Roosevelt Montás

This week, Zohar sits down with Roosevelt Montás, Senior Lecturer in American Studies and English at Columbia University, and former Director of the Center for the Core Curriculum at Columbia College from 2008 to 2018, to talk about the contrarian promise of a liberal arts education, how to read religious texts, the importance of quieting the mind, the challenges of self-discovery in an age of politicization and social media.

Roosevelt Montás, an educator and author from Columbia University, dives into the transformative power of literature in shaping identities. He discusses Columbia's historic core curriculum and its role in promoting critical engagement with classic texts. Montás emphasizes the importance of dialogue in learning and the need for a liberal arts education that nurtures personal purpose. The conversation also touches on the inclusivity of diverse voices in literature and the vital role of education in enhancing democracy through self-awareness and informed citizenry.

Roosevelt Montás discusses the transformative power of Great Books in education, refuting claims of oppression. Advocates for accessible liberal education for all. Explores personal self-discovery through education. Highlights value of expert guidance in teaching classic texts. Emphasizes importance of humanities in providing well-rounded foundation for various career paths.

Roosevelt Montás, an advocate for a liberal education, discusses the value of a liberal education in helping individuals find purpose and engage deeply in their lives. He shares his personal story of how encountering great books as an immigrant teenager changed his life. The podcast also explores the significance of a liberal education in fostering critical thinking and dismantling oppressive structures, while addressing concerns about its exclusiveness.

Roosevelt Montás, a Dominican-born academic and advocate for Great Books, discusses his transformative journey from a rural village to Columbia University. He argues that liberal education, particularly through Great Books, empowers historically marginalized students. Montás critiques the decline of holistic education and defends the relevance of classical texts against claims of elitism. He emphasizes the need for effective teaching methods and accessibility in the humanities, championing a balanced approach that prepares students for both academic rigor and practical careers.