Re-building the Humanities in Higher Education Institutions in Oman: Critical Humanities and Oman Vision 2040 as the Roadmap

The humanities in Oman are facing significant challenges that hinder their advancement and alignment with Oman Vision 2040. The researchers argue that by embracing critical humanities, indigenizing knowledge systems, and fostering interdisciplinarity, the humanities can overcome these obstacles. Through a focus on local knowledge, decolonization of research methodologies, and a reorientation of humanities pedagogy, the humanities can contribute to the preservation of Omani identity, culture, and heritage. The recommendations from this research project can pave the way for the revitalization of the humanities and their meaningful contribution to Oman's development. The proposed research project aims to employ a critical community-based participatory research (CBPR) methodology. CBPR is an approach that challenges linear thinking and embraces indigenous knowledge systems and ways of being, while disrupting Eurocentric research methodologies. It values diverse forms of knowledge and alternative modes of knowledge production. The research project will involve exploring the role and purpose of humanities disciplines in higher education institutions in Oman. It will critically investigate humanities pedagogies and research methodologies in four major universities in Oman, namely Sultan Qaboos University, University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Nizwa University, and Dhofar University. This investigation will help understand the challenges and obstacles faced by the humanities in Oman. Stakeholders' perceptions of the humanities disciplines in higher education will be gathered through interviews and meetings. These stakeholders include academics, undergraduate and postgraduate students, alumni, administrative officials in the universities including deans, HoDs and Deputy vice chancellors for academic affairs, and decision-makers in the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation. The project will also review and examine the pedagogy and research methodologies currently used in the humanities disciplines in Omani universities. This examination will contribute to identifying the gaps and areas for improvement in the current educational practices. Based on the findings, the research project will recommend changes and solutions to academic programs in humanities that will facilitate better alignment with Oman Vision 2040. The project aims to promote the indigenization of knowledge systems, foster interdisciplinary approaches, and enhance the humanities' contribution to the knowledge economy.