Political science was formed and developed on the basis of social sciences and humanities.

On September 27, 2011, at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (VNU), the Ceremony to Announce the Decision to Establish the Faculty of Political Science will take place. On this occasion, we met with the Head of the Faculty of Political Science - Prof. Dr. Phung Huu Phu, Former Member of the Party Central Committee, Former Deputy Standing Committee of the Central Propaganda Department, Permanent Deputy Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, to learn about this new and promising field of study. Hello Professor. In the world, Political Science is a science with a long history and is growing strongly, especially in developed countries such as England, France, Germany, America, etc., but in Vietnam, this is a fairly new field of study. Could you tell us a little about this field of study? Prof. Dr. Phung Huu Phu: Political science is a very young and new field of study of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU in particular, and the whole country in general. In the past, everyone thought that politics was power, political science was the science of studying the acquisition and maintenance of power, with a mother principle that all power belongs to the people. Now the concept of politics and political science needs to be expanded, not only the issue of organizing power, but also the science of studying human rights, of the community. Research on politics is gradually becoming a popular activity, daily behavior of each person, but to understand, it is necessary to research in a truly scientific way. Research on Political Science in the world in general and in Vietnam in particular is increasingly rich, vivid and practical. Although there are many difficulties and challenges, Political Science is a promising field, one can stick with for a lifetime.It is known that, in addition to 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, VNU is the first university in the country to train in this field. Could you please tell us about the unique characteristics of the training of the Faculty of Political Science, University of Social Sciences and Humanities? Prof. Dr. Phung Huu Phu: Established in 1995, with the original name of the Department of Ho Chi Minh Thought and Political Science, but in fact, the idea of ​​establishing the Political Science major began in the late 1980s, when Prof. Dr. Nguyen Duy Quy was the Secretary and Principal of the University. We have prepared for the birth of this major for more than 20 years, and formed a true Political Science major. Infiltrating the world's Political Science training program and expanding international relations are among the top priorities. We have cooperated with the University of Toronto (Canada), the University of Oregon, the University of California, the University of New York, the University of Connecticut (USA), the Paris Institute of Politics, the University of Toulouse I (France), the University of Stockholm (Sweden)... Referring to the training programs of other countries, but at the same time ensuring the political nature of Vietnam, referring to the training programs of prestigious centers. It can be said that we have received high support and strong encouragement from the teachers at the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and Public Administration. The Academy follows a unique approach, in line with the functions and tasks of the Academy. Political Science training at a large university with a long tradition needs to have its own identity and strengths. That is the question that teachers are concerned about. And we think that Political Science is formed and developed on a solid foundation of social sciences and humanities, which is a special feature of the Faculty of Political Science, University of Social Sciences and Humanities. Because politics, in the end, is culture, it is culture that will make politics profound, vital and sustainable. We have a foundation of History, Literature, Philosophy, Sociology, Psychology, Journalism, Oriental Studies, International Studies, Management Science;... The School's Political Science will focus on Political Culture and Social Political Science. The training program is not unfamiliar with the world's training program, and at the same time, it also creates a unique identity for Political Science at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.As a new and difficult field of study, what are the difficulties that the Faculty is facing? Prof. Dr. Phung Huu Phu: The current staff of the Faculty is still thin, and needs to be supplemented in quantity and further improved in quality. The development roadmap of the Faculty is expected to follow three steps: first, the Faculty's staff will take charge of 30% of the training program, inviting 70% from outside; then, 50% of the Faculty's staff, 50% of outside staff; and finally, the Faculty's staff will take charge of 70% of the training program, inviting 30% from outside. Regardless of the development aspect, the Faculty must attract the intelligence of the country's leading experts to participate in training. Internal strength is decisive, but external strength is also very important. It is also necessary to pay more attention to the needs and aspirations of students, to the approach, analysis and dissection of the country's political and social issues.In 2012, the first class of students from the Faculty will graduate, and they are very worried about jobs. Can you give your opinion on this issue? Prof. Dr. Phung Huu Phu: Political Science graduates can do many jobs, because every agency and locality has a need, at different levels, to solve political problems (political awareness, political relations, political behavior, etc.). Enterprises, such as the Oil and Gas Group, also have a department for propaganda, agitation and listening to public opinion. Press and publishing agencies need reporters and editors with deep political knowledge... to write political commentary and analysis articles, and edit political works. Schools, from primary to university level, need teachers to teach civic education and political theory... The political apparatus, from Party, State, Fatherland Front, socio-political organizations... from central to local levels, and at the grassroots level, also need people who understand Political Science. The important thing is whether you have a firm grasp and are good at this field or not. For example, how to build a resolution, build a directive... students need to prepare. Political Science students, if they get a double degree in 4 years, for example Political Science - Journalism, will have prepared themselves with skills to meet the needs of life and the labor market. There are gaps between training knowledge and current labor needs and about 70% of graduates need to be retrained. We are teaching what we have, without thinking about what people need to provide to students. That problem needs to be solved from two sides, from the training institution and from the self-equipment of students.Thank you very much, Professor. I wish you good health and the Faculty of Political Science further development.