The Liberal Arts in the Twenty-first Century

About the Book

The western tradition of education is rooted in the concept of the "Liberal Arts." What are they, and what role does the Liberal Arts concept play in the past and future of our society? In what ways has the Liberal Arts tradition been eroded by trendy educational fashions? How is the Liberal Arts tradition threatened by forces—social, educational, and religious—that oppose this ideal? What is the unique calling and mission of the denominational, church-related Liberal Arts college?

Richard Terrell, a professor Art for 39 years at Doane College, Crete, Nebraska, addresses these issues from the perspective of his teaching in liberal arts colleges for 44 years, in which he taught courses in studio art and the history of art as well as interdisciplinary studies. A frequent panelist on issues of free expression, the arts, and issues of religion in society, Terrell offers a concerned critique of contemporary trends in higher education and a firm affirmation of the integrity of the historic vision of education rooted in the Liberal Arts ideal.

About the Author

1. Richard Terrell taught visual arts and art history at denominational, liberal arts colleges for 45 years, first at Blackburn College in Illinois (1965-1970) and Doane College in Nebraska, (1970-2009). He earned the BFA at Illinois Wesleyan University, and the MFA at the University of Wisconsin. Additional studies in theology and biblical studies were pursued at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (Deerfield, Illinois). As a professor of Art, he has served as a panelist in numerous public forums regarding issues of free expression, the arts, and theological issues. He is the author of RESURRECTING THE THIRD REICH (Huntington House, 1994), a study of the intellectual and spiritual roots of the Nazi regime, and various articles in periodical publications, CHRISTIANITY TODAY, ETERNITY MAGAZINE, USA TODAY MAGAZINE (formerly INTELLECT), CHRISTIANITY AND THE ARTS, and RELIGION AND SOCIETY JOURNAL. 2. Richard Terrell is a retired professor and an exhibiting artist, with a studio in the Historic Haymarket District of Lincoln, Nebraska. He is a frequent op ed page contributor, a Baptist lay-minister who has served eight years in pulpit ministry while continuing to teach, and is a amateur actor in community theatre and educational theatre venues. 3. Richard Terrell lives in Lincoln, Nebraska, and was raised in the Chicago suburbs. He is married to Louise Terrell, since 1962. They have one son, a daughter, and one grand daughter who attends the University of Nebraska. He is associate director of AD LIB, a Christian retreat ministry for writers, artists, musicians and worship leaders.