of the world- just looking through the "National Geographic" magazine helps us to understand the diversity and scope of the world. Playing sports is a great thing too.

The curricula unorgana would not include employee relations or personnel because trade unions and working legislation is not important now that individuals create work opportunities for themselves. It would also exclude history which is by definition long since past and irrelevant because of the fundamental change in the unorganized world. Religion would not feature high on my list of priorities either. Not studying politics would not be a showstopper either: especially as much politics is just a question of economics anyway.

The sciences of biology, physics and chemistry could possibly be studied. I tend to think that physics and chemistry are not essentials, after all, it is the not the concern of the general population how gravity works, just as long as it does. Having said that though there is a lot of interest amongst writers in the synergy between biological concepts and metaphors and those in the unorganized economy.

I am not a big fan of mathematics other than to get a good basic grounding in numbers and calculating. Similarly, it is difficult to add any value, honestly at least, when generating a standard set of accounts which meet accounting practices. I studied finance and investment (derivatives, shares, portfolio management etc.) and again could add very little value and have not used the knowledge much since.

The study of art and design stimulates expressions of creativity and visual images. Design is certainly a useful topic to know about: although good design is often instinctively recognized and yet hard to define. I did study some law at university- general principles and also business law. I could do little to add to the existing body of law such as the details of the obligations of company directors. It was nonetheless interesting to gain an insight into the way that the minds of lawyers work. They look at both sides of the argument, and can argue both sides of the case. Lawyers also need when formulating and evaluating contracts to consider all manner of possible future outcomes, occurrences and eventualities to cover their client’s interests. It is fascinatingly logical and somewhat imaginative to try and envision all the possible scenarios.

For someone who studied languages (German and Japanese) at university, since graduating I have started to seriously question the use of learning languages other than English. The reason is that after introducing myself to people in Japanese and having a basic conversation, I can then do little more. One morning I went into my university, saw my Japanese tutor in the lift, said a few words and was so tired that I turned around and went back to bed again! Even during my year in Germany, when I was fluent, I could not create in German, I had to revert back to my mother tongue to conceive of new ideas.

At the end of the (school) day, the most important thing is to get a good introduction to and grounding in every subject- studying 10 or more subjects in your first school and that number again in your freshman year at university. Than as you study further in university, you can specialize in fewer subjects following say a marketing or legal or accounting stream depending on your interests and abilities.

Author: Simon Buckingham

What do you think?

To make a comment to the author, send e-mail to simon@unorgan.com

 

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