Liz Coleman: A call to reinvent liberal arts education

The video discusses the decline of genuine liberal arts education in the U.S. and the need for a new approach that integrates public action and civic engagement. It highlights the challenges posed by the professionalization of education, the fragmentation of knowledge, and the disconnect between education and values. The speaker shares Bennington College's innovative approach to education, which focuses on political-social challenges as curriculum organizers. The video concludes with a call to action for individuals to engage in politics and public policy to effect meaningful change.

What was the primary reason Eastern European and Russian educators chose liberal arts as a model for rebuilding their universities?

• It was mandated by the United Nations.

• It was the only model available.

• It had a historic commitment to broad intellectual and ethical development.

• It was the most affordable option.

What has replaced the educated generalist as the model of intellectual accomplishment in the US?

• The social activist

• The political leader

• The technical expert

• The creative artist

What is the effect of treating civic-mindedness as extracurricular in education?

• It promotes technical mastery.

• It increases academic integrity.

• It limits the development of civic values.

• It enhances students' engagement.

What does the speaker identify as a major issue with the current state of public education?

• It is too focused on liberal arts.

• It fails to teach basic skills and cultural literacy.

• It is overly reliant on technology.

• It is too expensive for most students.

What is the proposed role of political-social challenges in the new liberal arts curriculum?

• To be studied as historical events

• To serve as organizers of the curriculum

• To be discussed only in extracurricular activities

• To be ignored in favor of technical subjects

What is emphasized as crucial for managing change in the new liberal arts model?

• Quantitative reasoning

• Technical mastery

• Artistic creativity

• Historical knowledge

What is the most important discovery made in the focus on public action?

• The hard choices are between good and evil.

• The hard choices are between competing goods.

• The hard choices are irrelevant.

• The hard choices are predetermined.

What is the speaker's view on the role of experts in a democracy?

• Experts should be the sole decision-makers.

• Experts are irrelevant to democratic processes.

• Experts should not participate in public policy.

• A viable democracy cannot be made up of only experts.

How does the speaker suggest students should engage with the world?

• By continuously moving outside the classroom

• By focusing solely on academic studies

• By avoiding political discussions

• By relying on expert opinions

What does the speaker suggest is necessary for addressing challenges in the 21st century?

• Collaborative efforts and public engagement

• Relying solely on political leaders

• Focusing on individual achievements

• Ignoring global issues