This week, leading on from our last episode about the 'history wars' in Australia, we are talking about a culture war that has led to a decline in the role of Universities.
Recently it was announced that some humanities courses would more than double in price, and STEM subjects would be made cheeper in a bid by the federal government to made University graduates more 'job ready'.
In reality, many of the skills provided by humanities and social sciences are highly sought after in the work place. not only that, but many politicians and cultural influencers in Australia hold arts degrees. Why then, is the Australian government devaluing these courses?
It is hard to ignore that this recent reform follows a pattern of conservative politicians attacking the liberal arts in Australia. Cuts to research grants and funding, the ABC, museums and cultural institutions. As well as public criticism of Universities by education ministers and others.
We take a look at the history of Universities in Australia and the consequences of these changes on the quality of teaching. We discuss what we think is important about arts and humanities subjects in our rapidly changing world.
References
Australian universities could lose 19 Billion in the next 3 years. Our economy will suffer with them https://theconversation.com/australian-universities-could-lose-19-billion-in-the-next-3-years-our-economy-will-suffer-with-them-136251
Coronavirus and university reforms put at risk Australia’s research gains of the last 15 years https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-and-university-reforms-put-at-risk-australias-research-gains-of-the-last-15-years-141452
The decline of universities, where students are customers and academics itinerant workers
https://www.smh.com.au/national/the-decline-of-universities-where-students-are-customers-and-academics-itinerant-workers-20200528-p54xbd.html
Covid 19 and the loss of expertise
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jun/20/its-awful-for-our-intellectual-life-universities-covid-19-and-the-loss-of-expertise
The reduced rate of funding to universities sends a perverse message
https://theconversation.com/the-government-is-making-job-ready-degrees-cheaper-for-students-but-cutting-funding-to-the-same-courses-141280
the government is overstepping its charge
https://theconversation.com/the-governments-funding-changes-are-meddling-with-the-purpose-of-universities-141133
Australian conservative politicians have a long history of attacking researchers
https://theconversation.com/why-is-the-australian-government-letting-universities-suffer-138514
If the government wants to support university courses that lead to jobs, they’d do well to listen to their business leaders who have been quite clear https://theconversation.com/if-the-government-listened-to-business-leaders-they-would-encourage-humanities-education-not-pull-funds-from-it-141121