Liberal Arts Education

Introduction to Liberal Arts Education

Ever wondered what it would be like to study one of the oldest subjects in the world? The ‘Liberal Arts’ go back to the Ancient Greeks who considered a liberal arts education to be the ultimate mark of an educated person. While liberal arts education has long had an established place in the US higher education system, it has only recently resurfaced in continental Europe, where it originated. Meanwhile, in Asia, there is a network of respectable liberal arts universities, the Alliance of Liberal Arts Universities (AALAU) – a group that was established in November 2017.

A Brief History of Liberal Arts Education

During the era of classical antiquity, liberal arts were considered essential education for a free individual active in civic life. At that time, it entailed being able to participate in public debate, defend oneself, serve in court and on juries, and perform military service. Initially, liberal arts covered only three subjects: grammar, rhetoric, and logic, collectively known as the trivium. In medieval times, it was extended to include four further subjects: arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy, named the quadrivium. Thus, the medieval liberal arts curriculum comprised seven subjects. The aim of a liberal arts education was to produce a person who was virtuous and ethical, knowledgeable in many fields, and highly articulate.

What is Liberal Arts Education Today?

In a modern context, a liberal arts education encompasses interdisciplinary study within the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and formal sciences. The specific subjects included in liberal arts degree programs may vary across institutions, but the following fields are generally covered:

1. Humanities: Art, literature, linguistics, philosophy, religion, ethics, modern foreign languages, music, theater, speech, classical languages (Latin/Greek), etc.
2. Social Sciences: History, psychology, law, sociology, politics, gender studies, anthropology, economics, geography, business informatics, etc.
3. Natural Sciences: Astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics, botany, archaeology, zoology, geology, Earth sciences, etc.
4. Formal Sciences: Mathematics, logic, statistics, etc.

Liberal arts education can also be applied to the dedicated study of one of the above subjects. However, in general, the term refers to degree programs that aim to provide a broader spectrum of knowledge and skills.

Liberal Arts Education in the US

Liberal arts degrees are most commonly offered in the US, where there are numerous dedicated liberal arts colleges and institutions that offer liberal arts programs alongside other options. These degrees are typically earned over four years of full-time study, resulting in a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BSc) certification. Students can then progress to graduate school or professional school, and some may choose to specialize in a specific area by selecting a major or minor subject.

Dedicated liberal arts colleges in the US differ from other universities in terms of their teaching approach. Liberal arts colleges prioritize student participation, encourage high levels of student-teacher interaction, mentorship, and collaboration. They generally have a greater focus on teaching rather than research, with full-time teaching staff and smaller class sizes. This creates an environment where teachers become mentors and research partners with their students.

Liberal Arts Education in Europe

In Europe, liberal arts education is less prevalent than in the US, but it has been gaining popularity in recent years. Currently, less than half of European countries have liberal arts colleges or universities with a liberal arts degree program. The UK, Sweden, the Netherlands, Italy, and Germany are among the countries with more than one institution teaching liberal arts degrees.

Benefits of a Liberal Arts Education

There are several benefits to pursuing a liberal arts education. These include:

1. Preparation for a variety of sectors: Liberal arts education provides a strong foundation in a wide range of subjects, making graduates adaptable to different career paths.
2. Introduction to career choices: The diverse subjects taught in a liberal arts degree program expose students to various fields, helping them make informed decisions about their preferred career paths.
3. Stepping-stone to other careers: The broad knowledge gained during a liberal arts education allows individuals to transition to different career paths more easily.
4. Appeal to employers: Liberal arts graduates are recognized for their transferable skills and ability to adapt to a changing workplace.
5. Foundation for graduate study: With a liberal arts background, graduates have the flexibility to pursue graduate study in a wide range of subjects.
6. Development of valuable community skills: Liberal arts education extends beyond academia and the workplace, equipping graduates with qualities that enable them to thrive in the world, communicate effectively, and have a broadened perspective.

Careers and Skills Gained from a Liberal Arts Degree

A liberal arts degree opens up opportunities across various industry sectors. While further education may be required for certain careers, some typical paths for liberal arts graduates include academia, art, education, interpretation, marketing, political science, biology, business, event planning, environment, finance, law enforcement, research analysis, and social services.

Liberal arts education equips students with a wide range of highly sought-after skills, including analytical and critical thinking, effective communication, problem-solving, adaptability, research skills, organization, time management, and cross-cultural understanding. These skills make liberal arts graduates valuable assets in the professional world.