Liberal arts education

Liberal arts education is a traditional way of learning in Western colleges and universities. It includes many different subjects, such as natural sciences, social sciences, arts, and humanities. The word "liberal" comes from the Latin word for "free," and "arts" means learned skills, not just painting or sculpture. This kind of education is different from studies that focus only on specific jobs or trades.

Philosophia et septem artes liberales, "philosophy and the seven liberal arts". From the Hortus deliciarum of Herrad of Landsberg (12th century).

The idea of liberal arts goes back thousands of years to classical antiquity. Long ago, it included seven main subjects called the trivium and the quadrivium. The trivium was about speaking well, understanding language, and thinking logically. The quadrivium was about studying the stars, numbers, shapes, and music. Today, there are many more subjects considered part of liberal arts, like anthropology, English, literature, psychology, sociology, economics, and history.

In recent years, especially in the United States, fewer students have been choosing liberal arts degrees. Some people think these degrees do not lead to good jobs. Many colleges now describe their programs in broader ways, such as arts and social sciences, or humanities, to attract more students.

History

The liberal arts have a long history, starting from ancient times. They began with the Greeks, who wanted to understand the whole world. They believed there was a special balance in the universe. This led them to study four main subjects: astronomy, arithmetic, geometry, and music. These were called the quadrivium.

Later, in ancient Athens, people valued speaking well in public, called rhetoric. They also studied grammar and logic, known as the trivium. Together, these seven subjects—grammar, logic, rhetoric, arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy—became known as the seven liberal arts. These were important skills for people to use in their communities, such as speaking in public or serving on juries.

Allegory of the seven liberal arts, The Phoebus Foundation

During the Middle Ages, these subjects were taught in schools. In the Renaissance, new ideas added history, Greek, and ethics to the studies. This style of learning continued in Europe until the mid-20th century.

Modern usage

Secondary school

Liberal arts education in secondary schools helps students get ready for university. The lessons can change between schools, but usually include language, chemistry, biology, geography, art, mathematics, music, history, philosophy, civics, social sciences, and foreign languages.

In the United States

Main article: Liberal arts college

Further information: Liberal arts colleges in the United States and Creative arts

In the United States, liberal arts colleges focus on helping students learn through close, personal experiences. These schools often have small classes where students can talk and ask questions directly with their teachers. Learning includes science and math, and students who study these subjects often go on to do more advanced work later.

Students can study many different subjects together, and sometimes travel to other countries for learning experiences. Usually, students spend four years earning a bachelor's degree, but some schools now offer shorter programs. Most students earn either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree.

Great Books movement

Origins (1910s–1930s)

The idea of studying important books started with Harvard’s Harvard Classics in 1909 and grew with a special class at Columbia in 1919. Teachers there believed reading classic books would help students understand big ideas important for society.

In 1937, St. John’s College changed its lessons to focus only on important books from Western history, offering a different kind of learning away from more specialized studies.

Thompson Library at Vassar College in New York

Consolidation and popularisation (1940s–1950s)

In 1947, teachers started a group to help adults discuss these important books together across the country.

In 1952, a big book collection called the Great Books of the Western World was published, with updates added later.

Critique and decline (1960s–1980s)

In the 1960s, some people said these book studies focused too much on certain authors and didn’t look at the history behind the books. Others wondered if it still mattered today. Even so, people praised the strong thinking skills students learned.

Revival and diversification (1990s–present)

Since the 1990s, many schools have started new programs focusing on these important books again. These programs now include more authors from different backgrounds, showing that classic learning can still be useful today.

Interest among Muslim education institutions

Today, some Muslim teachers and schools value learning these classic Western books and traditions, noting that Muslims have long supported studying classic learning methods. Students at some Muslim colleges appreciate these subjects.

Legacy

Classes based on these important books are still required at some colleges and help start discussions for adult groups and special learning for leaders. Some people love this way of learning for helping everyone talk about big questions, while others think it leaves out too many voices. But everyone still talks about it, showing how important these ideas remain.

In Europe

In many parts of Europe, learning about many subjects together has a long history. In places like Germany and Austria, this is called "humanistische Bildung," or humanistic education. Schools called Gymnasium focus on giving students a broad education to help them grow.

Triumph of St.Thomas & Allegory of the Sciences by Andrea di Bonaluto. Frasco, 1365–68, Basilica di S. Maria Novella.

Some European universities are now offering programs similar to those in the United States. Schools like Leiden University College The Hague, University College Utrecht, and others are trying new ways to teach many subjects together. Some universities in the Netherlands offer degrees in Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Countries like France, England, and Scotland are also starting to offer more programs where students can study many different subjects. For example, the University of Winchester started a program in 2010, and University College London began one in 2012. In Scotland, students often study several subjects before focusing on one later. The Bratislava International School of Liberal Arts in Slovakia opened in 2006 and was the first school in Central Europe to offer these kinds of degrees.

In Asia

In the Philippines, all universities must teach liberal arts subjects like history, art, and ethics. Many schools, such as Ateneo de Manila University, have strong programs in philosophy, theology, literature, history, and social sciences.

Other Asian countries also have liberal arts schools. Forman Christian College in Lahore, Pakistan, is one of the oldest. In Karachi, Pakistan, Aga Khan University and Habib University offer good liberal arts education. India has many schools for liberal arts at different levels. Other famous universities include Lingnan University in Hong Kong, Asian University for Women, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, International Christian University in Tokyo, and Fulbright University Vietnam.

In Australia

Campion College is a Roman Catholic liberal arts college in Sydney, Australia. It opened in 2006 and offers a Bachelor of Arts in the Liberal Arts. Students study subjects like history, literature, philosophy, and theology.

The Millis Institute at Christian Heritage College in Brisbane also offers a Bachelor of Arts in the Liberal Arts. Students can choose to major in philosophy, theology, history, or literature. The institute has a special program where students can study for five weeks at the University of Oxford and earn credit toward their degree.

Recently, the University of Wollongong started a course called 'Western Civilisation' focusing on classic literature and ideas from the Western tradition. The University of Sydney and the University of Notre Dame are also developing courses in the liberal arts.