IGNITING MINDS
Welcome to the School of Liberal Education
The School of Liberal Education at the University of Lethbridge was established in 2017 to enhance our commitment to liberal education as the university’s foundational teaching and learning philosophy.
By fostering free inquiry and the critical interpretation of ideas, our unique four-pillar approach to liberal education enables a better understanding of experiences and a more empathetic approach to those around us. This helps our students become global citizens who think critically, communicate thoughtfully, respect creativity and act in ways that better the world around them.
“Liberal Education is an approach to learning that empowers individuals and prepares them to deal with complexity, diversity, and change. It provides students with broad knowledge of the wider world (e.g. science, culture, and society) as well as in-depth study in a specific area of interest. A liberal education helps students develop a sense of social responsibility, as well as strong and transferable intellectual and practical skills such as communication, analytical and problem-solving skills, and a demonstrated ability to apply knowledge and skills in real-world settings.”
- American Association of American Colleges and Universities
"University has helped me to learn so much about myself and others. It has helped me to become more empathetic, curious and confident. I also feel comfortable asking questions and standing up for what I believe in."
Jamie Lewis | BA Student
Majors: Anthropology and Religious Studies
Our Vision
The School of Liberal Education embodies the University of Lethbridge's commitment to provide students with the skills to think critically and creatively, communicate clearly, work collaboratively, solve complex problems, and contribute fully to society as engaged and informed global citizens and leaders.
Our Mission
To promote the University's foundational philosophy of teaching and learning, based on the goals of our Four-Pillar model of Liberal Education:
- Expand breadth of knowledge and viewpoints
- Integrate knowledge across disciplines
- Emphasize critical, questioning and creative thinking, leading to decisions based on evidence and reasoning
- Foster engaged community citizenship, at all levels from local to global
Featured Stories
School of Liberal Education celebrates Blackfoot heritage
On September 25th, 2018, the School of Liberal Education accepted the Blackfoot image of the turtle in celebration of Blackfoot heritage.
Liberal Education Courses Eligible for new Alberta Education Math Bursary
There is a $1000 Alberta Education Math Bursary available for students who are enrolled in education or pre-education at the University of Lethbridge for students who want to be teachers, but are not mathematics majors. Two Liberal Education courses were recently added to the approved list: LBED 2100 Quantitative Reasoning and LBED 2200 Puzzles and Problems. Information regarding the bursary can be found here: https://education.alberta.ca/math-bursary/math-bursary-program/ or by emailing EDC.mathbursary@gov.ab.ca.
Dr. Richard Delisle to edit new Springer Book Series
Dr. Richard Delisle of the School of Liberal Education has been invited by Springer Publishers to edit a new book series on Evolutionary Biology.
FURTHER READING
If you'd like to read more about Liberal Education, and the various pillars of our model, see the Bibliography we have compiled here!
A new edited volume on Lib Ed! Liberal Education and the Idea of the University will be published by Vernon Press in April 2019. Edited by Karim Dharamsi and James Zimmer, the volume includes an article on the Evolution of Liberal Education at the University of Lethbridge, by U of L authors Shelly Wismtah, Jan Newberry and Heather Mirau. See https://vernonpress.com/book/575?fbclid=IwAR0y83VWxy4OmqoZAZ5Py5ta6R5Jde....
An article by U of L Political Science professor John von Heyking on What Socrates Means for Liberal Education in Asia: