Final answer:
A liberal arts course connects students to a historical conversation about life's big questions, broadening their understanding of various foundational areas in culture and society. It prepares them for life after college with cultural capital, and engages them in an unending academic conversation, fostering critical thinking and personal development.
Step-by-step explanation:
A liberal arts course seeks to connect students to a historical conversation about some big questions in life that have been ongoing within a particular discipline. This type of education broadens students’ perspectives by delving into various areas foundational to our culture and society, like literature, history, religion, and philosophy, enabling them to gain insights into human behavior, ideas, and values expressed throughout civilizations. Essentially, through studies in disciplines such as history and philosophy, students engage critically and develop an appreciation of the arts and humanities, which is fundamental to the health and survival of society.
The expansiveness of a liberal arts education is traditionally experienced within the first two years of college, where students are exposed to a wide range of topics. This approach not only prepares students for the practicalities of the workplace but also encourages self-reflection and personal development. It fosters the ability to see contemporary challenges with more clarity and prepares students for life after college by providing them with the 'cultural capital' to contribute meaningfully to their communities and professions.
Moreover, by engaging in the liberal arts, students enter into an unending academic conversation, likened to Kenneth Burke's metaphor of a parlor where thinkers across time contribute to a collective understanding of culture. Thus, a liberal arts education is not just about gaining knowledge; it's an ongoing process of questioning, critiquing, and connecting with the wisdom of the past to enrich the present and future.