A Study on the Types of Perceptions Held by Students Regarding the ‘Classics Reading’ Course as Part of the Liberal Arts Education in University －Focusing on ‘Reading Arete Classics’ of K University

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the types of perceptions held by students regarding the ‘Reading Arete Classics’ course, which was offered as a liberal arts program at K University. For this purpose, Q methodological analysis was used to study subjectivity among the students, such as individual perception and belief. The Q population was composed based on literature analysis, in-depth interviews, survey materials on Reading Classics, and after expert reviewing the Q sample was composed of 33 statements. 31 students of ‘Reading Arete Classics’ were selected as P samples, and the data were analyzed using the PQ method 2.35 program. The data analysis based on the most positive statements, negative statements and identification items, along with the types of perceptions concerning ‘Reading Arete Classics’, were classified into the three types. Type 1, which was called “discovering the value of classics”, revealed the value of classics and the pleasure of reading books through ‘Reading Arete Classics’. Type 2, called “discovering the pleasure of discussion”, taught the joy of discussion during the discussion process of ‘Reading Arete Classics’. Type 3 called “discovering the value of collaboration” showed the students the fun and the value of engaging in joint activities while making and solving the problems posed by the questions for discussion through team activities. The results of this study will be used as basic data to improve reading classics classes as liberal arts courses.