How does a liberal arts education enhance a person’s ability to communicate?
Clear communication flows from clear understanding, and the liberal arts education exposes students to issues at the heart of our culture. Issues are presented, evaluated and argued in the classroom with students who may be of an entirely different background and opinion than you. Multiculturalism, gender issues, racism, war, globalization, the environment: people have strong opinions about these issues, and the liberal arts graduate learns to listen, not necessarily to agree, but to hear with an open mind. Without question, this skill will help the businessperson. But listening is only part of what it takes to be successful. The liberal arts curriculum emphasizes clear communication, especially in writing. The person who can get ideas across clearly and persuasively will have an advantage in the world of business. MICHAEL MCANEAR, Ph.D., is dean of the National University College of Letters and Sciences, San Diego. Reach him at mmcanear@nu.edu”>href=”mailto:mmcanear@nu.edu”>mmcanear@n
