Political science is formed and developed on the foundation of the social sciences and humanities.

On September 27, 2011, the Faculty of Political Science will be officially established at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Hanoi). On this occasion, we met with the Dean of the Faculty of Political Science, Professor Phung Huu Phu, former Central Committee member of the Communist Party of Vietnam, former Deputy Head of the Standing Committee of the Central Propaganda Department, and Standing Vice Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, to learn more about this new and promising field of study. Dear Professor, Globally, Political Science is a science with a long history and is developing rapidly, especially in developed countries like the UK, France, Germany, and the US. However, in Vietnam, it is a relatively new field of study. Could you please tell us about this discipline? Prof. Dr. Phung Huu PhuPolitical science is a very young and new field of study at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, in particular, and in Vietnam in general. Previously, people thought of politics as power, and political science as the science of gaining and maintaining power, with the fundamental principle that all power belongs to the people. Now, the concept of politics and political science needs to be broadened, not just as a matter of organizing power, but as a science studying the rights of individuals and communities. Studying politics is gradually becoming a common activity, a daily practice for everyone, but to truly understand it, one needs to study it scientifically. Political science research worldwide, and in Vietnam in particular, is becoming increasingly rich, vibrant, and practical. Despite many difficulties and challenges, political science is a promising field that can be pursued throughout one's life.It is known that, besides the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and Public Administration and its affiliated units, the Faculty of Political Science at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, is the first university in the country to offer this major. Professor, could you please tell us about the distinctive features of the training offered by the Faculty of Political Science, University of Social Sciences and Humanities? Prof. Dr. Phung Huu PhuEstablished in 1995, initially named the Department of Ho Chi Minh Thought and Political Science, the idea of ​​establishing a Political Science program actually began in the late 1980s, when Professor Nguyen Duy Quy was the Secretary and Rector of the University. We have been preparing for the creation of this program for over 20 years, forming a truly meaningful Political Science discipline. Integrating into international Political Science training programs and expanding international relations are among our top priorities. We have collaborated with the University of Toronto (Canada), the University of Oregon, the University of California, New York University, the University of Connecticut (USA), the Paris Institute of Political Science, the University of Toulouse I (France), Stockholm University (Sweden), etc. We refer to training programs from other countries, while simultaneously ensuring the political relevance of Vietnam, and referencing training programs from reputable centers. It can be said that we have received strong support and encouragement from the professors at the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and Public Administration. The Academy follows its own approach, suited to its functions and mission. Political science training at a large university with a long tradition needs its own identity and strengths. This is a question that the professors ponder. And we believe that political science, formed and developed on a solid foundation of social sciences and humanities, is a distinctive feature of the Faculty of Political Science at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities. Because politics, ultimately, is culture, and it is culture that gives politics depth, vitality, and sustainability. We have a foundation in History, Literature, Philosophy, Sociology, Psychology, Journalism, Oriental Studies, International Studies, Management Science, etc. The university's political science will focus on political culture and social political science. The training program is not unfamiliar with international training programs, while also creating a unique identity for Political Science at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.As a new and challenging field of study, what difficulties is the Faculty currently facing? Prof. Dr. Phung Huu PhuThe Faculty's current permanent staff is small and needs to be increased in number and improved in quality. The Faculty's development roadmap is planned in three steps: first, Faculty staff will handle 30% of the training program, with 70% externally invited; then, 50% Faculty staff and 50% externally invited; and finally, Faculty staff will handle 70% of the training program, with 30% externally invited. Regardless of the development phase, the Faculty must attract the intellectual resources of the country's leading experts to participate in training. Internal resources are crucial, but external resources are also very important. More attention should also be paid to the needs and aspirations of students, and to the approach, analysis, and dissection of the country's political and social issues.In 2012, the first cohort of students from the Faculty will graduate, and they are very concerned about finding jobs. Professor, could you offer your opinion on this matter? Prof. Dr. Phung Huu PhuGraduates in Political Science can do many things, as every agency and locality has a need, to varying degrees, for addressing political issues (political awareness, political relations, political behavior, etc.). Businesses, such as the Oil and Gas Group, also have departments for propaganda, promotion, and listening to public opinion. Press and publishing agencies need reporters and editors with in-depth political knowledge to write political commentary and analysis, and edit political works. Schools, from primary to university level, need teachers to teach civics and political theory. The political apparatus, from Party and State agencies, the Fatherland Front, and socio-political organizations, from the central to local levels, also need people with a strong understanding of Political Science. The important thing is whether you have a solid grasp and are proficient in this field. For example, students need to prepare themselves on how to draft a resolution or a directive. Political science students, if they obtain a double degree within four years, such as Political Science and Journalism, have already prepared themselves with the skills to meet the demands of life and the labor market. There is a gap between the knowledge taught and the current labor market needs, and about 70% of graduates require retraining. We are teaching what we have, without considering what the labor market needs to provide to our students. This problem needs to be solved from two sides: from the training institutions and from the self-improvement of the students themselves.Thank you very much, Professor. I wish you good health and continued growth for the Department of Political Science.