After searching the excerpt and understading, We can come to the conclusion that Carson is clearly speaking about the creation of individual identity and the need to belong. Yet, he places two opposing feeling In the excerpt, from the text, "Solitude ... an American Malaria", love and fear. The writer shows how these feelings works and their effects. Love can motivate, a fear is something that would destroy love.
What do you mean about 'Elective courses'? Is it the courses the students chose?
If then, say we have the right to learn what we want.
Http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129470920
There is a LOT of great information on this website. Just copy and paste to get your answer(s). I hope that I helped.
From what i knowis that it would be the first T