Topics, Texts, and Critical Approaches

Abstract

In light of recent critiques of management education, this article examines the Carnegie Report’s argument that the core components of liberal arts education (Analytical Thinking, Multiple Framing, The Reflective Exploration of Meaning, and Practical Reasoning) can and should be integrated into the undergraduate business curriculum. It then reviews prior efforts to draw on liberal learning in management education and provides an illustration of integration in the design of a required undergraduate management course for working adults. Included is a template that faculty can follow to better integrate Colby’s four dimensions of liberal learning into their business and management courses, with emphasis on the reflective exploration of meaning. In addition to course specifics, the article explores learning outcomes and student/administrative/institutional responses, as well as limitations, challenges, and opportunities for the future.