Can Forrest Gump Attend a Liberal Arts College? Understanding the True Nature of These Institutions

In the film 'Forrest Gump', Forrest graduates from a college, demonstrating extraordinary good fortune and kindness. But can a student like Forrest, with minimal formal education and a focus on philosophy, truly graduate from a liberal arts college as depicted in the film?

What is a Liberal Arts College?

A liberal arts college is not a large institution; therefore, small class sizes are the norm. They are typically private, located in small towns, and do not offer applied sciences or vocational courses. This tends to give students a clearer path towards graduate studies, which is usually their goal. Importantly, liberal arts colleges are not research institutions; their primary focus is on teaching.

Famous alumni from these institutions include Steve Jobs (Reed College), Reed Hastings (Kenyon College), Ronald Reagan (Eureka College), Kofi Annan (Amherst College), Hillary Clinton (Barnard College), and Wellesley College graduates. Several well-known authors, such as Dan Brown (Amherst College) and James Michener (Bryn Mawr College), also have ties to liberal arts colleges. Some students at these colleges are associated with a preppy culture, and several renowned schools, including some of the most esteemed, were initially liberal arts colleges.

General Characteristics of Liberal Arts Colleges

Traditionally, liberal arts colleges are mainly focused on undergraduate education and cover a wide range of subjects, excluding engineering or vocational fields. In the United States, a liberal arts college is traditionally a four-year institution that offers bachelor’s programs in the liberal arts, including the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. However, recent trends known as 'mission creep' have led many of these institutions to offer some graduate programs and professional programs, broadening their scope but still maintaining their core focus on bachelor’s programs in the liberal arts.

Examples and Misconceptions

For example, Smith College, a highly selective liberal arts college, now offers engineering programs. It's also worth noting that some liberal arts colleges may call themselves universities, just as some research universities call themselves colleges. The name alone is not sufficient to identify an institution as a liberal arts college; one must consider the institution's primary mission and curriculum.

In summary, while a character like Forrest Gump might not have the conventional academic record required for formal graduation, his philosophy and character certainly align with the spirit of a liberal arts college. The true nature of these institutions lies in their focus on broad-based education and the development of critical thinking, empathy, and creativity - qualities that Forrest certainly embodies.