Promoting Cultural Diversity through the Liberal Arts Higher Education Model for Leveraging Culture and Folklore in Cultural Diplomacy

Promoting Cultural Diversity through the Liberal Arts Higher Education Model for Leveraging Culture and Folklore in Cultural Diplomacy [1]

May 17, 2024, ICD House of Arts & Culture, Berlin, Germany

H.E. Professor Hassan B. Diab [2]?

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?Abstract

In today’s interconnected global landscape, the promotion of cultural diversity stands as a cornerstone for fostering harmonious relationships among nations. Culture and folklore serve as powerful tools for cultural diplomacy, bridging diplomatic, economic, and cultural divides. This presentation delves into the role of liberal arts undergraduate education in advancing cultural diversity through the integration of culture and folklore into the curriculum, thereby nurturing the soft skills requisite for effective cultural diplomacy. The internationalization of higher education, propelled by globalization and technological advancements, underscores the significance of integrating global perspectives, cross-cultural understanding, and interdisciplinary approaches into the educational milieu. Liberal arts education, with its emphasis on critical thinking, communication, and cultural competence, equip students with the tools to engage meaningfully with diverse cultures. By integrating cultural diplomacy initiatives into curricula, liberal arts institutions empower students to become adept cultural diplomats, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation across borders. Moreover, the incorporation of emotional intelligence education into curricula enhances students’ capacity for empathy, self-awareness, and effective communication, thus enabling them to navigate complex social dynamics with sensitivity and compassion. Through this dual approach, liberal arts education not only cultivates global citizens but also fosters inclusive, harmonious societies where diversity is celebrated and conflicts are resolved constructively. Liberal arts education emphasize soft skills to cultivate critical thinking, communication, creativity, adaptability, collaboration, cultural competence, and ethical reasoning. Ultimately, prioritizing cultural diversity through the liberal arts higher education model emerges as an imperative for nurturing a more interconnected and peaceful world.

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Introduction

In our modern, interconnected world, championing cultural diversity and fostering mutual understanding are pivotal for nurturing prosperous and harmonious relations between nations. Culture, encompassing shared meanings, beliefs, values, and behaviors, serves as the foundation upon which interpersonal communication and interpretations of experiences are built. Leveraging culture and folklore proves to be a powerful tool in the realm of cultural diplomacy, empowering individuals to forge robust diplomatic, economic, and cultural connections.

The “general education” or “soft skills” component of all undergraduate programs in liberal arts universities may reach over a third of the credits needed for graduation. This paper delves into the transformative potential of integrating culture and folklore within the soft skills of curricula of liberal arts undergraduate education. By doing so, it aims to cultivate the essential soft skills requisite for effective cultural diplomacy. Through this approach, higher education institutions can actively contribute to the promotion of cultural diversity, equipping future generations with the cross-cultural competency necessary to navigate our increasingly interconnected global landscape.

Today it is estimated that there are around 30,000 universities globally and probably over 40,000 if you include post-secondary higher education institutions that offer post-secondary diploma and bachelor degrees only. The approximate breakdown is around 25% in North America, 25% in Asia, 35% in Europe, and 10% in Africa, with the remaining 5% in rest of the world. However, in the absence of recent transparent and comprehensive global surveys, I think the number is much larger. Moreover, a relatively small percentage of universities across the globe, mainly in North America, offer a well-designed liberal arts undergraduate programs that value soft skills as much as hard skills.

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Liberal arts undergraduate programs often emphasize the development of soft skills alongside academic knowledge in the specialization subject matter. Some common soft skills cultivated in liberal arts programs include:

1. Critical Thinking:?Liberal arts education encourages students to think critically, analyze information, and evaluate arguments from various perspectives. This skill is essential for problem-solving and decision-making in diverse contexts.
2. Communication:?Liberal arts programs emphasize written and oral communication skills, helping students express ideas clearly and effectively. This includes the ability to articulate thoughts, engage in meaningful discussions, and convey information persuasively.
3. Creativity:?Liberal arts education fosters creativity by encouraging students to explore different ways of thinking, problem-solving, and expression. Through exposure to various disciplines and perspectives, students develop innovative approaches to challenges and opportunities.
4. Adaptability:?Liberal arts students learn to adapt to changing circumstances and navigate uncertainty with resilience. They develop flexibility, open-mindedness, and the ability to thrive in diverse environments.
5. Collaboration:?Liberal arts programs often involve collaborative projects, group discussions, and teamwork, promoting interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with others. Students learn to listen actively, respect differing opinions, and contribute constructively to collective efforts.
6. Cultural Competence:?Liberal arts education exposes students to diverse cultures, histories, and worldviews, fostering cultural competence and global awareness. This includes appreciation for diversity, empathy, and the ability to navigate intercultural interactions with sensitivity and respect.
7. Ethical Reasoning:?Liberal arts programs encourage students to consider ethical implications and moral dilemmas in various contexts. They develop ethical reasoning skills, integrity, and a sense of social responsibility.

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Overall, liberal arts undergraduate programs not only provide academic knowledge but also equip students with essential soft skills that are highly valued in today's dynamic and interconnected world.

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The breakdown of general education credits in a liberal arts undergraduate program typically includes courses across various disciplines to provide students with a well-rounded education. Here is a typical breakdown:

1. English Composition:?This requirement usually consists of one or more courses focused on writing skills, critical reading, and analytical thinking. Students may be required to take introductory and advanced courses in composition, rhetoric, or literature, totaling around 6-9 credits.
2. Mathematics:?This requirement aims to develop quantitative reasoning and problem-solving skills. Students may need to take courses such as college algebra, calculus, statistics, or discrete mathematics, totaling around 3-6 credits.
3. Natural Sciences:?This category includes courses in biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, geology, or environmental science. Students typically take a combination of lecture and laboratory courses, totaling around 6-9 credits.
4. Social Sciences:?Courses in this category explore human behavior, societies, and cultures. Students may take courses in psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, or geography, totaling around 6-9 credits.
5. Humanities:?This category encompasses courses in literature, history, philosophy, religion, and the arts. Students may explore various cultural traditions, periods, and themes, totaling around 6-9 credits.
6. Fine Arts:?Courses in this category focus on creative expression, aesthetics, and cultural appreciation. Students may take courses in visual arts, music, theater, dance, or film studies, totaling around 3-6 credits.

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The total number of general education (soft skills) credits can vary but typically ranges from 30 to 40 credits, depending on the institution’s requirements and the specific distribution of courses within each category. This breakdown ensures that students acquire a broad foundation of knowledge and skills across multiple disciplines before focusing on their major area of study.

Internationalization of Higher Education and Liberal Arts Education for Cultural Diversity

The internationalization of higher education stands as a vital process, integral to universities and colleges worldwide, as they strive to integrate global perspectives, experiences, and collaborative efforts into their core functions. This evolution has gained unprecedented significance in recent decades, propelled by the forces of globalization, technological advancements, and the increasing need for a workforce adept in navigating a globalized landscape. Central to the internationalization framework are several key facets:

·?Student Mobility: Encompassing the dynamic movement of students across borders for educational pursuits, including studying abroad, engaging in exchange programs, or pursuing degrees in foreign institutions.

·?Faculty Exchange and Collaboration: Universities cultivate international partnerships to facilitate faculty exchange programs, collaborative research ventures, and academic cooperation, thereby elevating the standards of education and research.

·?Curriculum Internationalization: Institutions adapt their academic offerings to infuse global perspectives, foster cross-cultural understanding, and endorse interdisciplinary approaches, thus equipping students with the acumen needed to thrive in a globalized environment.

·?Global Research Networks: Universities partake in collaborative research endeavors with global counterparts, addressing shared challenges, disseminating knowledge, and propelling innovation forward.

·?International Recruitment: Institutions actively seek students and faculty from diverse cultural backgrounds, enriching the educational milieu and championing diversity and inclusivity.

·?Transnational Education: This encompasses the establishment of branch campuses, joint degree programs, and online educational initiatives, extending the reach of education beyond national boundaries.

·?Cultural Exchange and Diplomacy: Higher education institutions serve as conduits for cultural exchange, nurturing mutual understanding and fostering diplomatic ties between nations.

In essence, the internationalization of higher education serves as a catalyst for academic excellence, cultural diversity, and the cultivation of global citizenship, thereby propelling the advancement of knowledge and fostering a more interconnected and prosperous world.

On another front, liberal arts undergraduate education assumes a pivotal role in shaping individuals equipped with critical thinking, effective communication, empathy, and cultural competence. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum, experiential learning, and exposure to diverse artistic expressions, liberal arts students develop a profound appreciation for cultural diversity. Furthermore, such education cultivates the essential soft skills requisite for effective cultural diplomacy, including intercultural communication, adaptability, and empathy.

Together, the internationalization of higher education and the tenets of liberal arts education converge to foster an environment where individuals are empowered to engage meaningfully with diverse cultures and perspectives, thereby contributing to the promotion of cultural understanding and global harmony.

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Cultural Diplomacy and Integrating Culture and Folklore into the Curricula

Cultural diplomacy stands as a strategic endeavor, harnessing the power of cultural expressions, traditions, and narratives to foster understanding and cooperation among nations. By tapping into the rich tapestry of culture and folklore, countries can ignite a shared sense of inspiration, transcending borders and forging meaningful connections. Cultural diplomacy, mutual respect, dialogue, and collaboration lays the groundwork for prosperous and peaceful relations among diverse communities.

To champion cultural diversity, liberal arts higher education institutions can play a pivotal role by seamlessly integrating culture and folklore into their “general education” component of curricula across various disciplines. This integration unfolds through specialized courses in cultural studies, anthropology, literature, and the arts, where students embark on journeys to explore the myriad expressions and traditions of diverse cultures. Some liberal arts universities may choose several of these soft skills courses to be required rather than optional out of the pool of “general education” credits required across different disciplines.

Complementing classroom learning, experiential opportunities such as immersive study abroad programs, vibrant cultural exchanges, and community engagement initiatives serve as catalysts, deepening students’ appreciation of global cultures and nurturing cross-cultural dialogue.

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Empowering Students as Cultural Diplomats and Raising their Emotional Intelligence

By weaving cultural diplomacy initiatives into their curricula, liberal arts institutions empower students to emerge as effective advocates for peace and understanding on the global stage. This empowerment hinges on nurturing students’ ability to comprehend, respect, and engage with diverse cultures, thereby fostering mutual understanding and collaboration across geographical boundaries. Through avenues for cross-cultural exchanges, language acquisition, and immersive experiences, students not only assume the mantle of cultural ambassadors for their own heritage but also cultivate an enriched appreciation for the cultural tapestry of others.

Furthermore, the integration of emotional intelligence education within the curriculum equips students with indispensable skills such as empathy, self-awareness, and adept communication. Armed with these tools, students navigate intricate social dynamics with sensitivity and empathy, fostering compassionate interactions and constructive dialogue.

Through this dual approach of cultural diplomacy and emotional intelligence cultivation, students not only emerge as global citizens but also play an active role in shaping inclusive and harmonious societies where diversity is celebrated, and conflicts find resolution. Prioritizing emotional intelligence education not only enhances students’ academic prowess but also bolsters their social and emotional well-being, propelling them toward fulfilling personal and professional trajectories while making impactful contributions to their communities and the broader global landscape.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the integration of culture and folklore into the liberal arts higher education model for promoting cultural diversity stands as an endeavor in fostering prosperous and peaceful relations among nations. By equipping students with the necessary soft skills for effective cultural diplomacy, such as empathy, communication, and intercultural understanding, liberal arts institutions can play a vital role in shaping globally minded citizens capable of navigating the complexities of our interconnected world. Moreover, the emphasis on emotional intelligence education further enhances students’ ability to engage with diverse cultures with sensitivity and compassion. Through this holistic approach, liberal arts education not only cultivates individuals who embrace diversity but also empowers them to become advocates for peace and understanding on a global scale. As we continue to strive for a more inclusive and harmonious society, the promotion of cultural diversity through the liberal arts higher education model remains an indispensable pathway towards building bridges of mutual respect and cooperation across borders.

[1] Keynote Speech at the Berlin Forum on Culture & Folklore Diplomacy 2024: “Dancing and Singing Nations Closer” held in parallel to the Berlin Carnival of Cultures, May 16 - 19, 2024, Berlin, Germany. Organized by the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (ICD) in Berlin, Germany.

[2] ? https://hassandiab.com/