There is no subject or topic that has no application in the real world. Even mathematics which many kids fear, its application is everywhere in the real world. How can some transact business very well without a knowledge of mathematics? Some may even wonder whether we need chemistry and all its equations in the real world. But those equations help expert know how to produce substances and measure their components in the right proportion proportions, else, explosion might take place.
I could go on and on but for a truth, I have not seen a course without any application in the real world. The problem students have is that most teachers are not able to make practical applications of the topic discussed. Some schools even have maths laboratory.