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<p>Keep in mind, the primary goal of liberal arts “core” courses is not technical competence in a particular academic discipline or mastery of its subject matter.</p>
<p>Most HS students (many college students for that matter) probably do not have the maturity (the “prepared minds”) to benefit from the best liberal arts programs. Germany and Japan do things rather differently, though; it would be interesting to try to compare outcomes. Britain / Oxbridge would be interesting too, because although the goals may be similar to the goals of US liberal arts colleges, specialization comes early.</p>