In the Dec. 2 State Journal article Rothman: Liberal arts safe, Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman walks back parts of an email he had sent to chancellors that suggested shifting away from liberal arts programs. <\/p>\n
I am pleased that Rothman now says he supports the liberal arts, but I wish he had gone further. I wish he would use his position to publicly advocate for liberal education. <\/p>\n
Not long ago, system President Kevin Reilly did just that. Under his leadership, the system accomplished at least three significant things: a system-wide liberal education initiative, an annual student essay competition on topics related to liberal education, and a statewide conference (titled Only Connect) that explored the implementation of liberal education pedagogy. <\/p>\n
For starters, I wish Rothman would use his bully pulpit to correct a few common misconceptions: <\/p>\n
The word \"liberal\" has nothing to do with its political meaning. It comes from the Latin liber, meaning to free. Political conservatives can (and should) support liberal education. Also, a liberal education is actually a practical education. <\/p>\n
Beyond its personal benefits, which are many, liberal education aims to form good citizens who can think critically. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
See more here:<\/p>\n
Liberal education is vital to state's universities -- George Savage - Madison.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In the Dec. 2 State Journal article Rothman: Liberal arts safe, Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman walks back parts of an email he had sent to chancellors that suggested shifting away from liberal arts programs. I am pleased that Rothman now says he supports the liberal arts, but I wish he had gone further. Continue reading