Curriculum Overview: International Relations at G D Goenka University
Course Structure Across Eight Semesters
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Pre-requisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IR-101 | Introduction to International Relations | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 1 | IR-102 | Political Theory | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 1 | IR-103 | History of International Relations | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 1 | IR-104 | Introduction to Political Science | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 1 | IR-105 | Research Methodology in IR | 2-0-0-2 | None |
| 1 | IR-106 | English for Academic Purposes | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 2 | IR-201 | International Law | 3-0-0-3 | IR-101 |
| 2 | IR-202 | Comparative Politics | 3-0-0-3 | IR-101 |
| 2 | IR-203 | Global Political Economy | 3-0-0-3 | IR-101 |
| 2 | IR-204 | Introduction to Security Studies | 3-0-0-3 | IR-101 |
| 2 | IR-205 | Quantitative Methods in IR | 3-0-0-3 | IR-105 |
| 2 | IR-206 | Human Rights and International Law | 3-0-0-3 | IR-101 |
| 3 | IR-301 | International Political Economy | 3-0-0-3 | IR-203 |
| 3 | IR-302 | Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies | 3-0-0-3 | IR-204 |
| 3 | IR-303 | Global Governance and Institutions | 3-0-0-3 | IR-201 |
| 3 | IR-304 | Digital Diplomacy and Cybersecurity | 3-0-0-3 | IR-201 |
| 3 | IR-305 | Regional Studies: South Asia | 3-0-0-3 | IR-101 |
| 3 | IR-306 | Environmental Policy and Climate Change | 3-0-0-3 | IR-203 |
| 4 | IR-401 | Advanced Security Studies | 3-0-0-3 | IR-302 |
| 4 | IR-402 | Development Studies and Policy | 3-0-0-3 | IR-301 |
| 4 | IR-403 | International Organizations and Diplomacy | 3-0-0-3 | IR-303 |
| 4 | IR-404 | Public International Law | 3-0-0-3 | IR-201 |
| 4 | IR-405 | Research Project in IR | 3-0-0-3 | IR-205 |
| 4 | IR-406 | Policy Analysis and Evaluation | 3-0-0-3 | IR-301 |
Advanced Departmental Electives
The department offers a range of advanced elective courses designed to deepen students' understanding of specialized areas within International Relations:
1. Advanced Security Studies
This course explores modern security threats including cyber warfare, terrorism, climate change impacts on national security, and hybrid conflicts. Students examine theoretical frameworks such as realism, liberalism, and constructivism in the context of contemporary security challenges.
2. Development Studies and Policy
The course focuses on development theories, poverty reduction strategies, sustainable development goals, and social justice issues in global contexts. It includes case studies from different regions including South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America.
3. International Organizations and Diplomacy
This course analyzes the structure, functions, and influence of international organizations like the UN, WTO, World Bank, and regional bodies. It emphasizes diplomatic practices, negotiation techniques, and the role of NGOs in shaping global policy.
4. Public International Law
The course covers principles of public international law including state responsibility, jurisdiction, treaty-making, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Students gain insights into landmark cases and their implications for global governance.
5. Research Project in IR
This elective allows students to conduct independent research on a topic of interest under faculty supervision. It culminates in a written thesis or policy paper that demonstrates analytical skills and originality.
6. Policy Analysis and Evaluation
The course equips students with tools for evaluating policies across sectors such as health, education, environment, and security. It includes both theoretical frameworks and practical applications through real-world case studies.
7. Digital Diplomacy and Cybersecurity
This course examines the role of digital technologies in diplomacy, including social media influence, cyber warfare, information warfare, and the regulation of online spaces. Students engage with current trends and policy debates in digital diplomacy.
8. Environmental Policy and Climate Change
This course explores environmental challenges from a policy perspective, examining international agreements like the Paris Agreement, carbon trading mechanisms, and green economy transitions. It includes discussions on adaptation strategies and climate justice.
9. Regional Studies: South Asia
The course provides an in-depth analysis of South Asian geopolitics, including India's role in regional security, Bangladesh's independence movement, Sri Lanka's ethnic conflicts, and the dynamics between Pakistan, China, and India.
10. Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies
This elective examines conflict resolution mechanisms, peacekeeping operations, reconciliation processes, and mediation techniques. It draws on historical examples from Africa, Middle East, and Asia to understand successful and failed interventions.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The International Relations program at G D Goenka University strongly emphasizes project-based learning as a core pedagogical approach. This methodology encourages students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, fostering critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
Mandatory Mini-Projects
Students undertake mandatory mini-projects during their second year, focusing on specific themes within international relations such as trade disputes, humanitarian crises, or policy debates. These projects are evaluated based on research depth, clarity of argumentation, and presentation quality.
Final-Year Thesis/Capstone Project
The capstone project is a comprehensive piece of original research conducted over the final two semesters. Students select a topic in consultation with faculty mentors, ensuring alignment with their academic interests and career goals. The process involves extensive literature review, data collection, analysis, and presentation.
Faculty Mentorship
Each student is assigned a faculty mentor who guides them through the research process, helping refine research questions, suggesting resources, providing feedback on drafts, and ensuring academic rigor throughout the project lifecycle.