Summary - The New Liberal Arts PDF

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Maham Baig ENGL 111 Dr. Makin 9/16/2016

Baig 1

Critical Reading Step 5 (Summary) – “The New Liberal Arts”

In “The New Liberal Arts,” Sanford J. Ungar responds to the misperceptions that critics have about Liberal Arts. Ungar points out that people who are not very well-off can also opt for liberal arts as it “prepares people for jobs that do not yet exist” (227). One of the misperceptions that he points out is that a degree in Liberal Arts is an expensive investment with a low return in terms of career opportunities. He urges that “College graduates are finding it harder to get good jobs with liberal-arts degrees” (228). Here, he supports his argument by mentioning the results of a 2009 survey for the Association of American Colleges and Universities which concludes that employers are in-fact looking for the type of skills that liberal-arts majors attain throughout their program. Another common misunderstanding made by people is that only the affluent can get the degree in liberal arts as they have years of exposure, however, Ungar clarifies that point by stressing on the importance of new ideas in the field which can be brought forward by students who are new to the platform. A general perception today is that if you choose for a STEM field, it will be the most beneficial in terms of return on investment. Ungar reminds the readers that having a certain skillset is great for the career you opt for, however, a well-rounded individual can be as successful. Ungar elucidates on the misunderstanding that liberal-arts has a direct connection with politics, which according to him is far from the truth. A liberal-arts degree trains students to have an open mind and listen to all points of view, which is the opposite of having a political stance about society and all that comes with it. Overall, he concludes that an education in liberal arts will be more popular if the Government supports it....