Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the global trend of diminishing humanities programs in higher education, highlighting the challenges faced by humanities graduates in the job market and the shift towards more practical, employment-oriented education [3][4][5]. Group 1: Decline of Humanities Programs - Harvard University has canceled over 30 humanities courses, reflecting a broader trend among global universities to reduce or eliminate humanities programs [3]. - The reduction in humanities enrollment is driven by a perceived lack of job prospects for humanities graduates, as evidenced by statements from university leaders and government policies emphasizing employment-oriented education [4][5]. Group 2: Employment Challenges for Humanities Graduates - Humanities graduates face significant difficulties in securing jobs, with a reported offer rate of only 43.9% for humanities and social sciences graduates compared to 49.4% for STEM graduates [5][6]. - The starting salaries for humanities graduates are notably lower, with no humanities programs appearing in the top 20 for salary rankings among 2023 graduates [6][7]. Group 3: Shift in Career Aspirations - Many humanities graduates are increasingly turning to public sector jobs, with about 30% of 2024 humanities graduates considering civil service exams, compared to only 14% of STEM graduates [7][8]. - The trend of pursuing further education or alternative career paths, such as teaching or training, is prevalent among humanities graduates due to the competitive job market [7][8]. Group 4: Skills and Market Demand - The article emphasizes that the skills of humanities graduates, such as critical thinking and communication, are often undervalued in a job market that prioritizes technical skills and quantifiable results [8][9]. - The historical divide between humanities and sciences has intensified, with the latter being favored in a technology-driven society, further complicating the job prospects for humanities graduates [8][9]. Group 5: Long-term Prospects for Humanities Graduates - Despite current challenges, humanities graduates may find greater job satisfaction and opportunities for personal development in the long run, particularly in fields like education and cultural arts [9][10]. - The article suggests that the unique skills of humanities graduates may become more valuable as workplaces increasingly prioritize soft skills and interdisciplinary knowledge [10][11]. Group 6: Educational Reforms and New Opportunities - Universities are beginning to adapt their curricula to include interdisciplinary studies and practical skills, responding to the evolving job market [16][17]. - The rise of AI and technology is creating new opportunities for humanities graduates, as their critical thinking and communication skills become essential in a data-driven world [18][19].

Core Insights - The article discusses the evolving role of humanities education in the context of rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and the implications for future talent needs in the workforce [1][2]. Group 1: Impact of AI on Humanities Education - The rise of AI is prompting significant structural changes in higher education, with some universities in the U.S. and China canceling or merging humanities courses [1][2]. - A study by Peking University and Zhilian Recruitment indicates that professions in editing, translation, and administrative roles are highly affected by AI, necessitating a blend of AI tool proficiency and human skills like creativity and communication [2][3]. Group 2: Innovations in Humanities Curriculum - Universities are exploring new approaches to humanities education, such as the development of AI-assisted systems that integrate humanistic inquiry with data [3]. - Cross-disciplinary courses are being introduced to enhance students' understanding of technology's societal impacts, thereby improving their problem-solving capabilities in public policy and social governance [3][4]. Group 3: New Career Paths in the AI Era - The emergence of roles like "Generative AI Animation Producer" illustrates how AI is creating new job opportunities for humanities graduates, requiring both technical skills and artistic understanding [5][6]. - Institutions like Peking University and Fudan University are responding to the demand for interdisciplinary talent by establishing centers focused on digital humanities and AI education [5][6]. Group 4: Future Directions for Talent Development - Experts emphasize the importance of early exposure to advanced technologies for students, advocating for a continuous learning mindset to adapt to an uncertain future [6].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the changing employment landscape for previously labeled "dead-end majors," particularly in the fields of biology, chemistry, environment, and materials, highlighting their improved job prospects and salary potential due to industry structural adjustments and the rise of new energy sectors [1][3][7]. Group 1: Employment Trends in "Dead-End Majors" - "Dead-end majors" are typically associated with poor job prospects and challenging work environments, but recent developments show that fields like biochemistry and materials science are gaining traction in the job market [3][4]. - The employment rate and starting salaries for materials-related majors have significantly improved, with the average monthly salary for 2023 graduates reaching 6,474 yuan, an increase of nearly 1,200 yuan over five years [7][8]. Group 2: Industry Growth and Opportunities - The new materials industry in China is projected to reach a scale of 7.8 trillion yuan in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 13.5% [5][6]. - The establishment of specialized programs, such as the first undergraduate program in materials intelligent technology at Beijing University of Science and Technology, indicates a shift towards integrating AI with materials science [6][8]. Group 3: Interdisciplinary Education and New Programs - The article emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary education, with many majors requiring knowledge from multiple fields, such as integrated circuits needing expertise in optics and materials [8][11]. - The recent addition of 29 new majors, including intelligent molecular engineering and medical device engineering, reflects a proactive approach to align educational offerings with national strategies and market demands [11][12].

Group 1 - A notable graduate from China Jiliang University, Zhou Xingyu, received offers from eight leading companies, including Geely Automobile and NIO, ultimately choosing to work at Huawei as a quality engineer [2] - Zhou's journey reflects a transformation from a "follower" to a "leader," emphasizing the importance of precision instilled during his education in quality management engineering, a flagship program of the university [2] - The quality management engineering program is recognized as the first undergraduate quality program in the country and has received numerous accolades, including being ranked first in the Soft Science China University Professional Rankings [2] Group 2 - China Jiliang University has developed into a higher education institution with a focus on metrology testing, quality standards, and inspection and quarantine, boasting nine first-class disciplines in Zhejiang Province and six disciplines in the top 1% globally [3] - The university plans to optimize its undergraduate enrollment for 2025, increasing the number of ordinary undergraduate students to 4,935, which is an increase of 130 from the previous year [4][5] - The university will enhance its recruitment in key provinces such as Shandong, Henan, and Anhui, while also expanding its enrollment in new engineering fields, particularly in intelligent manufacturing and information technology [5] Group 3 - The university has several strong and distinctive programs, including Measurement and Control Technology and Instrumentation, Optoelectronic Information Science and Engineering, Standardization Engineering, and Quality Management Engineering, all of which have a solid talent cultivation system [6] - The university emphasizes practical education, implementing a "one specialty, one competition" approach, which has led to significant achievements in various national competitions [7] - Recent employment statistics show that over 30% of graduates pursue further studies at prestigious institutions, while many others secure positions in regulatory agencies and high-tech industries, including defense and aerospace [8]

Group 1 - The core point of the article is the announcement of the 2025 undergraduate admission control scores in Shanghai, with specific scores for different categories [1] - The overall admission rate is expected to be similar to previous years, with an increase in the number of candidates and total enrollment plans [2] - A total of 784 universities will enroll students in Shanghai this year, an increase from 768 last year, with 697 being undergraduate institutions, up from 675 [2] Group 2 - Candidates are advised to consider their strengths and interests when filling out their application forms, and to pay attention to the admission regulations of their chosen universities [3] - The proportion of enrollment plans requiring a combination of physics and chemistry has increased, suggesting a focus on these subjects for better admission quality [4] - The admission process will ensure fairness and transparency, with strict adherence to regulations and oversight by educational authorities [5]

Core Viewpoint - Fudan University is undergoing significant reforms in its humanities and social sciences programs, aiming to develop a "new humanities" approach that integrates interdisciplinary studies and adapts to modern job market demands [2][5][20] Group 1: Reform Details - The university plans to reduce the proportion of traditional humanities admissions from 30-40% to 20%, while introducing a new category of interdisciplinary studies that includes approximately 50% new humanities programs [2][3] - Recent donations of 100 million yuan from alumni for the development of new humanities programs highlight the financial backing necessary for these reforms [3][4] Group 2: New Humanities Concept - The new humanities aim to address the disconnect between academic evaluation and job market recognition, focusing on practical skills and innovative thinking rather than traditional grading systems [5][6][20] - AI integration is a key component of the new humanities, with plans to incorporate AI training across all humanities courses to prepare students for future job roles influenced by technology [8][11] Group 3: Interdisciplinary Approach - Fudan is introducing dual degree programs that combine traditional humanities with fields like computer science and law, reflecting the need for adaptability in a rapidly changing job market [11][12] - The university encourages students to engage in self-media and digital platforms, fostering a culture of innovation and practical application of their studies [15][17]

Core Perspective - The article highlights the interdisciplinary approach of Liu Yang, a professor at Chongqing University, who merges science and literature through creative writing and science fiction, emphasizing the connection between the two fields [1][2][3]. Group 1: Background and Career Transition - Liu Yang, originally a condensed matter physics PhD, transitioned from a physics-focused career to a role in the humanities, specifically in creative writing, after being invited to design a sci-fi game world at Southern University of Science and Technology [2]. - His early passion for science fiction influenced his academic path, leading him to write sci-fi novels while conducting scientific research [1][2]. Group 2: Teaching and Research Focus - At Chongqing University, Liu Yang teaches creative writing to students from various disciplines, fostering a dialogue between science and literature [2][3]. - His research includes digital humanities and literary computation, where he analyzes patterns in sci-fi narratives and fractal structures in literature, with findings published in reputable journals [2][3]. Group 3: Contributions to Science Fiction - Liu Yang's novels are characterized as "hard science fiction," integrating scientific knowledge into storytelling, which he describes as "research leftovers" [1][3]. - He believes that the growth of Chinese science fiction reflects the country's technological advancements and the deep integration of science and humanities [3].

Core Viewpoint - The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) has led to concerns about the future of humanities disciplines in higher education, with discussions around the potential reduction or disappearance of these programs gaining traction [1][2]. Group 1: Impact of AI on Humanities - AI has begun to replace many tasks traditionally performed by humans in the humanities and social sciences, particularly in standardized document writing [1]. - Despite the advancements in AI, experts argue that the humanities remain essential for fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for personal and societal development [2]. Group 2: Challenges Facing Humanities Education - Top universities, including Fudan University and Harvard, have reduced enrollment in humanities programs, indicating a broader trend of declining interest and support for these fields [3]. - The mismatch between humanities curricula and societal needs has been highlighted as a significant issue, with students expressing dissatisfaction with outdated teaching methods and a lack of practical skills [3]. Group 3: Future Directions for Humanities - Fudan University's president emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong humanities tradition while adapting to new societal demands [5]. - There is a growing trend towards interdisciplinary education, with universities increasingly focusing on cultivating talents that combine humanities with technical skills, such as data processing [7]. - Experts suggest that the future of humanities education should embrace change and innovation to remain relevant in an AI-driven world [7].

Group 1 - The year 2025 is anticipated to be transformative for Chinese universities, emphasizing the need for strategic agility to seize opportunities for transformation [2][3] - The "University 2025" initiative aims to explore the impact of artificial intelligence on academic disciplines and the implications for innovative talent cultivation [3] - The first annual development conference for humanities disciplines, co-hosted by Renmin University of China and Soochow University, focused on the mission and responsibilities of humanities in the context of cultural strength [3][4] Group 2 - The humanities face a crisis in their ability to interpret the world, with scholars becoming increasingly specialized and less engaged in public discourse [4][5] - The overlapping of historical experiences and contemporary challenges complicates the discourse, as scholars struggle to address the realities of significant global changes [5][7] - The rise of AI poses challenges to the humanities, with concerns about the potential replacement of creative writing and the need for humanities scholars to redefine their research boundaries [7][8] Group 3 - The humanities are experiencing a loss of core humanistic values and concerns, leading to a disconnection from public identity and the inability to respond to global changes [6][8] - There is a call to reaffirm humanistic values and explore ways to re-enchant the world, countering the trend of toolization in new humanities [8][9] - Emphasizing the importance of worldview and methodology, the humanities must establish deeper connections with the world to remain relevant [8][9]

Core Insights - The article discusses the recent adjustments in undergraduate programs in China, highlighting the addition, removal, and restructuring of 3,424 programs across the country, with a focus on "strategic urgent" and "emerging interdisciplinary" fields [1][3]. Group 1: Professional Adjustments - The Ministry of Education's recent report indicates a significant shift in professional adjustments, moving from traditional "addition and subtraction" to a more in-depth "structural adjustment and integration" approach [3]. - In the past five years, "Double First Class" universities have added a total of 1,068 new programs, with engineering disciplines leading the way at 501 programs, accounting for nearly half of the total [4][5]. Group 2: Key Trends in New Programs - The majority of new engineering programs focus on technological innovation and engineering applications, aligning with the national strategy for "new engineering" development [7]. - Artificial intelligence has emerged as the most popular new program, with 41 "Double First Class" universities establishing this major, reflecting a strong emphasis on talent cultivation in this field [7][8]. - The new program "Energy Storage Science and Engineering" has gained traction, focusing on renewable energy and materials, and is seen as crucial for achieving carbon neutrality goals [8]. Group 3: Interdisciplinary and Emerging Fields - A notable trend is the rise of interdisciplinary programs, with 203 new programs incorporating "intelligent" and "smart" themes, primarily within engineering [11]. - New programs such as "Smart Agriculture" and "Smart Transportation" emphasize the digital transformation of traditional industries, indicating a broadening of the "intelligent+" concept beyond engineering [12]. Group 4: Health and Sports Programs - The "Exercise Training" program has seen a surge, with 25 new additions, driven by the "Healthy China" initiative and the integration of sports and education [16][17]. - New health-related programs like "Infant Development and Health Management" and "Geriatric Medicine and Health" are emerging, reflecting societal needs [22]. Group 5: Program Cancellations - Despite the increase in new programs, there is a noticeable trend of program cancellations, with "Double First Class" universities like Shandong University and Sichuan University removing numerous programs due to factors such as low enrollment and outdated relevance [30][33]. - The adjustments are driven by the need for high-quality employment outcomes, faculty resource considerations, and alignment with current industry demands [36][39]. Group 6: Future Directions - The establishment of new programs is increasingly aligned with national strategic needs, such as the recent addition of "Low-altitude Technology and Engineering" to support the burgeoning low-altitude economy [24]. - The ongoing adjustments in higher education programs reflect a broader commitment to enhancing the quality and relevance of education in response to evolving societal and economic demands [41].