Linköping course dubbed the shower course faces student criticism

A social skills course for engineering students at Linköping University has drawn criticism from students and been nicknamed the shower course, SVT reports. The course examiner says it teaches skills needed to work with colleagues.

Students studying computer engineering or mechanical engineering must take the course, called Engineering Professionalism. It covers topics including how to handle hygiene issues involving oneself and colleagues.

Aseel Berglund, the course examiner and an associate professor of computer science at Linköping University, said engineers work in groups and need social skills. The university has chosen to bring topics that other programmes may cover in separate parts together in one course, she said.

Some students have criticised advice to place deodorant on a colleague’s desk if the person smells strongly of sweat. Etiquette expert Stina Vickhoff said she would not take responsibility for doing so unless she were close friends with the colleague. She said the course seemed worthwhile and should be offered in all degree programmes.

Berglund said former students had contacted her after entering the workforce to say they had benefited from the skills taught in the course.