You have to remember that when these requirements were first formulated, for the most part the only people attending universities were those who already had their futures assured. That is, the children of the wealthy. They didn't have to learn a trade; they were going to take over for dear old Dad.

As such, what they were taught were not skills to survive or make their way in the world. Instead they were taught things like literature, art, philosophy, etc. That way they could participate in the conversation sof the gentry, who weren't concerned with the affairs of "lesser folk."

Now, of course, people from all walks of life can attend and most of them are pursuing a career. Yet, because of tradition, a lot of the old requirements remain. Sure, they may have been adjusted over the years, but you still have the requirements, in the interest of producing well-rounded individuals.

There is some value in learning things outside your field. There are some very highly educated people out there who are brilliant in their field, but are clueless about other things.