Career/Tech v. Liberal Learn

In readings such as Scheuer and Ungar we were introduced to the idea that the liberal arts is thought to be decreasing in comparison to trades. However, both articles went on to explain that this thought is based on false assumptions. In reality, Liberal Arts provides communication and creative thinking skills that are needed for any profession, even trades. Both Scheuer and Ungar explain that Liberal art skills are vital and should be implemented in all school environments. In contrast, Boyer is more focused on career and technical learning overtaking the liberal arts. Boyer agrees with Scheuer and Ungar in the sense that Liberal arts provides necessary skills, yet he is afraid that too much vocationalism is becoming introduced to the schools and ruining the importance of the arts. Personally, my English degree is mainly focused on civilian skills instead of vocationalism. The majority of the skills required for my degree are focused on understanding the “why” behind my major. There appears to be few classes with technical training for my degree. The balance of tech and arts is very important as someone should know the “why” and “how” of their degree.

History/Tradition

To complete an English degree at UNE I will only need to take two History classes in my four years at school. Based on this, it seems my degree does not require an advanced knowledge of history. As the Liberal Arts were one of the first types of education, it seems odd to me that Liberal arts students are only required to take two rudimentary history courses which most likely won’t even cover the history of liberal arts education. In our readings, Scheuer and Ungar explain the history of the arts, and, more importantly, the significance of that history. The two authors highly credit the history of liberal arts as one of the most important aspects of the liberal education. Boyer helps readers understand where this discrepancy between the authors and the schools occurs. According to Boyer, the history of liuberal education is minimized due to the introduction of a vocational style of teaching.

Why aren’t I required to take a class on the history of my degree, and do you agree with that?

How do you think the school should balance vocational v. thoughtful classes in a degree?

Do you feel UNE has done a fair job balancing Vocational v. thoughtful education for its english degree?