LIBERAL STUDIES AND THE PHARMACY CURRICULUM - THE IMPORTANCE OF INTEGRATION

Recent literature gives considerable attention to the importance of the liberal education component of the pharmacy curriculum. This issue is addressed from the perspective of liberal studies educators who welcome the renewed focus upon liberal education and who concur with the position that liberal studies should be integrated throughout the baccalaureate curriculum rather than treated as preparatory to professional studies. The personal, existential component of liberal studies is identified as an essential reason to integrate liberal education throughout the curriculum. Strategies at Albany College of Pharmacy for obviating the "liberal" versus "professional" studies bifurcation are addressed. In addition, teaching methods and goals, not simply course content, are recognized as primary factors in building a coherent, interconnected curriculum. Finally, it is argued that the future of pharmacy will be shaped by the degree to which liberal studies are integrated successfully throughout the curriculum.