Liberal Art Issues

The essay “A New Liberal Arts,” which was written by Sanford Ungar, first appeared in the Chronicle of Higher Education on March 5, 2010. In his essay, Ungar uses many different rhetorical strategies to convince his reader that a degree in the liberal arts is not a lost cause but can actually be very beneficial and lead to success. In Ungar’s opinion, there are many wrong ideas and misunderstandings about the usefulness of a degree in the liberal arts. In the essay there are seven specific misperceptions that he addresses specifically. By listing out these misperceptions, Ungar is addressing them individually in order to give each one proper attention. He offers explanations to why people may think these things and why he believes that they are incorrect. Ungar’s use of style, format, and emotional and logical arguments help him to create a persuasive and influential essay for his audience and convince them to agree with his opinion.

Before reading the Andrew Delbanco book, College: What it Was, Is, and Should Be, my view of Liberal Arts education was positive. A Liberal Arts education consists of a curriculum based in the sciences and humanities while maintaining the freedom to pursue interdisciplinary study. Studying at a university with such a curriculum and freedom can be compared to an all-you-can-eat buffet; the student attending would not need to commit to a single area of study, trapped in confined course-load in one building on campus. Rather, that person could dish a little bit of business, with a side of art history, and a healthy helping of biology onto their academic tray and consume to their heart’s content, scraping the sides of the university in order to

Martin Luther King Junior said, “Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.” Higher education does not exist for the sole purpose of preparing students for future jobs; it’s there in order to prepare individuals for life where they are expected to participate in their community, their government, and the lives of those around them. Liberal arts, in particular, exist for the broadening of students’ minds in order for them to be successful not only in their chosen career but also in their lives outside of it. Liberal arts lost their past popularity during the last few decades, but they shouldn’t be disregarded in favor of technical and professional degrees because they still provide students with skills that are perhaps less tangible, but no less necessary for life in modern world.

A liberal arts education consists of many things. It can include literature, foreign languages, history, philosophy, religion, mathematics, science, and also psychology. Every area of study benefits each student, regardless of their major. Students learn from every course they take.

Bok’s argument is to show the readers the importance of liberal art. According to Bok, “Liberal arts programs seldom take adequate account of the crucial importance of students’ careers- career that will inevitably affect what kind of persons they become, how well they balance the claims of work and family and what opportunities they have to serve others besides themselves” (345). This statement indicates the importance of liberal arts because without it, students wouldn't be able to succeed in school. For example, middle school and high school students are required to learn English, history, reading and math in order to move into

Liberal arts education has been pursued by great thinkers and enthusiastic learners throughout the centuries. Great thinkers have sought out to expand their knowledge and gain a better and deeper understanding of the world in which they live. This has been accomplished by laying foundations of knowledge gained through diligently studding subjects such as physics, mathematics, art, history, philosophy, music and denoting an equal appreciation for each of these subjects. Each of these subjects is capable of expanding our comprehension of how the things of this world work. Not one of them is more capable as compared to the other, in regards to broadening our horizons or expanding our critical thinking abilities. Instead each subject matter holds within it the power for personal, professional and mental growth.

Now more than ever has there been emphasis on obtaining a college degree. In a lot of situations a college degree seems to be the minimum for young professionals applying for jobs. While this is happening the cost of college sees to continually rise being more expensive than ever. However a lot of people question the value of a college education particularly the liberal arts education. Many people believe that learning while doing teaches them so why spend money on a college education. It is also said that a liberal arts education teaches

Liberal Education isn’t focused on the political aspect of liberalism, however focuses on liberating its students by giving students space to explore their passions deeply. This exploration cannot happen in an education program that is built off of individualism and its exclusivity must constantly be challenged. As Cronon states, “We should remember the powerful class and gender biases that were built into this vision of freedom. The “free man” who studied the Liberal Arts were male aristocrats; these specialized bodies of knowledge were status markers that set them apart from “unfree” serfs and peasants, as well as from the members of other vulgar and ignoble classes. Our modern sense of Liberal Education has expanded from this medieval foundation to include a greater range of human talents and a much more inclusive number of human beings, holding out at least the dream that everyone might someday be liberated by an education that stands in the service of human freedom” (Olejarz, 2017). Liberal Education isn’t about mastering a particular subject. Instead Liberal Education is about mastering positive characteristics that foster a deeper sense of personal identity and cultivate human freedom.

The debate over whether or not a student should receive a liberal arts education has been prevalent in society since its first appearance. As previously shown, some people see it as a waste of time, while others see it as having value in the balance that it gives students. Still, others hold a liberal arts degree in high esteem. Each group has different reasons for their argument, but the essence of each inquiry is the same; are the skills that a liberal arts education teaches profitable enough to receive one? A much needed factor not included in the discussion, however, is how it affects one’s life later on. This should be one of the most influential aspects of deciding whether or not a liberal arts education is worthwhile gaining because where one wants to go establishes what one should do to get there. Therefore, the effects of a liberal arts education should be further examined to accurately determine its worth.

Thought I concede that jobs are actually looking for people who are educate in liberal art. I still maintain that a liberal art education remains relevant in today’s world. For example liberal art also offer classes for student who are majoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This is important because liberal art is not only concentration on those student majoring in the art field thy are also thinking of the rest of the student Although some might object that liberal art are in too general specific career , I would reply that liberal art offer great choice for every student and you don’t have to be majoring in the art field in order to attend to liberal art . the issue is important because some college student aren’t walking away with enough of a well-rounded education

The value of a liberal arts education and the focus the liberal arts should receive in secondary and post-secondary education

“A liberal education remains a resource years after graduation because it helps us to address problems and potential in our lives with passion, commitment, and a sense of possibility” (Roth). According to this quote in Source B, It describes how education will help college graduate students become more intelligent and aware that . Higher education paves a future and provides opportunity for students that attended college and gives them a shot at a career. The

In public schools we get a basic education which is essential, but college goes more in-depth. It helps to expand our minds, to discover something deeper and more intricate. The teaching of liberal art is the push for this expansion of knowledge and graduates are everywhere, examples of such in politics, culture, and the economy. It creates “...ideals into effective, productive work in the world.” (source B) Without higher education, the great minds of the world would not exist, causing a dwindle in wanting to learn, making our world abstract and distant.

The perception of Liberal Arts education has started to evolve over the years. Initially, Liberal Arts education was considered as a form of elitist education where nobles tried to expand on their knowledge on different topics rather than developing certain skills. However, as time is passing Liberal Arts education is becoming synonymous with personal development and critical thinking. While some people still believe that for a secure financial standing practical education such as going to a business school is rudimentary, the idea of attaining Liberal Arts education for personal development is spreading too. With the help of this memo I would like to expand on how attaining a Liberal Arts education is preparing to become a successful consultant at Boston Consulting Group.

Gradually the industry of liberal arts has developed with individuals concentrating more on intellectual entertainment and development. Liberal disciplines is a vast pace study composed of disciplines, humanities, natural science, public and archaeology, language and literature, social and political science, environment science…etc. The liberal art focuses on area of intellectual learning rather than technical or professional specifications. Liberal arts course attempts to educate the students to the history, society and culture and their internal linkages. In the present electronic age, use of technological innovation by liberal arts professionals has triggered the growth of the market by giving it new dimensions. Liberal disciplines majors