This Boston Globe article shows that while many universities are eliminating humanities programs, due in large part to economic pressure, others are redoubling their focus on the liberal arts. I can understand why parents today want their kids to study "practical" disciplines. A Fats Domino quote sums up the lot of too many college graduates today: "A lot of fellows nowadays have a B.A., M.D., or Ph.D. Unfortunately, they don't have a J.O.B." Yes, some degrees are more directly in demand by employers today.
That said, I agree with those who champion the liberal arts as necessary, even practical, disciplines. The article points out that without the humanities, "students won’t develop the kind of critical thinking, imagination, and empathy necessary to solve the most pressing problems facing future generations." The most "employable" degrees --business and engineering, for example--do not necessarily preclude familiarity with the humanities. I am impressed with schools (like Brandeis) that integrate the liberal arts into all of their undergraduate offerings.
-Molly
