The New Liberal Arts Analysis

Ungar and his Liberal Arts Degree Sanford J. Ungar, the writer of “The New Liberal Arts”, argues that a liberal arts degree isn’t as questionable of a decision as believed to be. He trusts that a smaller independent college is a much more intimate setting where students continue learning habits that only better their mentality in terms of education and personality and will stick with them throughout the rest of their lives. More specifically Ungar believes that attending a liberal arts school provides as close connection with faculty and a chance for young adults to learn responsibilities while getting an education at the same time, just to name a few (Ungar 232). Overall, Ungar goes about his argument in a very unique and organized manner …show more content…
He includes surveys, strong research, expert opinions, and other forms of supported data. One point that he makes is how attending a liberal arts college could potentially be the better investment giving the individual a much more broad education preparing them for a number of potential field of work rather than just one specific. To support this claim Ungar turns to Geoffrey Garin who is the president of Hart Research Associates (227). By turning to someone who is an advocate in this area or research enhances the authors validity of the argument. Ungar also referred to a survey conducted by the Associates of American Colleges and Universities from 2009 (228). Ungar is arguing the point that despite what others may believe just because someone has a liberal arts degree doesn 't mean it will be harder for them to get a job, because it’s hard to get a job regardless of your educational background. The survey showed that a whole 89 percent of participants said they wish they had more experience when it comes to “effectively communicate orally and in writing” while also showing that 75 percent of our nation 's employers would rather partake in a liberal arts program (228). By incorporating a survey it establishes a strong sense of credibility towards the argument and also gives the reader some insight on how others see the issue at hand as well. What I will say about this argument …show more content…
He not only breaks down his arguments into easy to navigate misperceptions but also will start each of the points off with the opposing argument. For example, before Ungar addresses how liberal arts is a good education path because it includes not only art but English, science, and math he explains how the STEM field is where everyone 's focus is at and how that is where you will be most successful. Although I have never seen this before I think this works to his advantage considering it gives you both views but only an explanation of the choice he is getting you to agree on. It also establishes credibility one again by having seen both sides of the argument. He poses the problem and then suggests a way around it.
Ungar’s style of writing though quite different, I believe works well to his advantage. It carves a clear path for his main point and is also a fair argument considering it shows to both sides. He has a great point of view on the topic and accurately represented the pros to a liberal arts