Analysis of Learners' Perceptions on the Role and Operation of Liberal Arts Curriculum : Focusing on D University

This study was conducted to understand the perceptions and needs of current students in order to revise the liberal arts curriculum at D University. A survey was conducted targeting students to assess their views on the role and operation of the liberal arts curriculum, and the data were analyzed using Borich's needs analysis and the Locus for Focus model. The results indicated that students perceive the liberal arts curriculum as complementary to their major studies and believe it should be practical. There was a high demand for interdisciplinary exploration. Additionally, students expressed a desire for a curriculum that reflects the latest trends and offers more choices. On the other hand, awareness of the university's emphasis on “regionally specialized linked areas” was relatively low among students. Based on these findings, this study proposed directions for revising the liberal arts curriculum at D University. Specifically, it suggested expanding student choice, innovating interdisciplinary liberal arts education, raising awareness of the importance of community-linked areas, and improving the physical learning environment. While this study is significant in that it presents directions for revising the liberal arts curriculum from the learners' perspective, it also recommends that future approaches take into account the perspectives of various stakeholders such as instructors, university authorities, and the local community.