University to launch new humanities courses for science and engineering students from 2027

Professor Jung Il-young delivers a special lecture at DGIST's fall commencement ceremony in August. [Provided by DGIST]
Professor Jung Il-young delivers a special lecture at DGIST's fall commencement ceremony in August. [Provided by DGIST]

Jung Il-young, a linguist who runs the popular YouTube channel "Akseong Naeseongin" with some 250,000 subscribers, is joining the faculty of the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology. He is expected to help the science-focused university cultivate well-rounded graduates who combine technical expertise with humanistic insight and ethical awareness.

DGIST announced Tuesday that it has appointed Jung, a linguist and prominent content creator, as a distinguished visiting professor in the basic studies division of its College of Transdisciplinary Studies.

The appointment traces back to August, when Jung delivered a special address at DGIST's fall commencement ceremony and drew an enthusiastic response from students. That appearance sparked broader discussions about how to weave humanistic perspectives into science and engineering education.

Jung earned his doctorate in linguistics from the University of Paris 8 and has spent more than 25 years teaching and conducting research at universities.

He is particularly well known to the public through his YouTube channel, which has around 250,000 subscribers, and has appeared on a range of online programs and broadcasts — including the popular channel "Chimchakman" — making specialized knowledge in the humanities accessible and engaging to general audiences.

DGIST plans to expand its humanities-integrated curriculum for science and engineering students following Jung's appointment. Starting with special lectures this year, the university will introduce two credit-bearing courses — including one titled "Advanced Technology and the Humanities" — beginning in 2027.

Looking ahead, the university intends to broaden the program's scope through interdisciplinary collaboration and co-instruction with existing faculty, with the goal of building a new educational model that bridges science, technology and the humanities.

"As advanced technologies including AI develop at an ever-faster pace, the ethical awareness, social responsibility and understanding of humanity that researchers bring become all the more important," DGIST President Lee Geon-woo said. "I hope Professor Jung's joining us will be an opportunity for our students to add humanistic insight to their scientific and technological expertise, and to grow into well-rounded individuals who understand both technology and society in their full breadth."


nbgkoo@heraldcorp.com