Why do we need gen-eds?

Or, perhaps the better question is this: how many gen-ed classes should be required to get a Bachelor's degree? 10% of all classes? 25% of all classes? 33% of all classes? Trust me when I say this: nobody wants to take them, teach them, or pay for them.

Why science needs the huaminties more than ever (Nature, 25 June 2026) argues the usual: STEM fields, alone, cannot offer the ethical reasoning, historical context, and cultural connecctions that are required to be an informed and responsible citizen of the world. 'Hard' technical expertise is critical but has to be complemented by 'soft' human skills.

That's fine & I don't think anyone disagrees with that. But here are the practical questions:

1. Do we really need a take an array of special classes that have nothing to do with our desired profession to get these 'soft' human skills? Or, could this be infused & embedded in classes that also offer pratical professional skills?
2. Let's agree that we need special gen-ed classes: how many? Currently we basically force students to take about 1/3 of all their classses in the gen-ed curriculum - that seems too much to me.

Here's my proposal: create a mandatory Minor that all students need to take that consists of 6 classes or 18 credits: 1 science class with a lab, 1 math class, 1 writing class, and three more classes in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.