Teaching electromagnetic theory: Beyond a focus on applications

That electromagnetic theory forms the foundation of most modern engineering applications is well known, and is an aspect often highlighted in discussing the importance of the subject in order to possibly motivate students. This paper suggests that the relevance of electromagnetic theory extends beyond applications, and encompasses certain aspects of education that are increasingly considered important by modern educational theory. Such aspects include, among others, attributes such as life-long learning, respecting diversity, and scientific spirit. Addressing these aspects is also important to ensure student interest and the subject relevance, particularly when available job opportunities in this field may not sufficiently justify, from the students' point of view, studying what is generally considered a difficult subject.