Education plays a significant role in individuals’ life since it enhances their production capacities and makes them instrumental agents of positive social and economic change. Liberal arts training equips learners with general knowledge and develops their intellectual capability, preparing them to work in varying fields. Students learn a range of skills, which prepares them to succeed in any occupation. They become well-rounded people who can face challenges with an open mind, unheralded passion, and considerate thoughts. Liberal arts seminars are an important part of the learning that helps apprentices explore topics using different approaches. The recent seminar focused on the various breadth areas of liberal arts. This essay reflects my understanding of liberal arts education and knowledge about social or civic, art or expression, science or description, and value or meaning breadth areas.
The social or civic breadth area of liberal arts focuses on human interaction, examining relational and interpersonal ways of people. It is characterized by activism, new experiences’ engagements, and the implementation of ideas(Cohen De Lara & Drop, 2017). I learned that the knowledge of this area of liberal arts is related to behavioral and social sciences and enhances individuals’ understanding, enabling them to be productive within relationships and contribute positively and other people as well as society. The breath area not only makes people socially and politically informed but also allows them to voluntarily participate in organizations’ schools’ churches’ and local government activities that promote social wellbeing.
The art or expression breadth area is about how people portray creativity in different forms. It involves senses, including touch, tastes, sounds, colors, and sights, to think, know, and express something(Cohen De Lara & Drop, 2017). The area’s knowledge comprises a fundamental understanding of various intrinsic characteristics of artistic expressions. I learned that this breadth area takes form and shape through visual, verbal and written, bodily, musical, and spatial expressions and tastes in food. Additionally, it equips individuals with imaginative, creative skills that facilitate openness to divergent viewpoints and alternative possibilities.
The science or description breadth area is all about using facts and proven evidence to present or resolve an issue. It accentuates the use of logical, analytical, and objective approaches to know more about something(Cohen De Lara & Drop, 2017). This area encompasses the use of fundamental questions regarding how things work, the processes involved, and causes and effects. I learned that science or description allows individuals to acquire skills through experiments and applications, facilitating a better understanding of nature, the human body, technology, universe structure, and how different things work. Mathematics and scientific methods are important tools in this breadth that help in problem-solving.
The value or meaning breadth area of liberal arts focuses on answering the question “why?” to know the significance of life. The area evaluates abstracts and uses theories to understand different ideas(Cohen De Lara & Drop, 2017). As a result, it makes it easier for individuals to understand the meaning of particular concepts. I learned that the breadth area helps in comprehending the values and belief systems that determine ethics and how people live together. It encompasses the use of religion and philosophy in considering the meaning and purpose.
The social or civic breadth area of liberal arts applies every day of my social life. I enjoy spending time with people close to me playing, fishing, or doing other interactive activities. My relationship with family members and friends plays a significant role in my happiness and contributes to personal growth, making me a better person in society. I strongly believe that every individual has to add value to the community, which made me decide to work in the healthcare sector. Additionally, relatives and friends can be helpful in career development since they provide the support needed to address social and workplace problems.
The art or expression breadth area is my strongest part of the liberal arts. I enjoy playing different musical instruments such as piano and guitar. I also feel that music can be a better way of expressing myself than words. While this hobby contributes to my happiness, I believe it can greatly improve my creativity. Playing musical instruments also helps me make non-standard decisions whenever I encounter challenging situations in my everyday life or workplace.
The science or description breadth area is the most challenging part of liberal arts because I do not like science. I experience difficulties when trying to solve different mathematical problems or trying to understand various scientific concepts. Although most people believe that better knowledge of chemistry, mathematics, or physics positively impacts one’s professional life, a lack of expertise in these areas does not cause any harm to me. Thus, this area is the least important even though it is much related to my profession.
I am more interested in the value or meaning breadth area since it can enhance my ability to approach issues from different perspectives and apply the most optimal one. It helps understand the meaning of theories, behaviors, and values of others. This breadth area is instrumental in my workplace as well as social life. For example, it can allow me to understand my professional ethics and code of conduct when discussing how to do different tasks with colleagues.
Indeed, social or civic, art or expression, science or description, and value or meaning breadth areas of liberal arts are essential for both professional and social lives. One needs to have adequate knowledge to be a better person at work and in society. I will learn different strategies for establishing and maintaining social relations and expressing myself artistically. Moreover, I will train in varying scientific methods of solving problems and learn how to understand theoretical concepts.
Reference
Cohen De Lara, E., & Drop, H. (2017). Back to the core: Rethinking core texts in liberal arts & sciences education in Europe (Vernon Series in Education). Vernon Press.