Course Descriptions:
IRD 109 Introduction to Political Science: The course introduces students to the academic discipline of Political Science, and provides them with a comprehensive understanding of key concepts of contemporary politics. It also equips students with the necessary analytical tools for a nuanced study of politics that goes beyond day-to-day discussions.
DBT 101 Academic and Critical Thinking: This course is designed to develop students’ abilities and skills in academic communication and debate. The topics of this course train the students on using sources for academic communication, putting knowledge to good use, and raising academic questions and answering questions in an academic way. The course also aims to teach students how to accept and respect differing opinions, and how to conduct academic arguments. In this course, students are directed to raise questions and analyze academic texts logically and critically, i.e. they are guided to conduct a critical analysis of what they read, and are provided with the opportunity to practice and develop their skills by writing their reflections on the material studied and on their own learning. Moreover, the students will be assisted in this course by considering the problems of their country, and making suggestions to solve problems relying on academic mechanisms and methodology.
IRD 111 Academic English: This course provides core critical thinking, reading, research and writing skills transferable to academic disciplines. Students practice various forms of academic writing, including summary, critical analysis, and written research. Analysis of textual rhetoric, discourse, and style, along with academic essay writing, develops self-awareness of methods of inquiry, critique and reflection.
BUS 149 Academic Research and Writing: Students will be able to understand what academic research and writing is. They are expected to explain the difference between casual writing and academic writing. Students will be able to use APA standards while writing their research report papers or surveys. They will be able to give reference to their citations and quotations.
IRD 115 Political Sociology: This course seeks to introduce students to the major perspectives, central issues and research methods in sociology, provides a broad overview of sociology and how it applies to everyday life, major theoretical perspectives and concepts are presented, including sociological imagination, culture, deviance, inequality, social change, and social structure.
IT 103 Introduction to Information Technology: This course is designed to make students familiar with computer literature. Information Technology concepts are introduced with emphasis on software and hardware utilization. Students will be exposed to a broad range of computer technology and IT topics, including understanding computer, hardware, software, computer and communication, multimedia, web pages and the Internet, networking and the role of IT in public life. This course is divided into two sections: lectures and lab.
KUR 105 Kurdology I: The territorial extent of Kurdistan, the ethnic and geographical extent of Kurdistan, numerical extent of the Kurds, the geography of Kurdistan, Physical aspect, the living landscape and habitat, the human aspect, an anthropological profile of Kurdistan will be taught in this course. Origins and pre-Islamic history, the Islamic period up to 1920, from 1920 to the present day, the fundamental structures of Kurdish society, the Kurdish family, tribal organization, language and folklore will also be taught.
BUS 123 Ethics in Everyday Life: The course will serve as an introduction to Ethics in Everyday life. Ethics is concerned with the moral dimension of our actions. Moral behavior is concerned primarily with the interpersonal dimension of our behavior: how we treat one another individually and in groups – and, increasingly, other species and the environment. The key here is that morality brings us into contact with others and asks us to consider the quality of that contact.
BUS 125 Culture and Society: The course seeks to introduce students to the connection between culture and society, and the fundamental role that culture plays in shaping and influencing individuals in society. Other important aspects will be covered also.
TUR 121 Turkish I: Yeryüzündeki diller ve dil aileleri, Türkçenin dünya dilleri arasındaki yeri, konuşma dili, yazı dili, Sesin tanımı, türleri ve sınıflandırılması, Türkçedeki sesler ve özellikleri, Türkçe sözlerin özellikleri, Türkçe sözlerdeki ses değişimleri, Türkçe sözlerin yapı özellikleri, Konuşmadaki uyum ve ritm, kurallı ve anlamlı cümle kurma teknikleri…
KUR 106 Kurdology II: ئامانجى ئەم كۆرسە ئاشناكردنى قوتابيانە بە زمان وەكو ئامرازێكى گرنگى پەيوەنديكردن و لەيەكترتێگەيشتنى نێوان مرڤ و هەروەها ئەرك و تايبەتييەكانى زمان لەگەڵ زمانى كوردى و ديالێكتەكانى. جگە لەمەش ئاشناكردنى قوتابيان بە چەمكى ئەدەب و هورەكانى ئەدەب و پوختەيەك لە ئەدەبى كوردى و رۆژناكمەگەرى كوردى
IDCB 102 Interpersonal Dynamics and Character Building: The ability to forge strong relationships with others is crucial to becoming a more effective manager in today’s complex, global, and highly interdependent organizations. Interpersonal Dynamics is a course designed to help students develop this ability, particularly with people who are different than they are.
IRD 112 Technical English: The course aims to develop the students’ abilities to synthesize and evaluate information and conduct basic, independent research. The central basis of the course is to consolidate students’ academic approach to thinking, reading, speaking and writing and language usage.
IRD 118 International Relations: This course examines major traditions in the discipline of international relations. Students are introduced to the study of the causes of war and the conditions of peace, international law and organizations, international political economy, great power politics, and foreign-policy decision making. The course also explores issues such as global poverty, immigration, refugees, human rights, and the environment as they affect international politics. This course also aims to acquaint the students with the main theoretical approaches, concepts, and debates in International Relations.
IRD 114 Introduction to Economics and Management: This course presents the basics of Economics and Management with reference to their application to International Relations and Diplomacy. Concepts of Economics, such as choice, scarcity, scale of preference, and fundamentals of Management, such as the key functions of management, the fourteen principles of management by Henri Fayol and so on will be covered.
IRD 128 Computer Skills: This course is designed to equip students with fundamental computer literacy and competency. In today’s digitally connected world, computer skills are essential for academic, professional, and personal success. This course provides a practical introduction to the core aspects of computing, ensuring that students develop a solid foundation in using computers for everyday tasks.
IRD 120 Introduction to Diplomacy: The course is relevant to the IRD curriculum because it introduces the students to the basic elements of diplomacy, meaning, history, functions, etc. Similarly, it will introduce the students to the theory and practice of Diplomacy, particularly the art of negotiation, which is central to diplomacy. Unilateral, bilateral, and multilateral diplomacy will also be covered.
BUS 126 Gender and Discrimination: The course seeks to introduce students to basic concepts relating to Gender and to provide logical understanding of Gender roles.
BUS 124 Migration and Globalization: The course aims to make students familiar with one of the major issues accompanying globalization, which is migration. The main causes and factors triggering migration, the main geographical and class trends of migration and the associated issues will be studied in this course. The important correlation between migration and the new trends in globalization, especially economic, cultural and social ones, will also be part of this course. Special attention will be given to migration in the Middle East as migration has become a major problem, especially since 2006.
TUR 122 Turkish II: Turkish II course is a continuation of the Turkish I course, and is designed for students who have a basic understanding of the Turkish language and wish to improve their speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension skills.
IRD 215 Modern Political History of Kurdistan: The course aims to provide an outline of the political history of the unrecognized entity of Kurdistan. The scope of the course is limited to the modern era starting at the end of WWI. While the course aims to provide a general overview of the history of all ‘Kurdistans’ from the beginning, it later moves to concentrate on the Iraqi Kurdistan ‘the Kurdistan Region in today’s political geography’. Major historical turning points of the history of Kurdistan will be the subject of this course starting with the aftermath of the WWI and going through the major Kurdish revolts in Iraq, Iran and Turkey. The Kurdish Republic of Kurdistan will be given due attention in this course along with the political events in Iraqi Kurdistan starting from the September Revolt of 1961 down to the events leading to today’s Kurdistan Region.
IRD 203 Classical Political Thought: This course examines the formation and development of political ideas from Greek political philosophy to modern political thought. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between theory and practice in political life. This course analyzes the nuances and traces the development of western political thought from classical Greece up to seventeenth-century northern Europe. Particular attention will be given to the big questions facing every generation concerning the nature of political association and the good society. Students will become familiar with the major Greek political thinkers, such as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and so on. The contexts in which they wrote, and influence upon the history of ideas are also covered.
IRD 205 Introduction to Comparative Politics: This course introduces students to Comparative Politics, which is the comparative study of other states or countries, citizens, different political units either in whole or in part, and analyzes the similarities and differences between those political units.
IRD 213 Introduction to Social Research: The course aims to familiarize students with fundamental concepts and elements of social research. Starting with the basic questions of social research, the course guides students through major steps in conducting research in social sciences and, especially in Political Science. In an introductory manner, the course addresses the question around ontology and epistemology. The role of theory in social research along with major tasks, such as methods of data collection and data analysis will be given in this course. As an introductory course, the course assists students in building a solid foundation to be improved later in more advanced courses in the coming years of their study.
IRD 219 International Law: This course introduces International Law, and the basic concepts that every student should know about the international dimensions of law in the modern world, and offers a rigorous foundation for advanced courses in this field. We will cover a wide range of topics, including topics that are traditionally covered in classes in public international law, private international law, and comparative law like common and civil law.
BUS 241 Computer Applications: Computer Application I Introduces the basic features of Microsoft Excel and spreadsheet concepts to design and create worksheets for use in business and industry, and academic environments. The course includes entering data; creating formulas; professional formatting; creating charts; creating, sorting, and filtering tables; and working with basic functions.
IRD 221 Fundamentals of Political Economy: This course aims to give basic understanding of the relationship between economics and politics/political power. The course also explains the basic tools required to understand the economic forces in shaping power and public policies. The course analyses the causes of economic problems, and tries to propose solutions.
IRD 233 Security and Due Diligence: This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of security and due diligence. Participants will delve into the critical issues surrounding security, exploring the why and how behind key areas such as human security, food security, cyber security, terrorism, foreign agencies, drugs, road security, money laundering, and more. The course will equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze, assess, and address security challenges in different contexts.
IRD 202 Political and Diplomatic History: This course presents an overview of the concepts, approaches and enduring questions of political and diplomatic history. It provides students with a foundation of knowledge and analytical skills necessary to understand political and diplomatic history.
IRD 204 Modern Political Thought: This course examines the formation and development of political ideas, especially with reference to the modern political philosophers, such as Niccolo Machiavelli, Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Immanuel Kant and so on. Their ideas on politics, power, authority, social contract, liberty, equality, justice, legal state and so on are covered.
IRD 206 Political History of Iraq: This course examines the political history of Iraq. The course also examines the origins of major intellectual currents and ideologies in Iraqi politics through the ideas of prominent Iraqi figures and the collective impact they had on the political development of Iraq.
IRD 212 Human Rights: The course introduces basic human rights philosophy, principles, instruments and institutions, and the historical development of the doctrine of human rights. The course also provides an overview of current issues and debates in the field that have national and international implications. In addition, this course aims to explore some aspects of the diverse and increasingly complex body of international law of human rights that has both national and international application. Specific areas of significant relevance to current volatile world are dealt with in detail, such as women and children rights, humanitarian assistance and the right to fair trial.
BUS 240 Computer Applications II: The course is a continuation of BUS 241 Computer Applications I, and it builds on the areas covered under it.
IRD 210 Statistics for Social Science: This course covers basic descriptive and inferential statistical techniques used in analyzing social science research data. The student becomes familiar with ways to organize and analyze data, communicate research results, translate statistical jargon into meaningful English, and understand basic theories underlying statistics, e.g., elementary probability theory.
IRD 218 Geopolitics: This course explores the fundamental links between power and place, considering such factors as local histories, colonial relationships, global orders, physical and political borders, natural resource/resource extraction, and competing claims to sovereignty. In this course students will trace the historic development of current geopolitical relationships from the development of the nation-state to modern political movements and territorial contestations. This course adopts a critical perspective asking students to interrogate the assumptions and geographic imaginaries that shape politics at various scales.
IRD 238 Ethnic Conflicts: This course covers one of the most complicated issues in the contemporary world that has been the source of instability and major conflicts in many parts of the world. Ethnic conflict traces the theoretical approaches that have been utilized to understand, analyze and offer ethnic conflict resolution approaches. The world of nationalism and ethno-nationalism in some major conflicts around the world are also discussed through this course. To apply the theoretical knowledge gained of ethnic conflict, a number of contemporary case studies are examined with interactive mechanisms for student participation.
BUS 303 Internship (Summer Practice): This is a practical course, where students work as trainees in organizations that are relevant to their fields during summer. The essence of this, is for the students to gain work experience and satisfy the University graduation requirements.
IRD 301 International Security I: The course seeks to provide comprehensive cover of the security studies. It also aims to introduce the enduring theories, concepts, institutions and challenges that animate security studies, as all security policies rest on assumptions, concepts and theories whether their proponents recognize it or make these assumptions explicit. Contemporary debates about security, war, coercion, poverty, environment and health challenges are covered.
IRD 313 Diplomacy in the 21st Century: In the 21st century, new kinds of challenges resulting from interdependence among states and globalization have had a determining impact on the conduct of diplomacy. Diplomacy has become multifaceted, pluri-directional, volatile and intensive, due to the increased complexity in terms of actors, dialogues, subjects, modes of communication, and plurality of objectives. The course follows the latest trends for diplomatic education and aims to train the next generation of diplomats to succeed in the 21st Century diplomatic environment.
IRD 353 Media and Diplomacy: Media and Diplomacy Course focuses on developing practical skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complex relationship between media and diplomacy. The course would cover a range of topics, including media relations, crisis communication, strategic messaging, and digital diplomacy. The course would begin with an overview of the current media landscape, including the various forms of media and the challenges and opportunities they present for diplomats. Students would learn how to effectively engage with traditional media outlets, such as newspapers, television, and radio, as well as newer digital platforms, such as social media and blogs.
The course would also cover crisis communication and the role of the media in managing diplomatic crises. Students would learn how to develop effective crisis communication plans, how to work with the media during a crisis, and how to use communication to de-escalate tensions and resolve conflicts. Another important aspect of the course would be strategic messaging. Students would learn how to develop and communicate clear and compelling messages that resonate with target audiences. They would also learn how to use messaging to advance diplomatic goals and influence public opinion. The course would also cover the use of digital diplomacy, including the use of social media, blogs, and other digital platforms to engage with global audiences. Students would learn how to use digital tools to reach and engage with diverse audiences, as well as how to use data and analytics to measure the effectiveness of their digital diplomacy efforts.
Throughout the course, students would have the opportunity to engage in practical exercises, such as media interviews, crisis simulations, and messaging workshops. They would also learn from experienced diplomats and media professionals, who can share their insights and experiences. By the end of the course, students would have a comprehensive understanding of the practical skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complex relationship between media and diplomacy. They would be equipped with the tools and techniques necessary to effectively communicate with diverse audiences and advance diplomatic goals in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
IRD 307 Theories of International Relations: This course examines the major traditional approaches/theories in the discipline of International Relations, such as Idealism/Liberalism, Realism, Constructivism, Critical Theory, Marxism, Feminism, etc. The key assumptions of these theories are examined, criticized and applied to international events and issues.
IRD 309 International Organization: This course examines international organizations in world politics. The focus is on the United Nations and other selected organizations. The course also explains the typology of international organizations, within their ever-increasing variety; the evolution of international organizations in relation to the developments in the international system; development and nature of the principles and structures. Moreover, the course presents a survey of these organizations and continues to examine the power, personality, accountability of organizations, the process and the value of making decisions.
IRD 305 Religion and Politics: The objective of this course is to examine the complex relation between religion and politics which has existed since the beginning of human creatures. Although we live in a secular world, no one can deny the very crucial role that religions play in societies, cultures, history and politics. Religion exists as a soft power in politics, sometimes being used as a political tool, but always an important social indicator. However, we will also discuss other major religions in the world, including Christianity and Judaism.
IRD 311 Migration and Displacement in Contemporary World: The course examines migration and displacement, given the fact that they are among the main problems that humanity is facing today. The course will provide students with a theoretical framework to approach the study of migration and displacement, major trends and trajectories of migration and displacement globally. The political, economic, and security implications of these two critical issues will also add to the value of the course and its relevance to today’s world.
IRD 302 International Security II: In the second semester, we aim to build on the previous IRD 301 International Security I by exploring and examining the major threats to international security, and the national, regional and global efforts that are needed to address them. The course also examines the role of regional security organizations and the United Nations in promoting regional and international security.
IRD 360 Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution: This comprehensive course delves into the intricate world of international relations, focusing on diplomacy and conflict resolution. Students will master the fundamental principles of diplomacy, analyzing historical successes and failures to glean insights into effective strategies. Emphasis is placed on honing essential skills such as negotiation, mediation, and communication to address contemporary global challenges. Cultural dynamics in diplomatic interactions are explored, fostering a nuanced understanding of diverse perspectives. Practical application is a key component, with hands-on experience gained through simulations and case studies. By the end of the course, students will be well-equipped for careers in diplomacy, international relations, and conflict resolution.
IRD 306 International Political Economy: The course examines International Political Economy (IPE) as the study of how politics shapes the global economy and how the global economy shapes politics. It also seeks to explain International Political Economy as a field of enquiry concerned with the distribution of power, wealth and agency in a rapidly changing and contested global context. With such a diverse range of interests, International Political Economy encourages a plural and often eclectic approach to study. The study of International Political Economy examines the interactions between markets and politics, and the reciprocal relationship between politics and economics in the global system. Acknowledging the economic foundations of global order, International Political Economy proposes a fusion of economic and political analysis to form a holistic approach examining the global system.
BUS 354 Research and Data Analysis: The course seeks to describe the structure and characteristics of statistical data; calculate and interpret measures of central tendency and variability; and carry out data analysis and interpretation with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).
IRD 312 Political Participation: This course focuses on the study of political participation (in particular, non-electoral political participation: membership in political groups, contacting, political consumption, and protest politics) and its consequences for democracies. Political participation is a central element of democratic systems. We will explore the meaning of political participation, the evolution of the concept and its measurement, and the micro and macro-level explanations of citizen behavior and cross-national variation in levels of activism. Moreover, we will dedicate monographic sessions on protest and social movements, and new forms of activism, such as political consumption and politics through the internet.
IRD 318 Contemporary US Foreign Policy: This course intends to familiarize students with the US foreign policy from a recent past (post WWII) to the present. The aim of the course is for students to understand how the US has conducted its foreign policy in that era. Students will study the various presidential doctrines from WWII to the present, and how each present has put their ideas and beliefs into practice. Studying the Cold War, and later, the war on terrorism, both in relation to US foreign policy, will form an integral part of this course. These are in addition to other themes such as the powers and the limits in the power of the US presidents, the role of Congress etc. in formulating US foreign policy. Overall, this course intends to give the learners a good understanding of US foreign policy, including its formation, and the US national interest, appropriate to undergraduate level.
IRD 332 Political Parties: Students will gain a thorough understanding of Middle Eastern political parties and nationalism in this course. It provides a thorough examination of the many philosophies, structures, and functions of political parties within the intricate sociopolitical environment of the area. Students will investigate nationalism’s historical origins, ideological underpinnings, and modern expressions through a multidisciplinary approach, with an emphasis on its religious and ethnic aspects. To give students a fundamental understanding and theoretical framework, the course begins with an introduction to the study of political parties and nationalism. Political party definitions and types are examined, along with their organizational layouts, roles in politics, and importance in influencing political dynamics and government. The investigation of nationalism, encompassing ideas like religious nationalism and ethnic identity, is at the heart of the course.
IRD 401 Research Methodology: This course is designed to outline what is expected of you with regard to the production of high quality research in your own business; to give you guidance on how to access literature and compile a literature review; to equip you with a basic understanding of the philosophies of applied business and social research, so that you can select one which is most appropriate to your needs.
IRD 413 Diplomatic Protocol and Etiquette: Diplomatic protocol involves etiquette on a local and international scale, and the practice of good manners daily. The course covers the ceremonial rules that are followed during official functions and how to behave on these special occasions, but it also provides a set of established rules of courteousness that are to be respected in society. This course introduces Students to the ceremonial aspect of protocol procedures, behavior of etiquette, rules of courteousness in society, and respect for precedence.
IRD 407 Foreign Policy Analysis: What do states build their foreign policies on? How is national interest defined? Why do states tend to behave differently towards each other? These are some of the questions that this course intends to explore and students should be able to understand upon completion of the course. In answering these questions, and others, a few cases will be looked at, and the origins and outcomes of these cases will be examined.
IRD 405 World Politics: The course examines the political and administrative processes through which world policy is formulated, adopted, implemented, and evaluated. Also, the course seeks to acquaint students with the history of international relations from the birth of the modern states in the 17th century to the outbreak of the Second World War; with due emphasis on the development and changes in the European balance of power system, imperialism, and nationalism.
IRD 409 Civil Society and Democracy: The course introduces the subject area of ‘civil society’ in both theoretical and case study terms. The historical development of civil society is elaborated parallel to the intellectual developments underpinning it. Particular attention is given to civil society’s development in the Middle East as well. To examine the current position of international civil society and the idea of global civil society, other significant variables, such as religion and information technology are discussed in detail. Focus is put upon major related themes such as ‘political participation, women and children rights, cultural and national issues.
IRD 411 The EU Politics: The European Union (EU) is a major regional alliance and may be the most enduring one so far. The course aims to trace the historical roots of the EU and its development and expansion. In addition, a large part of the course will deal with the key institutions and bodies of the EU. The political position of the EU in contemporary regional and global politics and the major domestic issues facing the alliance will also be covered in this course.
IRD 402 International Negotiation and Mediation: The scope of this course is international negotiation and mediation covering the main theoretical approaches in the field. It examines negotiation and mediation at the international level with a particular focus on the 20th Century historical development of the field. The role of international organizations, chief among them, the UN, in mediation efforts in the post-Cold War era is also covered. The state of negotiation and mediation in a globalized world, giving particular attention to the notion of global governance’ and its effectiveness in coping with the ever-increasing challenges and threats to international security, peace and stability.
IRD 404 Middle East Politics: This course aims to give students a deeper understanding of the complex nature of politics in the Middle East. In this class, we will look at the relationship between Islam/secularism and contemporary politics. Students will become familiar with major thinkers of the Middle Eastern politics of today and of the past.
IRD 412 Graduation Project: Each student will work directly with a faculty advisor on an independent research project. The student’s role is to identify an appropriate research question, develop a systematic research plan to address it, and then execute this plan themselves, collecting, analyzing and interpreting the resulting data and writing them up in standard scholarly format (the thesis). That is, the students are ultimately responsible for all steps in the research process. The faculty adviser’s role is to provide guidance in these various steps where appropriate, such as helping to identify the research question and in providing feedback on the student’s proposed research design, its execution, and the data.
IRD 438 Humanitarian Intervention in Global Politics: The course seeks to examine the foundational principles and necessity for humanitarian intervention in global politics. It will also examine the role of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCA) and European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid (ECHA). Students will also be taught certain humanitarian intervention cases for deeper understanding of the basis for humanitarian military intervention and humanitarian assistance, given the arguments in favor of upholding state sovereignty.
IRD 408 Political Geography: This course explores the links between power and location, considering such factors as local histories, colonial relationships, global orders, physical and political boundaries, natural resources, and competing claims to sovereignty. In this course, students will trace the historic development of current political geographic relationships from the development of the nation-state to modern political movements and territorial contestations.
IRD 414 Diplomatic and Consular Services: The Diplomatic and Consular Services course offers a comprehensive exploration of the roles, functions, and practices of diplomatic and consular missions in international relations. Through a combination of theoretical insights, case studies, and practical exercises, students will gain a deep understanding of the principles and procedures, governing diplomatic and consular services, as well as their significance in contemporary global affairs.
