Liberal Arts and Sciences - University College Freiburg - Universität ...

23Q: Originally, “Liberal Arts and Sciences” seems to be a North American tradition.Is the Freiburg LAS program comparable to the North American LiberalArts Colleges?A: We share with the North American colleges an emphasis on a broad curriculum,mandatory training in skills like effective writing, numerical literacy and public speaking,and the education of the whole person. There are also important differences:(1) We go directly into academic training, while many US programs spend considerabletime on the general education most Europeans are expected to get in highschool; (2) LAS in Freiburg is a small, non-residential program that offers studentsthe chance to fully integrate themselves into the city and the University of Freiburg– one of the leading research universities in Germany with 11 faculties and 24,000students. LAS in Freiburg thus has a very different atmosphere from the larger, residentialcolleges elsewhere.Q: I heard there are already some well established Liberal Arts programs inEurope, e.g. in the Netherlands. Why should I choose Freiburg?A: For Europe, the Dutch LAS programs have been groundbreaking and most of themare very good; we are proud to count University College Maastricht amongst ourpartner institutions. The few LAS programs that exist in Europe all have differingemphases and strengths. The Freiburg program stresses (1) theory of knowledge andresearch, across subjects, (2) language skills and culture, (3) responsibility and leadership.We have a strong compulsory “Core Program” and a little less emphasis onindividual choice than some of the Dutch programs. You should research them allwell to see what suits you best.Q: Is LAS an elite program?A: LAS at the University of Freiburg is selective; we expect above-average grades,above average intellectual curiosity and an above average readiness to accept responsibilityfor yourself and others. This is because we want you to take on aboveaverage challenges in your life once you graduate.