So, you want to be a liberal arts major or get a PhD in the humanities?

Warning: Links contain some explicit language.

YouTube - So you want to become a liberal arts major?

And for those interested in PhD's:

YouTube - So you Want to Get a PhD in the Humanities


These videos were profiled on the PBS News Hour last night. What do they say about the public perception of traditional liberal arts education?

I feel as though we're somehow losing something important by this creeping devaluation of the liberal arts...

 

My response...whatever....LOL. Since I work at a community college....whatever.....to all of it.

 

That was funny....lots of lolz

 

Funny but also sad & true ... it's the kind of stuff the fictional professor in the video talks about that has made me hold back from applying to any further humanities degree programs.

 

What's the name of that famous group monks that protected a vast collection of books from burning by the establishment or church way back when? Anyway, in the near future those who embrace the humanities will be like them but rather than protecting the actual books (which will be "hidden" in plain sight and available everywhere), they'll be keeping their spirit alive.

See, how could I wax on philosophically like this if I didn't have so many great liberal arts classes? Of course, I can't even remember the name of the group of monks nor do I have the initiative to spend some time looking for it... so what does that say?

 

I think at the undergraduate level, unless you want to be an engineer, that liberal arts is one of the best - if not the best - major a student can choose. It makes people well rounded and with the exception of a few industries/fields, it doesn't matter what your degree is in, your employer will teach you how to do what they want you to do.

 

Really? I can't believe you just said this. Especially about the employer teaching you what they want you to know. Wow. I figured you for a more pragmatic type.

 

I'm full of surprises I suppose. I think liberal arts can develop someone into a bit of a free thinker. I wasn't implying that every employer will teach you what they want you to know, but for entry level jobs this is certainly true.

 

Jobs: The Economy, Killing Liberal Arts Education? - Newsweek

I wonder if the waning popularity of liberal arts is a temporary trend or something larger...