Brianne Cook

Intro to the Liberal Arts & Critical Thinking

10/8/12

My understanding of the liberal arts has improved greatly over the past year. I had heard
of this type of education prior to my senior year of high school (both of my siblings attended
liberal arts colleges), however just that: I did not have a clear definition of what it meant to
receive a liberal arts education. Throughout this past year, I have taken a journeya journey in
which I have learned more about myself, the community in which I live, and the education that I
intend to work towards in the coming years. I have reflected upon my strengths and weaknesses
in relation to the Loras Dispositions. I have taken the first of many steps in preparing for the
world which extends beyond, yet also incorporates my liberal arts education.
One of the most important factors of a liberal arts education is the opportunity to expand
ones knowledge of the world through the exploration of many fields of study. I believe that it is
essential in life to be informed on a wide range of topics. In his composition On the Purpose of
a Liberal Arts education, Robert Harris (1991) includes one section explaining how a liberal
education allows you to see things whole. I agree with his argument that an overemphasis on
one subject distorts reality. A person will not have a clear understanding of the community and
world in which he or she lives with this type of education; he or she will become very narrowminded and will struggle to distinguish between and solve lifes diverse challenges. A liberal arts
education espouses a strong knowledge base which individuals can utilize in creating
connections in their unique communities and environments.
I also believe that taking a wide range of courses is beneficial to learning about oneself.
How can one know with some degree of certainty about his or her abilities in one area of study
until some experience has been obtained? Throughout my high school years, I repeated endlessly

I dislike art and I refuse to take any class related to that subject. In my senior year, I had a very
abrupt realization: I enjoy drawing and I wish I had taken a course to improve my skills. One
must attempt to gain some degree of knowledge on numerous subjects in order to discover what
one truly excels at and enjoys. Becoming an expert is not necessary; simply being aware that the
possibilities exist is more than adequate.
In acquiring a stable knowledge base through the study of variety of subjects, a liberal
arts education extends beyond the four years of study at a college or university. As aptly
mentioned by Robert Harris (1991), No institution however greatcan teach you in four years
everything you need to know either now or in the future. A liberal arts education allows
individuals to have a better perspective on some of the most complex issues in life. For example,
maintaining good relationships with the people in ones community can be complicated at times.
Compromise is much easier said than done. A single class or even a range of classes cannot teach
one everything necessary for maintaining good relationships. Nonetheless, skills of observation
and analysis, which can be learned through studies, can be helpful in a variety of circumstances.
Several stages of preparation and development prior to attending college have contributed
to my strengths and challenges in each of the Loras Dispositions. My early education at St.
Patricks Elementary School as well as my involvement in St. Patricks Church and Youth Group
has contributed significantly to my development in all of the four Loras Dispositions. My
teachers at St. Patricks School enkindled within me a strong desire to learn and the dedication to
remain committed to my education. They taught me to reflect upon the consequences before
acting, to make good, ethical decisions. I especially remember my second grade teacher
reminding my class daily of the Golden Rule and had it posted on a large banner along one wall.
Through the church community, I have participated in countless volunteer activities benefitting

the community as well as the church. Through these activities and other volunteer organizations
sponsored by the high school, I have come to realize my responsibility to give back to the
community which has already offered me so much. As William Cronon wisely advices in his
piece Only Connect: In the end, it turns out that liberty is not about thinking or saying or
doing whatever we want. It is about exercising our freedom in such a way as to make a
difference in the world and make a difference for more than just ourselves.
I believe that one of my greatest challenges in college will be responding and writing
creatively. After reading the article by Kevin St. Jarre (They Knew Calculus When They Left:
The Thinking Disconnect Between High School and University), I felt more than a little anxious
about the courses I will be taking this fall. As I was reading, I noticed a few similarities between
John and myself. I have always worked very hard in school and have been conscientious of my
grades. I have had difficulty sometimes accepting criticism because of my perfectionist
propensities as well. However, I did also notice some differences; I believe that it is wrong for
students to blame teachers for being inadequately prepared for college. Ultimately success or
failure in school depends on the student and his or her honest efforts. I also disagree with Johns
belief that longer papers denote higher scores. The length of a paper should depend on the
amount of explanation needed to introduce and clarify the topics of the paper. I believe in quality
over quantity in writing.
By taking Advanced Placement and online courses in my junior and senior years of high
school, I have worked on changing my learning habits. These courses frequently challenged
students to take the responsibility of learning into their own hands. Participation in class
discussions, a considerable amount of note-taking, and studying and working outside of class

was necessary to do well in these courses and on the final cumulative exams, which included
free-response sections in addition to multiple choice questions.
Over the years, I have developed several ways to help me to reflect on my thinking in
order to attain a better understanding of my values. Writing is one way in which I am able to
reflect on and express my thoughts. I do not, however, particularly enjoy utilizing this method of
reflection and expression as I sometimes find converting my ideas into words challenging.
Another way in which I reflect on my thoughts and actions is through exercise, specifically
running. During longer (less intense) runs, I am able to focus on, organize, and clarify my
thoughts. Prayer serves as my third mode of daily reflection. Even in the busiest, most stressful
days, I devote at least a few moments of my time to have a conversation with God.
The Loras dispositions and the tenets of a liberal arts education are closely related in
many aspects. The first disposition states that Active learners want to learn. This disposition
implies the importance of the desire to learn in order to achieve success in school and in life. The
authors of articles about the liberal arts address the subject of learning in several ways. William
Cronon (1998) discusses the manner in which [liberally educated individuals] practice humility,
tolerance, and self-criticism. He emphasizes keeping an open mind, stepping outside of ones
own experiences and prejudices in order to learn and grow. Robert Harris describes how studying
the liberal arts can assist in modifying and improving learning styles. He emphasizes the
continuation of learning beyond the years spent in school and improvement of creativity through
general knowledge. Kevin St. Jarre (2008) illustrates the difference between learning the material
and imitating what is shown by the instructor. While students may simply perform in high
school, college students must actively participate in the process of learning by asking questions,
thinking independently, and contributing to discussions

The second disposition states Reflective thinkers display insight. This statement
implies the necessity for students to think independently and beyond what is ordinary. This idea
is highlighted in the title and is found in the basic core of William Cronons article Only
Connect Those who receive a liberal arts education are able to find connections anywhere in
the world because of their mindsets and abilities. Robert Harris explains the impact of a liberal
arts education on the way one thinks. He writes that this type of education helps individuals
improve the organization and strengthen the conviction of ones thoughts. Kevin St. Jarre (2008)
shows how the differences in learning styles affect the degree of creativity in thought. John,
searches in vain for the correct answers and proper wording for every assignment, while his
friend Michael works spontaneously and develops inventive solutions in order to complete the
necessary work.
The qualities and abilities of ethical decision-makers are the focus of the third
disposition. Individuals with these characteristics can make honest and fair decisions in their
daily lives. Liberally educated people, for instance, understand the veritable power of knowledge
and keep this power in check through a set of strong personal values. (Cronon, 1998) In
analyzing John, author Kevin St. Jarre (2008) illustrates the influence of grades and
performance on Johns character. Fearing failure, John cheats in order to receive high scores and
maintain his high grade point average; he sacrifices honesty and integrity so as to succeed.
Does John truly succeed though? In these moments of weakened moral conviction, John loses
sight of the purpose of his education; he misses valuable opportunities to learn from experience,
and thus continues his well-trained, yet futile act.
The fourth disposition serves as a reminder to students to always contribute to the
community. The definition of ones community can vary considerably. An individuals service

has the power to change a small group of people, a city, a nation, or even the world. William
Cronon (1998) discusses how liberally educated people understand their communities and can
solve problems that may arise within these environments. These individuals are aware of their
responsibility contribute to the community and act accordingly. Robert Harris (1991) describes
how a unified view of world can be a strong tool in resolving difficult situations. Those who
have been educated in the liberal arts can identify different types of problems and can apply the
uniquely corresponding resolutions. This author also suggests that although teaching may not be
our formal profession, it should still be and often is a component of our daily lives. Everyone has
some kind of experience or lesson to share. What may be of very little significance to one person
may have a profound influence on another.
By studying the liberal arts at Loras College, I hope to gain a better perspective of my
world, including the people I will meet, the places I will visit, and the issues I will face. I want to
find strategies to reinforce my strengths and to improve my weaknesses in relation to each of the
Loras Dispositions. These dispositions (which include being an active learner, reflective thinker,
ethical decision-maker, and responsible contributor) are closely linked to the qualities of a person
who has received an education in the liberal arts, and will be essential to hone as I head into my
first semester of study at Loras College.