The debate topic, “Are traditional subjects like history and literature losing their value in modern times?” is a very interesting one, and we will be talking about it today as I say yes to the motion.
With the recent advancements made in today’s technology, I would practically tell you that history and literature, despite being a great means to retrace our past, have become void in most contemporary societies.
My position on this debate topic is Yes, traditional subjects such as History and Literature are losing their value in modern times. I will be defending my stand on this topic with ten valid points below.
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10 Debate Points That Prove That Traditional Subjects (History/Literature) Are Losing Their Value In Modern Times.
1. Modern Technology Has Shifted Students’ Interests
Students of this generation are more interested in technology-related subjects like ICT, coding, and robotics. These subjects promise better job opportunities and are more relevant to the digital age.
Unlike History and Literature, which deal mostly with past events and stories, technology subjects prepare students for real-world challenges. Many students now prefer learning skills that can make them earn money quickly.
With this shift, traditional subjects like History and Literature are slowly losing their value in these modern times. People no longer see them as important for survival and technological advancement.
2. Job Opportunities Are Fewer For Traditional Subjects
Another main reason students no longer value subjects like History and Literature is that they don’t lead directly to well-paying jobs. Most employers today want people with technical or scientific knowledge.
A student who studies Literature may end up becoming a teacher or writer, which many see as limited options. Meanwhile, a student who studies computer science or engineering can work anywhere.
So, in the eyes of many young people, studying History or Literature looks like a waste of time. The world today values people who can use technology, not just tell stories about the past.
3. The Modern Curriculum Favours Science And Technology
Our education system, and for most other top countries, now gives more attention to science, mathematics, and ICT. Schools invest more in laboratories, computers, and technical training than in history and literature.
When it comes to History and Literature, the subjects are often treated as “less important.” Some schools even remove them from their timetable or combine them with other subjects.
The above clearly shows that traditional subjects are losing their place in the modern curriculum. Even the government’s focus is now on STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
4. Students Find Traditional Subjects Boring
Let’s be honest, most students today find History and Literature boring. Reading old novels and memorising dates from hundreds of years ago doesn’t excite the modern generation.
Young people want subjects that are interactive, visual, and digital. They prefer watching educational videos, coding, or learning with tablets, not flipping through dusty textbooks.
Since students don’t enjoy these subjects anymore, their interest keeps decreasing every year. If something doesn’t capture the attention of young people, it slowly loses value.
5. Globalization Has Made People Focus On The Future, Not The Past
The world today is all about innovation, global competition, and the future. People want to know how to make progress, not necessarily what happened in the past.
Subjects like History focus too much on old events that may not relate to modern problems. Likewise, Literature often tells stories that may not apply to the realities of the 21st century.
Due to globalisation, new ideas and inventions, subjects that don’t move with the times are being left behind. That’s why traditional subjects like history and literature seem less important today.
6. Social Media And Entertainment Shape Modern Learning
Many young people learn more from social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok than from Literature or History classes. These platforms present knowledge in exciting and creative ways.
When students spend more time online than reading classic novels, it’s clear that their learning habits have changed. They now prefer quick, visual learning to long, written stories.
This shift in attention means that traditional subjects are not fitting into modern lifestyles. The digital world has reduced the relevance of history and literature as subjects in schools.
7. The Economy Values Skills, Not Stories
With the current system of Nigeria today and how the economy is tough, most people are looking for survival skills. Subjects like ICT, entrepreneurship, and data analysis are seen as more practical and useful.
Traditional subjects, on the other hand, don’t teach students how to start a business or make a living. They may improve thinking skills, but they rarely translate to money in the pocket.
With this economic reality, many parents and students now see traditional subjects as less valuable. They prefer subjects that can help them get a job or create one.
8. Science and innovation drive national development
Countries that are developed today became so through science and technology, not by studying Literature or History. Look at nations like Japan, China, and the United States; they invest heavily in STEM education.
Nigeria is also trying to catch up, and this means focusing more on modern, practical subjects. That’s why we hear more about coding clubs and robotics competitions than History debates.
As long as national growth depends on innovation, traditional subjects like history and literature will continue to lose their value in the eyes of society.
9. Artificial Intelligence Is Replacing The Need For Memorised Knowledge
With the rise of artificial intelligence, people don’t need to memorise dates or stories anymore. A quick Google search can tell you all about World War II or Shakespeare’s plays.
This makes traditional subjects seem unnecessary to many students. They believe technology can handle the knowledge part while they focus on learning digital skills.
So, as AI continues to advance, traditional subjects like history and literature that rely on memory and storytelling will keep fading away.
10. The Youth See Modern Skills As A Faster Route To Success
Most young people today dream of becoming influencers, tech experts, or business owners. These dreams don’t require deep knowledge of Literature or History.
The attention of the youth now lies on the need for digital communication, marketing, and innovation skills. When a generation sees more success in the modern world than in traditional learning, the old subjects naturally lose value.
Conclusion
Lastly, in the past, people who could quote Shakespeare or explain historical facts were seen as brilliant. But now, intelligence is measured by creativity, problem-solving, and technical ability.
I will say that modern society values those who can use technology to solve problems. The ability to recall old poems or battles doesn’t seem as impressive anymore.
So, I believe that this change in how we define intelligence has made traditional subjects lose their former glory. The modern world rewards skills, not stories. Thanks for reading!!!
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