I always have an inner-battle of sorts about my liberal arts classes. Obviously, I love classes in my major, but sometimes I question why I take other classes.
On one hand, they are always so interesting, but at the same time, I find myself trying to focus in on the classes in my major. This semester, I’m taking three major classes, improvisation, audio and principles of design; one minor class, editing and production for print media; and two liberal studies classes, history of contemporary philosophy and environmental issues.
However, this week one of my liberal studies classes stood out from any other course I’m taking when I found myself discussing the topic with my boyfriend.
This week I was talking to him about one of the history courses he’s taking at Ithaca College and a paper on slavery in the south. After a while, I found myself bringing up philosophical views we had just been tested on in my history of contemporary philosophy class! We talked for a while about how according to the philosophy of Hegel, there will always be ideas that only make sense in the historical context they are in. I could only think about how a few days earlier I wasn’t sure I would ever remember this information after the test, and here I was having a legitimate conversation about it with my boyfriend.
It really surprised me, but at the same time made me really happy that I have classes like that to take instead of just being stuck in the track of learning only ONE subject day after day.
I was thinking similarly about my environmental issues class. I’ve always been pretty interested in learning about the environment and ways to help it in this day in age. Even today at Starbucks there was a sign telling customers that they will no longer be giving out the paper sleeves to save paper, but that you can still ask for them if you must. Concern for the environment is everywhere today, and I feel like I’m on the cutting edge of it by taking this class now.
I guess what I mean to say is if you are concerned that liberal studies classes are just going to be a distraction, I can tell you from my experience that they’re not. Who doesn’t like to have well rounded information they can use in the future rather than just having the tunnel vision of a specific subject.
Score one for my liberal studies classes.
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1 comment:
Nicole,
You are wise to notice MORE in life than what a major studies can teach.
I had the same lament as an original Math Major, turned Business and Economics Major mid-stream.
The mismatched course was Anthropology (aka "monkeys"). There was NO WAY I would use this course in my lifetime, but the cost of those 3 credits helped my university pay salaries.
Several decades out of college, I recall precisely TWO professors for good reason.
Yet, I recall ONE class, by neither of those two, and applied the knowledge gained, to myriad aspects of life since.
My nephew and his son were driving to work/college and had a terrible crash. My nephew died immediately and his son died 45 minutes later. This would be the only double funeral I attended in my life. It was difficult. The boy was 19.
At the wake after, I had my plate of food, and sat it down on a corner seat of an empty table. My daughter's plate was on the end as we both left for coffee and punch.
Upon return, the ping pong sized table had filled with an assortment of coeds, as my nephew's son was popular on campus. (Hundreds of fellow students came to the funeral). I debated leaving the table, but already knew my relatives, and decided to stay put.
The chatter of young ladies began. To my left, "God that was a hard test!".
Across from me: "I think I got it all right!"
As the banter continued, I turned to the young woman next to me and inquired: "What was this test on that you all had?"
"The Fallacy of Composition", she replied.
I dropped my fork in disbelief.
"They STILL teach THAT?", I asked.
And off we went into what they taught long ago on that principle and what is said today. They are one and the same and I told her that her answer on the test was correct.
The Fallacy of Composition is applied to a wide variety of topics. In regard to Economics, it is simply:
"What is true for the individual, is NOT necessarily true for the group"
AND
"What is true for the group, is NOT necessarily true for the individual."
I have found no use for "monkeys" to date, but this economic principle has added value and insight into a myriad number of life experiences and made THEM understandable. I never expected that.
And in the economic cesspool that we are in today, the Principle counts BIG time, and no one in DC or the TV talking heads alludes to it as of yet.
Check out the Fallacy of Composition. You will use it in life.
BTW, your original video depicts great confidence in yourself. Keep up the good work!
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