Rubaiyan Asif

A through look at the admission circulars published every year in the respective websites of different “ Science and Technology” universities across Bangladesh reveal that these universities ,spreading higher education across remote corners of our country, traditionally prefer STEM disciplines ,acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, to Humanities (English, Bangla, Sociology, Social Work, History, Political Science, Anthropology and so on). A debate recently sparks an uproar in academia in Bangladesh whether these two academic disciplines coexist in universities dedicated to Science and Technology. The discrimination between STEM and humanities in universities dedicated to “Science and Technology” across Bangladesh has come to light when a new Bangladesh promises to eradicate all the possible discriminations.

There is no doubt that technology is playing a crucial role in today’s world let alone in Bangladesh. Actually, technology influences every aspects of human life now. It is worth mentioning that world is currently experiencing “Fourth Industry Revolution (4IR)” marked notably by “ Artificial Intelligence (AI)”, “ Robotics and Automation”, and “ Advanced Internet Technologies” On July 2023, “Aparajita” took everyone who follows news on TV by storm being first ever “ Artificial Intelligence” newsreader in Bangladesh. Even, education sector is witnessing a remarkable wave of “Artificial Intelligence” in the form of “ChatGPT”, a trained software powered by AI and based on advanced language models. Surprisingly, students, from tertiary level to primary level having access to internet, frequently utilize ChatGPT as it can communicate, answer questions, write essays, emails, explain concepts , summarize texts, solve mathematical problems and simulate conversations. Besides, online businesses which is exponentially growing all across Bangladesh depend significantly on AI powered Chatbot as it guides customers in selecting products, provide instant answers to common questions about products, orders, shipping, returns etc. In addition, it sends targeted promotions, product recommendations based on customer’s choice. Similarly, thanks to advanced internet technologies, smart phones, social sites and smart apps, people can communicate in and out of country in the blink of an eye with a single press. The advent of ultra- fast internet technology enables patients to consult doctors online and book tickets for bus/trains without bearing hassle of going to bus stands or train stations. Last but not the least, “Bio-manufacturing” and “ Precision Agriculture”, parts of Biotechnology, another pillar of “Fourth Industrial Revolution” respectively promotes green manufacturing and reduces impact of alternative farming.

However, this is not a rocket science to understand that “Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)” is closely connected to the subjects under STEM disciplines and it is pretty sure that the aura of “ Fourth Industrial Revolution” fueled by subjects under STEM is not going to end very soon rather it will make way to eternity. In fact, technological revolution demands more and more skilled graduates of STEM who will turn into professionals to pave the way for another version of revolution. It is straightforward to say that overall development of Bangladesh in the context of “ Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)” is deeply rooted in the skilled STEM graduates produced by universities , specially “Science and Technology Universities”. The more the intake, the better it is. That is the key reason why “Science and Technology” universities across Bangladesh prioritizes subjects under STEM disciplines where amount of student intake under STEM is much higher than that of humanities.

After coming to this point, the trillion dollar question arises, “Should humanities continue to exist in Science and Technology universities across Bangladesh where STEM subjects ultimately run the nation?” To get this answer, without wasting a nano second, this very write up would surely resort to John Henry Newman (1801-1890), a key figure of Oxford Movement and a writer. John Henry Newman wrote a book called The Idea of a University in 1852. This seminal work discussed the purpose and nature of university/higher education. It will not be wrong to say that the dilemma of “ Science and Technology” universities may see an end through comprehensive appreciation of The Idea of a University. The Idea of a University (1852) proposed that university is not a place to impart subjective/vocational knowledge rather “a place of teaching universal knowledge” (Newman).What Newman wants to convey is that a university should not only teach students set skills for specific profession / should not only prepare skilled workers for job market but also develop students morally, intellectually and socially so that they can think freely, logic critically, and judge fairly. Actually, Newman advocates in The Idea of a University for liberal/universal education which refers to learning not only one subject but also various subjects under various disciplines leading to integration of “STEM and Humanities”. According to Newman (1852), the main purpose of a university is to produce graduates who will serve a nation both with professional knowledge and human values, and sense of liability towards society.

Although, “Science and Technology” universities across Bangladesh prefer ‘STEM” subjects which are essential for scientific innovations, technological progress, economic development and also ensure financial advantages and job availabilities, it is undeniable that technology, economy, and vocation may go wrong without proper moral and ethical considerations. Therefore, “Science and Technology” universities across Bangladesh should retain academic subjects related to Humanities so that future scientists and engineers not only excel in their own fields but also apply their skills for the betterment of humanity. And, humanities play a vital role in shaping moral and ethical values. Besides, “Humanities” foster critical analysis, critical thinking and creative thinking which are also in common with “STEM” disciplines thus proving the worth of the words stated by Newman in The Idea of a University. Apart from that, “Humanities” promote empathy, tolerance, deep understanding of human experience and justice thus keeping students morally and ethically aware.

Being in line with the idea given by John Henry Newman in his The Idea of a University (1852), “Science and Technology” universities across Bangladesh can adopt an integrated approach of education where both “STEM” and “Humanities” would go hand in hand. Firstly, “Science and Technology” universities across Bangladesh can require STEM students to take Humanities courses and vice versa through a comprehensive/liberal curricula and this practice can be seen in some of the “Science and Technology” universities in Bangladesh although in a small scale. This integration of Humanities courses into STEM curricula and vice versa would definitely help students of both STEM and Humanities develop moral judgements, critical thinking, and sense of responsibility towards society. For example, STEM students taking language course could surely develop command over both speaking and writing as scientists and engineers cannot but be a better presenters and communicators. In comparison, taking language course develop their ability to write well -structured research papers and grant proposals. Even, engineer reading a literature about integrity, discrimination would definitely think twice to make a bridge with low materials. Similarly, students of humanities for instance English Literature attending “Computer Fundamentals” , a STEM course, will be able to write a piece of write-up using Microsoft Word.

Secondly, “Science and Technology” universities can offer common interdisciplinary courses that synthesize both STEM and Humanities for example “Environmental Literature”, “Society and Technology”, “Ethical Engineering”, “Environmental Ethics” and so on. This interdisciplinary model envisaged by John Newman (1852) would allow students to know about interconnections across disciplines.

All the above discussions considered, it is high time “Science and Technology” universities across Bangladesh responded to the theory given by John Henry Newman (1852) regarding purpose of university and put emphasis on producing graduates who would fulfill job market demands as well as would not compromise moral and human values for the sake of profession thus ensure placing of human and social welfare over personal gain /profit.

The urgency of the moment calls for the balance between “STEM” and “Humanities” which will lead to university graduates enriched with both professional skills and moral virtues that new Bangladesh desperately seeks for.

Author:
Assistant Professor
Department of English
Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali.