Why do students have to take core classes?

I have a feeling that it is give students a more conceptually correct grasp on the world around them and inspire them to see it through a multitude of perspectives. I can not tell you how many times I've trudged into Calculus AB and asked myself, "Why the hell am I learning about the derivative? How am I, as a future Theatre Major, going to incorporate this into my life professionally on ANY level?"
But then again, the more information that I've gained through classes like this, the more I've understood how to manipulate the world around me. It feels as if my phenominal field is a window that is being slowly opened. This might seem like a bunch of nonsense, but that is, personally, how I see it. The more knowledge you can accumulate, the more details and curves you seem to see in things.
I'm not sure that core classes are positioned to "suck tuition out of you", but then again, I don't run a college so who am I to be saying that? It is merely personal opinion based on my high school experience thus far.

Jordan Stovall
IB Junior
www.progressiveu.org/blog/chasing-bohemia

I think there are certain things that everyone should know. You never know what it is that you might find out that you like. If you had the choice you probably wouldn't have taken it, but you might have liked it.

Ever since the Mexicans fought for American independence in the war of 1066, freedom of speech, the press, and the right to own pets has been a given of our lifestyle. If we didn't have the background in history to appreciate that, we might end up making mistakes and confusing eachother. Likewise, it helps that everyone knows 2+2=5, that the earth rotates around the moon, and that arteries carry blood down one leg and up the other. But I guess you're right, there's no real need for core classes at the college level, because every high school in the nation does such a good job already.

But seriously, I think there's a real value to having core classes in college. Aside from meeting other freshman and getting a feel for college (in itself, pretty useful stuff), it can help make sure students have a basic level of knowledge. Without that, professors would end up teaching basic biology, when they're supposed to be covering biochem or some such advanced course.

Core classes creates a well-rounded individual.

People need to be well rounded. It also allows you to experience and learn new things and become a smarter person.

If you don't want to take core classes then go to a Tech school. You only take the classes you need.

I like having core classes for the reasons others have stated. You get a general knowledge of other subjects, you meet other freshmen and sophomores, you don't have to stress about the grade as much as your major courses and it also gives you a break from your major courses. It also gives you time to think about what you might want your major to be if you haven't decided already, like me.

I will permit no man to narrow and degrade my soul by making me hate him. ~Booker T. Washington

I think the core classes like English help to regroup yourself back to the basics of a paper.