> In my experience the liberal arts classes I was required to take were all big 100+ person lecture -> memorize -> test classes The classes you were "required

> In my experience the liberal arts classes I was required to take were all big 100+ person lecture -> memorize -> test classes The classes you were "required to take" likely were intro classes with large enrollments. What you describe is how many intro science classes are taught at many universities as well. And even many second year science classes. It is generally only in the 300-400 level classes that are within your major that you start to have small sections with more intimate interaction with the professor.