Story by Logan Tromp, Opinion Columnist
Aquinas College is a liberal arts college. This should not be a surprise to students; however, some do not know what being a liberal arts college fully entails. According to author Michael Lind, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin, a liberal arts education has varied in form in the past, yet core elements such as the humanities, language and literature, rhetoric, and a general education have remained steadfast.
These elements separate a liberal arts education from a professional, career focused education, but why are these elements so important? Being well formed in the humanities allows one to connect, empathize, and understand others from different cultural backgrounds. This same sentiment applies to language and literature. Literature breathes life into unique stories and a common language is the pathway in which our society is fused together.
If all of these elements are integral to society, why is the liberal arts education increasingly being viewed as antiquated by students and employers? Many see career preparation as the ultimate purpose of an undergraduate education. Admission into extremely selective graduate programs is the highest priority for most students, and some may not see value in a fine art, history, or anthropology class. Additionally, the proliferation of STEM careers has also led to a decline in liberal arts education.
Nevertheless, the benefits of a liberal arts education remain. Traditionally, “ ‘liberal arts’ originally meant something like ‘skills of the citizen elite’ ”. The basis of a liberal arts education is the foundation of an informed citizenry. One must be well versed in logic and rhetoric when evaluating a candidate’s arguments. Adept citizens can debate public policy effectively, and thanks to a general education, they will be informed on a variety of political and social matters. While career preparation, exploration, and education are immensely important, they are not the most essential factors to a flourishing society. After all, society needs competent leaders, and what’s better to provide this than a liberal arts education?
Leaders need to be educated on a vast array of topics to be able to make decisions affecting the general public. While a liberal arts education is not the only answer to this challenge, it is an accessible one. Students can choose to attend liberal arts colleges to become well rounded, experienced individuals. They can gain new perspectives on different cultures and people. This will aid both their public and private lives as they know not only what their profession requires of them, but also of the advantageous skills of their liberal arts education.
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