In response to the proposal to make Sociology 119 a required course for all majors because students need to gain an understanding of different cultures ("Changing the world should be a required course," Feb. 27), I would like to pose this question. If you are on an operating table, do the cultural understandings of the surgeon matter? Do you care if he knows what types of foods are eaten in different cultures or if he has an understanding of your religion or if he knows what it was like for you to grow up where you did? I think most people would answer no. All that matters is that doctor's understanding of science and his ability to save your life.

Almost every student can benefit from CAS 100, a public speaking class, regardless of major. Public speaking is a very important skill to have in the job market. Ever heard of Ben Bernanke, one of the most powerful people in the United States? Odds are if you've taken Econ 2 or 4 you have. No matter what your major, economics will be a huge part of your daily life. Whether it's doing a cost-benefit analysis of going to a party or staying home to study, filling up you car with gas or reading about the Feds raising interest rates, economics will be there. Statistics 100 at the very least provides people with the knowledge to become better informed citizens of this country.

Maybe if people actually paid attention in these classes instead of "blankly staring" at Power Point slides this country wouldn't have some of the problems it does today.