A Syllabus for Generalists
by Cristina Jerney
In recent years, there’s a tendency towards specialism and specialists, from the job market to identities to relationships to education and more. Conversations around university education, for example, tend to be focused on high-earning job prospects, rather than on developing multidisciplinary ways of thinking. The job market tends to favor people who have had a clear, laddered path to success. The prevalence of TikTok trends, which disappear as quickly as they appear, have viewers categorizing themselves within a range of attributes, classifications that are used as bywords for a personality: “clean girl”, “softboi”, “thought daughter”, “thot daughter”, “de-influencers”, and more. Curiosity for curiosity’s sake is not discouraged, per se, but it’s not clearly monetizable either, and therefore can be deprioritized.
As a result, people are quick to try to categorize themselves based on interest or skill, as a way of telling the world who they are quickly, before an audience’s attention runs out, which can lead to tunnel vision, bias, and a sense of social entrapment. Generalists have an important place within society, working from a broad range of knowledge that brings context into the complex and nuanced circumstances humanity finds themselves in today. For example, doctors looking to improve their practices could find helpful lessons from history and philosophy—the history of humankind is also the history of generations of patients, after all. However, generalists have long faced the danger of being overlooked as the “jack of all trades, master of none”.
A syllabus for generalists is comprised of four weeks of general education; that is, a little bit of everything. It contains something for everyone—for specialists looking to branch out, and for generalists searching for new beginnings of knowledge.
Though formal in tone, this is not meant to be an authoritarian syllabus, but rather a jumping off point. Additionally, there is no pressure to finish everything within a specific time period. Come back to this syllabus (or its structure) whenever you like.
Suggested method: Choose a week, and then choose one topic per day. Take notes (digitally or on paper), doodle, ask questions, research further. You don’t need to use all of the texts—review what you like, to whatever level you like! Once the day is over, move on to the next topic, and don’t think about it until summation. At the end of the week, review your learnings.
Week 1: Core Curriculum—or, things you forgot about in math, science, literature, and history
Key math principles, texts, and problems
Algebra
Algebra is a foundational form of mathematics that is used to discover unknowns. Using letters (typically x and y) to stand in for an undetermined value, algebraic formulas are the foundation for advanced math, science, and engineering. Algebra has many everyday uses, including budgeting, comparing price per volume, working out travel times, calculating ingredients for recipes, and more.
Texts:
Introduction to Algebra by BCC Bitesize
Algebra Basics by CueMath
Algebra – From Beginners to Advanced by LibreTexts
The History of Algebra and the Development of the Form of Its Language by Ladislav Kvasz
Problem Set:
Algebra Problem Set by Paul’s Online Notes
Geometry
Geometry is a form of mathematics that expresses values relating to space. Geometry is used to calculate the distance, size, shape, and relative position of an object. Use cases for geometry range from art and architecture to most scientific disciplines.
Texts:
Introduction to Geometry by Skills You Need
Geometry – From Beginners to Advanced by LibreTexts
Geometry: A History from Practice to Abstraction by Nrich
A Brief History of Geometry by N J Wildberger
Problem Set:
Geometry Problem Set 1 by Maths Made Easy
Geometry Problem Set 1 Answers By Maths Made Easy
Geometry Problem Set 2 by Maths Made Easy
Geometry Problem Set 2 Answers by Maths Made Easy
Trigonometry
Trigonometry focuses on the form and functions of angles, used for astronomy, optics, acoustics, graphics, engineering, and more. The six most common functions are sine (sin), cosine (cos), tangent (tan), cotangent (cot), secant (sec), and cosecant (csc).
Texts:
Introduction to Trigonometry by BBC Bitesize
Trigonometry – From Beginners to Advanced by LibreTexts
Further Trigonometry by LibreTexts
History of Trigonometry by Nrich
Problem Set:
Trigonometry Problem Set by Math10
Calculus
Calculus is the mathematical study of continuous change; for example, use cases include calculating velocity and acceleration. Calculus is therefore used in all physical sciences, for mathematical modeling, and more.
Texts:
The Three Calculus Concepts You Need to Know by PiDay
Introduction to Calculus by CueMath
Calculus – From Beginners to Advanced by LibreTexts
Calculus Textbooks by Active Calculus
The History of Calculus by Oxford Scholastica Academy
A Brief History of Calculus by Dalhousie University
Problem Set:
Calculus I Problem Set by Paul’s Online Notes
Calculus II Problem Set by Paul’s Online Notes
Calculus III Problem Set by Paul’s Online Notes
Key science principles, texts, and experiments
Physics
Physics is the natural science of matter, and addresses motion, force, and energy. Use cases include driving, engineering, astronomy, and more.
Texts:
Introductory Physics by the University of Winnipeg
Physics – From Beginners to Advanced by LibreTexts
The People’s Physics Book by James H. Dann and James J. Dann
Six Defining Moments in the History of Physics by Immerse Education
Experiment:
Distance and Speed of Rolling Objects Measured from Video Recordings by Science Buddies
Chemistry
Chemistry is the natural science of properties and composition of matter, and addresses the reactions of different matters. Use cases include cooking, cleaning, cosmetics, medicines, and more.
Texts:
Beginning Chemistry by LibreTexts
General Chemistry by LibreTexts
Interactive Periodic Table by the Royal Society of Chemistry
A Brief History of Chemistry by 2012Books
Experiment:
Chemistry of Ice Cream Making by Science Buddies
Biology
Biology is the natural science concerned with living organisms. Use cases include medicine and health, agriculture, and more.
Texts:
Introduction to Biology by Open Stax
Biology, Answering the Big Questions of Life by Wikibooks
Biology – From Beginners to Advanced by LibreTexts
The History of Biology by Britannica
Experiment:
Can Your Body Temperature Tell the Time of Day? by Science Buddies
Key literature principles, texts, and questions
Some suggested readings—some familiar, some less familiar. If none of these pique your interest, feel free to choose your own to follow the interpretation and writing exercises below.
Suggestions for Reading
Beowulf translated by Seamus Heaney
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K Jerome
Blowing the Bloody Doors Off by Michael Caine
The Prophet by Khalil Gibran
One Art: Letters by Elizabeth Bishop
The Art of War by Sun Tzu
Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel
The House of Spirits by Isabel Allende
1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows by Ai Wei Wei
Tribes by Nina Raine
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell
Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches by Audre Lorde
Mother Courage and Her Children by Bertolt Brecht
Hawaii’s Story by Queen Lili’uokalani
The Door by Magda Szabo
Libro de las preguntas by Pablo Neruda
Interpretation & Writing
Take notes (mental, digital, physical, or otherwise) on your selected text(s). Then respond to one (or more) of the following prompts in any manner you choose (essay, poem, video, art, interpretive dance, etc):
– Evaluate the idea that where someone comes from affects the language they use.
– How is technology changing language, and how is this explored in your chosen text?
– Compare and contrast two texts from the suggested readings.
– “Identity is mobile: a process, not a thing; a becoming, not a being.” (Simon Firth). Use this quote to explore one of the texts above.
– Under what circumstances are characters “free” or “trapped” in one of the readings above?
– Discuss the role of the family unit within your chosen text.
– How does the form of your chosen text help get its key message across?
Key history principles, texts, and reimaginings
It’s impossible to do justice to the entirety of history; therefore, here are some selected texts, to use as a jumping off point.
Some general histories
Andrew Marr’s History of the World by the BBC
Connections by James Burke by the BBC
The History of Africa by Britannica
The History of Antarctica by Britannica
The History of Asia by Britannica
The History of Australia by Britannica
The History of Europe by Britannica
The History of North America by Britannica
The History of South America by Britannica
Some lesser-known histories
The History of Italian Food by Marianna Giusti
The Story of Ziryab by History Collection
The Lesbian Pulp Fiction That Saved Lives by Atlas Obscura
The People Who Danced Themselves to Death by the BBC
Mansa Musa by National Geographic
How the British let one million Indians die in famine by the BBC
What Really Happened at Wounded Knee by National Geographic
Paraguay still haunted by cataclysmic war that nearly wiped it off the map by The Guardian
Emperor Norton by the Museum of the City of San Francisco
Reimaginings
Take notes (mental, digital, physical, or otherwise) on your selected histories. Then respond to one (or more) of the following prompts in any manner you choose (essay, poem, video, art, interpretive dance, etc):
– Analyze and contextualize a lesser-known history into your larger understanding of the area/history.
– Could you create a narrative out of the history you’ve just learned about from multiple perspectives?
– Analyze and contextualize a cultural output (literature, food, art, etc) within its historical circumstances.
– How can historians determine facts? How much of the history you’ve learned do you consider to be narrative and interpretation vs. true fact
– Like the tv show Connections (listed above), how far back can you trace today’s events?
Summation
Write a reflection (in prose, in poetry, in bullet points, in geometry, etc.) on your key takeaways from these principles. Was there anything you liked or disliked more than when you had previously learned it? Is there anything completely new you learned? What do you want to learn more about? What do you want to explore next?
Week 2: Practical Skills—or, things you never learned but always wondered how to do
Ham Radio
Ham Radio is amateur radio communication, focused on connecting with people around the world. Operating on specific frequencies designated for amateurs, using ham radios can be fun, challenging, and handy in times of emergency. You can even talk to astronauts on the space station! On a personal note, it’s something that my father has been trying to get me to learn for years (this syllabus is as much for me as it is for anyone else!).
Operating a ham radio requires a license; resources can be found below.
Beginners Guide to Ham Radio by Edwin Robledo
Why You Should Learn to Love Ham Radio by Jason Feifer
Why Do I Have to Learn Theory to Use a Radio? by Ham Hub
Radio Society of Great Britain
The National Association for Amateur Radio (US)
N.B.: This syllabus is not suggesting that you learn and master ham radio in a day or even a week. However, in this age of extreme communication, this syllabus would like to gently remind its readers that not all forms of communication are guaranteed (such as when there is interference with cell phone towers). Ham radio is one of many types of practical communication that can be practiced and studied; if this isn’t your thing, maybe write letters or find other non-mobile/computing ways of communicating! The ideals of ham radio—experimentation, innovation, connection—can be explored in many different ways, and all without obtaining a license.
Tying Knots
How many times have you found yourself in a situation where it would have been handy to know a strong knot, something that sailors would use? Okay, maybe not too often—but there’s no denying that it’s a good skill to have in case of emergency, for daily practical uses (a handy knot can be a simple fix to broken items and more!), and outdoor activities.
This syllabus highly suggests getting a length of string or rope to practice these knots; knowledge is not often meant to stay theoretical!
Complete Knot List by Animated Knots
The Basic Knots by Trip Pilot
Essential Knots: 10 Basic Knots Everyone Should Know by HICONSUMPTION
How to Tie a Knot: The 21 Essential Knots You Need to Know by Outdoor Life
Home Maintenance
You don’t have to be an aspiring DIY-er to be able to look after your home (whether your rent or own)—and consistent, small actions save you a lot of hassle (and money!) in the long run.
Making Your Home More Eco-Friendly by Mr. Handyman
Home Maintenance Checklist by The Right Choice Realty
The Ultimate Guide to Maintenance Appliance by Checkatrade
How to Repair a House Wall by B&Q
How to Fix a Poor Caulking Job Well by Silicone Depot
Food Preservation
Making your food last longer is good for your paycheck, the environment, your health, and is a good skill to know generally. There are several different methods of food preservation; this syllabus includes a few for you to try.
Food Preservation Methods and Guidance by Human Focus
A Guide to Home Food Preservation by MasterClass
The National Center for Home Food Preservation by the University of Georgia
Summation
Create a reflection (in prose, in a knot, in bullet points, in a jam, in another practical skill, etc.) on what these practical skills give you. How do they compare with your current skillset? What do you want to learn next?
Week 3: Just For Fun—or, one-time projects that can allow you to try a new hobby
This week is defined by four core methods of a hobby—something to make, something to do, something to find, and something to relax. Again, these are suggestions—feel free to substitute your own make, do, find, or relax as you see fit!
Make: Limoncello
Limoncello is easy to make, and a lovely drink to sip on a hot summer evening. It’s also a great housewarming gift! Making it at home also gives you control over the amount of alcohol and sugar in the recipe, so you can make it to your taste.
Limoncello by BBC Good Food
Homemade Limoncello Easy by Fatto in Casa de Benedetta
Bonus: Pink lemonade
Are you looking for a similarly refreshing drink, sans alcohol? Pink lemonade is another classic summer staple, and easy to make at home as well.
Pink Lemonade by BBC Good Food
Do: Origami
Origami is a Japanese art that involves folding a single piece of paper to create a sculpture or form. It’s easy to try, fun to do, and can be a great creative outlet.
Origami Beginner’s Guide by Origami.mi
Origami for Everyone by Instructables
Bonus: Photography Embroidery
Give your photos a fresh look—try embroidering your photography for a tactile, standout touch.
Add colorful embroidery to old black and white photos by Studio 5 KSL
Hand Embroidery for Beginners by Let’s Explore
Find: Geocaching
Geocaching is a worldwide, ongoing treasure hunt. Participants look for caches, or small waterproof boxes that contain a logbook and, occasionally, trinkets. It’s a great outdoor activity, and a great way to test those scavenger hunt skills.
Geocaching 101 by Geocaching
Geocaching for families by the National Trust
How to Get Started Geocaching by REI
Bonus: Invader
Invader is a French street artist, known for secretly installing small mosaic space invaders and other artwork around the world. Depending on where you live, you may be able to find some; or if you’re traveling, keep an eye out and document the ones you find!
Space Invaders by Invader
Space Invader Map by Note
Relax: Cryptic Crosswords
Cryptic crosswords are regular crosswords’ trickier counterpart – more advanced, complex, and, at times, downright annoying. However, getting a clue right in a cryptic crossword is extremely satisfying, and a great way to stretch your brain while relaxing.
Beginner’s guide to solving cryptic crosswords by The Guardian
Guide to Cryptic Crosswords by The Wall Street Journal
How to do Cryptic Crosswords by the Financial Times
Daily Cryptic Crossword by The Guardian
Bonus: Chess Puzzles
If you already know the rules of chess, chess puzzles can be a great way to improve your logic skills. Or, if you’re a chess beginner, it can be a great way to get into the chess mindset, so you’re ready to beat any future opponents.
Puzzles by Chess.com
How to Play Chess by Chess.com
Summation
Write a reflection (in prose, in a cryptic clue, in bullet points, in limoncello, etc.) on what activities during downtime gives you. Leave it in a geocaching cache if you’re feeling brave.
Week 4: Staying Curious—or, creating your own generalist’s syllabus
What are you still dying to know? What could interest you outside of your usual work, hobbies, and routines? Create your own generalist’s syllabus to learn and document new knowledge, and to share with your community.
Step 1: Brainstorm – what do you want to learn? what do you want other people to learn?
Create a Syllabus by MIT’s Teaching and Learning Lab
Step 2: Research – deep dive into your topics
Free Databases by EBSCO
Free Databases by CSU Long Beach
Free Databases and Collections by Smithsonian Libraries
YouTube
Reddit
Step 3: Collate resources – gather, gather, gather
15 Best Free Web Tools to Organize Your Research by Lifewire
Step 4: Write your syllabus – and edit it, if it doesn’t make sense the first time around
Choose your favorite method—personally, I wrote this in Scrivener.
Step 5: Share – we are all made smarter by what we learn from people around us
Share with one person, with your family, your friends, or with a wider audience—or keep it for yourself. It’s up to you!
Further Resources
Further reading on various topics, to begin a new generalist’s journey.
Free Courses by the Open University
Math Cheat Sheets by Paul’s Online Notes
What Happens to the Stuff We Send Into Space by Atlas Obscura
What’s the Fastest Language in the World by Atlas Obscura
The Computer History Museum
Amortization Schedule Calendar by Calculator.Net
How to Mend Your Clothes by Remake
Agnes Varda by The Gentlewoman Club
Bicerin Recipe by BBC Good Food
Starting a Garden from Scratch by the National Garden Scheme
The Beginner’s Guide to Creating a Kitchen Garden by The Oxfordshire Gardener
Her Blazing World by Francesca Peacock