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+--- Thread: In Defense of a Liberal Education (/Thread-In-Defense-of-a-Liberal-Education)
In Defense of a Liberal Education - dewisant - 02-08-2019
The liberal arts are under attack. Politicians have taken the lead in questioning the worth of humanities degrees for the nation's workforce. Majors like English and history, once very popular and highly respected, are now in steep decline. But this heavy vocational focus is shortsighted and needlessly limiting. Manufacturing jobs get automated or outsourced, and specific vocational knowledge is often outdated within a few years. To succeed today, you need creativity, lateral thinking, communication skills, and more than anything, the ability to keep learning--precisely the gifts of a liberal education. And with technology opening up public access to courses worldwide, these gifts can now be shared with millions. We are actually at the dawn of the greatest expansion of Liberal education in human history. From back cover of book by Fareed Zakaria.
RE: In Defense of a Liberal Education - jsd - 02-08-2019
I've seen this theme starting to pop up a bit lately. A couple examples...
As Tech Companies Hire More Liberal Arts Majors, More Students Are Choosing STEM Degrees
https://www.edsurge.com/news/2018-11-13-as-tech-companies-hire-more-liberal-arts-majors-more-students-are-choosing-stem-degrees
Have a Liberal Arts Degree? These Companies Want to Hire You
https://www.themuse.com/advice/have-a-liberal-arts-degree-these-companies-want-to-hire-you
Why This Tech CEO Keeps Hiring Humanities Majors
https://www.fastcompany.com/40440952/why-this-tech-ceo-keeps-hiring-humanities-majors
Why Startups Should Hire Liberal Arts Graduates
https://www.inc.com/michelle-cheng/meet-guy-in-charge-of-provoking-facebooks-employees-with-beautiful-office-posters.html
... And so forth.
RE: In Defense of a Liberal Education - sanantone - 02-08-2019
I look at it this way. The less educated people become, the more chances I have to take over the world.
RE: In Defense of a Liberal Education - MNomadic - 02-08-2019
I never understood why it's always displayed as an either-or kind of situation.
Like someone who majors in STEM doesn't have a well-rounded and liberal knowledge base and can't have creativity, communication skills, or critical thinking.
Likewise, some seem to assume that humanities majors at liberal arts colleges don't do any math and science or learn any technical skills that can be applied to real jobs.
RE: In Defense of a Liberal Education - jsd - 02-08-2019
I just split the difference, got a degree in both fields... But I did it wrong and ended up with the lack of social skills from the STEM world and lack of practical technical skills from the arts world
RE: In Defense of a Liberal Education - sanantone - 02-08-2019
In my quest to become a renaissance woman, I've covered almost everything - STEM (science and technology), healthcare, business, and social science. I'm only lacking a degree in one of the humanities.
(02-08-2019, 08:45 PM)jsd Wrote: I just split the difference, got a degree in both fields... But I did it wrong and ended up with the lack of social skills from the STEM world and lack of practical technical skills from the arts world
I don't believe you. Your CIW certification says that you're highly qualified to be a web developer.
RE: In Defense of a Liberal Education - jsd - 02-08-2019
True, I have recruiters pounding on my door day and night ever since news spread of me obtaining that prestigious distinction.
RE: In Defense of a Liberal Education - dfrecore - 02-10-2019
(02-08-2019, 04:14 PM)sanantone Wrote: I look at it this way. The less educated people become, the more chances I have to take over the world.
I am positive you could get things whipped into shape in no time!