William Deresiewicz' Excellent Sheep Fall 2014

Perfect grades, docile minds. Does this describe your life leading up to and including your college experience?

At this special Reunion Homecoming 2014 event, William Deresiewicz read from his new book, Excellent Sheep: The Miseducation of the American Elite and the Way to a Meaningful Life. After the reading, he answered questions and engaged in conversation with former Stanford University Dean of Freshmen, Julie Lythcott-Haims ('89).

Deresiewicz is an author and former Yale professor. In Excellent Sheep, he levies sharp criticism on the current system of elite American education, the phenomenon of tiger parenting, and college essay counselors. His book is directed at everyone who collaborates in mindless meritocracy, including students, teachers, parents, and university alums. Deresiewicz and Dean Julie will discuss the pitfalls of the elite education machine in America, and explore what a meaningful and rewarding college education should truly involve.

The McCoy Family Center for Ethics in Society is committed to bringing ethical reflection to bear on important social problems through research, teaching, and engagement. Visit the Center's website for more information: http://ethicsinsociety.stanford.edu

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