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  • Gill Mattern
    • Mar 7, 2018
    • 5 min read

Is there “Value” in a Liberal Arts Education?

Today, in the year of 2018, our world is incessantly changing. We have seen alterations in the economy, job market, politics and technology. These four areas are some of the most important things that make America a functional society. But before we can enter the world of politics and employment there is one thing that should come first: a liberal arts education.


In America, our liberal education system serves as a foundation for intellectual growth and the acquisition of vital skills that range from critical thinking and problem solving to communication and leadership. These abilities are most commonly referred to as “soft skills”; some of the most indispensable techniques that a liberal education has to offer. For instance, these skills teach you how to communicate effectively by listening and presenting, in addition to the ability to provide clear feedback and resolve conflict. These are crucial skills that you will use every day. Many argue that liberal arts hold no value in today’s society due to the increase in popularity for more concentrated majors and career paths. Some contend that they are useless for becoming financially successful. Though a liberal education is not necessarily meant to provide you with an affluent lifestyle, it is much more significant and beneficial than any well-paying job; here’s why.


Thomas Cronin, author of “The Art of Leadership” published by The Seattle Times, has a strong opinion regarding the importance of a liberal arts education. Cronin himself writes, “This is why liberal-arts learning is so critically important for developing the brainpower we need for solving 21st-century challenges in every field ranging from international diplomacy to nanotechnology inventions.” Cronin’s point is that a liberal education can be useful for all career fields, no matter how different they might be. The purpose of a liberal education is to provide you with a variety of skills to broaden your knowledge and tackle problems that prepare you for an ever changing society. For example, critical thinking skills help you make educated decisions based on reason and logic, in addition to analyzing arguments based on their content and credibility. Critical thinking skills also enable you to become a reasoned problem solver. We see the utilization of critical thinking specifically in career fields such as law, economics, teaching, medicine, and engineering. What makes a liberal arts education valuable is that its proportion of critical thinking can be applied to just about anything.


Not to mention, these skills acquired through liberal arts education enable citizens to become strong leaders who can further succeed in various areas of their life and career. Cronin agrees when he writes, “Constitutional democracy, social justice, scientific breakthroughs, a sustainable environment, freedom and healthy communities don’t just happen. They require countless acts of imagination, courage and leadership” (1). Cronin’s argument is that taking initiative and developing our creativity lead us down the road to a successful, fruitful, and robust society. Liberal arts programs teach the importance of teamwork, communication and problem solving﹣skills that genuinely help us to reach these accomplishments. Furthermore, Cronin goes on to argue, “The liberally educated individual is, I believe, better able to help us create options and opportunities, clarify problems and choices, build morale and community, and provide a vision of the possibilities for better organizations and a better world” (3). In making this comment, Cronin urges us to understand that the ability to communicate and work cohesively with other people is part of becoming a strong leader, which in turn, is beneficial to the society as a whole. This is an example of why soft skills are essential in the workplace. Creativity and good work ethic are qualities that make achievement and success more than possible.


With this in mind, I have been able to access the genuine benefits of a liberal arts education. Since my first semester at Southern Connecticut State University, I have taken an extensive variety of classes from philosophy and Spanish, to music history and psychology. For example, philosophy taught me how to think critically about information and seek the truth in arguments. I became a more open-minded, inquisitive individual. These are vital skills I will utilize when I am faced with the responsibility of making decisions in and outside of the workplace. Additionally, I learned about communication and persuasion in social psychology; more specifically, how the brain uses two different routes of persuasion when analyzing arguments. Also, music history taught me about the different types of music from every era in every country﹣which enabled me to nourish my creativity. The professors incorporate listening activities that assist students with their understanding of various cultures from different parts of the world. My Spanish course has allowed me to excel in my speaking and conversation skills. I have learned how to identify dialects and accents across the Spanish-speaking community, as well as the traditions of different Spanish cultures. Equally important, all biology classes at Southern contain a weekly laboratory section where students conduct hands-on activities that supplement their understanding of the subject. I have gained knowledge in many diversified subject matters and look forward to applying my dexterity and artistry to different areas of my life, both socially and academically.


Though the liberal arts are useful, they are also very expensive. Johann Neem, author of “The Liberal Arts, Economic Value, and Leisure,” believes that a liberal arts education is quite beneficial. He addresses its many advantages such as developing creativity and expanding imagination. However, he points out that it isn’t as financially accessible as it should be. Neem states, “Instead of seeing college as a private investment, we must consider it a public good” (2). In other words, Neem believes that we should not limit liberal arts to only the elite but make it attainable for all human beings. This is one of the main reasons why a liberal education is becoming less obtainable for those of the lower classes. Liberal arts should be treated as a right rather than a privilege because it is invaluable to all, no matter the socioeconomic background.


All things considered, preserving liberal arts education is a widely-known concern amongst educators and students in the United States. Many people, like Cronin and Neem, put a lot of effort and energy in defending its value. I agree with these scholars; a liberal arts education is invaluable. It is the basis of a world encompassed by knowledge and creativity that provides imperative skills to allow oneself to flourish socially, intellectually, and philosophically. Before I become a writer in public relations, I hope to improve my communication and problem-solving skills that enable me to bring creative ideas to the table. I want to learn to be a strong leader so I can successfully work my way up at a media company and utilize my full potential and creativity. A liberal education is remarkably advantageous, no matter what career path you choose. It will prepare you for numerous responsibilities and tasks that present themselves during the voyage of life. But unfortunately, liberal education is undermined by the cost of tuition. If we use our critical thinking and communication skills to formulate a solution to preserve its value, we will have a shot at saving something of ineffable importance. The significance of a liberal arts education should not dwindle because it is becoming more exorbitant. We need to express its value to those who lack an understanding of its many benefits. We could create a better society and restore the importance of a true collegiate education if we defend the liberal arts. But, we must start now.

 

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