1. Theme

The author tries to clarify the purpose of a university: to put the students in touch with the best civilization that human race has created.

2. Structure

1) Part 1 (Para. 1-8): The writer describes his encounter with one of his students.

2) Part 2 (Para. 9-14): The author restates what he still believes to be the purpose of a university: putting its students in touch with the best civilizations the human race has created.

3. Discussion

1) As a college student, what do you think of the question put forward by the author? Give your own answer to the question, and compare it with the author’s.

2) After finishing reading the whole text, how do you evaluate the author’s answer?

3) How does the writer present his argument?