Reimagining Humanities: Bridging the Gap Between Arts and Technology (ICC Blog # 90)

In the latest episode of the India Career Centre Podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Professor John Joseph Kennedy from Christ University. The discussion centred around the evolving role of the humanities in higher education and its increasing relevance in our technologically driven world.

The YouTube Video of the episode

The Current Educational Landscape

Today's educational focus heavily leans towards technical skills, often overshadowing the importance of the humanities. However, as Professor Kennedy points out, the humanities play a crucial role in developing essential skills such as storytelling, empathy, and linguistic precision. These skills are not only vital in the business world but also in addressing broader societal issues like polarisation and divisiveness.

Humanities and Technology: A Symbiotic Relationship

One of the key takeaways from the episode is the intersection of the humanities and technology. In fields like artificial intelligence, ethical and moral reasoning, core components of the humanities, are indispensable. Moreover, the humanities foster cultural literacy and intercultural competence, which are increasingly important in today's diverse workplaces.

Career Opportunities for Humanities Graduates

Contrary to popular belief, humanities graduates have a plethora of career opportunities. From corporate communication and branding to digital curation, the skills acquired through humanities education are in high demand. Professor Kennedy highlights the growing need for humanities skills in tech companies, particularly in roles like UX writing and content creation.

A Call for Interdisciplinary Education

The episode concludes with a call to action for educational institutions to adopt an interdisciplinary approach. By integrating the humanities with technical education, we can better prepare students for the complexities of modern society. This holistic approach not only enriches the learning experience but also equips students with a diverse skill set that is highly valued in the job market.

Final Thoughts

The conversation with Professor Kennedy offers valuable insights into the future of humanities in education. As we continue to navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing world, we must recognise and embrace the integral role of the humanities in shaping well-rounded individuals. For more in-depth discussions and insights, be sure to listen to the full episode of the India Career Centre Podcast.

Time Stamps

00:00:00  Start & Introduction

00:03:06  Personal and Professional Journey of Professor Kennedy

00:12:29  Marginalisation of Humanities

00:20:12  Ideas to Popularise Humanities

00:29:17  Role of UGC, CBSE, ICSE, State Boards in our Education System 00:35:34  Regulatory Guidelines and States' Autonomy for Implementation

00:39:31  Need for an Indian Education Services

00:43:54  Reality of NEP 2020 Implementation

00:47:00  Foreign University in India: Will it help our higher education?

00:53:28  Humanities in the Age of AI

00:59:19  Future of Jobs and Advantages for Humanities Students

01:06:15  Solutions to All Problems are Interdisciplinary in Nature

01:12:09  Concluding Remarks