Aiding basic science is a strategic investment

Basic studies in higher education are like “essential medicines.”

Bae Sang-hoonThe author is a professor of education at Sungkyunkwan University and a member of the education division of the JoongAng Ilbo’s Reset Korea campaign.

Universities are having a turbulent time over the impending introduction of open majors. It is not a pilot program, but a mass introduction, and a serious aftermath is imminent. Open majors will allow freshmen to explore various fields of studies and make decision on their majors in sophomore years.

The right to choose a major is a trend that cannot be resisted. Many students are currently making the decision based on their admission scores rather than their career plans and aptitudes. They are likely to lose interest in their studies and drop out or find jobs after graduation that are unrelated to their majors. It is a waste of education.

Some students are upset that they cannot choose or switch majors when they are paying tuition. This is particularly frustrating for self-directed pupils. We must consider whether universities are still stuck in a “no-innovation swamp” while the outside world is converging toward an era beyond the limits.

Some have expressed concerns about hasty implementation. The expansion of open majors was triggered by outside pressure from the government and society, rather than an internal drive. Historically, top-down and externally driven innovations have often failed to take root and been repealed. Distrust in policy is also a problem. The intention of open majors is for freshmen to experience a diverse and interdisciplinary academic ecosystem to help them develop comprehensive thinking, insights and problem-solving skills and choose their majors based on a thorough exploration and understanding of themselves. But many professors regard such objections as demands for structural reform.

We also must be mindful of whether universities are ready. Open majors are just a starting point. Without career guidance and personalized counseling, they could lead to irresponsible “grazing.” Moreover, the effect of autonomy will be weakened if the programs the students will enterduring sophomore years are exclusive. This is why the entire university curriculum must be overhauled.

An even bigger problem is unpopularity of certain majors. Without sufficient information and counseling, students tend to flock to “popular” areas of study based on job prospects and trends. Basic disciplines such as literature, history and philosophy may disappear. Only eight universities currently maintain ancient Korean literature majors, which encompass philosophy, history and culture through ancient classics.

Most universities have submitted their admissions plans, including the introduction of open majors, by the end of April. These should not be plans to promote university presidents’ accomplishments or win government projects. Education is not a target for experimentation. For the new system to succeed, both universities and governments must innovate.

Universities must recognize the changing environment. The times are moving towards dismantling the shield centered on suppliers. It is time to redesign the existing university systems and programs from the students’ perspective. An example is the transformation of the library science major into the library and information major and the data science major in response to changes in the industry and student demands.

It is also worth reorganizing departments. Arizona State University has created a convergence education platform that combines multiple fields to offer students access to classes in various majors. Of course, pupils must also learn that their choice comes with responsibility.

The role of the government is also important. It is difficult for colleges in financial crisis to protect unpopular majors. But education cannot be left to the market alone. In the case of some basic studies — such as history, language and geography — we cannot rely on scholars from overseas to record our own history and culture and interpret records left by our ancestors. Without such capabilities, we cannot protect ourselves from historical distortions such as China’s Northeast Project. The same goes for basic sciences like math, physics and chemistry. If the basic foundation is weak, the competitiveness of high-tech sectors, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors and secondary batteries, will become an illusion.

Basic studies in higher education are like “essential medicines.” Just like essential medicines, which are directly related to people’s lives and health, supporting basic studies is a strategic investment and a national responsibility.

The era of “universities choosing students” has turned into an era of “students choosing universities.” The introduction of open majors is just the beginning. Good education doesn’t just happen. It takes meticulous simulation, systemic preparation, practice and above all, a willingness to place students at the center. Creating a foundation for convergent education and fostering creative talents is the best possible investment in our future.

Translation by the Korea JoongAng Daily staff.