Liberal Arts and Sciences in the Russian University Education System

Abstract

The liberal arts and sciences model is characterized by a number of specific features: Individual educational path, interactive teaching technologies, development of common cultural competencies (formation of basic learning and research skills, the distribution requirement), developing professional competencies and selecting the training profile, Interdisciplinary curriculum and individualized possibilities for accomplishing it. Fif teen years of experience in the development of liberal education within Russian higher education give grounds to conclude that this educational model helps assure a high quality of training that meets the top international standards. Many higher education institutions contact Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences at St. Petersburg State University asking for advisory and methodological assistance in transferring these technologies. In this connection Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences have developed, approved and launched the implementation of a supplementary educational program of advanced training for the teaching staff at higher education institutions, aimed at helping teachers learn to use liberal education techniques.