How a Liberal Arts Education Can Foster Dialogue and Empathy Across the Political Divide

The Cheeky Scholar

Can learning about art and writing change the way we think? Join us as we explore this question with Caitlin Dalton, PhD, a lecturer at Boston University’s CAS Writing Program. Caitlin skillfully blends art history with writing education to inspire critical thinking among first-year students. On this episode, she shares how she uses contemporary art and social justice themes to spark curiosity and encourage students with diverse viewpoints, including those from STEM fields, to engage deeply with public art around Boston. Through this discussion, we uncover the unique ways art can challenge perceptions and stimulate intellectual and academic growth.

Our conversation goes further to investigate the impact of art on society and the methodologies that might capture its influence. How do artists use their work to provide counter-narratives to pressing issues such as gun violence and the refugee crisis? And can we analyze a painting like a scientist? We examine how interdisciplinary dialogue and ethnographic studies can enhance our understanding of art's reach, even when its effects are not easily quantified. This episode also highlights how art encourages multiple perspectives, offering a more nuanced approach to arguments and societal debates usually seen on the news and social media.

Finally, Caitlin and Lara tackle public narratives around higher education and the concept of safe spaces in academia. We address pundits’ claims that universities are brainwashing Gen Z into woke-ism and cancel culture. Caitlin shows, instead, that the college classroom is crucial in fostering an environment where challenging conversations can thrive without stifling viewpoint diversity. This episode promises an enlightening journey through the intersections of art and education, showcasing their power to shape perspectives, foster empathy, and inspire meaningful dialogue. Don't miss this thought-provoking exploration that underscores the importance of art and academia in our rapidly changing world.
About Caitlin Dalton
https://www.bu.edu/newbury-center/profile/caitlin-dalton/

Gun Violence Memorial, Boston
https://www.icaboston.org/exhibitions/gun-violence-memorial-project/

Yto Barrada’s art about refugees
https://smarthistory.org/yto-barrada-ceuta-border-illegally-crossing-the-border-into-the-spanish-enclave-of-ceuta-tangier/

Homeless Vehicle project by Krzysztof Wodiczko
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/how-exquisitely-designed-cart-homeless-people-inspired-wave-artists-activism-180968519/

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Fejezetek

1. How a Liberal Arts Education Can Foster Dialogue and Empathy Across the Political Divide (00:00:00)

2. Critical Thinking in College Writing Courses (00:00:09)

3. How Do We Measure the Impact of Art and Writing? (00:10:59)

4. Changing the Way We Argue in Writing (00:19:53)

5. The Role of Public Art in Fostering Empathy (00:37:24)

6. Artistic Exploration and Social Awareness (00:42:31)

7. Debating Higher Education and Safe Spaces (00:51:14)