Texas House Bill HB2746

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to the establishment of the School of Ethics, Western Civilization, and American Traditions at The University of Texas at Austin.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would amend the Education Code to establish SEWCAT as an interdisciplinary unit within the university, tasked to develop a sequence of courses aimed at fostering ethical character and civic responsibility among students. The courses would cover significant topics ranging from ancient philosophy to the founding principles of the American Republic, ultimately leading to an undergraduate degree in Western Civilization and American Institutions. This initiative may set a precedent for similar programs across other academic institutions in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 2746 aims to establish the School of Ethics, Western Civilization, and American Traditions (SEWCAT) at The University of Texas at Austin. The intent behind this legislation is to enhance the understanding of students and the public regarding the intellectual origins of American governance and society. It seeks to build upon the existing Program in Western Civilization and American Institutions, providing a more permanent and structured curriculum focusing on the pivotal contributions from various historical periods including antiquity, the Middle Ages, and the Enlightenment.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 2746 include concerns over the allocation of state resources towards what some may view as a subjective or politically charged area of study. There may be debate regarding the inclusivity of the curriculum and whether it adequately represents diverse perspectives in ethics and civilization studies, as well as discussions on the necessity and relevance of such specialized programs in regard to broader educational goals within higher education. Some legislators may question the potential impact of this bill on existing academic programs and the university's curriculum as a whole.