| Tradition of General Education in Medieval Universities and its Creative Reconstruction |
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Seung Nam Son |
| 대학설립 초기의 교양교육 전통과 그 창조적 재생 |
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손승남 |
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| Abstract |
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This study aims to reexamine the original form of general education in order to reconstruct the present form of general education in universities and colleges. The reason why this study focused on the tradition of general education is deeply connected with the fact that the majority of general education programs have been misunderstood and distorted.
On the basis of a historical investigation 7 liberal arts were confirmed as the core of a general education aimed at cultivating humanity(cultum humanitas) and creating a more aesthetic world. The medieval university regarded the humanities as the fundamental elements of a general education and supported a balance between practical/vocational and liberal/general aspects of the university education.
This study suggested the following theses for the improvement of a general education in Korean universities and colleges. First, general education should be regarded as an authentic anthropology which reflects on human values and guided us toward a meaningful vision of our lives. Second, general education should cultivate an engagement with ecological issues which includes caring for the natural world and the universe. Third, general education should not be just an instrumental tool for specified education in departments and should be an independent and self-fulfilling education which deals with our total experience and which ultimately leads us to wisdom. Fourth, methodologically the abilities mentioned above can be raised through engaging with great books . The old traditions may lead us on the right path in this rapidly changing world. |
| Key Words:
General Education, 7 Liberal Arts, Medieval University, Humanitas, Great Books |
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