Liberal arts: A gateway to modern education
Liberal arts programme is a study that provides general knowledge and opens door to intellectual abilities. It is broader educational discipline, and it includes humanities, as well as other sub-disciplines, such as social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics.
This is a form of education where students can design their own curriculum. This gives them a comprehensive vision to decide about their career.
The fundamental structure of the mainstream Indian education system is full of gaps and errors such as lack of emphasis on critical thinking and research.
There is less focus on the independence of a curious mind and more on being obedient and disciplined. While a lot of students prefer the latter, almost as many grow better in the former system. The recent educational modifications suggested by
Indian government also place higher emphasis on the liberal arts form of teaching.
Studying liberal arts is a great way to understand the role science plays in establishing and maintaining international relations.
One can take up economics, statistics and can enter the field of actuarial science and data analysis. With biology and economics individuals can work in pharma care and policy making in health sector.
Students interested in ethical computing or artificial intelligence for social good can opt for computer science and philosophy or can take up international relations and history or political science to make headway into UN-based agencies.
In India, the programme is at a nascent stage. Popular courses with respect to the discipline are being offered in Ashoka University, Flame University, Krea University,
OP Jindal University, Symbiosis University, Christ University and Shiv Nadar University.
“Like all other fields, nothing is promised or sure shot. Even if this discipline opens doors for you, your success will depend on your individual approach. So it’s a good idea to understand what you envision for yourself in the next five to 10 years,” said Dr Neeru Bali, director, Edcosmo Educational Advisors.
It is equally important to encourage the students to take subjects that interest them even in high school to help them gain a better understanding of their preferences, she said.