OUR VIEW: Science is great, but don’t neglect the arts

In our society, science is valued far more than the arts. This can be demonstrated right here at Utah State University. Whether for fine arts, dance, theater or foreign language, there just aren’t a lot of resources available, nor support from the government.

Not only is money scarce for these types of programs, supporting them isn’t easy. Registering for a foreign language class is confusing. Which level are we supposed to sign up for? Does language study in high school make a difference?

After deciding on a course, fitting it in with other classes is a whole new ball game. Most of the classes are four credits, meeting four days a week, often at times overlapping with many other classes, or late in the afternoon, which often bumps into work schedules.

Rearranging required classes for courses that aren’t imperative for graduation is a hard justification. Perhaps making these courses in line with other class scheduling and less of a hassle could mean more globally savvy graduates.

As far as arts go, however, languages seem to have top priority. Many universities require foreign language for acceptance. High schools often encourage foreign language study for this reason. Other arts, like theater and dance, are counted only as electives, a mere handful in educational requirements at both university and high school levels.

The government is quick to throw money at the sciences, but is still stingy when it comes to the arts. Take the dance program that USU dropped in 1998 for lack of funds.

Not that science isn’t important, but this lack of support for foreign language and all the arts is bound to eventually show in the character of our society.