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Pusat Pengajian Ilmu Kemanusiaan | School of Humanities

  • School of Humanities (PPIK) began with the name School of Cultural and Humanities. PPIK is one of the earliest schools of literary studies established at USM during 1970. Together with the School of Comparative Social Sciences and the Centre for Educational Services, PPIK is oriented towards liberal literature and is designed to widen and balance the academic curriculum at USM. The programs offered in these schools have proven that the academic planning at USM is not solely focused on science and technology, neglecting other aspects of human life. The philosophy behind the emergence of literary schools like PPIK is to equip students with a fundamental yet deep understanding of the key characteristics of societies, cultures, and thoughts, especially in Southeast Asia, and how external elements also influence or leave an impact on the original cultural roots of the country. 
  • In early 1972, the School of Cultural and Humanities was renamed to School of Humanities (PPIK). The original fields of study at PPIK include English and Malay Language Studies, Geography, Literature, History, Islamic Studies, Philosophy, Islamic Civilization Studies, Drama and Theater Studies, Music and Mass Media, Fine Arts, and Communication. Referring to the planning of studies offered, it turns out PPIK has not only made its own history as one of the earliest schools established at Universiti Sains Malaysia but also the largest schools offering fields of literary studies. Since its establishment in 1970, PPIK has built a reputation as a leader in the field of Humanities Studies in this country. 
  • PPIK is committed to ensuring academic excellence and producing well-rounded graduates at all times. The courses at PPIK are formed to achieve these objectives. Its curriculum is structured to enable graduates from this school to not only meet the demands of the workforce within the country but also to be able to face the challenges of the future, especially in the era of information and communication technology (ICT) and globalization. Reviews and adjustments are constantly made to ensure that all programs remain relevant, up-to-date, and in line with the needs and circumstances of the times and situation. PPIK itself is always moving forward, adapting to ever-changing circumstances.
VISION
Studying humanity for self and societal development towards a sustainable tomorrow.

MISSION
The School of Humanities is committed to its mission of teaching, researching, and publishing in the core field of Humanities, as well as actively engaging with the community for global improvement.

OBJECTIVE
  • Producing well-balanced graduates with a solid foundation in specialized field of knowledge and human skills, and sensitivity towards the environment 
  • Conducting fundamental, field, and applied research that brings discoveries benefiting humanity. 
  • Generating and spreading knowledge through quality teaching, research, and publications 
  • Contributing to community development through involvement and consultation. 
The official PPIK logotype is designed in the form of a string of four letters signifying the cohesiveness of School of Humanities (Pusat Pengajian Ilmu Kemanusiaan). 
The 'PPIK' icon conveys the meaning of Pusat Pengajian Ilmu Kemanusiaan.
The letters PP is in purple, letters I in orange and K on either side in purple, the official colour of the University.
The use of the letter I in orange symbolises the knowledge and humanity (Ilmu dan Insan).
The letter I connected with the letters P and K, signifies that the School of Humanities is committed to its mission of teaching, researching and publishing in the core field of Humanities and as well as actively engaging with the community for global improvement.
 

Warmest Greetings and Welcome to the School of Humanities,

Human beings are creatures who communicate and utilize intellectual in their physical manifestations. The development of humans from ancient times to the present, across generations and various regions, has produced experiences and human aesthetics. Therefore, the study of humanities is a field that deeply rooted in understanding language, interpretation and translation, the beauty of language and meaning, civilization, culture, customs, civilization, philosophy, beliefs and creeds, origins, genealogy, events, progress, and urbanization. At the School of Humanities, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), humanities are an academic discipline that examines these human-related aspects through specialized studies such as Malay Language, English Language, Translation and Interpretation, Literature, Philosophy and Civilization, Islamic Studies, History, and Geography. 

Since the establishment of Universiti Sains Malaysia and the inception of the School of Humanities a year later, the field of humanities has played a dominant role to equip students with a fundamental yet profound understanding of key human attributes, namely language, culture and thought, particularly those prevalent in Southeast Asia. Within this ecosystem, the humanities serve as a complement to one's study of science and technology, providing individuals with wisdom-based knowledge rooted in local human values. The integration of these disciplines can practice a profound sense of moral, ethical and spiritual awareness, thereby forming individuals who are spiritually and physically resilient. 

Based on this philosophy, the School of Humanities is envisioned to study the humanities in alignment with a humanistic understanding of self and the formation of a holistic socio-cultural human being from the past to the time-being. The scope of humanistic knowledge continues to expand, encompassing not only the history of the rise and fall of human civilizations across continents and nations, but also moving forward for the benefit of a global civilized humanity. As a result, the study of humanities has evolved into an increasingly inter- and trans-disciplinary field, merging together all aspects including science, technology, arts, social sciences, and more. Through such studies, the interconnections of humanities become unique in shaping a society that is integral, morally elevated, and noble in culture. This is due to times change with advances in science and technology, which also cause shifts in language, perspectives, modernity, morals, ethics and beliefs. Hence, the field of humanities needs to remain vibrant and flourish by scholars and researchers, be they undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral students, to continue entrusting goodness and benefit upon humanity. 

Thank you.

Associate Professor Dr. Jasni Sulong
Dean
School of Humanities  

PPIK General Brochure 

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