Bachelor of Arts in International Relations
About This Programme
The International Relations department seeks to equip students with the skills needed to engage effectively in regional and world affairs, and to pursue a range of possible careers in the public and private sectors, as well as in academia. Overall, the proposed programme meets the ambitions of the University of Sharjah, the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, and HH’s vision in expanding its programs to meet local, regional, and global needs on knowledge in liberal arts and sciences.
Course Highlights
- 123 credit hours
- Taught in English
- College of Public Policy
- Study system: Courses
- Full-time study
What You'll Study
The International Relations Program encompasses three course categories: university, college, and department courses. Those courses include both compulsory and elective. Credit hours (programme page): • University Requirements: 15 mandatory, 9 elective; 24 in total • College Requirements: 15 mandatory, 0 elective; 15 in total • Departmental Requirements: 33 mandatory, 51 elective; 84 in total • Total: 60 mandatory, 63 elective; 123 A student undertaking this program must complete a total of 123 credits covering University Requirements (UR), College Requirements (CR), and Program Requirements (PR). The courses subsuming under each one of these category requirements are listed below. Study plan document (2022 / 2023): 123 credit hours (41 courses) 1. University compulsory courses: 6 courses (18 credit hours) 2. University elective courses: 2 courses (6 credit hours) 3. Major compulsory courses: 11 courses (33 credit hours) 4. Major elective courses: 22 courses (66 credit hours): Group 1, 8 courses; Group 2, 8 courses; Group 3, 1 course; Group 4, 5 courses
University Requirements, Domain 4: mandatory (15 credit hours)
Five courses. Every student working for the B.A. in International Relations is required to take 24 credit hours of general education courses distributed over four domains. Nine elective credit hours are selected from Domains 1, 2, and 3. Fifteen mandatory credit hours are selected from domains 4 as indicated below.
- 0104100Islamic Culture3 credits
- 0201102Arabic Language (For Arabic Speakers)3 credits
- 0201105Arabic Language (For Non-Arabic Speakers)3 credits
- 0202112English for Academic Purposes3 credits
- 1411100Introduction to IT3 credits
- 0302200Fund of Innovation3 credits
The study plan document lists six compulsory university courses (18 credit hours): these, with Arabic Language for Arabic or for non-Arabic speakers, plus 0204102 UAE Society, which this page places in Domain 3.
University Requirements, Domain 1: elective (3 credit hours)
One course.
- 0203100Islamic Civilization3 credits
- 0602246Human Rights in Islam and International Declarations3 credits
- 0201140Introduction to Arabic Language3 credits
- 0203200History of the Sciences among Muslims3 credits
- 0710109Arts and Medicine3 credits
- 0203102History of the Arabian Gulf3 credits
- 0202130French Language3 credits
- 0900107History of Medical and Health Sciences3 credits
University Requirements, Domain 2: elective (3 credit hours)
One course.
- 1430101Astronomy and Space Sciences3 credits
- 0401142Man and the Environment3 credits
- 0500210Health Awareness and Nutrition3 credits
- 0505101Fitness and Wellness3 credits
University Requirements, Domain 3: elective (3 credit hours)
One course.
- 0206102Fundamentals of Islamic Education3 credits
- 0204102UAE society3 credits
- 0206103Introduction to Psychology3 credits
- 0305110Introduction to Economics (for non B)3 credits
- 0302120Introduction to Business3 credits
- 0800107Media in Modern Societies3 credits
- 0302327Personal Finance3 credits
- 0104130Analytical Biography of the Prophet3 credits
College Requirements (15 credit hours)
Students must complete a total of 15 credits from the following list:
0201203Art of writing Arabic3 credits
Prerequisite: 0201100
- 0203103Islamic History3 credits
- 0203114History of the Islamic City3 credits
- 0204111Arab Society3 credits
- 0206101Introduction to Education3 credits
- 0202113English for Humanities3 credits
- 0206101Woman and Development3 credits
The page lists Woman and Development under 0206101, the code it also gives Introduction to Education; the study plan document numbers it 0204372 and lists these courses as major elective Group 4 (select 5 courses).
Major compulsory courses (33 credit hours)
Eleven courses (study plan document; the page describes them under Course Description).
0205101Introduction to International Relations3 credits (3-0:3)
The Introduction to International Relations is aiming to provide students with basic concepts and knowledge in the field of International Relations. The course will address the following questions - what is international relations? When international relations began? What is the state? What is sovereignty? What theoretical tools can we use to analyses relations between states? The first part of the course will focus on the development of the state system. It will address such questions as when the states emerge; what is Westphalian concept of sovereignty and how the sovereignty has evolved and spread across the world since Westphalia. In the second part of the course we shall look at the impact of two world wars on the state system, emergence of the UN, decolonization and Cold War. Finally we shall study some of the major theoretical schools of IR - Realism, Liberalism and Marxism.
0205111Introduction to Political Science3 credits (3-0:3)
This course introduces students to the basic concepts, institutions, processes, and theories of political science. Concepts such as state, society, government, the political system, political behavior, power, and authority will be discussed thoroughly to provide students with a solid foundation necessary to prepare them for future course work in the field.
0205160Introduction to Comparative Politics3 credits (3-0:3)
This course compares national governments in terms of their political system, institutions, structures, and the process of development, modernization, democratization, political culture, nationalism, and state-society relations.
0205204Introduction to Political Philosophy3 credits (3-0:3)
This course introduces students to the major contributions of political philosophers spanning from ancient Greece, through the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment Age. Major works of Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, St. Augustine, and St. Thomas Aquinas will be surveyed.
0205300International Law3 credits (3-0:3)
This course introduces students to International Law in terms of its theoretical foundations, development, institutions, and enforcement.
0205320International Security3 credits (3-0:3)
This course is a survey of the main theoretical foundations of International Security as a sub-field in International Relations. It also addresses main issues of debate in the fields of defense, offence, peace, peacemaking, peace keeping, strategies, tactics, Weapons of Mass Destruction, and arms reduction.
0205200Research Methods3 credits (3-0:3)
The goal of this course is to introduce students to the relevant concepts, theories, and practices that together comprise political science research methods, including epistemology, ontology, qualitative and quantitative methods, and statistics.
0205280Theory of International Relations3 credits (3-0:3)
This course introduces students to major theories in International Relations. The course surveys the development of the field, its scope, and its methods.
0205345International Political Economy3 credits (3-0:3)
This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the politics of International Economic Relations. It introduces students to the main theoretical approaches in the field as well as deals with trade relations, international finance, economic assistance, and international economic organization.
0205390Foreign Policy3 credits (3-0:3)
This course deals with the analysis of foreign policy. It provides students with an in-depth understanding of the dynamics of foreign policy making processes. It covers theoretical discussions as well as empirical analysis of how a country formulates its foreign policy and conducts it in international affairs. Its main goal is to equip students with analytical capabilities in assessing foreign policy and anticipating future developments in a country's external behavior.
0205340Diplomacy3 credits (3-0:3)
This course introduces students to the art of diplomacy in terms of its history, foundations, approaches, models, and goals. It deals with major concepts like diplomatic recognition, negotiations, foreign policy, and bilateral relations.
The page describes 0205111 Introduction to Political Science under code 0205110, the code the semester plan also uses, and titles 0205204 Political Theory.
Department electives, Group I (24 credit hours)
Students are required to take 51 credits of elective courses: 24 credits chosen from Group 1, 24 credits from Group 2, and 3 credits from Group3, as indicated below. Group I: Choose 24 credits (8 courses)
- 0205220Identity, Nations, and Nationalism3 credits
- 0205281Globalization3 credits
- 0205301Ethnic conflict3 credits
- 0205310International Organization3 credits
- 0205330International Human Rights3 credits
- 0205370International Terrorism3 credits
- 0205311Environment and Sustainable Development3 credits
- 0205270Refugees and Displacement3 credits
- 0205440Selected Topics in International Relations3 credits
0205499Independent Study3 credits
Prerequisite: 0205200 Research Methods
The study plan document numbers Environment and Sustainable Development 0205319 (page: 0205311) and International Human Rights 02053305 (page: 0205330), and adds “previously World Perspective” to Identity, Nations, and Nationalism and “previously Conflict in the World” to Ethnic Conflict.
Department electives, Group II (24 credit hours)
Group II: 24 credits (8 courses) must be chosen from this list.
- 0205100Governance in the UAE3 credits
- 0205201Homeland Security3 credits
- 0205240Comparative Governments of GCC3 credits
- 0205250Islamic Political System3 credits
- 0205255Islamic World in IR3 credits
- 0205287American National Government3 credits
- 0205333Great Powers Foreign Policy3 credits
- 0205225Middle East in International Relations3 credits
0205309Political Economy of the Middle East3 credits
Prerequisite: 0205225 Middle East in International Relations; 0205111 Introduction to Political Science; 0205345 International Political Economy
0205377EU's International Relations3 credits
Prerequisite: 0205101 Introduction to International Relations; 0205111 Introduction to Political Science; 0205160 Introduction to Comparative Politics
0205379China in International Relations3 credits
Prerequisite: 0205101 Introduction to International Relations; 0205111 Introduction to Political Science; 0205160 Introduction to Comparative Politics
0205381Japan in International Relations3 credits
Prerequisite: 0205101 Introduction to International Relations; 0205111 Introduction to Political Science; 0205160 Introduction to Comparative Politics
0205382Africa in International Relations3 credits
Prerequisite: 0205101 Introduction to International Relations; 0205111 Introduction to Political Science; 0205160 Introduction to Comparative Politics
0205383Russia in International Relations3 credits
Prerequisite: 0205101 Introduction to International Relations; 0205111 Introduction to Political Science; 0205160 Introduction to Comparative Politics
0205384Central Asia in International Relations3 credits
Prerequisite: 0205101 Introduction to International Relations; 0205111 Introduction to Political Science; 0205160 Introduction to Comparative Politics
0205387Turkey in International Relations3 credits
Prerequisite: 0205101 Introduction to International Relations; 0205111 Introduction to Political Science; 0205160 Introduction to Comparative Politics
- 0205388The Palestinian Question3 credits
The study plan document numbers Great Powers Foreign Policy 0205337 (page: 0205333) and Political Economy of the Middle East 0205327 (page: 0205309), and gives The Palestinian Question the prerequisite 0205111 Introduction to Political Science.
Department electives, Group III (3 credit hours)
Group III: One of these courses must be taken.
- 0205350National Internships3 credits
- 0205351International Internships3 credits
- 0205352International Programs3 credits
Study plan document: university compulsory courses (18 credit hours)
Six courses; Arabic Language is taken in one of its two versions.
- 0104100Islamic Culture3 credits
- 0201102Arabic Language (for Arabic Speakers)3 credits
- 0201105Arabic Language (for non-Arabic Speakers)3 credits
- 0204102UAE SOCIETY3 credits
- 0202112English for Academic Purposes3 credits
- 1411100Introduction to IT3 credits
- 0302200Fund. Of Innovation3 credits
Study plan document: university electives, Group 1 (3 credit hours)
One course from each of the two groups.
- 0103103ISLAMIC SYSTEM3 credits
- 0104130Analytical Biography of the Prophet3 credits
- 0201140Introduction to Arabic Literature3 credits
- 0202130French Language3 credits
- 0203100Islamic Civilization3 credits
- 0203102History of the Arabian Gulf3 credits
- 0203200History of the Sciences among Muslims3 credits
- 0206102Fundamentals of Islamic Education3 credits
- 0206103Introduction to Psychology3 credits
- 0302150Introduction to Economics (for non-Business students)3 credits
- 0308131Personal Finance3 credits
- 0308150INTRODUCTION TO ECONOMICS3 credits
- 0602246Human Rights in Islam3 credits
- 0700310INTRODUCTION TO ISLAMIC ART & DESIGN3 credits
- 0710109Arts and Medicine3 credits
- 0800107Media in Modern Societies3 credits
- 0900107History of Medical and Health Sciences3 credits
Study plan document: university electives, Group 2 (3 credit hours)
One course.
- 0401142Man and the Environment3 credits
- 0503101HEALTH AND SAFETY3 credits
- 0505101Fitness and Wellness3 credits
- 0507101Health Awareness and Nutrition3 credits
- 1430101ASTRONOMY AND SPACE SCIENCES3 credits
Study plan: Year 1, Semester 1
12 credit hours
- 0101100University Requirement, Domain 43 credits
- 0201102University Requirement, Domain 43 credits
- 0205101Introduction to International Relations3 credits
- 0202105University Requirement, Domain 43 credits
The plan prints codes 0101100 and 0202105 for two Domain 4 slots; neither appears in the course lists.
Study plan: Year 1, Semester 2
15 credit hours
- University Requirement, Domain 13 credits
- 01411101University Requirement, Domain 43 credits
- 0205110Introduction to Political Science3 credits
- 0205160Introduction to Comparative Politics3 credits
- College Requirement 13 credits
The plan prints 01411101 (eight digits) for this Domain 4 slot and 0205110 for Introduction to Political Science.
Study plan: Year 2, Semester 3
18 credit hours
- 0205204Introduction to Political Philosophy3 credits
- 0205200Research Methods3 credits
- College Requirement 23 credits
- College Requirement 33 credits
- University Requirement, Domain 23 credits
- Department Elective, Group I3 credits
Study plan: Year 2, Semester 4
15 credit hours
- 0205280Theory of International Relations3 credits
- Department Elective, Group I3 credits
- Department Elective, Group II3 credits
- Department Elective, Group II3 credits
- 0201203College Requirement 43 credits
Study plan: Year 3, Semester 5
18 credit hours
- 0205300International Law3 credits
- 0205320International Security3 credits
- Department Elective, Group II3 credits
- Department Elective, Group II3 credits
- Department Elective, Group I3 credits
- University Requirement, Domain 33 credits
Study plan: Year 3, Semester 6
15 credit hours
- 0205345International Political Economy3 credits
- College Requirement 53 credits
- 0205390Foreign Policy3 credits
- University Requirement, 1 more course from Domains 1, 2, or 33 credits
- Department Elective, Group I3 credits
Study plan: Year 3, Summer session
3 credit hours
- Department Elective, Group III3 credits
Study plan: Year 4, Semester 7
15 credit hours
- 0205340Diplomacy3 credits
- Department Elective, Group II3 credits
- Department Elective, Group II3 credits
- Department Elective, Group I3 credits
- Department Elective, Group I3 credits
Study plan: Year 4, final semester
12 credit hours (programme total: 123)
- Department Elective, Group II3 credits
- Department Elective, Group II3 credits
- Department Elective, Group I3 credits
- Department Elective, Group I3 credits
The plan heads this last table “Year 3 - Junior, Semester 6 (15 Credits)” but lists these four courses (12 credit hours); the listed courses total 123 credit hours.
What You'll Learn
By the end of successful completion of the program, students should be able to: • Identify the principal theoretical approaches to the study of international relations, and the relationships between them. • Compare and contrast alternative systems of governance throughout the Arab Gulf region and other parts of the world that are of particular significance to the United Arab Emirates and the Arab Gulf region. • Analyze international affairs by using theoretical concepts and ideas from more than one international relations-related discipline. • Apply qualitative and quantitative methods and problem-solving skills to analyze • Evaluate and apply diverse perspectives to complex subjects within natural and human systems in the face of multiple and even conflicting positions. • Adapt existing arguments, hypotheses, models, etc. or propose alternative ones to describe, explain, or predict instances of cooperation and conflict in regional and/or international relations. • Develop scenarios of the possible outcomes of the interactions between socioeconomic and political realities in specific national context(s) and regional and international actors and institutions. Goals (study plan document) 1. Provide students with a sound understanding of the history, theory, and practice of International Relations 2. Equip graduates with the knowledge and skills needed for effective communication in the field of International Relations. 3. Provide students with basic research skills. 4. Develop students’ critical and analytical abilities to help them to pursue higher studies. 5. Help graduates understand the international relations process and its techniques.
Entry Requirements
Careers
Graduates of International Relations often work in fields such as: • Academia • Journalism • Diplomacy and Government Service • International Organizations • International Business • Global Finance • Mass Communication and Media
Programme Details
Award
BA
Start Date
Fall and Spring
Duration
4 Years
Qualification
BA
Subject Area
Social Sciences
Study Pattern
Full time
Tuition Fee
AED 47,320/yr
Apply online through the University of Sharjah admissions portal. The undergraduate application fee is AED 360 and is non-refundable; applicants to the Colleges of Medicine and Dental Medicine pay AED 1,500 to be considered in the competitive process.