The creators of this project have backgrounds in a variety of disciplines, ranging from STEM to humanities to some combinations that cross the borders between the two. So who are we and where do we all stand on the stigma of Humanities and Liberal Arts degrees?
Check us out!
Check us out!
Luiza
Major(s): B.A. in English, B.A. in Psychology
Experience in the Liberal Arts:
I have wanted to be a writer for most of my life, and I spent much of my time in school enjoying what would be classified as Humanities or Liberal Arts classes in college. Now that I am an undergraduate student nothing is different, except that I can delve deeper into the subjects that I love. I have spent my past year studying literature and poetry, learning languages, and singing in choirs. I'm at the point of no return where I couldn't be anything other than a Liberal Arts major, even if I wanted to.
Opinion on Liberal Arts degrees:
I think the mark of an educated/advanced society is an ability to appreciate the products of both the Humanities and the STEM fields, and the capacity to engender quality workers in both spheres.
Experience in the Liberal Arts:
I have wanted to be a writer for most of my life, and I spent much of my time in school enjoying what would be classified as Humanities or Liberal Arts classes in college. Now that I am an undergraduate student nothing is different, except that I can delve deeper into the subjects that I love. I have spent my past year studying literature and poetry, learning languages, and singing in choirs. I'm at the point of no return where I couldn't be anything other than a Liberal Arts major, even if I wanted to.
Opinion on Liberal Arts degrees:
I think the mark of an educated/advanced society is an ability to appreciate the products of both the Humanities and the STEM fields, and the capacity to engender quality workers in both spheres.
Olivia
Major(s): Previously B.S. in Chemistry; Currently B.S. in Biobehavioral Health and B.S. in Psychology
Experience in the Liberal Arts:
All four honors courses I have taken so far at Penn State have been in the College of Liberal Arts - English 137H/138T, History 130U, and CAMS 045 (Honors Optioned). I loved all four of these classes, as well as my non-honors classes within the college. Even though I am confident I want to pursue a medical-related career through the College of Health and Human Development, I also want to pursue a double major in Psychology, a subject which has quickly grown to become my one of my favorites to study.
Opinion on Liberal Arts degrees:
I am 100% for them! Society cannot function solely on recluse scientists who don't know how to write in their own languages or understand the cultures of the people that their inventions affect (no matter how hard they try to prove that statement wrong). It's so great that even though my days are filled with biology and other science courses, I can still take the art and psychology classes that I so love.
Experience in the Liberal Arts:
All four honors courses I have taken so far at Penn State have been in the College of Liberal Arts - English 137H/138T, History 130U, and CAMS 045 (Honors Optioned). I loved all four of these classes, as well as my non-honors classes within the college. Even though I am confident I want to pursue a medical-related career through the College of Health and Human Development, I also want to pursue a double major in Psychology, a subject which has quickly grown to become my one of my favorites to study.
Opinion on Liberal Arts degrees:
I am 100% for them! Society cannot function solely on recluse scientists who don't know how to write in their own languages or understand the cultures of the people that their inventions affect (no matter how hard they try to prove that statement wrong). It's so great that even though my days are filled with biology and other science courses, I can still take the art and psychology classes that I so love.
Neel
Major(s): B.E. in Mechanical Engineering
Experience in the Liberal Arts:
So far, I've taken Econ 104 and Eng 137H/138T, but I hope to take more art, art history, and possibly language classes if possible.
Opinion on Liberal Arts degrees:
I think it's more important to incorporate Liberal Arts education in other majors rather than trying to produce more Liberal Arts majors, since the Liberal Arts offer a unique yet diverse skill set.
Experience in the Liberal Arts:
So far, I've taken Econ 104 and Eng 137H/138T, but I hope to take more art, art history, and possibly language classes if possible.
Opinion on Liberal Arts degrees:
I think it's more important to incorporate Liberal Arts education in other majors rather than trying to produce more Liberal Arts majors, since the Liberal Arts offer a unique yet diverse skill set.
Michelle
Major(s): Statistics, actuarial science option
Experience in the Liberal Arts:
I've taken and enjoyed Liberal Arts classes such as art history, history, econ, English, Spanish, etc in high school and college. I also like to draw, read, and listen to music, which are all related to the Humanities.
Opinion on Liberal Arts degrees:
I admire people who pursue Liberal Arts majors despite the stigmas attached to them. It must mean that they really have a passion for that field and are staying true to themselves, which can be hard to do.
Experience in the Liberal Arts:
I've taken and enjoyed Liberal Arts classes such as art history, history, econ, English, Spanish, etc in high school and college. I also like to draw, read, and listen to music, which are all related to the Humanities.
Opinion on Liberal Arts degrees:
I admire people who pursue Liberal Arts majors despite the stigmas attached to them. It must mean that they really have a passion for that field and are staying true to themselves, which can be hard to do.
matt
Major(s): Transitioning from B.S. in Economics to B.S. in Biology
Experience in the Liberal Arts:
I originally began my college education as a Liberal Arts major, studying Economics, so I took an English, a history, and an economics course in my first semester. As I transition to a science major, I will take few Liberal Arts courses, but I continue to enjoy the simple activities that the Liberal Arts fosters: reading and critical thinking.
Opinion on Liberal Arts degrees:
The Liberal Arts are enormously important. Those studying the Humanities should not be belittled, and those not studying the Humanities would do well to take some Humanities courses to improve their critical thinking and reading skills.
Experience in the Liberal Arts:
I originally began my college education as a Liberal Arts major, studying Economics, so I took an English, a history, and an economics course in my first semester. As I transition to a science major, I will take few Liberal Arts courses, but I continue to enjoy the simple activities that the Liberal Arts fosters: reading and critical thinking.
Opinion on Liberal Arts degrees:
The Liberal Arts are enormously important. Those studying the Humanities should not be belittled, and those not studying the Humanities would do well to take some Humanities courses to improve their critical thinking and reading skills.
angela
Major(s): B.F.A., concentration in Painting and Drawing
Experience in the Liberal Arts:
I love exploring foreign languages and learning them on my own time. I have really enjoyed my time studying social sciences like sociology and psychology as well, and a bit disappointed I tested out of those Humanities for college -- I would've enjoyed them here too, but granted I will supplement my education with Liberal Arts classes in linguistics and foreign cultures.
Opinion on Liberal Arts degrees:
Critical thinking, analysis, and real-life, situation-based problem solving -- essentially thinking on your feet -- are qualities that will take you places. The Liberal Arts encourage that kind of essential adaptability people need.
Experience in the Liberal Arts:
I love exploring foreign languages and learning them on my own time. I have really enjoyed my time studying social sciences like sociology and psychology as well, and a bit disappointed I tested out of those Humanities for college -- I would've enjoyed them here too, but granted I will supplement my education with Liberal Arts classes in linguistics and foreign cultures.
Opinion on Liberal Arts degrees:
Critical thinking, analysis, and real-life, situation-based problem solving -- essentially thinking on your feet -- are qualities that will take you places. The Liberal Arts encourage that kind of essential adaptability people need.