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- Both Scheuer and Ungar believe that STEM education is useless without the skills of liberal arts. STEM education for science and technology based majors and professions are important, but I agree that these professions are impossible if the employees do not have critical thinking skills and some liberal arts education. These authors do not believe that STEM education should be traded for a liberal arts degree, but in addition with. “…the future demands of citizenship will require not narrow technical or job-focused training, but rather a subtle understanding of the complex influences that shape the world we live in” (Ungar Mis. 1, para. 1). The future employees of the world need to understand how the world works, before any of their job-based training will be influential. Liberal arts allows students to have an open mind, and not be so focused on the right answer. “Free minds are flexible minds, trained to recognize that many areas of inquiry are interconnected and many disciplinary boundaries are porous” (Scheuer para. 9). I agree that liberal arts allows any student to look at many different viewpoints, and allows them to go beyond the normal mindstate.
- Though Scheuer and the UNE CAS Core Curriculum Handbook agree in the fact that liberal arts education is necessary for the success of students and their future, they have different views on how this fits into the real world. “The conversation around the liberal arts hasn’t changed much. It often sounds like this: ‘Many students and their parents now seek a clear and early connection between undergraduate experience and employment” (Scheuer para. 2). Scheuer shames students and families for having this mindset, and believes this should not be the goal students should have when they graduate. “…[Liberal arts] gives students the opportunity to reflect on their previous years of study in light of their duties and responsibilities as members of a larger society…intended to assist the student in making a bridge between their college years and their post college life and helping them to become more civically engaged locally and globally” (CORE pg 7). This handbook has the intention of having students connect their liberal arts education to whatever they please, and still being able to come out of school with a good job. UNE is teaching students these skills in order to be a better citizen and employee.
- The UNE handbook, Ungar and Scheuer all agree that students should come out of college with the ability to critically think and be able to evaluate different points of view. The handbook’s goal is to create well-rounded students that are excited to see new points of view, and be able to discuss them. “Living in the interconnected world today demands an understanding of a variety of cultures, people and the environment. This understanding requires an ability to analyze issues from different points of view and to communicate effectively” (Handbook pg 2). UNE values these skills, and believes they are crucial for being successful after graduation. Ungar and Scheuer both believe this is the way to get ahead in life and be able to get a job and be successful, no matter the field of study.
