Liberal Arts is a form of curriculum which is based on holistic principles and values. This type of education was initially an academic setting in Western Education and has now been adopted by innumerable institutions across the globe. This form of education assists students to think critically about diverse issues, communicate effectively and become leaders dedicated to public service.
This academic program consists of a broad spectrum of subjects, such as:
- Performing arts (fine arts, literature, speech, music)
- Social sciences (economics, anthropology, sociology, linguistics, psychology)
- Physical sciences (physics, chemistry, astronomy, geography)
- Life sciences (ecology, biology),
- Logic
- Mathematics
- Computer science
- History
- Philosophy
By combining subjects over this broad-spectrum, liberal arts encourages cultural diversity, problem-solving approach, intellectual curiosity and change. In fact, the term ‘art’ in Liberal Arts essentially means a learned skill and not a specific form of fine art. Thus, liberal arts integrates within its students an ever-learning attitude.
The vast world that we are a part of and the multifaceted problems in it make it almost mandatory for a mono-perspective education to be replaced by one that is transdisciplinary in its approach. A Liberal arts education does just that by providing a plethora of perspectives and a link between everything one sees and studies. This program allows students to major in what they are passionate about while also discovering other fields of interest. Hence, a major in one particular area in liberal arts is only earned after substantial learning outside the main area.
This education aims to create well-rounded individuals who are capable of solving real-world problems. It trains you not only to solve complex world problems but also to ask which problems to solve and why. This intellectually empowers students, preparing them for leadership roles of the future and a life of service.
A Liberal Arts UG program is usually four years long. Under this, most students earn either a Bachelor of Science degree or a Bachelor of Arts degree. The setting adopted in most of these colleges is generally Socratic, with smaller classrooms and discussion-oriented lectures, facilitating both students and professors to focus comparatively more on learning. After completing their UG program they can pursue their higher education at a liberal arts graduate school or any professional school (like law or medicine).
To conclude, as President Christopher Eisgruber of Princeton University said, “[A] liberal arts education is a vital foundation for both individual flourishing and the well-being of our society.”
Works Cited:
Ashoka University. “Liberal Education University in India.” Ashoka University, www.ashoka.edu.in/.
“Liberal Arts Education.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 11 July 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberal_arts_education.
Haidar, Hasna. “What Is Liberal Arts Education?” Top Universities, Topuniversities.com, 20 Apr. 2021, www.topuniversities.com/blog/what-liberal-arts-education.
“What Does Liberal Arts Mean? | Princeton University Admission.” Princeton University, The Trustees of Princeton University, admission.princeton.edu/academics/what-does-liberal-arts-mean.
“What Is Liberal Arts – Advantages, Scope and Careers Opportunities.” Manav Rachna Vidyanatariksha, 21 May 2020, manavrachna.edu.in/blog/liberal-arts-education-advantages-scope-and-careers-opportunities/.