Why the Humanities Matter Today: In Defense of Liberal Education

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The humanities in American higher education is in a state of crisis with declining student enrollment, fewer faculty positions, and diminishing public prestige. Instead of recycling old arguments that have lost their appeal, the humanities must discover and articulate new rationales for their value to students, faculty, administrators, and the public. Why the Humanities Matter Today: In Defense of Liberal Education is an attempt to do so by having philosophers, literature and foreign language professors, historians, and political theorists defend the value and explain the worth of their respective disciplines as well as illuminate the importance of liberal education. By setting forth new arguments about the significance of their disciplines, these scholars show how the humanities can reclaim its place of prominence in American higher education.

Reviews

Essential reading for faculty in these and other disciplines and students deciding on a course of study. It should also be read by policymakers and parents and anyone in need of a crash course on the value of the humanities and liberal arts education. -- Steven J. Michels, Sacred Heart University
In a world of increasing complexity and danger, the need for the humanities has never been greater, and yet liberal arts education is in rapid decline everywhere. This excellent collection of essays is an important contribution to this pressing issue. Instead of regurgitating platitudes about the inherent value of the humanitiesthat they make students more well-rounded, better communicators, and critical thinkersthe authors attempt to defend the humanities by considering new approaches and formulating ground-breaking arguments. This volume is essential reading for anyone concerned about the future of liberal arts education, and looking for fresh ways to articulate the necessity and worth of the humanities. -- Paul Corey, Humber College

Author Bio

Lee Trepanier is professor of political science at Saginaw Valley State University.