Curriculum Overview
The International Relations program at Amity University Patna is structured to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of global affairs through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application. The curriculum is divided into eight semesters, each building upon previous learnings while introducing specialized topics.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IR-101 | Introduction to Political Science | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 1 | IR-102 | Global History and Civilization | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 1 | IR-103 | Foundations of International Law | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 1 | IR-104 | Research Methodology and Critical Thinking | 2-0-2-3 | - |
| 1 | IR-105 | English for Academic Purposes | 2-0-2-3 | - |
| 2 | IR-201 | International Organizations | 3-1-0-4 | IR-101, IR-102 |
| 2 | IR-202 | Global Economic Systems | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 2 | IR-203 | Security Studies | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 2 | IR-204 | Introduction to Regional Studies | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 2 | IR-205 | Political Theory and Ideologies | 3-1-0-4 | IR-101 |
| 3 | IR-301 | Diplomatic Relations | 3-1-0-4 | IR-201, IR-203 |
| 3 | IR-302 | Human Rights and Conflict Resolution | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 3 | IR-303 | Economic Diplomacy | 3-1-0-4 | IR-202 |
| 3 | IR-304 | Environmental Diplomacy | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 3 | IR-305 | Digital Diplomacy | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 4 | IR-401 | Advanced Security Analysis | 3-1-0-4 | IR-203 |
| 4 | IR-402 | Climate Change and Global Governance | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 4 | IR-403 | Regional Studies: Asia-Pacific | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 4 | IR-404 | Public Policy and Governance | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 4 | IR-405 | Research Project Preparation | 2-0-2-3 | - |
| 5 | IR-501 | Advanced Diplomatic Negotiation | 3-1-0-4 | IR-301 |
| 5 | IR-502 | Humanitarian Law and Ethics | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 5 | IR-503 | Global Financial Systems | 3-1-0-4 | IR-202 |
| 5 | IR-504 | Cybersecurity and National Security | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 5 | IR-505 | Regional Studies: Middle East | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 6 | IR-601 | Policy Analysis and Evaluation | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 6 | IR-602 | Climate Adaptation Strategies | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 6 | IR-603 | Digital Sovereignty and Governance | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 6 | IR-604 | Peacekeeping Operations | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 6 | IR-605 | Research Thesis Proposal | 2-0-2-3 | - |
| 7 | IR-701 | Advanced Capstone Project | 4-0-0-4 | - |
| 7 | IR-702 | Internship Experience | 2-0-2-3 | - |
| 7 | IR-703 | Final Research Presentation | 2-0-2-3 | - |
| 8 | IR-801 | Graduation Thesis | 4-0-0-4 | - |
| 8 | IR-802 | Capstone Portfolio Development | 2-0-2-3 | - |
Advanced Departmental Electives
The following departmental electives offer deeper insights into specialized areas within International Relations:
- Advanced Diplomatic Negotiation: This course explores the principles and practices of effective negotiation in international contexts. Students learn about conflict resolution techniques, mediation strategies, and cultural sensitivity required for successful diplomatic engagement.
- Humanitarian Law and Ethics: An examination of legal frameworks governing humanitarian intervention, war crimes, and human rights violations. The course emphasizes ethical considerations and the role of international law in protecting vulnerable populations.
- Global Financial Systems: A comprehensive study of international financial markets, monetary policies, and their implications for global economic stability. Topics include exchange rate fluctuations, international banking regulations, and financial crisis management.
- Cybersecurity and National Security: Focuses on the intersection of cybersecurity threats and national security challenges. Students analyze cyber warfare strategies, digital sovereignty issues, and policy frameworks for protecting critical infrastructure.
- Climate Adaptation Strategies: This course addresses the practical aspects of adapting to climate change impacts through policy development, resource management, and community resilience building.
- Digital Sovereignty and Governance: Examines how digital technologies influence state sovereignty and international relations. Students explore data protection laws, cyber norms, and governance models for emerging technologies.
- Peacekeeping Operations: Provides an overview of UN peacekeeping missions, including historical context, operational challenges, and success stories in conflict zones worldwide.
- Policy Analysis and Evaluation: Teaches students how to assess the effectiveness of public policies using analytical tools and research methodologies. The course includes case studies from various sectors such as health, education, and environment.
- Regional Studies: Asia-Pacific: A deep dive into the geopolitical dynamics of the Asia-Pacific region, including economic integration, territorial disputes, and multilateral diplomacy.
- Regional Studies: Middle East: An exploration of the complex history and current affairs in the Middle East, focusing on regional conflicts, religious tensions, and international involvement.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The program strongly emphasizes project-based learning as a cornerstone of student development. Projects are designed to simulate real-world challenges, encouraging students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
Mini-projects begin in the third semester and involve small teams working on specific topics under faculty supervision. These projects help students develop research skills, critical thinking abilities, and collaborative communication techniques.
The final-year capstone project requires students to conduct an independent research study or policy analysis related to their area of interest. Students must select a topic, propose methodology, gather data, and present findings in both written and oral formats.
Faculty mentors are assigned based on student preferences and the relevance of the mentor's expertise to the chosen topic. The evaluation criteria include originality of approach, depth of analysis, presentation quality, and contribution to existing literature.