Dean's Message

Welcome to the School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) at Independent University, Bangladesh. A degree in the liberal arts and social sciences prepares students not only to make a living, but also to make a life. Our academic programmes provide students opportunities to develop cultural, social and political understanding, effective communication, strong writing, critical thinking, creativity and emotional intelligence- all are central to a great career and a well-lived life. It can, for example, prepare students to reckon with a broad variety of lived experiences—work, relations, creativity, faith, passion, pain, injustice, disagreement, conflict, intolerance, pleasure, forgiveness, ethics, values, and all of the myriad choices that make up the human experience. According to the Harvard Business Review, while technical skills are important, “What matters now is not the skills you have but how you think. Can you ask the right questions? Do you know what problem you’re trying to solve in the first place?” They remind us there is a “long list of successful tech leaders who hold degrees in the humanities. To mention just a few CEOs: Stewart Butterfield, Slack, philosophy; Jack Ma, Alibaba, English; Susan Wojcicki, YouTube, history and literature; Brian Chesky, Airbnb, fine arts.The school houses educational programs in the arts, humanities, social sciences and the professions. Students in the SLASS may choose a major or minor in seven undergraduate programs. In addition, the college offers graduate programs in English, Development Studies and Media and Communication. It is planning to introduce Masters in Law, Sociology, and Anthropology in near future. We are home to about 700 students majoring in our various programs. Moreover, over 50% of the foundation courses across IUB in every semester are conducted by SLASS. The school has got a very rich mixed pool of highly experienced professors as well as young lecturers. SLASS is the home of close to 50 full-time faculty members who are active and innovative teachers and dedicated scholars. They are available and accessible. The College also has many talented adjunct faculty members as well as dedicated staff members. The subjects that our faculty study and teach are at the heart of a well-rounded education. Study in the liberal arts and social sciences is fundamental to a high quality of life—not only because it helps us become more culturally and intellectually alive but also because it prepares us to earn a living. Perhaps that is why so many people in leadership positions in business and industry, in public life and in social service agencies have degrees in the liberal arts or social sciences. Recognizing their importance, the university requires that all IUB students, not only the college’s majors, take foundation courses housed in this school. Our graduate students go on to leadership positions in the arts, social sciences, and other professional field—having been well prepared through internships, research opportunities, cross-disciplinary integration and, most importantly, great and inspiring teaching. Our efforts also are enhanced by the vital involvement of inspirational alumni, who are doing innovative and transformative things in their personal and professional lives and serve as living examples of the exceptional liberal arts education we offer in. If you are a potential student looking for a liberal education based in the heart of a vibrant city, then choosing to study in our college may be one of the most life-enhancing decisions you will ever make. We think you might just find your new academic home here. If you have any questions as you try to make your decision, please reach out to us. If you are an alumna or alumnus of the school, thank you for checking in. We appreciate your continued interest and hope you will find time to visit our campus again. Please explore our school website to learn more about the vast array of experiences and opportunities provided by SLASS. Stay connected with us. I welcome you to join the school’s fruitful journey.