Globally, each nation and people has its own unique path of development. The development of nations and peoples is influenced by both internal factors and the regional and international context. Understanding the historical development of nations around the world, especially those connected to Vietnam, provides a useful frame of reference to illuminate and clarify Vietnamese history and culture, as well as to explain contemporary international issues. Furthermore, in the context of ongoing globalization and international integration, having extensive knowledge of world history and culture is a competitive advantage for integrating and working effectively in a multicultural international environment.
Professor, Doctor, Meritorious Teacher Nguyen Van Kim and lecturers specializing in World History.
A solid foundation of traditionWorld History was one of the first majors of the Faculty of History, University of Hanoi, now the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH), Vietnam National University, Hanoi. Initiated by pioneering scientists such as Professor and Academician Pham Huy Thong, and Professor, People's Teacher, and Labor Hero Tran Van Giau, the World History major has been continued and developed by lecturers who were graduates of the first cohorts of the Faculty of History, including: Vu Duong Ninh, Tran Cu Khu, Ta Dinh Dong, Ta Van Thanh, Dang Xuan Huy, Hoang Ba Sach, Tran Xuan Cau, Nguyen Thi Bich, Pham Viet Trung, Do Van Nhung, and Hoang Diep.
Subsequently, the teaching staff specializing in World History was continuously supplemented with lecturers trained abroad, such as: Nguyen Van Hong, Nguyen Gia Phu, Nguyen Huy Quy, Nguyen Cong Su, Ho Gia Huong, Ca Le Hien (Le Anh Xuan), Le Xuan Tung, Nguyen Quoc Hung, Vo Mai Bach Tuyet, Le Khac Thanh, Nguyen Ngoc Dao....and from reputable domestic training sources, such as: Do Dinh Hang, Nguyen Van Anh, Dang Xuan Khang, Chu Tien Duc, Dinh Trung Kien, Tran Van La...
Currently, the permanent teaching staff for the World History specialization consists of six lecturers: Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Kim, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Van Thuy, Dr. Ly Tuong Van, Dr. Tran Xuan Thanh, Dr. Nguyen Nhat Linh, and MSc. PhD Candidate Tran Van Manh. All lecturers are well-trained and most have studied, taught, and participated in scientific exchanges at major academic centers around the world. In addition to the permanent staff, the specialization receives active and effective cooperation from many educators and scientists working in faculties of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, universities, and training and research centers on history and international relations both domestically and internationally.
The World History major is currently offered at three levels: Bachelor's (specialized), Master's, and Doctoral (specialized). Over nearly 70 years of development, the World History major has trained nearly 1000 history graduates, over 100 master's graduates, and more than 50 doctoral graduates, including a number of international students and trainees. Many faculty members and trainees from the World History major have played key roles in building and developing new majors and specializations at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, as well as in developing World History, International Studies, International Relations, Oriental Studies, Japanese Studies, Southeast Asian Studies, etc., for numerous training and research units nationwide. Originating from the World History specialization within the Faculty of History, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, many faculty members, students, and trainees have developed into leading and reputable educators and scientists, as well as excellent leaders, managers, and beloved politicians of the country.
International Conference “Bach Dang and the Tran Dynasty in the Context of the 13th Century World” (Quang Ninh, December 22, 2018)
Besides a team of highly qualified and dedicated lecturers, students and trainees specializing in world history also have access to a vast and rich source of textbooks, lectures, and scientific works, the result of the hard work of many generations of faculty and lecturers teaching in this specialization. Many textbooks and lectures have become official learning materials, widely used by many universities, training institutions, and research centers nationwide. Many scientific works by lecturers teaching this specialization have received awards for outstanding scientific and technological works from Hanoi National University, outstanding historical works from the Vietnam Historical Science Association, and many other prestigious awards. Every year, lecturers teaching this specialization participate in organizing and presenting papers at numerous national and international scientific conferences and seminars. With a focus on integrating education and scientific research, students and trainees specializing in World History are always given opportunities to participate in scientific activities, research projects, and publications alongside their faculty members.
World History students doing fieldwork in Laos, December 2019. Photo taken at the Plain of Jars, Xieng Khouang.
Main teaching and research focus areas:With a teaching and research philosophy focused on world history linked to Vietnam, placed within the context of and for the benefit of Vietnam, the World History program has continuously innovated and improved the quality of training and scientific research over the years. Many new topics have been introduced into the curriculum at all three levels: Bachelor, Master, and Doctorate. Currently, faculty members in this program are focusing on developing three main areas of training and research:
- Maritime trade and Asia-Europe relations initially resulted in the establishment of the Asian Trade Research Group – one of the 21 leading research groups at Hanoi National University. Besides key members from the Faculty of History, the Group has assembled a large team of reputable researchers, scholars, and experts on the history of Vietnamese and Asian trade currently working at academic centers nationwide. In addition to regular professional exchanges, the Group has organized numerous national and international conferences and published many highly regarded works. The Group's membership continues to expand, with the majority being students and graduates specializing in World History.
- Models and development paths of Asian countries: This training and research direction focuses on analyzing and modeling the historical development paths of Asian countries (Japan, China, India, South Korea, Southeast Asian countries, etc.); comparing and explaining the similarities and differences of these models with the historical development path of Vietnam.
- History of Science and Technology: This is a relatively new but promising area of research. The rapid development of science and technology in today's intellectual civilization, and especially the recent development of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, demands in-depth research on the historical aspects of science and technology in Vietnamese and world history. In recent years, a number of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students have successfully defended their theses, dissertations, and doctoral dissertations in this new research direction.
In addition to the three main research directions mentioned above, the World History major always welcomes and facilitates new research directions, while also supporting traditional research to serve the training and research needs of students, trainees, and postgraduate students. With a rich tradition and a constantly innovative mindset, the World History major within the Faculty of History is a reliable address for those who are passionate about exploring new aspects of national and world history, developing their expertise, skills, and scientific careers.
Lecturers and students majoring in World History did their internship in Mong Cai, Quang Ninh, in December 2019.
Career development prospectsStudents who graduate with a degree in World History can confidently shape their careers in diverse environments:
- Education & Research: Become a lecturer, researcher, historian at universities, colleges, high schools, research institutes, centers, research agencies, science management organizations, etc.
- Media & Publishing: Editor, journalist, reporter, documentary filmmaker, presenter of programs on history, culture, and international politics...
- Culture & Heritage: Museum specialist, heritage manager, cultural event organizer, history consultant at cultural and tourism organizations, domestic and international tour guide...
- International Relations & Diplomacy: Political analyst, international relations researcher, diplomat, expert working for non-governmental organizations, international organizations, etc.
- Library & Archives: Information specialist, document manager, historical document restoration specialist at museums, libraries, archives, etc.
- Analysis & Consulting: Working in policy advisory organizations, risk analysis firms, or companies requiring experts with in-depth knowledge of historical and cultural contexts to make strategic decisions.
- Study Abroad & Postgraduate Studies: Graduates specializing in world history are introduced to scholarships and receive support with procedures for studying abroad and developing their expertise at the postgraduate level domestically.
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