The Whale in the World: Using Moby-Dick in a General Education Course

Abstract

Moby-Dick is perhaps the best known novel in American literature, yet it is generally considered a daunting read, even for English majors in advanced courses. However, I believe that Moby-Dick is a text well suited for introductory courses, not merely in literature but in general education courses. The real subject of Moby-Dick is knowledge itself, and the novel can help introduce students to the educational mission of colleges and universities. Moby-Dick also emphasizes the lasting power of literature in one’s life-long education.