Michael Perry, "Scarlet Ribbons"

For 5 minutes, write on one or more of the following:

1.) What makes a "liberal arts" education? In other words, write a definition of a "liberal arts" education.

2.) What are the advantages and disadvantages to a liberal arts education?

3.) Which type of degree do you think is more valuable -- a technical degree that teaches a specific skill? -- or a liberal arts degree that offers exposure to many different areas of education? Why do you answer the way you do?

4.) How do you feel about the following arguments?

• A liberal arts education prepares one for any number of careers.

• The wide range of skills and abilities and interests from a liberal arts education will appeal to employers.

• Being generally educated will help with specialized education later on, including specific on-the-job training.

• Some jobs do not have specific majors, that the training occurs on the job, so employers value employees who can learn whatever is thrown at them.

5.) If we did away with "general education" or "liberal arts" course requirements (i.e., the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum), should anything be required instead? Should a small "core" of general ed. or lib. arts courses be required, while others should be discarded? Which ones might be kept? Which ones should be discarded?