Shakhrai V. Theory and Methodology of Forming Liberal Humanistic Culture in Students of the U. S. Higher Education Institutions.

The doctoral thesis is the first attempt to give a scholarly insight into the problem of forming students' liberal humanistic culture in the system of general education in the U. S. higher education institutions. The research is focused on the theoretical analysis of the essence of the concept "liberal humanistic culture of American students" and its structure. The theoretical analysis of psychological and pedagogic foundations of the U. S. general education as a basis of forming students' liberal humanistic culture is carried out. The main periods of the development of the U. S. higher education component are identified and characterized. The role of Liberal Arts in shaping liberal humanistic culture of American students is highlighted. The typical content of general education curriculum at the U. S. higher education institutions is outlined. The organizational and pedagogical conditions of forming students' liberal humanistic culture, methods, forms and means of their practical implementation are determined. The content and methodological features of civic and aesthetic education in the system of general education at the U. S. higher education institutions which enhance forming students' liberal humanistic culture are considered. The views of European educationalists on the necessity of following the U. S. lead in putting general education into effect as a basis of forming students' liberal humanistic culture are outlined. The development of the problem under study in Ukraine is analysed.