Summary Of The New Liberal Arts By Sanford Ungar

In the article "The New Liberal Arts", author Sanford J. Ungar takes a stance on the benefits and the need for students to pursue a liberal arts education. Ungar argues that despite modern day critique of liberal education, from his point of view as a liberal arts college president the criticisms and naysayers are futile. He swiftly and authoritively defends the affordable cost of a liberal education, employers desiring graduates with liberal education degrees, and the ability for those holding liberal arts degrees to compete with those pursuing science and mathematics majors. While Ungar's work has a great general idea, some of his specified points lack the evidence to truly stand on their own two feet. A liberal arts education is a useful

In his opinion this is simply a shortcut to employment that leaves gaps in communication skills. I cannot bring myself to agree. Many trade schools over rigorous or detailed training in how to effectively communicate in a specified field of study that align with the student’s personal interest in advancement and career placement. My fiancé for example, is a freight conductor for a regional rail line. Clear and concise communication is of the utmost priority for his company and for the railroad as a whole, along with almost any other trade or business. Communication is so important in fact, that out of his 18-month training period, 6 months were spent on how to effectively communicate via intercom radio, email, and through paper trail. After the 18-month period, he was still required to shadow seasoned conductors and dispatchers alike to ensure quality and understanding. I do not look at this as a short cut in the least. Ungar goes on to say “It may be studying the liberal arts is actually the best form of career education.” (191). For what career? I find this statement extremely broad, as I would not suggest a liberal arts degree for someone who wishes to work in the HVAC field. I believe this misconception is more targeted to white collar workers and less to the blue collar employees who quietly help everyone’s world

7” Ungar approaches the cost of college education and how government institutions have made no real progress of bridging the cost gap of potential students and higher education. He goes on to explain how it appears that education is not as valued by this nations citizens, and to eventually champion for smaller independent schools. While I agree, the cost of education is astronomical and appears unobtainable to many a folk, I would never outline my peer’s thoughts on higher education as unvalued. Prior to my current position I worked in the mortgage industry. As an industry that tends to chew employees up and regurgitate them, they hired high school graduates and college graduates alike. After discussion with my colleagues I discovered the college graduate made approximately $800.00 more a year than us, the high school graduates. That news astounded me. Individuals I worked with made $800.00 more than me annually, only to have that money plus thousands more dollars go back to repaying student loans. At my current place of employment, there is an opening for a social worker position. This position requires a master’s degree, and pays approximately $50,000 annually. How is a person expected to pay back loans for not only an undergraduate degree, but also a master’s degree, and support themselves and their family? It is absolutely ludicrous. While I count my lucky stars for CCP’s bearable cost of education I am well aware