Sir Nelson Mandela once said – “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” The quote was pertinent when the world-famous leader said these lines and the eternal wisdom also resonates in the current scenario.
However, the methods and modes of imparting knowledge are very crucial. Earlier on, the choice of subjects was very restrictive and limited. One would even lay out the career choices straight -engineers, doctors, or chartered accountants.
However, the rapid changes in technology, arts, data analysis, coding, medicine, etc., require skilled executives having a sharp adeptness to delve according to the teetering scenario.
Liberal arts steps in here. According to the National Education Policy 2020, a knowledge of many arts’ or liberal arts (i.e., a liberal notion of the arts) is the kind of education the 21st-century demands.
Critical thinking, cognitive development, problem-solving skills, value-based education, and teamwork are a few of the many takeaways in this line of study. The interdisciplinary approach of liberal arts gifts a dextrous, holistic, all-rounded, and well-schooled individual, which is the need of the hour.
Colleges for liberal arts in India are a recent trend and are gradually gaining momentum in light of the requirement for skilled and talent-oriented personnel.
We
share with you a sneak preview of the latest trends and innovations in this
field:-
1. Data Analytics:
Typically reserved for software engineers, Data Analytics field requires gathering data, systematically interpreting, processing, and finally generating reports for the intended consumer.
Nonetheless, a liberal arts graduate could assist in critically examining facts and figures to churn out information in an unconventional way.
2. Digital Marketing:
Speak of social media campaigns, online marketing, blogging etc. – all these are analogous to content writing, story-telling, animations, video editing, etc.
These have become indispensable in modern times, and these warrant the involvement of creativity in abundance. Exposure to literature, history, language studies, and several other sciences can help a liberal arts graduate in this field.
3. Journalism:
Mass communication and journalism are renowned courses in colleges. However, their spectrum has expanded by merging subjects like sociology, philosophy, etc., to make the curriculum more industry-oriented and competitive. Students of liberal arts, therefore, clearly fit the bill in this area as well.
4. Image consulting:
The fear factor that has raided the minds of many young industry aspirants is the advent of (Artificial Intelligence) AI and its toll on many human-oriented jobs. In spite of that, the one thing that we fail to consider is that critical analyzing skills and creativity are unique to us.
Hence, when presenting views, pitching prospective clients, marketing services or products, or any other such demonstration, smartness, exquisite communication, and presentation skills play a prominent role. Further, your style would matter a good deal. Industry giants hire liberal arts students because of their flair and strong stage presence.
5. Sustainable development:
Industries today are making significant changes in the manufacturing processes to align themselves with nature. Even the service sector is taking measures to develop an environment-friendly work culture.
Due to stringent government rules and regulations, companies hire specialized climate change and sustainability analysts to reduce carbon footprints. A person who has studied natural and social sciences (another subject under a liberal arts course) would be the choice for such enterprises.
6. Medicine:
A common query that plagues the minds of medical students is the utility of a liberal arts degree in the future. Speaking of distinguished communication skills to interact with people, the sound background in humanities to understand the cultures and beliefs of the patients, and subjects like psychology, biological sciences, etc., could be game-changers of the medical vista.
7. Law:
Liberal arts and law? You might be baffled as to the connection between them. Contemplate it – the people who have studied psychology, sociology, leadership, or languages would have an edge over others when they venture into this industry. Law is a people-oriented sector. Hence, knowledge of these disciplines is pivotal in the progress of the field.
Conclusion:
As is evident from our pointers above, the gamut of liberal arts is extensive. We are at the threshold of significant changes in the upcoming times. Training the present generation to keep up with the volatility has become crucial.
IILM University is one of the best liberal arts colleges in India, which provides a BA (Hons) degree in liberal arts (duration- 3 years) with an option to choose one prime subject and complete the course in 4 years. The curriculum ensures interdisciplinary and life-long learning. Students in this course are so well-equipped that they can readily apply their knowledge in real-life scenarios.
