Excellence Without a Soul

Harry Lewis talked about his book Excellence Without a Soul: How a Great University Forgot Education, published by PublicAffairs. Professor Lewis, former Dean of Harvard College, offered his analysis of how America’s great universities are failing students and the nation. He argued that while great research universities like Harvard have been striving to be unsurpassed in the quality of its faculty and students, the universities have forgotten that the fundamental purpose of undergraduate education is to turn young people into adults who will take responsibility for society. He said that Harvard, as the richest, oldest, most powerful university in America, has set many standards, but he evaluated the failures of the institution, including the issue of grade inflation and a recent controversy over Harvard’s handling of date rape cases. He argued for changes. After his presentation he responded to audience members' questions.

This event was part of the Center of the American West, S close