GIST Launches School of Humanities and Social Sciences with 'Vision for Convergent Education'

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology is holding the inauguration ceremony and symposium for the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and conducting a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Photo by Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST, President Lim Ki Cheol) announced on the 16th that it held an inauguration ceremony and symposium for the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

The event, held on the 15th at Building A on the GIST campus, was organized to share the vision and direction of convergence education both within and outside the university. In February, GIST established the School of Humanities and Social Sciences through an academic organizational restructuring, thereby laying the foundation for a full-fledged convergence education system.

The event was attended by President Lim Ki Cheol, faculty and staff, student representatives, and officials from science and technology-focused universities.

The symposium, under the theme "How Should Humanities and Social Sciences Education Be Conducted at Science and Technology-Focused Universities?" began with a presentation by Kim Geonwoo, head of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and introduced cases of humanities and social sciences education at major domestic science and technology-focused universities.

Kim Geonwoo stated, "The GIST School of Humanities and Social Sciences aims to help students deeply reflect on themselves and the world through humanities and social thinking and practice, beyond science and technology," and added, "This reflects GIST's philosophy of expanding science and technology-centered education to approach fundamental questions about humanity and society."

In the subsequent presentation session, participants explored the present and future of convergence education through case studies from major domestic science and technology-focused universities, and discussed possibilities for future collaboration and innovation. In the following panel discussion, presenters and GIST faculty engaged in in-depth discussions focusing on the feasibility of convergence education between science, technology, and the humanities and social sciences, as well as the challenges of applying it in actual educational settings.

President Lim Ki Cheol stated, "The School of Humanities and Social Sciences is an important milestone as GIST prepares for its second leap forward," and added, "Through the convergence of humanities, social sciences, and science and technology, we will nurture creative and innovative talents and fulfill our responsibilities as a research-oriented university expected by the nation and the local community."

Kim Sungwoo, President of the GIST Student Association, said, "The launch of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences is a meaningful starting point that broadens the horizons of GIST education," and added, "I hope students will develop creativity and integrative thinking through diverse academic experiences and gain opportunities to view the world from a broader perspective."