Revitalizing the social sciences

For quite a long time now, teachers of the social sciences have not been given a chance for faculty development while those in mathematics, natural sciences and languages (particularly English) have all the chances to go on scholarship and constant training. Colleges and universities do not seem to give importance to the social sciences.

The 2011 Social Science Training Seminar held last May 3 and 4, 2011 at the University of the Philippines Cebu Conference Hall on the theme “Multidisciplinary Perspectives in the Social Sciences” was a most welcome in-service training for the 99 participants from Cebu, Leyte, Negros Oriental and Mindanao (Iligan, Zamboanga, Bukidnon, Dapitan). Organized by the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy in U.P. Diliman and the Social Sciences Division of U.P. Cebu, the training seminar is part of the extramural program of updating social science teachers on the theories, perspectives, issues and strategies in the fields of anthropology, history (Philippine, Asian, and Local), political science, sociology, political economy and globalization, psychology, and development studies. Eleven professors (five from the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy in U.P. Diliman and six from the Social Sciences Division of U.P. Cebu College) shared their experiences, researches, and strategies.

Dr. Michael Tan discussed “Theory and Practice of 21st Century Anthropology” encouraging the constant critiquing of the 19th century anthropology which most schools are still espousing. He also added that there is a new trend of anthropology which is being considered by medical colleges, this is medical anthropology. Dr. Tan was also the commencement speaker of U.P. Cebu College last April 27 where he encouraged the graduates to help promote the Bisaya language and culture. In his column in the Philippine Daily Inquirer where he wrote his commencement address, he said “It is time to “rebel” by using the local Visayan languages. With the Department of Education’s mother language policy, which requires the use of the main local language in all public schools up to Grade 3 as the medium of instruction for all subjects, we will see a revival of many of these languages, which will actually enrich Philippine culture as a whole. I’ve come to recognize that there is a “Binisaya” culture that transcends language.” I’m hoping a restored pride in Binisaya – in language, arts, cooking, architecture – will contribute to us being Filipino.”

Dr. Neil Santillan shared “Learnings and Strategies in Teaching Philippine History” which most history teachers never thought of. Asian History is the most arduous to teach according to Prof. Gil Gotiangco II in his “Perspectives and Insights in the Teaching of Asian History.” He pointed out that the poor performance of students in Asian history is the result of the way the subject is taught in the secondary level. He stressed that there is a need to study seriously Asian history since the 21st century is Asian century, specifically China century.

My turn came with the topic “Enhancing the Teaching of History through the Integration of Local Heritage and Culture.” Why integrate local heritage and culture in teaching history? We need to make history relevant to the lives of students. The local and the regional should be the main context of the national history. Through the integration, we provide students with possible community involvement and future placements. A trip to the Museo Sugbo enhanced and exposed the participants to the Museum as a very effective source of learning.

Dr. Gerardo Lanuza expounded on “Understanding Sociological Theories in the Philippine Setting” while Dr. Rhodora Bucoy asserted “Mainstreaming Gender in Politics: Theory and Praxis Learning.” Prof. Phoebe Zoe Sanchez discussed the “Regulation School of Political Economy in the Era of Globalization” in the light of current economic issues. Prof. Henry Espiritu passionately explained “Good Beyond Reason: A Postmodern Approach to Ethics” Dr. Flora Generalao and Dr. Cecilia Conaco shared their experiences and researches in “Insights in Doing Field Research in Psychology” and “Culture in Psychology: Theorizing and Research” Dr. Generalao made a study on what makes people happy is being with other people. Dr. Conaco strongly advocates the teaching of Sikolohiyang Pilipino. Prof. Felisa Etemadi introduced her well-being research in “Development Debate: People’s Notion of Well-being.”

We hope that there will be more updating in the social sciences. We used to have the Cebu Association of Social Science Educators (CASSE) from the 1970s to early 1990s where the members met every last Saturday of the month to tackle content and strategy. There have been attempts to revive it but the bulk of work given to teachers made it impossible.