This morning, December 9, 2010, Professor Phung Huu Phu, Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Deputy Head of the Standing Committee of the Central Propaganda Department, and Head of the Political Science Department, met and conversed with students, trainees, and doctoral candidates of the Political Science Department.Professor Phung Huu Phu shared: Having worked in many different positions throughout his career, the happiest, most memorable, and most passionate aspect of his life has always been teaching. He confided to the students and trainees: "Returning to the university this time is like the beginning of a homecoming to rediscover myself." At the meeting, Professor Phung Huu Phu had an open and friendly exchange with students of the Political Science Department about the development directions of the field and future career opportunities. Many first-year students expressed concerns about their future careers, while second and third-year students wondered about the advantages of the Department and about internships and practical training. Meanwhile, trainees and postgraduate students wished to receive more insights into research methods and knowledge accumulation. Addressing the students' concerns and questions, Professor Phung Huu Phu stated: The history of the Political Science Department has been in preparation for over 20 years. The advantage and uniqueness of the Department of Political Science - University of Social Sciences and Humanities lies in its formation and development on a solid foundation of social sciences and humanities. The Political Science program is built from a scientific perspective, emphasizing the integration of international political science and updating political science knowledge from around the world. Along with this is the application and supplementation of practical knowledge about Vietnam, reflecting the political characteristics of Vietnam. Student Dang Ngoc Dong (K55) expressed concerns, and these are also common concerns among many students, regarding the training program, especially the class schedule and study time, which are difficult due to the need to invite external lecturers for many subjects. Professor Phung Huu Phu stated that this is also a challenge for a new unit and a new, sensitive field of study. Therefore, the development process must have specific steps. The professor emphasized three important steps that the Department of Political Science has taken, is taking, and will take:
- Currently, in the initial phase, the Department aims to ensure that 30% of the curriculum is taught independently, while the remaining 70% will be taught by experts and lecturers from research institutions nationwide.
- In phase 2, the goal is to take responsibility for teaching 50% of the program ourselves, with the remaining 50% being supported by external parties.
- From 2014 onwards, the goal is to take responsibility for teaching 70% of the curriculum ourselves.
Professor Phung Huu Phu also noted that one should not have the mindset of shouldering 100% of the workload. Instead, 30% of the teaching program should involve lecturers and experts from external agencies to attract and utilize the intellect and talent outside the Department. Regarding employment, Professor Phung Huu Phu stated that career opportunities in Political Science are vast, and students can pursue many different careers. He hoped that students, in addition to their academic knowledge, would equip themselves with other knowledge to meet the diverse needs of society. Agreeing with Professor Phung Huu Phu's remarks and affirming the future prospects of Political Science, Professor Do Quang Hung (lecturer in the Department of Political Science) expressed his wish that students studying Political Science would be passionate about their studies and find effective learning and research methods to build a solid foundation of knowledge.
