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Learning on the Left: The Rise of Liberal Education in America

Casey Bell

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Published in Learning On The Left: Political Profiles Of Brandeis University

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The history of liberal education in America is a long and winding road, but it has ultimately led to a more educated and engaged citizenry. This article will explore the history of liberal education in America, from its roots in the European Renaissance to its current status as a cornerstone of American higher education.

Learning on the Left: Political Profiles of Brandeis University

by Stephen J. Whitfield

4.4 out of 5

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The Roots of Liberal Education

The roots of liberal education can be traced back to the European Renaissance, when scholars began to rediscover the works of ancient Greek and Roman philosophers. These works emphasized the importance of reason, logic, and critical thinking, and they quickly became the foundation of a new educational system that was designed to produce well-rounded individuals who were capable of participating in civic life.

In the 16th century, the Protestant Reformation led to a further emphasis on the importance of education. Protestants believed that everyone should be able to read the Bible for themselves, and this led to the establishment of new schools and universities that were open to all students, regardless of their social class.

Liberal Education in America

The American colonies were founded by people who were deeply committed to education. The Puritans, who settled New England in the 17th century, believed that education was essential for a virtuous and prosperous society. They established a system of public schools that was designed to provide all children with a basic education in reading, writing, and arithmetic.

In the 18th century, the Enlightenment led to a growing emphasis on the importance of reason and individual liberty. This led to the establishment of new colleges and universities that were dedicated to the teaching of the liberal arts. These colleges and universities quickly became centers of intellectual and cultural activity, and they played a major role in the development of the American Revolution.

The Rise of Liberal Education

After the American Revolution, liberal education continued to flourish in the United States. In the 19th century, the country experienced a period of rapid economic growth and westward expansion. This led to a demand for more highly educated workers, and colleges and universities responded by expanding their curricula and offering new degrees. The 19th century also saw the rise of women's colleges, which provided women with the opportunity to receive a higher education.

The 20th century was a time of great change for liberal education. The two World Wars led to a renewed emphasis on the importance of science and technology. This led to the establishment of new research universities that were focused on the pursuit of knowledge. The 1960s saw a period of social and political unrest, which led to a renewed emphasis on the importance of critical thinking and social responsibility. This led to the development of new programs and courses that were designed to help students understand the complex issues facing the world.

Liberal Education Today

Liberal education is still a cornerstone of American higher education today. Colleges and universities offer a wide variety of liberal arts degrees, and these degrees are in high demand by employers. Liberal arts graduates are well-prepared for a wide range of careers in business, government, and the nonprofit sector. They are also well-prepared for further study in graduate school.

The benefits of a liberal education are clear. Liberal arts graduates are more likely to be engaged in their communities, and they are more likely to be successful in their careers. They are also more likely to be well-rounded individuals who are able to think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively.

The Future of Liberal Education

The future of liberal education is bright. As the world becomes increasingly complex, the need for well-educated individuals who are able to think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively will only grow. Liberal education is the best way to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century.

Image Attributions

The Quad at Brown University by nandakumar kallianpur, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Old College at Harvard University by beekman11, licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Library at the University of Virginia by tanweer84, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Learning on the Left: Political Profiles of Brandeis University

by Stephen J. Whitfield

4.4 out of 5