PART 1:

In my opinion, the most valuable form of liberal arts is one that includes both the arts and the sciences while still focusing on the foundations of critical thinking and citizenship. This type of liberal arts education is portrayed by Scheuer in his article “Critical Thinking and the Liberal Arts.” He writes that this format “embraces the ideal of the integrated curriculum, encompassing virtually all nonprofessional higher learning, from the natural and social sciences to the humanities and the performing arts” (para. 9). Another format excludes, “(but does not denigrate)” (para. 12) the sciences, and a third “focuses mainly on the humanities.” Compared to the other two, I think the first format is the best because while encompassing the skills necessary in scientific fields, it also provides a large foundation of knowledge that allows one to expand their thinking. Some people oppose the idea of liberal arts altogether because they don’t see the need to study Sociology when they want to become an Wall Street broker. In response to this way of thinking, Ungar writes “Plenty of philosophy and physics majors work on Wall Street, and the ability to analyze and compare literature across cultures is a skill linked to many other fields, including law and medicine.” I also think that this is a two-way street. Those who want to major in English should also take Biology because there could be many applications of that knowledge in English fields of work. For instance, when interviewing a pharmacy company about a new Covid-19 vaccine it would be helpful to know basic biology so that your questions may be more informed.

PART 2:

The UNE handbook for the College of Arts and Sciences emphasizes the importance of a broad educational experience. It states that, “students will develop foundational knowledge and critical thinking skills that are necessary for understanding and assuming their roles in natural, social, humanistic, and other environments” (2.2.1). These values are emphasized by the Core Themes of evironmental awareness (specific to UNE liberal arts), social and global awareness, critical thinking, and citizenship and civic engagement. I think UNE’s CAS represents Scheuer’s first type of a liberal arts education the best. He writes that this format “embraces the ideal of the integrated curriculum, encompassing virtually all nonprofessional higher learning, from the natural and social sciences to the humanities and the performing arts” (para. 10). Another format excludes, “(but does not denigrate)” (para. 13) the sciences, and a third “focuses mainly on the humanities” (para. 13). Compared to the other two, I think the first format is the best because while encompassing the skills necessary in scientific fields, it also provides a large foundation of knowledge that allows one to expand their thinking.

PART 3:

The CAS at UNE also excels in its mission to develop broad ranges of knowledge in its students. This is instituted specifically in the fourth year when students are required to take two advanced studies classes. In addition to the liberal arts classes taken in the first three years such as English 110 and Biology 105, students take two courses intentionally outside of their major to explore different academic methods and concepts. The CAS handbook states how, “they provide opportunities for advanced study using methodologies, theories and/or concepts important in the Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Social Sciences, Humanities and/or Professional Programs” (7.9.2). This core requirement causes students to pursue interests outside of their field, allowing them to then take that knowledge and apply it after they graduate. This is similar to how Scheuer describes a modern liberal arts education. He writes, “the liberal arts form such an evolving system, consisting of stable but impermanent fields of inquiry that fuse at some points and fissure at others.… Thus, we distinguish between psychology and philosophy, or between the scientist’s view of nature and the poet’s, but we also acknowledge the connections” (para. 15). Like Scheuer, the CAS recognizes the importance of learning outside of the major to give a better perspective on how different fields are relevant to each other and how they are different. This gives better opportunities for students in the future because the knowledge they carry with them is very valuable in higher employee positions.