In today’s evolving educational landscape, liberal arts institutions must confront a hard reality: reverence for tradition does not justify resistance to reform (Universities blame ‘societal shift’ for axing foreign language degrees, 21 November).

For too long, these colleges have clung to the notion of being uniquely “noble”, insulated from market pressures and buffered by government funding and external endowments. While liberal arts institutions do have intrinsic value, that doesn’t mean they are entitled to be socially favoured or economically exceptional for ever.

A particularly stubborn myth is that liberal arts education has a monopoly on cultivating critical thinking. This belief not only discounts the intellectual rigour demanded in Stem (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields but also perpetuates an outdated hierarchy of disciplines. Critical thinking is not the sole attribute of literature and philosophy departments. Instead, it is embedded in science, engineering and other hardcore technical disciplines, where logic and problem-solving are non-negotiable.

Rather than worry about funding cuts or condemning their threat to academic purity, liberal arts institutions should embrace a market-oriented mindset. Some of the most adaptive models can be found in so-called “schools of professional studies” at major universities such as Columbia, which offer real-world, business-relevant programmes with flexible formats. They thrive not because they adhere to tradition but because they respond to market needs.

As a result, they deliver strong outcomes in enrolment, reputation and revenue. Fears about “dumbing down” degrees or commodifying education can be addressed through market accountability and employer feedback.
Jianyang Geng
Edgewater, New Jersey, US