China’s new era applied university—Integration and development of civic and political education and electrical engineering disciplines

Guanyue Sun; Bin Li; Jinshan Zhang; Xiaolong Wang

doi:10.59400/fes3378

China’s new era applied university—Integration and development of civic and political education and electrical engineering disciplines

Guanyue Sun
School of Energy and Machinery, Dezhou University, Dezhou 254300, China
Bin Li
School of Energy and Machinery, Dezhou University, Dezhou 254300, China
Jinshan Zhang
School of Energy and Machinery, Dezhou University, Dezhou 254300, China
Xiaolong Wang
School of Energy and Machinery, Dezhou University, Dezhou 254300, China

Article ID: 3378

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59400/fes3378

Keywords: electrical profession, civics, teaching methods, teaching content, educate

Abstract

To address a gap in applied engineering education—namely, the disconnect between technical proficiency and professional ethics and social responsibility—this study explores the integration of Civic and Political Education (CPE) into the electrical engineering curriculum. The research aims to cultivate “complex electrical engineering professionals” who possess both advanced technical expertise and a robust ethical framework aligned with the transformation of modern energy systems. By repositioning CPE as a localized implementation of international engineering ethics and sustainability-oriented Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, this paper proposes a “trinity” teaching framework. This model integrates social values, practical skills, and knowledge training through a multidimensional approach. Using the core course “Fundamentals of
Electrical Engineering” as a longitudinal case study, the study implemented a “dual-mentor” system that combines academic faculty with industry experts, and incorporated high-level engineering case studies, such as ultra-high-voltage (UHV) direct current transmission and “Hualong One” nuclear technology, into the curriculum. Empirical observations and student evaluations indicate that this integrated model enhances knowledge retention and professional identity. Specifically, the introduction of complex fault calculation simulations using Matrix Laboratory (MATLAB) significantly improved students’ problem-solving accuracy and logical reasoning skills compared to traditional manual methods. Furthermore, qualitative feedback indicates a significant increase in students’ awareness of global sustainable development goals, national pride, and professional integrity. This study provides a systematic, interdisciplinary framework that bridges the gap between macro-level policy objectives and classroom instructional design. It offers applied universities a replicable methodology for aligning engineering curricula with global social responsibility and professional ethical standards, thereby contributing to international discussions on holistic engineering pedagogy.

Published

2026-04-02

How to Cite

Sun, G., Li, B., Zhang, J., & Wang, X. (2026). China’s new era applied university—Integration and development of civic and political education and electrical engineering disciplines. Forum for Education Studies, 3(4). https://doi.org/10.59400/fes3378

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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