Nowadays, the education system faces the challenges of training globalized and well-rounded young candidates for the society. Although more and more academic disciplines and subjects are being introduced in schools and universities, students still face the reality of a competitive job market. Among the listed subjects, I think that literature is the least important and foreign languages are the most important.
Literature classes can train students to appreciate literature and improve their writing skills. However, a strictly academic approach adopted by many schools at the moment focuses too much on theory and is too far removed from the professional world. For example, a common assignment in literature classes is an essay on important, often historic literary works. Students are expected to use literary theory to analyze the work and provide their insight. Nonetheless, such trainings are one-sided, improving the students’ intellectual and literary abilities but ignoring more specific, applicable skills such as doing business presentation or drafting business reports. Literature are too general of a discipline to prepare the students for future jobs.
On the flip side, as the job market is becoming more globalized, foreign languages are a common pre-requisite for job positions. Foreign language classes not only equip the students with linguistic skills, but also offer cultural lessons and tips for those who seek jobs in overseas markets. For instance, the US job market is currently facing recession and a lot of college graduates are moving to countries in Asia for jobs. Picking up foreign languages early on in high school or university helps students to look for opportunities abroad and become global citizens who are compatible with both domestic and foreign job markets.
In conclusion, young students should be exposed to a variety of academic subjects in school, but should also be professionally ready for future careers. Literature classes are intellectually beneficial, but are too academic and far removed from the professional world. On the other side, foreign languages are crucial in broadening the students’ professional and cultural scope. By the time they graduate, they will be more competitive and more adept in whatever their field of choice.