A liberal arts and sciences education at the Russian higher school: Concept, formats, benefits and limitations

Abstract

Although there has been a lot of skepticism about its value and relevance for modern higher education, especially widespread among American educators, liberal arts and sciences (LAS) education is playing a prominent role in promotion of a well-rounded education providing a student-centered teaching and learning environment. Providing a broad interdisciplinary grounding and further specialization, LAS education also develops such 21st century sills as critical thinking, problem solving, effective communication, etc., thus preparing students to respond ever-changing environments and to meet challenges of the future. The purpose of the study: Analyze the arguments supporting the utility of LAS education as well as those uncovering challenges and difficulties of its implementation (including Russian-specific reality). The study also explores different LAS formats. The authors have used methods of comparative analysis and systematization, dialectical, historical and culturological, social and philosophical approaches. The study helped reveal epistemological, economic, socio-humanistic, pedagogical and methodological arguments for LAS as well as identify practical, philosophical and educational arguments suggesting LAS paradoxicality, complexity and ambiguity. The systematization and demonstration of the dialectical relationship of the above arguments (benefits and limitations of LAS) constitute scientific novelty of our study. In conclusion, the authors give reasons to prove that Russian universities should adopt the LAS model to improve their competitiveness. The core-curriculum format is selected as the best one for the Russian conditions.