“In 1991, the top two majors at Yale were history and English. In 2013, they were economics and political science” (Klinkenborg, 2013). In two decades the number of students graduating with a B.A in English Literature at Yale University dropped from around 160 to 60. What was once one of the most popular areas of study is now declining at drastic rates, we must ask ourselves; what is at the core of this decline? Is it the changing demands of our society and the growing technological field? Or is Liberal Arts really a thing of the past like the media portrays it to be?
The study of liberal arts is a general area of study that encompasses the study of humanities. In this article, we will analyze primarily the humanities, which at its simplest form is“human culture, experience, and perception" as an area of study (The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga), with insight from AP English and AP Capstone professor Mr. Fuller.
Many argue that a humanities degree may not be worth its financial investment, claiming the median income of an English major, which is almost less than half of an engineering major, to be one of its fatal flaws (McGurn, 2019). Students are avoiding liberal arts and humanities because they think they have “poor job prospects” (Schmidt, 2018). However, one study found that “humanities majors under the age of 35 are actually less likely to be unemployed than life-science or social-science majors” (Schmidt, 2018). In fact, being someone who approaches post-secondary education as a learning opportunity, rather than a financial investment, can make a “much bigger difference in your [future] earnings” than the major you choose (Schmidt, 2018).
While a humanities degree may not immediately be put to use in the workforce and have no “specific” pathways, the skills learned are fundamental and highly transferable. Frequently, students who studied humanities in their undergraduate years continue to study a variety of master programs—some may even go to Law School. Your bachelor’s degree does not fully limit your choices.
Nevertheless, these economic factors may not be the entirety of the recession. Consider this; not only are students competing for places at university, but certain fields of study are also competing for its students. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) faculties are seeing an increase in applicants and graduates (Nietzel, 2019). While it could be students heeding to the demands of the job market, the promising salaries post-education only makes it more desirable. Thus, the drop in graduation rates could be also explained by potential liberal arts students unable to overcome the pressure to study something that earns them a better salary and keep up with our growing society. Nonetheless, that may not be true for everyone—there is nothing wrong with going into STEM. Sentinel teacher Mr. Fuller, says to “Focus yourself on choosing something that personally gives you ‘intellectual challenge’ ... that will be different for everyone” (Fuller, 2020).
Certain students who can “overcome this pressure” do not choose the study of humanities simply because of the ambiguous descriptions of what the study is. What is the study of humanities, really? More often than not, the study of humanities is defined with lists: philosophy, literature, history, etc (Strauss, 2017). However, this does not capture the full picture. The humanities use the “interpretive and theoretical” approach with their subjects rather than with mathematics and analyses of social sciences (Carlton, 2020). In a piece written by Gerald Greenberg (senior associate dean of academic affairs, humanities, curriculum, instruction and programs in the College of Arts and Sciences at Syracuse University), he describes liberal education as a “cohesive collection of experiences, each providing its own unique contribution to the enlightenment of its practitioners” (Greenberg qtd. in Strauss). Additionally, he mentions, in humanities “one can learn another language, which can open the window into a new culture, a new worldview” (Greenberg qtd. in Strauss).
When asked about the merits of studying humanities, Mr. Fuller had first responded simply with the word: empathy. This may seem like an underwhelming answer at first, but I can guarantee that “empathy” is no understatement. Soon, he revealed that studying humanities helps us form a lasting engagement with literature and the arts. As well as dealing with life, since “Most of life is ambiguity, and humanities teach us how to deal with ambiguity” (Fuller, 2020). Valerie Strauss from Washington’s Post shares similar views:
"The liberal arts offer knowledge and the cultivation of habits of mind that allow graduates to mature into successful, productive members of society who can appreciate others, experience and embrace the notion of empathy, and seek lifelong learning" (Strauss).
Many students prefer an education that teaches them skills that could be applied right away and begin earning a modest income. Yet, they do not realize the merits of studying humanities. Such merits are the fundamental skills of clear writing and thinking, lifelong appreciation of literature, and essential soft skills. It is important to pursue something you are interested and engaged in since, as our very own Mr. Fuller says, “life is pretty miserable without doing what you want to do” (Fuller, 2020).
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