Global Liberal Arts and New Institutions for 21st Century Higher Education

The history of liberal arts both in Europe and Asia is presented, along with a description of the ways in which liberal arts can prepare students for a turbulent future, shaped by rapid change and the COVID-19 pandemic. Aspects of global liberal arts that arise from earlier traditions within Asia are highlighted, with examples of curricula and institutions from India and China. Then a review of emerging new liberal arts programs in China, Japan, Singapore and India is presented, with details of some of the new universities and colleges being created with new curricula in Asia. The emergence of new liberal arts institutions in Europe, Africa, Vietnam and Pakistan is also reviewed, and these programs are connected both to more ancient traditions and emerging societal needs within their countries. The global interest in liberal arts is connected to the demands of the 21st century economy, and a review of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and its exponential technologies is provided and connected to new curriculum that can engage liberal arts to solve global challenges. The resulting emergence of liberal arts arises since the skills of articulate communication, deep reflection and collaboration across cultures are ever more vital in the 21st century, making global liberal arts and its deep cultural roots an ever-vital form of education to prepare students for the future.