The purpose of a liberal arts education
The purpose of a liberal arts education is to foster a culture of consideration and thoughtfulness. Students contribute their voices to the conversation, but they must also listen to others. The importance of listening is just as great as speaking. When people disagree with one another, they must respect the views of others. This is not the same as being a bully. Listening is the most important skill of a liberal arts education. It is a skill that can be applied to every aspect of life.
Engaged learners
The Great Conversations program at the College of Liberal Arts brings together a community of engaged learners and the latest scholarship from the College. The topics of Great Conversations reflect the breadth and diversity of the college and showcase the best research in the humanities, social sciences, and performing arts. The program is sponsored by the Ann Gill Faculty Development fund, which is designed to support cutting-edge research and outreach in the liberal arts. The funds are also used to support faculty development and student success.
University as a conversation
The University as a conversation about liberal learning is a way to look at the discipline from a fresh perspective. It's an old-fashioned notion, but it captures a powerful metaphor about higher education. By redefining the University as a conversation about liberal learning, we can see the various ways that it can contribute to the common good. One example is the value of interdisciplinary studies and the importance of the liberal arts in a society. The University, in particular, is a place where interdisciplinary thinking and interdisciplinary research can help society.
Purpose of a liberal arts education
The purpose of a liberal arts education is to foster a community that thinks deeply about truth, meaning, and humanity. In this way, an education in the liberal arts cultivates a commitment to listening and participating in a conversation where living and dead are all invited to share their voices. By cultivating these skills and attitudes, we can better understand the role of higher education in shaping our world. By embracing the purpose of an education in the liberal arts, we can better understand the power of conversation.
Efficacy of service learning
One study, titled "Efficacy of service learning in liberal learning" analyzed the response of students to civic engagement questions in the context of POLS 4351 Environmental Policy and Law. The students completed a post-project survey, which showed an increase in political efficacy, personal responsibility, and concern for community. However, the results of a paired-samples t-test indicated mixed results. In one class, students reported a decrease in neutral attitudes toward civic engagement and political efficacy, while 50% of students expressed positive attitudes.
Importance of difficult conversations
"Hard conversations" are critical in fostering understanding and openness. They allow us to learn from others by revealing our own mixed feelings and mistakes. They also allow us to imagine alternative futures and prepare ourselves for the reactions we may receive. By preparing beforehand, difficult conversations can turn into learning opportunities. By engaging in them, we can learn more about our own lives and the world around us.
