What does “liberal arts” mean?
A general education curriculum is at the heart of a liberal arts education. At Richmond, we help you gain a broad understanding of the world by studying math, science, literature, sociology, and other broad-based subjects before and while you do coursework in your major. You will organize and synthesize information from a variety of subject areas and focus on intercultural issues. The liberal arts curriculum, called the Richmond Core, is designed to give you the tools and the flexibility of thought necessary for any situation in todays global economy.
The term ‘liberal arts’ is a contraction of the term ‘liberal arts and sciences’ and is used to indicate institutions which provide academic rather than professional education. It is unique to the American higher education system. It implies that you will study a broad range of subjects; which produces a well-rounded student with knowledge of many subjects. From these students gain general knowledge and the ability to reason; and are acquire the necessary skills to adapt to an ever-changing environment.
A Liberal Arts curriculum is composed of three major segments: general education courses, major courses, and electives. Our General Education program is defined as those courses that the faculty of Tabor College considers to be essential for all students to take. It includes the courses that we believe are central to a Christian liberal arts education. Students who successfully complete a degree at Tabor, including the general education curriculum, are exposed to a number of issues and skills that represent important competencies for productive living as a citizen of society and the Kingdom of God. These include the following: reasoning and communication, historical and world perspective, and Christian maturity and understanding.
