May 31, 2002

The Benefits of the Liberal Arts

To the Editor:

I was dismayed to read your reporter's characterization of the American liberal-arts tradition as one in which "college students are exposed to a broad range of courses in pursuit of a four-year bachelor's degree" ("Once-Communist Countries Make Way for the Liberal Arts," April 26).

As your story reports, liberal-arts education is gaining respect and attention around the world. But it's hardly the exposure to a multitude of courses and subjects that accounts for