What everyone should be forced to learn was the title of a recent thread on the Chronicle of Higher Education forums. I think the discussion os still going on, but last week I noted 17 things which appeared on that thread in some form.
- Basic probability and statistics.
- Basic social psychology principles, enough not to get suckered by con artists and manipulative politicians.
- Basic micro and macro economics
- Basic understanding of American government
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Understanding of the scientific method, error and uncertainty.
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The work of Elvis Costello
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How credit works, how to make a budget, and basic financial planning skills.
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Where food actually comes from and how to get it yourself.
- A course in Decision Theory
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Etiquette.
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Pass the test to grant citizenship to foreign nationals
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be able to read and understand a semi-literate news magazine cover to cover (i.e. Time; Newsweek)
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Understand the basics of world geography
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Change tyres and oil on car
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Basic first aid
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Basic chemistry (not be taken in by claims about water and skin creams).
- A second language