The University of Yangon (formerly Rangoon) is the oldest and the most renowned university in Myanmar. To prepare for setting up a Department for International Relations in 1955 many Myanmar scholars were sent to visit the most famous universities in the United Kingdom and the United States to observe their courses on International Relations. At the same time, advice was taken from selected Myanmar scholars from the University’s own Department of Modern History and Political Science, the most relevant department to inform International Relations. In 1958, a Board of Studies for International Relations was officially formed with professors from the Departments of Modern History and Political Science, Geography, Geology, Social Science and with other visiting foreign professors. The first two-year post graduate programme for International Relations was introduced in the Department of Modern History and Political Science which came under the Social Science faculty at the University of Rangoon. Later, the post graduate diploma programme in International Relations was extended to offer a Bachelor’s degree programme, Bachelor Honors degree programme and Master’s programme. The medium of instruction was English, as in all courses at the University.
In 1964, in the context of a new education plan, all courses taught in the English language had to be offered in Myanmar language. Some of the subjects offered at the University were impossible to teach in Myanmar language so they were suspended. International Relations was one of the subjects suspended at the then Rangoon University of Arts and Science (RASU).
Fortunately in 1982-1983 a new policy for higher education came in, stipulating that all disciplines at university and college levels were to be offered in English language except Myanmar literature. Consequently, International Relations was reintroduced at the university, having been suspended for fifteen years. Many senior lecturers from the Department of History at RASU and Mandalay University were selected to study the teaching methodology, curricula and contents of syllabi concerning International Relations subjects at universities in Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States and Japan. During the vacation period of 1983, a refresher training course for International Relations was conducted for young faculty members under the intensive guidance of senior Professors and lecturers at RASU.Departments of International Relations were reintroduced in 1983 at RASU and Mandalay University. Demand for International Relations subject was high despite limited human resources in the departments of both universities. So, each university accepted 100 students who were selected based on two criteria: a high total in their matriculation exam and 65 for English. Then every selected student had to sit for an interview and a psychological test. Students who were admitted to study International Relations earned a high total score and the subject was rated highly, alongside other subjects such as medicine, technology and economics in Myanmar.The Thirty Year Education Plan was introduced in the academic year 1995-1996, with the combination system: a combination of arts subjects and a combination of science subjects for high school students, especially for Grades 8, 9 and 10. Under the 8 sets of combinations for the matriculation exam, only those students who took History at Grade 9 and Grade 10 could apply for International Relations. The combination system was a barrier for some subjects at university level education.From 1996 to 2011, the Department of International Relations’ intake was low and few students graduated. Students were also reluctant to take this subject because of the language barrier. Following democratisation in Myanmar in 2011-2012, the combination system was decentralized with some minor restrictions and students who passed their matriculation exam with an all arts combination could apply to read International Relations.A PhD programme in International Relations was introduced in 1999. From 1999 to April 2017, the Department of International Relations produced 49 PhD degree holders, in various fields of International Relations. The Department is currently staffed by 26 faculty members, running both International Relations and Political Science disciplines.
A new undergraduate interdisciplinary course, B.A (ASEAN Studies), was introduced with the support of all arts subjects. It extended its area of study to Southeast Asia and the Pacific (SEAP) and about 120 students obtained B.A (SEAP Studies) in 2005-2006 before that degree programme was unfortunately suspended.
To fulfil the needs of community and State, a post graduate Diploma in International Relations (DIR) was launched in 2003. A Diploma in Political Science (DPS) was introduced in June 2013 at the request of the Hluttaws (Parliaments) and public.
Following the significant change in 2012 when the University of Yangon reopened for undergraduate classes, the Department of International Relations offered a new discipline, Political Science. Criteria for student selection for the two courses now offered differ. International Relations requires a total score of 470 in the matriculation exam, and 65 for English. Aspiring Political Science students must have total of 420 in their matriculation exam, and 60 for English. Hopefully, a new selection policy will be introduced as the university gains greater autonomy under higher education reforms since 2013.
The Department of International Relations is currently headed by Professor Dr Chaw Chaw Sein, since 2006.
Dr. San San Khine Professor
Dr Khin Ma Ma Myo Professor
Dr Thuzar Myint Professor
Dr Sann Sann Shein Professor
Dr San San Win Professor
Dr. Myint Zu Win Associate Professor
Daw Lwin Cho Latt Associate Professor
Dr Chaw Chaw Su win Associate Professor
Dr. Wah Wah Aung Associate Professor
Dr Oak Soe San Lecturer
Daw Thidar Kyaw Lecturer
Dr. Ei Ei Phyu Lecturer
Daw Aye Ei Ei Aung Than Lecturer
Daw Thwin Hnin Hlaing Lecturer
U Hein Myat Thu Assistant Lecturer
Daw Thwe Thwe San Tutor
Research Projects for the Department of Higher Education since 2010
Departmental Research Projects since 2010
Asia Research Projects (ARC) since 2010
Research Projects in Universities Research Journal since 2010
Research Projects in Yangon University Research Journal
Research Projects in Myanmar Academy of Arts and Science Research Journal (MAAS) since 2010
Research Projects Published in International Research Journals since 2010
Selected Ph D Dissertations at the Department of International Relations since 2011
1. Global and Regional Governance (IO &RO)
2. Foreign Policy & Foreign Relations
3. Southeast Asia and Pacific Studies
4. Peace & Security
5. Comparative Politics
6. Public Administration & Public Policy
The Department of IR has hosted international conferences with international partner universities. The following are the international conferences hosted by IR Department.
“Opportunities and Challenges of Democratization in Myanmar” for the Commemoration of 97th Anniversary of the Establishment of UY
Hosting International Conference on “Managing challenges during Myanmar’s transition” for the Commemoration of 99h Anniversary of the Establishment of UY in 2019
Hosting International Conference on “States of Peace in Asia” in 2015
To upgrade the teaching and research capacity of the teachers and to reconnect Myanmar’s scholars with international scholars and institutions, summer school programmes have been conducted with the support of Open Society Foundation (OSF) in 2013, 2014 and 2015. These programmes brought together participants from the Department of IR of the University of Yangon and other universities where IR is accommodated. The OSF organized distinguished professors from Hong Kong University, Oxford University, Columbia University, American University, Nagoya University, International University of Japan, CEU etc. To upgrade the research capacity of the faculty members, the OSF also offered research fellow programme. In 2016, when OSF focus more on research fellow programme, the Konred Adeneur Stiftung (KAS), a German Foundation continued in supporting the Summer School Programme. Three Summer School Programmes have been held at the Department of IR in 2017, 2018 and 2019. This programme contributes the teaching and research capacity of faculty members for student-centered approach.
In order to enhance the capacity of faculty members, Chung-Ang University, with support from Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has provided a Diploma training program at University of Yangon via International Center of Excellence (ICOE) in 2013 and K-IRD in 2014. Besides 23 non-IR majors, the program has trained 32 IR faculty members from universities in Yangon Area. With the support from KOICA, Chung- Ang University of Korea continue to run this program targeted at junior to mid-level faculty members from the Department of International Relations in universities in Myanmar. Under the MoU, a research on “Bringing the Excellence Back In” was published as a joint research in July 2016. The program was renamed as KOICA/CAU Program on International Studiees at University of Yangon (KIS) as a part of Official Development Assistance by the Government of the Republic of Korea. In 2019, the KIS has produced (7) batches and had offered diploma for 169 students.
| NO | Name | University | Course | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kimura Hirotsune Professor | Nagoya University | Development Studies | 6-20 January 2013 |
| 2 | Wolfram Schuffar Professor | Vienna University (Austria) | Theoretical and Methodological Issues of PS and Development Studies | 18 February-1 March 2013 16 August – 6 September 2013 |
| 3 | Aung Myo Professor | International University of Japan | Foreign Policy Analysis | 5-16 June 2013 |
| 4 | Amitav Archava, Professor | Ameriican University | ASEAN and IR of SEA | 16-27 December 2013 |
| 5 | Alfred Stephen, Professor | Columbia University | PS concept with comparative politics & case studies | 20-31 January 2014 |
| 6 | Matteo Fumagali, Associate Professor, Dept of International Relations and European Studies | Central European University, Budapest | November 2014 | |
| 7 | Young Mi Kim, Associate Professor, Dept of International Relations and European Studies | Central European University, Budapest | November 2014 | |
| 8 | Ian Holliday, Professor, Dept of Politics & Public Administration | Hong Kong | November 2014 | |
| 9 | Matthew Walton, Aung San Suu Kyi Senior Research Fellow in Burmese Studies | St Anthony’s College, Oxford University, UK | November 2014 | |
| 10 | Sally N. Cummings, Professor, School of International Relations | University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK | November 2014 | |
| 11 | Achim Kemmerling Associate Professor, Dept of Public Policy | Central European University, Budapest | November 2014 | |
| 12 | Paul Roe Associate Professor, Dept of International Relations and European Studies | Central European University, Budapest | November 2014 |
| Public Policy | Dr. M. Ramesh Professor of Public Policy Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy National University of Singapore |
| Conflict Resolution | Dr. Brendan Howe Professor of Political Science Ewha Woman’s University, Seoul |
| Political Theory | Dr.Ethan Putterman Associate Professor of Political Science National University of Singapore |
| European Politics | Dr. Trond Gilberg Dean and Professor of Political Science Panasastra University Cambodia |
| Comparative Politics | Dr.William Case Professor and Head, Politics, History and International Relations University of Nottingham, Malaysia |
| Public Administration | Dr. N. Ganesan Professor of Southeast Asian Politics Hiroshima Peace Institute |
| NO | Name | University | Course | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonathan N. Lilieblad | University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA | Comparative Politics in SEA | 2014-2015 |
| 2 | Robert E Sterken | Texas Tech University, Political Science | Foreign Policy | 2015-2016 |
| 3 | Dr. JoAnn DiGeorgioLutz | Professor and Head, Department of Liberal Studies, Texas | Political Science | Postpone to 2021 |
| NO | Name | University | Course | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ms Oliva Cable Research fellow |
ANU | Comparative Politics in SEA | June-September 2015 |
| 2 | Ms. Jennifer Jones Specialist in curriculum design |
Australia Volunteers | Peace and Security | December 2015 – March 2016 |
| 3 | Ms. Margarvta Rymarenko Teaching Fellow |
CEU | – Conflict Resolution – IR in SEA |
December 2016 – March 2017 |
| 4 | Ms. Burtejin Zorigt Teaching Fellow |
CEU | Research Design & Method | June – September 2018 |
| 5 | Ms. Deniela Cracium Teaching Fellow |
CEU | Research Design & Method | December 2017 – March 2018 |
| 6 | Mr. Stefan Telle Teaching Fellow |
CEU | – Geopolitics in IR – European Politics |
December 2017 – March 2018 |
| 7 | Mr. Richard Stanislas Teaching Fellow |
CEU | – History of Political Thought – Political theory |
December 2018 – March 2019 |
| 8 | Mr. Kim Taevun | Chung Ang University | – IR Theories | June 2018 – September 2018 |
| 9 | Mr. Kimura Hirotsune Professor (Rtd) |
Nagoya University | Political Economy Public Policy | June 2019 till now |
When the University reopen in 2013 with outstanding students, the Department needs to update the existing curriculum of IR and new curriculum for the new discipline Political Science. The first workshop on Social Science Curricula was held with Myanmar Academy of Arts and Science and CEU in 2012. With the aim to become a university that successfully combines its teaching, learning and research, IR department needs to review on-going curriculum, update the curriculum with regional standards and develop new programs and courses. In line with this aim, the department established a Curriculum Review Working Group to conduct, a comprehensive curriculum review and revision in alignment with the National Qualification Framework. The departmental Curriculum Review Working Groups comprises of the Heads of the IR departments-based universities, senior staffs, relevant national and international experts and Master students. Under the guideline of University and Ministry of Education, the Department is in the process of reviewing the curriculum to add digital learning platform in the post COIVD-19 era.
Curriculum Review Working Group in November 2018
With the support of KAS, a German Foundation, the Department organized three-day workshop on curricula development in 2017 and 2019. The workshop was conducted with the aim to learn the curricula and courses from Asian Universities, De la Salle University, Tsinghua University, Chung Ang University, Jawaharlal Nehru University (New Delhi), Ewha Womans University of Korea, Passau university and ANU.
Workshop on Curriculum Development for IR and PS support by KAS in 2019
In order to draft curriculum with learning outcomes and course guide, the Department also received Ms. Jennifer Jones from Australia. She was assigned as curriculum development officers under the programme of the Australia Volunteers for International Development with the support of Scope Global from 2015 to 2016. She was attached at the Department for two years and with her kind support, the faculty members now can draft the course guide and lesson plan.
Research training
To strengthen research capacity, the Department has been collaborating with international partner universities. Among them, collaboration with Australia National University (AUN) is a remarkable one. In the area of university-to-university collaboration, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between University of Yangon and Australia National University was signed in 2003 and was revised in 2013 setting out an agenda for collaboration and partnership. This is the only MoU that the ANU has with a Myanmar institution, and it is already being put to good use.
Under the Australian-funded Government Partnerships for Development programme, the ANU has a vibrant project with the UY that is designed to build capacity in the specific areas such as demography, law, along with university and research management so that the number of interactions between the institutions has been taken place. To enhance academic research skills, research seminars, academic twinning, visiting professor arrangements have been conducted since MoU has been signed. Another remarkable achievement was fostering the qualitative and quantitative social research skills of UY academics. Under the “Social Science Research Methodology Training” given by ANU, fifty faculty members including four from IR department had been sent to ANU for two weeks in May 2015.
Social Science Research Methodology Training at ANU
Research Collaboration with ANU
Faculties of IR, University of Yangon participated in the “ANU Myanmar Update Conference” held in 2015, 2017 and 2019 respectively. Myanmar scholars joining this event, have improved research capacity, skills, knowledge and strengthen networks. Two books namely, “Conflict in Myanmar” and “Myanmar transformed? People, Places and Politics” were published by ISEAS in collaboration with ANU. Chapters written by IR scholars are also included in these two books.
Research Collaboration with Kyoto University
Collaboration with local and international universities is important factor in promoting research quality. To achieve a significant number of domestic and international research publication, the Department has been collaborating with partner universities. Under the MoU of the University of Yangon and Kyoto University, some faculty members of the Department have participated international conferences and joint research were combined as conference proceedings in 2017.
Research Collaboration with Yunnan University, Institute of Myanmar Studies
As Myanmar-China relations has become a turning point after Myanmar’s political transition, it is necessary to exchange views among the scholars. In this context, the Department of IR collaborate closely with IMS by conducting conference. IR faculty members participated International Academic Seminar on “Myanmar in 2014: Reintegrating into International Community”, from July 28-30, 2014 at Yunnan University. A book on “Myanmar’s Reintegrating into International Community” was published in 2016 as a follow up of the conference. The second conference on “Opportunities and Challenges of Democratization in Myanmar” was held in University of Yangon in commemoration of 97th anniversary of UY from 13-14 December 2017.
Research Collaboration with Tsinghua University
Although Tsinghua University hasn’t signed MoU with UY, both universities are member of Asia University Alliance (AUA). The AUA set up the “AUA Scholars Award” to support short- term academic visits of full-time faculty and researchers of the AUA members. The “AUA Scholars Award” aims to encourage scholars to conduct research abroad and establish international academic collaboration by spending 2 weeks of quality time at another overseas AUA institution. One professor from IR Department won the award in 2018 and went to Tokyo University to extend her research.
Inbound and outbound students
From 2016 till present, more than 50 students joined oversea programmes. Among the outbound students, a remarkable achievement is a Myanmar President Scholar Award. In 2016 and in 2017, two Political Science students from IR Department won Myanmar President Scholar Awards. Ma Ye Yint achieved BA degree in International Security Studies in 2018 from Australia National University and Naw Gladys Maung Maung achieved BA degree from Oregon State University in 2019.
Table 1: List of outbound students
| No | Programme | Name | University | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | President Scholarship | Ma Ye Yint 1st Year (Hons) PS | Australia National University BA Degree | 2016- 2018 |
| 2 | President Scholarship | Naw Gladys Mg Mg 2nd year PS | Oregon State University, USA | 2017-2019 |
| 3 | Exchange student for one semester | Ma Ein Dray Pyone Han 1st Year (Hons) IR | Zeppelin University, Germany | February to June 2016 |
| 4 | Exchange student for one semester | Ma Thiri Thin Pyae Sone 1st Year (Hons) PS | Zeppelin University, Germany | February to June 2016 |
| 5 | International Student Seminar | Mg Win Hteik 1st Year (Hons) PS | Soongsil University (ROK) & Osaka University (Japan) | August 2016 |
| 6 | Young Innovation Competition for Mekong Governance | Mg Yaung Chi Soe Naing 1st Year (Hons) PS | Yushu, China | August 2016 |
| 7 | Young Innovation Competition for Mekong Governance | Ma Khin Thawdar Chit 1st Year (Hons) IR | Yushu, China | August 2016 |
| 8 | Young Innovation Competition for Mekong Governance | Ma Thandar Aung Soe 1st Year (Hons) IR | Yushu, China | August 2016 |
| 9 | SEA Student for Liberty Conference | Mg Win Lwin Aung 1st Year IR | Jakarta, Indonesia | 25-29 August 2016 |
| 10 | SHARE | Ma Yoon Pwint May Thu 1st Year (Hons) IR | University College Cork Ireland | 6 September - 20 December 2017 |
| 11 | Winter Seminar Exchange student | Mg Win Lwin Aung 2nd Year IR | Kyoto University | 9-21 January 2017 |
| 12 | Young ASEAN Leaders Policy Leadership | Mg Win Hteik 2nd Year (Hons) PS | Chulalongkorn University | February 2017 |
| 13 | SHARE | Ma Hla Moe Tayar Hlaing 2nd Year (Hons) PS | University of Cambodia, Cambodia | March - July 2017 |
| 14 | AUA Youth Innovation Workshop | Mg Thu Htet 2nd Year (Hons) PS | Beijing, China | 25-29 April 2017 |
| 15 | YSEALI Economic Community Engagement | Mg Thu Htet 1st Year (Hons) PS | Hanoi, Vietnam | 1-4 August 2017 |
| 16 | JENESYS | Ma Chuu Zin Thaw 2rd Year (Hons) PS | Japan-ASEAN student conference | 19-26, September 2017 |
| 17 | Exchange program | Ma Su Myatt Madi 2nd Year (Hons) IR | Nanyang Technological University Singapore | August-December 2017 |
| 18 | SHARE | Ma Ei Shwe Sin Phyo 3rd Year (Hons) | University of Cambodia | November2017- February 2018 |
| 19 | SHARE | Mg. Htet Naing Tun 2nd Year (Hons) IR | Royal University of Phnom Penh, Cambodia | February- July 2018 |
| 20 | SHARE | Ma Nyan San Lwin 3rd Year (Hons) PS | Diponegoro University, Indonesia | February- June 2018 |
| 21 | SHARE | Maung Htet Lu MA Q (PS) | Phnom Penh International University, Cambodia | February- August 2018 |
| 22 | SHARE | Ma Yee Mon Oo 3rd Year (Hons), PS | Royal University of Phnom Penh, Cambodia | February -July 2018 |
| 23 | SHARE | Ma Cho Zin Than 2nd Year (Hons), IR | University of Groningen (UG), Netherland | January- August 2018 |
| 24 | AUA Life Below Water Program | Ma Yadana Zeya 2nd Year IR | Universitas indonesia | 8-21 July 2018 |
| 25 | 13th LMC Youth Friendship Exchange | Mg Win Lwin Aung 3rd Year IR | China & Thailand | 14-21 March 2018 |
| 26 | Exchange program | Mg Win Tun Tun 2nd Year | NUS, Singapore | July-December 2018 |
| 27 | Chou Global LEAP 2018 | Ma Su Mon Thant 3rd Year (Hons) PS | Chuo University | April -September 2018 |
| 28 | JENESYS 2018 Sports Exchange Program (Rugby) | Mg Aung Kyaw Phyo 1st Year IR | Shizuoka, Tokyo | 18-26, September 2018 |
| 29 | Exchange programme under MoU | Ma Myat Thu Mon 3rd Year (Hons) IR | Nagoya University | November 2018 to March 2019 |
| 30 | AUN, Winter Seminar for Human Security Development and Energy Science | Mg Hein Htet 4th Year (IR) | Kyoto University, Japan | 14-26 January 2019 |
| 31 | 5th ASEAN Foundation Model ASEAN Meeting | Mg Win Lwin Aung 4th Year IR | Bangkok, Thailand | 4-9 July 2019 |
| 32 | SHARE | Ma Wyne Ei Htwe 3rd Year (Hons) IR | RUPP | February- July 2019 |
| 33 | Summer School program | Mg Kaung Set Wai 1st Year MA (IR) | Torino University Italy | 1-12 July 2018 |
| 34 | Summer School program | Ma May Thant Lwin 1st Year MA (IR) | Torino University Italy | 25 June - 6 July 2018 |
| 35 | Bali Democracy Student Conference | Maung Kyaw Lynn 3rd Year (Hons), PS | Nusa Dua, Bali | 6-7 December 2018 |
| 36 | Bali Democracy Students Conference | Ma Phue Thinzar 3rd Year (Hons), PS | Nusa Dua, Bali | 6-7 December 2018 |
| 37 | Young ASEAN Leaders Policy Initiative | Ma Yun Shwe Sin Htay 3rd Year (Hons) PS | Bangkok, Thailand | 13-17 February 2019 |
| 38 | JENESYS ASEAN Youth Leaders Exchange | Ma Aye Mon Kyaw 2nd Year (Hons) IR | Tokyo, Aichi (Nagoya) | 18-26 March 2019 |
| 39 | Summer School program | Ma Su Wai Htet 1st Year MA (IR) | Torino University Italy | 1-12 July 2019 |
| 40 | SHARE | Ma Thiri Shwe Sin 2nd Year (Hons) IR | Bina Nusantara University (Indonesia) | 14 February -17 July 2019 |
| 41 | Exchange programme under MoU | Mg Yan Lin Oo 3rd Year (Hons) PS | Nagoya University | September 2019 to March 2020 |
| 42 | Lancang Mekong Youth Excahnge Programme | Ma Yun Mee Mee Oo MA (Q) IR | Sichuan University | 23- 29 June 2019 |
| 43 | Lancang Mekong Youth Exchange Programme | Ma May Myat Mon 3rd Year (Hons) IR | Sichuan University | 23- 29 June 2019 |
| 44 | AUN, 2nd ASEAN Experiential Learning Programme | Mg Sithu Moe 1st Year IR | Chulalongkorn University | 30 June – 6 July 2019 |
| 45 | International Student Seminar | Mg. Win Lwin Aung 4th Year IR | Mongolia | 19-25 August 2019 |
| 46 | Asian Universities Alliance Youth Forum 2019 | Mg Hein Thant Swe 2nd Year IR | Sri Lanka | 25-29 November 2019 |
| 47 | Lancang Mekong Cooperation, MISIS | Ma Su Myat Noe 1st Year MA, IR | Chinese Foreign Affairs University Beijing, China | 4-17 November 2019 |
| 48 | Lancang Mekong Cooperation, MISIS | Ma Su Lae Hnin 1st Year MA, IR | Chinese Foreign Affairs University Beijing, China | 4-17 November 2019 |
| 49 | Lancang Mekong Cooperation, MISIS | Ma Aye Theinggi 1st Year MA, IR | Chinese Foreign Affairs University Beijing, China | 4-17 November 2019 |
| 50 | Lancang Mekong Cooperation, MISIS | Ma May Thu Thu Khine BA (Hons) IR | Chinese Foreign Affairs University Beijing, China | 4-17 November 2019 |
| 51 | Erasmus Program | Ma Su Lae Hnin 2nd Year MA IR | Central European University | January- March 2020 |
| 52 | Erasmus Program | Mg Win Htike 2nd Year MA PS | Central European University | January- March 2020 |
| 53 | AUA Appreciating Diverse Communities through Arts | Ma Myat Theinggi 3rd Year IR | Universti Malaya | 15-21 January 2020 |
| 54 | AUA Appreciating Diverse Communities through Arts | Ma Su Linn Htet 2nd Year IR | Universti Malaya | 15-21 January 2020 |
Some activities and photos of Outbound Students
Myat Thu Mon
Exchangers of Campus Asia and Campus ASEAN Program of fall semester of Nagoya University
Ma Wyne Ei Htwe
Her extra curricula activities: Teaching English to students from local school in a rural area of Cambodia
UY, IR students’ participation in the study tour on Lancang Mekong Cooperation in 2019
His activities of Farmer School Homestay in Thailand
Sithu Moe
Inbound Students
With the changes taking place in Myanmar, several oversea students are showing interest in studying at the Department of IR, University of Yangon. From 2015-2020, our department has received nineteen oversea students from Germany, Australia, Japan, Korea, Cambodia and China. Among the oversea students, Ms. Ji Sun, Lee from Hanyang University, Korea achieved Master of International Relations degree from our University in 2018. Ms Ying Yao, a PhD student enrolled at the University under a joint PhD programme (Tsinghua University, University of Yangon, the Johns Hopkins University). The benefit of having inbound students are, they can network among each other by sharing history, culture, economy, and political development of their countries of origin and they can exchange ideas on their education systems. The Department of IR also has received students study tour from ANU, Nagoya University and Semester at Sea in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
The benefit of the programme is that students exchanged their view on political economy, tourism, gender and others. In collaborating with ANU, the joint reports of students from IR and ANU were shared by posting on the ANU official website.
Student sharing knowledge on their countries’ political, history and culture (Students from UY and ANU)
Joint Presentation of ANU and UY (IR) students after study tour in Yangon area
Study tour of ANU students to UY
Table 2: List of Inbound students/researchers
| No | Programme | Name | University | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exchange for one semester under MoU | Mr. Tobias Angenent | Passau University, Germany | December 2015 to March 2016 |
| 2 | Exchange for one semester under MoU | Ms Viktoria Ingamaria Kowarzik | Zeppelin University, Germany | December 2015 to March 2016 |
| 3 | Research Fellow | Gerard McCarthy | Australia National University, Australia | March to December 2015 |
| 4 | Exchange for one semester under MoU | Ms Manami Shiono | Chuo University, Japan | December 2016 to March 2017 |
| 5 | Exchange for one semester under MoU | Mr. Gerrit Zauke | Passau University, Germany | December 2016 to March 2017 |
| 6 | Exchange for one semester under MoU | Ms. Hana Leonie Flachs | Passau University, Germany | December 2017- March 2018 |
| 7 | Exchange for one semester under MoU | Mr. Futoshi Ono | Nagoya University, Japan | December 2017- March 2018 |
| 8 | Exchange for one semester under MoU | Ms. Miho Imai | Nagoya University, Japan | December 2017- March 2018 |
| 9 | Exchange for one semester under MoU | Ms. Moller Isabel | Passau University, Germany | December 2016 to March 2017 |
| 10 | New Colombo Plan | Ms. Alice Esther Dawkins | Australia National University, Australia | 2017-2018 |
| 11 | New Colombo Plan | Mr. James Barklamb | Monash University, Australia | June to September 2017 |
| 12 | Master Degree (IR) | Ms. Ji Sun, Lee | Hanyang University, Republic of Korea | 2016-2018 |
| 13 | Joint PhD Program | Ms. Ying Yao | Tsinghua University, China | 2016-2018 |
| 14 | SHARE | Ms. Lihour Rim | University of Cambodia, Cambodia | December 2017-March 2018 |
| 15 | Exchange for one semester under MoU | Ms. Calotas Memba Aguado | Zepplin University | June-September 2018 |
| 16 | New Colombo Plan | Ms. Catia Rizio | Australia National University, Australia | December 2018-March 2019 |
| 17 | Research fellow | Mr. Colin Zhang (Tint Lwin) | Yunnan University China | 31 July 2018 to 24 July 2019 |
| 18 | Exchange program | Ms. Aki Kubota | Chuo University, Japan | 3 December 2019 to 31 March 2020 |
| 19 | Exchange program | Ms.Silvia-Maria Dorre | Passau University Germany | 3 December 2019 to 31 March 2020 |
Experience of Outbound Students
Kaung Set Wai (Italy)
Foundation Courses
မြန်မာစာ-၁၀၀၂ (3) မြန်မာစာ
Eng 1001 – (3) English
Core Courses
IR 1101 – (4) International Relations in Political Thought I
IR 1102 – (4) Introduction to International Relations I
* Elective Courses
Geog 1003 – (3) Geography of Southeast Asian Countries
Hist 1003 – (3) World History to 1500 I
AM 1001 – (3) Aspects of Myanmar
*A student must take one course (3 credits), and can choose one elective (3 credits) offered by the Department of Myanmar, Geography and History.
IR-1101 International Relations in Political Thought I
Course Description
This course aims to introduce students to political thought of various philosophers including western and non-western thinkers as well as classical and modern thinkers. Students will be familiar with famous political thinkers’ different perspectives on human nature, society, justification of government and state, citizenships, liberty, justice, morality, war and peace.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able
Class organisation
This course is divided into sixteen (16) weeks. In each week, nearly three hours will be devoted to interactive lectures and two hours will be classwork.
Grading
Class Work
Students will be assessed on their participation and attendance in lectures. There will be one-time group presentation (three/four in each group). Students will individually need to submit an essay in which main arguments and thought of two or more thinkers on same issues are critically examined and analyzed in comparative way. Students have to sit three tutorial tests. All class activities will be worth 35 of the students overall final grade.
Class Participation 5
Tutorial 10
Presentation 10
Academic Essay 10
Class Work Total 35
Final Exam
There will be final exam at the end of all lectures. The final exam will be comprehensive (i.e., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65 of the overall course grade.
IR-1102 Introduction to International Relations I
Course Description
The course aims to understand the basic concepts of International Relations among nation-states. The course will describe the linkages of conflict and cooperation between states. The course will also explain significant elements of national power and the nature of foreign policy and diplomacy.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the semester, the students will be able
– to explore different types of state, nation and nation-state in modern state system
– to clarify elements of national power
-to analyze decision making actors and process through the nature of foreign policies
-to examine the criteria of diplomats through learning diplomacy
Class Organization: The course is divided into sixteen weeks. In each week, three hours will be devoted to interactive lectures and two hours will be classwork.
Readings: There are articles and textbook chapters assigned each week which will be provided with handouts.
Grading
Classwork (Attendance and Presentations)
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures and their participation in tutorial discussions, including group presentations in reading circles. All class activities and attendance will be worth 35 of the students overall final grade.
Final Exam
There will be final exam in Week 16. The Final exam will be comprehensive (i.e.., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65 of the overall course grade.
Foundation Courses
မြန်မာစာ-၁၀၀၂ (3) မြန်မာစာ
Eng 1002 – (3) English
Core Courses
IR 1103 – (4) International Relations in Political Thought II
IR 1104 – (4) Introduction to International Relations II
* Elective Courses
Geog 1004 – (3) Geography of Myanmar
Hist 1006 – (3) World History to 1500 II
AM 1002 – (3) Aspects of Myanmar
*A student must take one course (3 Credits) and can choose one elective (3 Credits ) offered by the Department of Myanmar, Geography and History .
IR- 1103: International Relations in Political Thought II
Course Description
This course aims to introduce students to political thought of various philosophers including western and non-western thinkers as well as classical and modern thinkers. Students will be familiar with famous political thinkers’ different perspectives on human nature, society, justification of government and state, citizenships, liberty, justice, morality, war and peace.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able
Class organisation
This course is divided into sixteen (16) weeks. In each week, nearly three hours will be devoted to interactive lectures and two hours will be class work.
Grading
Class Work
Students will be assessed on their participation and attendance in lectures. There will be one-time group presentation (three/four in each group). Students will individually need to submit an essay in which main arguments and thought of two or more thinkers on same issues are critically examined and analyzed in comparative way. Students have to sit three tutorial tests. All class activities will be worth 35 of the students overall final grade.
Class Participation 5
Tutorial 10
Presentation 10
Academic Essay 10
Class Work Total 35
Final Exam
There will be final exam at the end of all lectures. The final exam will be comprehensive (i.e., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65 marks of the overall course grade.
IR 1104- Introduction to International Relations II
Course Description
The course aims to focus on numerous elements of economic and military aspect of International Relations. The course will deal with major threats to global security during the post-cold war era. The course will also explore the salient features of non-state actors in International Relations which involve Regional and International organizations and International Non-governmental Organizations/Non-governmental Organizations (INGOs/NGOs).
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the semester, the students will be able
Class Organization: The course is divided into sixteen weeks. In each week, three hours will be devoted to interactive lectures and two hours will be classwork.
Readings: There are articles and textbook chapters assigned each week which will be provided on handouts.
Grading
Classwork (tutorials, presentations, quiz)
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures and their participation in tutorial discussions, including group presentations in reading circles. All class activities and attendance will be worth 35 marks of the students overall final grade.
Final Exam
There will be final exam at the end of all lectures. The final exam will be comprehensive (i.e., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65 marks of the overall course grade.
Core Courses
IR 2101 – (4) Elements of Political Institutions I
IR 2102 – (4) Governments and Politics of Southeast Asia I
IR 2103 – (4) Post World War II International Relations
⃰ Elective Courses
Eco 2001 – (3) Principles of Economics
Law 2001- (3) Study of Law
Hist 2001-World History 1900
⃰ A student must choose any two elective courses offered by the Department of Economics, Law and History.
IR 2101 Elements of Political Institutions I
Course Description
The course aims to study the introduction of the nature, classification, functions of different political institutions. It will focus on types of constitution, state systems, and interactive relations between political institutions. Three branches of government (legislative, executive, and judiciary) will also be studied in the course.
Learning Outcomes
Class organization
The course is divided into sixteen (16) weeks. In each week, three hours will be devoted to interactive lectures and two hours will be assigned for presentation and quiz.
Grading
Classwork (Presentation, Assignment, quiz) 35%
Final Exam Paper 65%
Final Exam
There will be a final exam in Week 16. The final exam will be comprehensive (i.e., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65% of the overall grade course.
Attendance and Presentation
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures, quiz, tutorial, and their participation in group presentation in tutorial time. All tutorial activities and attendance will be worth 35% of the students’ overall final grade.
IR 2102 Governments and Politics of Southeast Asia I
Course Description
This course will introduce the students to study the politics of the Southeast Asia region and regionalism, the role of international actors in SEA and the cold war in SEA. It aims to provide students with the understanding of domestic politics in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei countries. The system of governance, the party and electoral system, and an assessment of the state will be analyzed in each country. This course will also examine the socio-political, economic trends and developments, foreign policy of each country and their foreign relations with major powers such as US, China and Japan.
Learning Outcomes
Class Organization
The course is divided into sixteen (16) weeks. In each week, three hours will be devoted to interactive lectures and two hours will be assigned for group activities, presentation and tutorials.
Grading
Class Work (Presentation/Assignment/Tutorials) 35%
Final Exam Paper 65%
Final Exam
There will be final exam in Week 16. The final exam will be comprehensive (i.e., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65 % of the overall course grade.
Attendance and Presentations
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures, tutorials and their participation in group presentations in tutorial time. All tutorial activities and attendance will be worth 35% of the students overall final grade.
IR 2103 Post World War II International Relations
Course Description
The course is designed to introduce the history of international relations after the Second World War. It aims to examine conflicts and cooperation between the two blocs that characterized a bipolar system. The main idea of the course is that the two superpowers confronted one another, the United States and the Soviet Union, although there was disagreement about whether this had led to peace and stability or to rising tension and insecurity.
Learning Outcomes
Class Organization
The course is divided into sixteen (16) weeks. In each week, three hours will be devoted to interactive lectures and two hours will be assigned for group activities, presentation and tutorials.
Grading
Class Work (Presentation/Assignment/Tutorials) 35%
Final Exam Paper 65%
Final Exam
There will be final exam in Week 16. The final exam will be comprehensive (i.e., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65 % of the overall course grade.
Attendance and Presentations
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures, tutorials and their participation in group presentations in tutorial time. All tutorial activities and attendance will be worth 35% of the students overall final grade.
Core Courses
IR 2104 – (4) Elements of Political Institutions II
IR 2105 – (4) Governments and Politics of Southeast Asia II
IR 2106 – (4) Post-Cold War II International Relations
⃰ Elective Courses
Eco 2002 – (3) International Trade
Law 2006 – (3) Introduction to International Law
Hist 2004 – (3) World History 1900
⃰ A student must choose any two elective courses offered by the Department of Economics, Law and History.
IR 2104 Elements of Political Institutions II
Course Description
This course aims to explore how the concepts of political institutions come to be essential in democratic countries. It will analyze the differences of party systems in democratic countries which have various types of elections, voting system in particular institutions. It will also examine the role of citizenships, civil society and media which are major parts of political institutions in democratic countries.
Learning Outcomes
After ending the course, the students will assess
-To understand the basic concepts of political institutions
-To criticize the differences of the party systems, elections system and voting system
-To explore the important of citizenships, civil society and media
Class Organization
This course is divided into 16 weeks. Three hours will be taken for the lecture time and two hours will be had for other class activities during each week.
Grading:
Final Exam
After ending the semester, all course descriptions will be completed for the final exam which is worth 65 marks of the overall course grade.
Attendance and Presentation
Class participation (attendance, tutorial, discussion, presentation and assignment) is important for a student. Grade will be depended on the student’s activities. Plagiarism is strongly limited in the paper.
IR-2105-Governments and Politics of Southeast Asia II
Course Description
This course will introduce the students to the overview politics of the Southeast Asia region and regionalism, the international actors in SEA and the cold war in SEA. This course aims to provide students with the understanding of domestic politics in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and the Philippines countries. Each country study includes an analysis of the system of governance, the party and electoral system, and an assessment of the state. This course will also examine the socio-political, economic trends and developments, foreign policy and foreign relations to the larger powers of the US, China and Japan.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will evaluate the process of political change and transition with the key trends and development in the Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and the Philippines politics.
Class Organization: The course is divided into sixteen (16) weeks. In each week, it will consist of interactive lectures, group activities, presentation and tutorials.
Grading
Class Work (Presentations/Assignment/Tutorials and Attendance) 35
Final Exam Paper 65
Final Exam
There will be final exam in Week 16. The final exam will be comprehensive (i.e., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65 marks of the overall course grade.
Attendance and Presentations
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures and tutorials and for their participation in tutorial discussions, including group presentations in tutorial time. All tutorial activities and attendance will be worth 35% of the students overall final grade.
IR 2106 Post-Cold War International Relations
Course Description
This course aims to understand the nature of Cold War, major causes for the outbreak of cold war and the consequences of the Cold War. It will also focus on the role of external powers in the domestic affairs of a country and the unipolar world order which arise after the end of the cold war will be introduced. Students will learn what polarity is, what it means by uni-polarity and the pros and cons of the unipolar world order.
Learning Outcomes
Class Organization
The course is divided into sixteen (16) weeks. Three hours will be devoted to the interactive lectures and two hours will be taken for group discussion and assignment in each week.
Grading:
Class work (discussion and assignment) 35 %
Exam Marks 65 %
Final Exam
There will be final exam in Week 16. The final exam will be comprehensive (i.e., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65 % of the overall course grade.
Attendance and Presentation
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures, tutorials, assignments and their participation in group presentation in tutorial time. All class activities and attendance will be worth 35 % of the students overall final grade.
Core Courses
IR 3101 – (4) Government and Politics of USA
IR 3102 – (4) Current Issues in International Relations
IR 3103 – (4) Government and Politics of Myanmar
Eco 3001 – (4) Economic Development
Law 3002 – (4) International Law I
* Elective Courses
IR 3104 – (3) International Relations in Middle East I
IR 3105 – (3) International Relations in Latin America
Geog 3001 – (3) Elements of Political Geography I
*A student must choose any one elective course offered by the Department of International Relations and Geography.
IR 3101 Government and Politics of USA
Course Description
The objective of this course is to introduce key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, characteristics of the constitutional system, Supreme Court decisions, the relationships and interactions among political institutions, and political culture of the United States. The course aims to develop critical understanding of the strengths and weakness of the American political system as well as their rights and responsibilities as citizens. This course aims to explore history, the formation of the American system and how it shapes public policy.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the semester, the student will be able
Class Organization
This course is divided into 16 weeks. In each week, three hours will be devoted to interactive lectures and two or one hours will be devoted to tutorials and discussions.
Grading
Class Room Activities 35 marks (Attendance, Tutorial, Assignment, Discussions and Presentation)
Final Exam Paper 65 marks
Final Exam
There will be final exam in Week 16. The final exam will be comprehensive (i.e it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65 marks of the overall course grade.
Tutorials, Mini-tests and Presentations
Tutorials will be a range of actives and will aim to increase student’s understanding of the weekly readings and key concepts. In addition, tutorials will build student’s practical skill.
IR 3102 Current Issues in International Relations
Course Description
The course aims to explain causes and effects of current political and economic issues in International Relations. The course will identify sources of social issues among states. The course will also explore major factors in international cooperation to settle the issues.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the semester, the students will be able
Class Organization
This course is divided into sixteen (16) weeks. In each week, three hours will be devoted to interactive lectures.
Readings
There are articles and textbook chapters assigned each week which will be provided on handouts.
Grading
Attendance and Presentations 35 marks
Final Exam 65 marks
Final Exam
There will be final exam in Week 16. The Final exam will be comprehensive (i.e.., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65% of the overall course grade.
Attendance and Presentations
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures and interactive discussion in group presentations. Term paper will be included in 35% of the students’ overall final grade.
IR 3103 Government and Politics of Myanmar
Course Description
This course covers the political processes of Myanmar from the colonial period at the beginning of 1900 to current political atmosphere in Myanmar. Since Myanmar regained its independence from Britain in 1948, many challenges continue to face Myanmar, including ethnic peace, economic progress and addressing humanitarian needs. The instructor will start with the political development of Myanmar based on the religion since the early 1900s. Main areas of this course include constitutional interpretation and its implications, ethnic minority rights, faction in parties and organizations as well as the role of military in Myanmar’s politics. The basic idea of this course is to identify themes that have shaped contemporary political landscape of Myanmar. This course also discusses such factors as ethnic politics and legacies of colonial rule that Myanmar government has faced today.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able
to evaluate contemporary Myanmar politics by learning political history of Myanmar
to assess nature of political institutions and political parties in Myanmar
Class organization
This course is divided into 16 weeks. In each week, three hours lectures will be devoted to interactive learning.
Grading
Class participation (tutorial, assignments, presentation, etc) 35 marks
Exam 65 marks
Final Exam
There will be final exam in Week 16. The Final exam will be comprehensive (i.e.., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65% of the overall course grade.
Attendance and Presentations
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures and interactive discussion in group presentations. Term paper will be included in 35% of the students’ overall final grade.
*Elective Course (Major)
IR-3104 International Relations in Middle East I
Course Description
This class aims to know the students about the geopolitical locations of Middle East and the emergence of the State of Israel in 1948. After establishing the State of Israel, four major wars appeared among Arab and Israel. International organizations and super powers countries involved the affairs of Middle East but Middle East’s situations cannot settle yet. Different non-states actors evolve and the current circumstances are more complex.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the semester, the students will be able
-to understand the past and present conditions in Middle East,
-to analyze the various problems in Middle East and
-to use effective methods for settling Middle East’s affairs
Class Organization
The Course is divided into 16 weeks. In each week, 3 hours will be devoted to interactive lectures and 2 hours will be classwork.
Grading
Class work (presentation, assignment, quiz) 35 marks
Final Exam paper 65 marks
Final Exam
There will be final exam in week 16. The final exam will be comprehensive ( i.e., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65 marks of the overall course grade
Attendance and Presentations
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures and tutorials and for their participation in tutorial, discussion, including group presentations in tutorial time. All tutorial activities and attendance will be worth 35% of the students overall final grade.
Core Courses
IR 3106 – (4) Contemporary US Foreign Policy
IR 3107 – (4) European Union
IR 3108- (4) Myanmar Foreign Relations since 1948
Eco 3002 – (4) International Finance
Law 3005 – (4) International Law II
* Elective Courses
IR 3109 – (3) International Relations in Middle East II
IR 3110 – (3 Environmental Issues
Geog 3002 – (3) Elements of Political Geography II
*A student must choose any one elective course offered by the Department of International Relations and Geography
IR 3106 Contemporary US Foreign Policy
Course Description
The prominent role of the United States and a global leader makes examining and understanding the actions that the U.S. takes toward the rest of the world and how these decisions are made important for both American and citizens of other nations alike. This course will explain and examine the contemporary United States foreign policy. It also aims to analyze history, theory, and perspectives on foreign policy issues to provide the student with a foundation for understanding the study of foreign policy and perspectives. In general, the foreign policy of the United States includes policy decisions regarding international issues and relationships with foreign countries.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the semester, the student will be able
Class Organization
This course is divided into 16 weeks. In each week, three hours will be devoted to interactive lectures and two or one hours will be devoted to tutorials and discussions.
Grading
Class Room Activities 35 marks (Attendance, Tutorial, Assignment, Discussions and Presentation)
Final Exam Paper 65 marks
Tutorials, Mini-tests and Presentations
Tutorials will be a range of actives and will aim to increase student’s understanding of the weekly readings and key concepts. In addition, tutorials will build student’s practical skill.
Final Exam
There will be final exam in Week 16. The final exam will be comprehensive (i.e it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65 marks of the overall course grade.
IR 3107 European Union
Course Description
The course aims to explore the creation of new structure in Europe after the Second World War which involves in integration process of three broad areas: military, political and economic union. The course will explain major institutions of European Union and policy-making and law-making processes. The course will also review border management strategy in Europe and Beyond Brexit in the EU.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the semester, the students will be able
Class Organization
This course is divided into (16) weeks. In each week, three hours will be devoted to interactive lectures.
Readings
There are articles and textbook chapters assigned each week which will be provided on handouts.
Grading
Attendance and Presentations 35 marks
Final Exam 65 marks
Final Exam
There will be final exam in Week 16. The Final exam will be comprehensive (i.e.., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65% of the overall course grade.
Attendance and Presentations
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures and interactive discussion in group presentations. Term paper will be included in 35% of the students’ overall final grade.
IR 3108 Myanmar Foreign Relations since 1948
Course Description
Foreign policy is the actions of government officials designed to promote national interests beyond a country’s territorial boundaries. The study of foreign policy and relations is an ever-changing story of how states, institutions and people engage with one another within a dynamic international system. This class will explore the nature of foreign policy and analyze the factors which determine the formulation of the foreign policy. Then, the course illustrates Myanmar’s foreign relations in regional and global context and emphasize how Myanmar maintains friendly ties with all the countries of the world since 1948.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, the students will able:
Class organization
This course is divided into 16 weeks. In each week, three hours will be devoted to interactive lectures.
Grading
Class Work (presentation, assignments, attendance) 35 marks
Final Exam 65 marks
Final Exam
There will be final exam in Week 16. The final exam will be comprehensive (i.e., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65% of the overall course grade.
Attendance and Presentations
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures and tutorials and for their participation in tutorial discussions, including group presentations in tutorial time. All tutorial activities and attendance will be worth 35% of the students overall final grade.
*Elective Course (Major)
IR-3109 International Relations in Middle East II
Course Description
This lecture aims to understand the students about the past and present situations of Middle East and how to solve the various problem of the Middle East from the United Nations and other superpower countries. What are some conflicts in Middle East? Why did great powers want to influence in Middle East? Is the United Nations effective in keeping peace in Middle East?
Learning outcomes
After finishing the lectures, students will become
-to know the various organizations in Middle East,
-to analyze the previous issues in Middle East and
-to settle the current affairs in Middle East for future peace process.
Class Organization
The Course is divided into 16 weeks. In each week, 3 hours will be devoted to interactive lectures and 2 hours will be classwork.
Grading
Class work (presentation, assignment, quiz) 35 marks
Final Exam paper 65 marks
Final Exam
There will be final exam in week 16. The final exam will be comprehensive ( i.e., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65 marks of the overall course grade.
Attendance and Presentations
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures and tutorials and for their participation in tutorial, discussion, including group presentations in tutorial time. All tutorial activities and attendance will be worth 35% of the students overall final grade.
Core Courses
IR 3201 – (4) Government and Politics of USA
IR 3202 – (4) Current Issues in International Relations
R 3203 – (4) Government and Politics of Myanmar
Eco 3001 – (4) Economic Development
Law 3202 – (4) International Law I
* Elective Courses
IR 3204 – (3) International Relations in Middle East I
IR 3205 – (3) International Relations in Latin America
Geog 3001 – (3) Elements of Political Geography I
*A student must choose any one elective course offered by the Department of International Relations and Geography.
IR 3201 Government and Politics of USA
Course Description
The objective of this course is to introduce key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, characteristics of the constitutional system, Supreme Court decisions, the relationships and interactions among political institutions, and political culture of the United States. The course aims to develop critical understanding of the strengths and weakness of the American political system as well as their rights and responsibilities as citizens. This course aims to explore history, the formation of the American system and how it shapes public policy.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the semester, the student will be able
Class Organization
This course is divided into 16 weeks. In each week, three hours will be devoted to interactive lectures and two or one hours will be devoted to tutorials and discussions.
Grading
Class Room Activities 35 marks (Attendance, Tutorial, Assignment, Discussions and Presentation)
Final Exam Paper 65 marks
Final Exam
There will be final exam in Week 16. The final exam will be comprehensive (i.e it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65 marks of the overall course grade.
Tutorials, Mini-tests and Presentations
Tutorials will be a range of actives and will aim to increase student’s understanding of the weekly readings and key concepts. In addition, tutorials will build student’s practical skill.
IR 3202 Current Issues in International Relations
Course Description
The course aims to explain causes and effects of current political and economic issues in International Relations. The course will identify sources of social issues among states. The course will also explore major factors in international cooperation to settle the issues.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the semester, the students will be able
Class Organization
This course is divided into 16 weeks. In each week, three hours will be devoted to interactive lectures.
Readings
There are articles and textbook chapters assigned each week which will be provided on handouts.
Grading
Attendance and Presentations 35 marks
Final Exam 65 marks
Final Exam
There will be final exam in Week 16. The Final exam will be comprehensive (i.e.., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65% of the overall course grade.
Attendance and Presentations
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures and interactive discussion in group presentations. Term paper will be included in 35% of the students’ overall final grade.
IR 3203 Government and Politics of Myanmar
Course Description
This course covers the political processes of Myanmar from the colonial period at the beginning of 1900 to current political atmosphere in Myanmar. Since Myanmar regained its independence from Britain in 1948, many challenges continue to face Myanmar, including ethnic peace, economic progress and addressing humanitarian needs. The instructor will start with the political development of Myanmar based on the religion since the early 1900s. Main areas of this course include constitutional interpretation and its implications, ethnic minority rights, faction in parties and organizations as well as the role of military in Myanmar’s politics. The basic idea of this course is to identify themes that have shaped contemporary political landscape of Myanmar. This course also discusses such factors as ethnic politics and legacies of colonial rule that Myanmar government has faced today.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able
to evaluate contemporary Myanmar politics by learning political history of Myanmar
to assess nature of political institutions and political parties in Myanmar
Class organization
This course is divided into 16 weeks. In each week, three hours lectures will be devoted to interactive learning.
Grading
Class participation (tutorial, assignments, presentation) 35 marks
Exam 65 marks
Final Exam
There will be final exam in Week 16. The Final exam will be comprehensive (i.e.., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65% of the overall course grade.
Attendance and Presentations
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures and interactive discussion in group presentations. Term paper will be included in 35% of the students’ overall final grade.
*Elective Course (Major)
IR-3204 International Relations in Middle East I
Course Description
This class aims to know the students about the geopolitical locations of Middle East and the emergence of the State of Israel in 1948. After establishing the State of Israel, four major wars appeared among Arab and Israel. International organizations and super powers countries involved the affairs of Middle East but Middle East’s situations cannot settle yet. Different non-states actors evolve and the current circumstances are more complex.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the semester, the students will be able
-to understand the past and present conditions in Middle East,
-to analyze the various problems in Middle East and
-to use effective methods for settling Middle East’s affairs
Class Organization
The Course is divided into 16 weeks. In each week, 3 hours will be devoted to interactive lectures and 2 hours will be classwork.
Grading
Class work (presentation, assignment, quiz) 35 marks
Final Exam paper 65 marks
Final Exam
There will be final exam in week 16. The final exam will be comprehensive ( i.e., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65 marks of the overall course grade
.Attendance and Presentations
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures and tutorials and for their participation in tutorial, discussion, including group presentations in tutorial time. All tutorial activities and attendance will be worth 35% of the students overall final grade.
* Elective Course (Minor)
IR 3002 Current issues in International Relations (Law)
Course Description
This course will discuss political, security, economic and environmental issues of the world. Firstly, this course will cover political and security issues in the world such as the security cooperation among the US, Japan and India, Russia’s interest in the Arctic Region. Secondly, this module will examine the process of economic issues such as China’s Belt and Road Initiative, US-China trade conflict and economic tension between Japan and South Korea. Thirdly, this course will explore the environmental issues in current international relations such as global warming.
Learning Outcomes
The students will be able to analyze the situations of the international community, to identify the basic concept within and between states in the current issues of International Relations. The students will have the knowledge and skills to have a broad understanding of some of the most important ideas, issues and events in international relations.
Class organization
This course is divided into 16 weeks. In each week, three hours will be devoted to interactive lectures.
Grading
Classwork (assignment, tutorial and presentation) 35 marks
Final Exam 65 marks
Final Exam
There will be a final exam in Week 16. The final exam will be comprehensive (i.e., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65 of the overall course grade.
Attendance and Presentations
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures and tutorials and for their participation in tutorial discussions, including group presentations in tutorial time. All tutorial activities, attendance will be worth 35 of the student’s overall final grade.
Core Courses
IR 3206 – (4) Contemporary US Foreign Policy
IR 3207 – (4) European Union
R 3208- (4) Myanmar Foreign Relations since 1948
Eco 3002 – (4) International Finance
Law 3205 – (4) International Law II
* Elective Courses
IR 3209 – (3) International Relations in Middle East II
IR 3210 – (3 ) Environmental Issues
Geog 3002 – (3) Elements of Political Geography II
*A student must choose any one elective course offered by the Department of International Relations and Geography
IR 3206 Contemporary US Foreign Policy
Course Description
The prominent role of the United States and a global leader makes examining and understanding the actions that the U.S. takes toward the rest of the world and how these decisions are made important for both American and citizens of other nations alike. This course will explain and examine the contemporary United States foreign policy. It also aims to analyze history, theory, and perspectives on foreign policy issues to provide the student with a foundation for understanding the study of foreign policy and perspectives. In general, the foreign policy of the United States includes policy decisions regarding international issues and relationships with foreign countries.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the semester, the student will be able
Class Organization
This course is divided into 16 weeks. In each week, three hours will be devoted to interactive lectures and two or one hours will be devoted to tutorials and discussions.
Grading
Class Room Activities 35 marks (Attendance, Tutorial, Assignment, Discussions and Presentation)
Final Exam Paper 65 marks
Tutorials, Mini-tests and Presentations
Tutorials will be a range of actives and will aim to increase student’s understanding of the weekly readings and key concepts. In addition, tutorials will build student’s practical skill.
Final Exam
There will be final exam in Week 16. The final exam will be comprehensive (i.e it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65 marks of the overall course grade.
IR 3207 European Union
Course Description
The course aims to explore the creation of new structure in Europe after the Second World War which involves in integration process of three broad areas: military, political and economic union. The course will explain major institutions of European Union and policy-making and law-making processes. The course will also review border management strategy in Europe and Beyond Brexit in the EU.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the semester, the students will be able
Class Organization
This course is divided into 16 weeks. In each week, three hours will be devoted to interactive lectures.
Readings
There are articles and textbook chapters assigned each week which will be provided on handouts.
Grading
Attendance and Presentations 35 marks
Final Exam 65 marks
Final Exam
There will be final exam in Week 16. The Final exam will be comprehensive (i.e.., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65% of the overall course grade.
Attendance and Presentations
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures and interactive discussion in group presentations. Term paper will be included in 35% of the students’ overall final grade.
IR 3208 Myanmar Foreign Relations since 1948
Course Description
Foreign policy is the actions of government officials designed to promote national interests beyond a country’s territorial boundaries. The study of foreign policy and relations is an ever-changing story of how states, institutions and people engage with one another within a dynamic international system. This class will explore the nature of foreign policy and analyze the factors which determine the formulation of the foreign policy. Then, the course illustrates Myanmar’s foreign relations in regional and global context and emphasize how Myanmar maintains friendly ties with all the countries of the world since 1948.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, the students will able:
Class organization
This course is divided into 16 weeks. In each week, three hours will be devoted to interactive lectures.
Grading
Class Work (presentation, assignments, attendance) 35 marks
Final Exam 65 marks
Final Exam
There will be final exam in Week 16. The final exam will be comprehensive (i.e., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65% of the overall course grade.
Attendance and Presentations
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures and tutorials and for their participation in tutorial discussions, including group presentations in tutorial time. All tutorial activities and attendance will be worth 35% of the students overall final grade.
*Elective Course (Major)
IR-3209 International Relations in Middle East II
Course Description
This lecture aims to understand the students about the past and present situations of Middle East and how to solve the various problem of the Middle East from the United Nations and other superpower countries. What are some conflicts in Middle East? Why did great powers want to influence in Middle East? Is the United Nations effective in keeping peace in Middle East?
Learning outcomes
After finishing the lectures, students will become
-to know the various organizations in Middle East,
-to analyze the previous issues in Middle East and
-to settle the current affairs in Middle East for future peace process.
Class Organization
The Course is divided into 16 weeks. In each week, 3 hours will be devoted to interactive lectures and 2 hours will be classwork.
Grading
Class work (presentation, assignment, quiz) 35 marks
Final Exam paper 65 marks
Final Exam
There will be final exam in week 16. The final exam will be comprehensive ( i.e., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65 marks of the overall course grade.
Attendance and Presentations
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures and tutorials and for their participation in tutorial, discussion, including group presentations in tutorial time. All tutorial activities and attendance will be worth 35% of the students overall final grade.
* Elective Course (Minor)
IR 3004 Current issues in International Relations (Law)
Course Description
This course will discuss political, security, economic and environmental issues of the world. Firstly, this course will cover political and security issues in the world such as the security cooperation among the US, Japan and India, Russia’s interest in the Arctic Region. Secondly, this module will examine the process of economic issues such as China’s Belt and Road Initiative, US-China trade conflict and economic tension between Japan and South Korea. Thirdly, this course will explore the environmental issues in current international relations such as global warming.
Learning Outcomes
The students will be able to analyze the situations of the international community, to identify the basic concept within and between states in the current issues of International Relations. The students will have the knowledge and skills to have a broad understanding of some of the most important ideas, issues and events in international relations.
Class organization
This course is divided into 16 weeks. In each week, three hours will be devoted to interactive lectures.
Grading
Classwork (assignment, tutorial and presentation) 35 marks
Final Exam 65 marks
Final Exam
There will be a final exam in Week 16. The final exam will be comprehensive (i.e., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65 of the overall course grade.
Attendance and Presentations
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures and tutorials and for their participation in tutorial discussions, including group presentations in tutorial time. All tutorial activities, attendance will be worth 35 of the student’s overall final grade.
Core Courses
IR 4201 – (4) Diplomacy I
IR 4202 – (4) IR of Southeast Asia
IR 4203 – (4) International Relations Theories
Eco 4001- (4) International Trade Policy and Issues
Law 4202 – (4) Administrative Law
Elective Courses
IR 4204 – (3) Governments and Politics of East Asia
IR 4205- (3) Myanmar-China Relations
A student must submit a research paper as a requirement for the degree of BA.
IR 4201 Diplomacy I
Course Description
This course aims to contribute the students for understanding the significance of diplomacy in international relations. It aims to focus on the evolution of diplomacy since civilization, role and functions of diplomacy in international relations. Diplomatic immunities, Cold War diplomacy, diplomacy in the 21st century, functions of diplomatic mission and Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be studied in the course. Students will engage in group discussion, paper assignment and paper presentation for widening of their knowledge on diplomacy and quality of diplomat in international relations.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the semester, the students will be able
Class Organization
The course is divided into 16 weeks. In each week, 3 hours will be devoted to interactive lectures and 2 hours will be assigned for group discussion and paper presentation.
Grading
Class work (presentation, assignment) 35
Final Exam paper 65
Final Exam
There will be final exam in Week 16. The final exam will be comprehensive (i.e., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65 % of the overall course grade.
Attendance and Presentation
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures, tutorials, assignments and their participation in group presentation in tutorial time. All class activities and attendance will be worth 35 % of the students overall final grade.
IR 4202 International Relations of Southeast Asia
Course Description
This class aims to familiarize students with the knowledge of the security and dynamics of international relations in Southeast Asia since the end of World War II. Firstly, this module will cover the development of Southeast Asia regionalism such as imaging Southeast Asia as a region, theoretical perspectives of IR in Asia, and the situation of Southeast Asia in the Cold War and Post-Cold War era. Next, this course will explore the role of such external powers as the United States, China, Australia, Japan, and India in Southeast Asia. Thirdly, this course will cover current regional challenges in building the ASEAN Community. Throughout the course, we will engage seminar discussions to evaluate the regionalism and regional cooperation in Southeast Asia and how ASEAN and its members have coped with several security challenges, and managed regional order and stability.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the semester, the student will be able
Class organization
The course is divided into sixteen (16) weeks. In each week, three hours will be devoted to interactive lectures and two hours will be classwork.
Grading
Classwork (Presentation, Assignment, quiz) 35%
Final Exam Paper 65%
Final Exam
There will be a final exam in Week 16. The final exam will be comprehensive (i.e., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65% of the overall grade course.
Attendance and Presentation
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures, quiz, tutorial, and for their participation in discussions, involving group presentation in tutorial time. All tutorial activities and attendance will be worth 35% of the students’ overall final grade.
IR 4203 Theories of International Relations
Course Description
This course aims to analyze the important theories of International Relations. It will include four different types of International Relations theories such as Realism, Liberalism, Radicalism and Constructivism. The description on how to apply these theories in the issues of International Relations will also be presented.
Learning Outcomes
After ending the course, the students will assess
– to understand the basic concepts of theories of International Relations
– to criticize the differences of the Realism, Liberalism, Radicalism and Constructivism
– to explore the important of application of the International Relations Theories
Class Organization
This course is divided into 16 weeks. Three hours will be taken for the lecture time and two hours will be had for other class activities during each week.
Grading:
Exam Marks 65 marks
Class activity (attendance, discussion and assignment, etc.) 35 marks
Final Exam
After ending the semester, all course descriptions will be completed for the final exam which is worth 65 marks of the overall course grade.
Attendance and Presentation
Class participation (attendance, tutorial, discussion, presentation and assignment) is important for a student. Grade will be depended on the student’s activities. Plagiarism is strongly limited in the paper.
IR 4204 Governments and Politics of East Asia
Course Description
This course aims to provide the students with clear understanding of politics and governments of East Asians countries as well as some issues between and among them. In addition, it also aims the students at learning how these countries try to solve their issues and how to interact with one another and what the United States’ policy towards East Asia and Pacific will be explored as well. In this sense, we’d like to focus on the politics and governments of only four countries: Japan, two Korea and China although the East Asian region is made up of eight countries.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the semester, the students will be able
Class Organization
The course is divided into 16 weeks. In each week, 3 hours will be devoted to interactive lectures and 2 hours will be classwork
Grading
Class work (presentation, assignment, tutorial) 35
Final Exam paper 65
Final Exam
There will be final exam in Week 16. The final exam will be comprehensive (i.e., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65 marks of the overall course grade.
Attendance and Presentations
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures and tutorials and for their participation in tutorial discussions, including group presentations in tutorial time. All tutorial activities and attendance will be worth 35% of the students overall final grade.
IR-4205 Myanmar-China Relations
Course Description
This course aims to provide students with a solid understanding of the situations of Myanmar-China Relations as a way of analysing Myanmar and China politics. Student will examine various determinant factors which influence and determine the Myanmar-China Relations. This course will provide students with critical thinking of various the dimensions, obstacles and opportunities in Myanmar-China Relations.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the semester, the students will be able
Class organisation
This course is divided into sixteen (16) weeks. In each week, two hours will be devoted to interactive lectures and two hours will be devoted to tutorials.
Grading
Attendance and Presentations 35%
Final Exam 65%
Attendance and Presentations
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures and tutorials and for their participation in tutorial discussions, including group presentations in tutorial time. All tutorial activities and attendance will be worth 35% of the students overall final grade.
Final Exam
There will be final exam in Week 16. The final exam will be comprehensive (i.e., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65% of the overall course grade.
Core Courses
IR 4206 – (4) Diplomacy II
IR 4207 – (4) ASEAN
IR 4208 – (4) United Nations
Eco 4002- (4) Economic Development of Myanmar
Law 4204 – (4) International Human Rights Law
Elective Courses
IR 4209 – (3) Governments and Politics of South Asia
IR 4210 – (3) Myanmar-India Relations
A student must submit a research paper as a requirement for the degree of BA.
IR 4206 Diplomacy II
Course Description
This course aims to contribute the students for understanding the significance of diplomacy in international relations. It aims to focus on the art of negotiation and the instruments of foreign policy in international relations. The necessary arrangements for pre- negotiation and negotiation stages, difficulties and limitations for achieving the successful negotiations and the significant role of military strength and economic wealth in foreign policy formulation will be examined in the course. Students will engage in group discussion, paper assignment and paper presentation for widening of their knowledge on negotiation and international relations.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the semester, the students will be able
Class Organization
The course is divided into 16 weeks. In each week, 3 hours will be devoted to interactive lectures and 2 hours will be class work.
Grading
Class work (presentation, assignment) 35
Final Exam paper 65
Final Exam
There will be final exam in Week 16. The final exam will be comprehensive (i.e., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65 marks of the overall course grade.
Attendance and Presentation
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures, tutorials, assignments and their participation in group presentation in tutorial time. All class activities and attendance will be worth 35 % of the students overall final grade.
IR 4207 ASEAN
Course Description
On regards with studying ASEAN, most of the students in Myanmar has developed a perception that ASEAN is a mere “Talk shop” or ASEAN is a semi-EU international institution. The reason is mainly because to understand ASEAN, it is to look from a new lens which is not the lens of Realism, through power or the lens of Liberalism, which is through benefits from cooperation, but from the lens of Constructivism, which emphasize on the reason why ASEAN came together and How they can build a Unity among diversity.
Learning Outcomes
After ending the course, the students will assess
– to understand the basic concepts of the ASEAN
– to criticize the non-interference principle of ASEAN
– to develop a theoretical concept on the progress of ASEAN
Class Organization
This course is divided into 16 weeks. Three hours will be taken for the lecture time and two hours will be had for other class activities during each week.
Grading
Exam Marks 65 marks
Class activity (attendance, discussion and assignment, etc.) 35 marks
Final Exam
After ending the semester, all course descriptions will be completed for the final exam which is worth 65 marks of the overall course grade.
Attendance and Presentation
Class participation (attendance, tutorial, discussion, presentation and assignment) is important for a student. Grade will be depended on the student’s activities. Plagiarism is strongly limited in the paper.
IR 4208 The United Nations
Course Description
IR 4108 is a course that students will study about the history of the United Nations, its structure, main bodies and agencies and also challenges and opportunities that the UN faces in the 21st century. It also introduces students to the academic discussion about the role of the UN in the contemporary world politics. In this course students will examine the strength and weakness of UN in place of overcoming the global challenges. Moreover, students will consider that how does UN response to the pressure of globalization, and whether UN’s performances are converging with those of the Great Power countries and then can determine the positions of Great Powers in the international affairs. In addition, students are expected to be familiar with central theories of international relations regarding the UN and can also understand the unique position of the UN system in the world politics.
Learning Outcomes
By learning this course, the students will be able
– to understand the role of the United Nations in global politics
– to examine the achievements and weakness of UN’s performance in global challenges
– to criticize the impacts of UN’s intervention over some countries
Class Organization
This course is divided into sixteen weeks. In each week, three hours will be devoted to interactive lectures and two hours will be group discussion.
Grading
Tutorials 10%
Group Presentation & Assignment 25%
Final Exam 65%
Final Exam
The final exam will be comprehensive (i.e, it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65% of the overall course grade. The exam will include materials from lectures, tutorials and discussion topics.
Presentation and Tutorials–Groups will be formed based on students’ portion and assigned topics for presentation. The presentation topics are based on course readings and outside research. Tutorials will include a range of lectures and will aim to increase student’s understanding of the weekly readings and key concepts. All tutorial activities and attendance will be worth 35% of the students overall final grade.
IR 4109 Governments and Politics of South Asia
Course Description
The aims of this course are to provide the students with clear understanding of politics and governments of South Asian countries as well as some issues between and among them. In addition, it also aims the students at learning how these countries try to establish their governments and politics and how to interact with one another will be explored as well. In this sense, we’d like to focus on the politics and governments of only Four countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka although the South Asian region is made up of eight countries.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the semester, the students will be able
Class Organization
The course is divided into 16 weeks. In each week, 3 hours will be devoted to interactive lectures and 2 hours will be classwork.
Grading
Class work (presentation, assignment, tutorial) 35
Final Exam paper 65
Final Exam
There will be final exam in Week 16. The final exam will be comprehensive (i.e., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65 marks of the overall course grade.
Attendance and Presentations
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures and tutorials and for their participation in tutorial discussions, including group presentations in tutorial time. All tutorial activities and attendance will be worth 35% of the students overall final grade.
IR-4210 Myanmar-India Relations
Course Description
This course aims to provide students with a solid understanding of the situations of Myanmar-India Relations as a way of analysing Myanmar and India politics. Students will explore the importance of Myanmar-India Relations to implement the Indo-Pacific strategy. Student will examine various determinant factors which influence and determine the Myanmar-India Relations. This course will provide students with critical thinking of various the dimensions, obstacles and opportunities in Myanmar-India Relations.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the semester, the students will be able
Class organisation
This course is divided into sixteen (16) weeks. In each week, two hours will be devoted to interactive lectures and two hours will be devoted to tutorials.
Grading
Attendance and Presentations 35%
Final Exam 65%
Attendance and Presentations
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures and tutorials and for their participation in tutorial discussions, including group presentations in tutorial time. All tutorial activities and attendance will be worth 35% of the students overall final grade.
Final Exam
There will be final exam in Week 16. The final exam will be comprehensive (i.e., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65% of the overall course grade.
IR – 5101/5201 Conflict Management and Conflict Resolution I
Course Description
The course aims to introduce conceptual framework on conflict management and resolution, and role of states, and non-state actors in conflict resolution .It also aims to provide students with an understanding of theory and practical cases to highlight nature of solutions of international conflicts.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the semester, students will be able
Class Organization
The course is divided into 16 weeks. In each week three hours will be for interactive lectures and two hours will be class works.
Grading
Classwork (Attendance, assignment, Quiz) – 35%
Final exam – 65% (Closed Book)
Final Exam
The final exam will cover 65% of the overall course grade and will be held in Week 16. It will be a comprehensive exam covering the entire semester. It will be a closed book exam.
Attendance and Presentation
Students will be assessed on their attendance, quiz, and assignment for 35% of the course grade. The assignment will include a group presentation and paper.
IR-5101/5201 Geopolitics and International Relations I
Description of the course
Geopolitics, traditionally the study of power relations across geographic space, has transformed to embrace the cyber domain and the geopolitics of sustainability. Critical issue areas such as the geopolitical impacts of climate change and resource competition are studied alongside enduring classical themes, notably sea power and the return of great power rivalry. The geo-strategies employed by global and regional actors, including China, the United States, and Russia across global regions, are examined through the lens of geopolitical theory. This analytical approach is accompanied by historical and regional-cultural contexts, providing students with knowledge and understanding of the dynamics of contemporary geopolitical challenges.
Learning Outcomes
After completing the module successfully, the students will be able to have the following competences:
Teaching Methodology
The cause is taught with four specific teaching methods: lecturing, group discussions in the class, contributing tutorial tests and presentations. The course combines with 14 lecturers (2 hours for each lecture) in one semester. Main concepts and certain geopolitical theories are basically emphasized in each lecture.
Assessment
Class work (tutorials, group presentations, assignments) – 25%
Attendance – 10%
Exam paper _ 65%
Total – 100%
IR – 5104/5204 National Security and Human Security I
Course description
The course is divided into four parts. The first part deals with the major theories of international relations and their theoretical perceptions on security. The second parts focuses on the collective security involving the study of the regional and international security organizations. The third parts explores the security paradigm shift and non-traditional security issues. Finally, the course concludes with the study of human security.
Class Organization
These four parts will be covered within the sixteen weeks lecturers. Each week will involve: 3 hours lecture and 2 hours discussion.
Learning Outcomes
This course explores the security studies through two different domains: national security and human security. It will take theoretical understanding of the security to examine how the actors and institutions have been working in the international relations. It will consider the changing pattern of security studies and the significant of people-centered security approach. The students will be expected to gain a better understanding on the security studies through different theoretical perspectives at the end of the semester.
Materials: “Paul D. Williams. ‘Security Studies: An Introduction’, Security Studies: An Introduction. London: Routledge (2013) “ will be the major reading for every week. Other relevant readings such as articles will be provided for every week.
Assessments:
IR 5105/ 5205-Conflict Management and Conflict Resolution II
Course Description
The course aims to provide students with an understanding of models of conflict resolution , mediation, and nature of international conflicts .It also aims to examine strategies of mediation and international conflict resolution with practical cases.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the semester, students will be able
Class Organization
The course is divided into 16 weeks. In each week three hours will be for interactive lectures and two hours will be class works.
Grading
Classwork (Attendance, assignment, Quiz) – 35%
Final exam – 65% (Closed Book)
Final Exam
The final exam will be in week 16 and will cover 65% of the overall course grade. It will be a comprehensive exam covering the entire semester. It will be a closed book exam.
Attendance and Presentation
Students will be assessed on their attendance, quiz, and assignment for 35% of the course grade. The assignment will include a group presentation and paper.
IR- 5107/5207 Geopolitics and International Relations II
Course Description and Objectives
Generally, Geopolitics is a broad spectrum of studying the geographic perspective to aid in understanding the dynamics of contemporary global politics, including issues related to global power struggles, nationalist conflicts, border dynamics, the global military actions over terrorism, peace movements, resource conflicts, and the politics of climate change. This course aims to provide the students with a greater understanding of the subdivision of the international politics called “geopolitics”, how it works, how it can be used to assess the capabilities of a state, a region, or a union of states in terms of their domestic and foreign policy orientations in international relations. In this course, different aspects of the geopolitical approach will be analysed the changing context of geographical, cultural, and political divergent.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the students are expected to have a greater knowledge on how to assess geopolitical issues, improve their understanding of foreign policy and international system analyses. It is also hoped that students will have a firm grasp of conceptual & theoretical explorations of the core concepts of strategy and related debates and controversies from a global perspective based on their sound knowledge and understanding. Moreover, they are able to analyze the geopolitical principles and strategies within the international relations system with well-developed judgement.
Teaching Methodology
The cause is taught with four specific teaching methods: lecturing, group discussions in the class, contributing tutorial tests and presentations. The course combines with 14 lecturers (2 hours for each lecture) in one semester. Main concepts and certain geopolitical theories are basically emphasized in each lecture.
Assessment
Class work (tutorials, group presentations, assignments) – 25%
Attendance – 10%
Exam paper _ 65%
Total – 100%
IR 5108/5208- National Security and Human Security II
Course description
The course is divided into three parts. The first part explores the meaning of national security in relation to the nature of the state, the nature of threats and individual security. The second parts focuses on developing a national security policy. The third parts aims to study human security.
Class Organization
These three parts will be covered within the sixteen weeks lecturers. Each week will involve: 3 hours lecture and 2 hours discussion.
Objectives and learning outcomes
This course aims to improve students’ in depth understanding on security and its components and at the end of the semester, students are expected to gain the knowledge of national security and human security from various aspects.
Materials: “People, States and Fear: The National Security Problem in International Relations” by Barry Buzan and other relevant readings such as articles will be provided for every week.
Assessments:
Core Courses
IR 4101 – (4) Diplomacy I
IR 4102 – (4) Research Design & Method
IR 4103 – (4) International Relations Theories
Eco 4001- (4) International Trade Policy and Issues
Law 4002 – (4) Administrative Law
Elective Courses
IR 4104 – (3) Governments and Politics of East Asia
IR 4105- (3) Myanmar-China Relations
A student must submit a research paper as a requirement for the degree of BA.
IR 4101 Diplomacy I
Course Description
This course aims to contribute the students for understanding the significance of diplomacy in international relations. It aims to focus on the evolution of diplomacy since civilization, role and functions of diplomacy in international relations. Diplomatic immunities, Cold War diplomacy, diplomacy in the 21st century, Functions of diplomatic mission and Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be studied in the course. Students will engage in group discussion, paper assignment and paper presentation for widening of their knowledge on diplomacy and quality of diplomat in international relations.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the semester, the students will be able
Class Organization
The course is divided into 16 weeks. In each week, 3 hours will be devoted to interactive lectures and 2 hours will be assigned for group discussion and paper presentation.
Grading
Class work (presentation, assignment) 35
Final Exam paper 65
Final Exam
There will be final exam in Week 16. The final exam will be comprehensive (i.e., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65 % of the overall course grade.
Attendance and Presentation
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures, tutorials, assignments and their participation in group presentation in tutorial time. All class activities and attendance will be worth 35 % of the students overall final grade.
IR 4103 Theories of International Relations
Course Description
This course aims to analyze the important theories of International Relations. It will include four different types of International Relations theories such as Realism, Liberalism, Radicalism and Constructivism. The description on how to apply these theories in the issues of International Relations will also be presented.
Learning Outcomes
After ending the course, the students will assess
– to understand the basic concepts of theories of International Relations
– to criticize the differences of the Realism, Liberalism, Radicalism and Constructivism
– to explore the important of application of the International Relations Theories
Class Organization
This course is divided into 16 weeks. Three hours will be taken for the lecture time and two hours will be had for other class activities during each week.
Grading:
Exam Marks 65 marks
Class activity (attendance, discussion and assignment, etc.) 35 marks
Final Exam
After ending the semester, all course descriptions will be completed for the final exam which is worth 65 marks of the overall course grade.
Attendance and Presentation
Class participation (attendance, tutorial, discussion, presentation and assignment) is important for a student. Grade will be depended on the student’s activities. Plagiarism is strongly limited in the paper.
IR 4104 Governments and Politics of East Asia
Course Description
This course aims to provide the students with clear understanding of politics and governments of East Asians countries as well as some issues between and among them. In addition, it also aims the students at learning how these countries try to solve their issues and how to interact with one another and what the United States’ policy towards East Asia and Pacific will be explored as well. In this sense, we’d like to focus on the politics and governments of only four countries: Japan, two Korea and China although the East Asian region is made up of eight countries.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the semester, the students will be able
Class Organization
The course is divided into 16 weeks. In each week, 3 hours will be devoted to interactive lectures and 2 hours will be classwork
Grading
Class work (presentation, assignment, tutorial) 35
Final Exam paper 65
Final Exam
There will be final exam in Week 16. The final exam will be comprehensive (i.e., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65 marks of the overall course grade
Attendance and Presentations
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures and tutorials and for their participation in tutorial discussions, including group presentations in tutorial time. All tutorial activities and attendance will be worth 35% of the students overall final grade.
IR-4105 Myanmar-China Relations
Course Description
This course aims to provide students with a solid understanding of the situations of Myanmar-China Relations as a way of analysing Myanmar and China politics. Student will examine various determinant factors which influence and determine the Myanmar-China Relations. This course will provide students with critical thinking of various the dimensions, obstacles and opportunities in Myanmar-China Relations.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the semester, the students will be able
Class organisation
This course is divided into sixteen (16) weeks. In each week, two hours will be devoted to interactive lectures and two hours will be devoted to tutorials.
Readings
Readings from a variety of sources will be available to students through the course. The main textbooks will be “In the name of Pauk-Paw: Myanmar’s China Policy since 1948”, by Maung Aung Myoe and Modern China- Myanmar Relations: Dilemmas of Mutual Dependence, by David I. Steinberg and Hongwei Fan. Chapters from the book of Myanmar: Reintegrating into the International Community will also be used.
Grading
Attendance and Presentations 35%
Final Exam 65%
Attendance and Presentations
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures and tutorials and for their participation in tutorial discussions, including group presentations in tutorial time. All tutorial activities and attendance will be worth 35% of the students overall final grade.
Final Exam
There will be final exam in Week 16. The final exam will be comprehensive (i.e., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65% of the overall course grade.
Core Courses
IR 4106 – (4) Diplomacy II
IR 4107 – (4) ASEAN
IR 4108 – (4) United Nations
Eco 4002- (4) Economic Development of Myanmar
Law 4004 – (4) International Human Rights Law
Elective Courses
IR 4109 – (3) Governments and Politics of South Asia
IR 4110 – (3) Myanmar-India Relations
A student must submit a research paper as a requirement for the degree of BA.
IR 4106 Diplomacy II
Course Description
This course aims to contribute the students for understanding the significance of diplomacy in international relations. It aims to focus on the art of negotiation and the instruments of foreign policy in international relations. The necessary arrangements for pre- negotiation and negotiation stages, difficulties and limitations for achieving the successful negotiations and the significant role of military strength and economic wealth in foreign policy formulation will be examined in the course. Students will engage in group discussion, paper assignment and paper presentation for widening of their knowledge on negotiation and international relations.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the semester, the students will be able
Class Organization
The course is divided into 16 weeks. In each week, 3 hours will be devoted to interactive lectures and 2 hours will be class work.
Grading
Class work (presentation, assignment) 35
Final Exam paper 65
Final Exam
There will be final exam in Week 16. The final exam will be comprehensive (i.e., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65 marks of the overall course grade
Attendance and Presentation
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures, tutorials, assignments and their participation in group presentation in tutorial time. All class activities and attendance will be worth 35 % of the students overall final grade.
IR 4107 ASEAN
Course Description
On regards with studying ASEAN, most of the students in Myanmar has developed a perception that ASEAN is a mere “Talk shop” or ASEAN is a semi-EU international institution. The reason is mainly because to understand ASEAN, it is to look from a new lens which is not the lens of Realism, through power or the lens of Liberalism, which is through benefits from cooperation, but from the lens of Constructivism, which emphasize on the reason why ASEAN came together and How they can build a Unity among diversity.
Learning Outcomes
After ending the course, the students will assess
– to understand the basic concepts of the ASEAN
– to criticize the non-interference principle of ASEAN
– to develop a theoretical concept on the progress of ASEAN
Class Organization
This course is divided into 16 weeks. Three hours will be taken for the lecture time and two hours will be had for other class activities during each week.
Grading:
Exam Marks 65 marks
Class activity (attendance, discussion and assignment, etc.) 35 marks
Final Exam
After ending the semester, all course descriptions will be completed for the final exam which is worth 65 marks of the overall course grade.
Attendance and Presentation
Class participation (attendance, tutorial, discussion, presentation and assignment) is important for a student. Grade will be depended on the student’s activities. Plagiarism is strongly limited in the paper.
IR 4108 The United Nations
Course Description
IR 4108 is a course that students will study about the history of the United Nations, its structure, main bodies and agencies and also challenges and opportunities that the UN faces in the 21st century. It also introduces students to the academic discussion about the role of the UN in the contemporary world politics. In this course students will examine the strength and weakness of UN in place of overcoming the global challenges. Moreover, students will consider that how does UN response to the pressure of globalization, and whether UN’s performances are converging with those of the Great Power countries and then can determine the positions of Great Powers in the international affairs. In addition, students are expected to be familiar with central theories of international relations regarding the UN and can also understand the unique position of the UN system in the world politics.
Learning Outcomes
By learning this course, the students will be able
– to understand the role of the United Nations in global politics
– to examine the achievements and weakness of UN’s performance in global challenges
– to criticize the impacts of UN’s intervention over some countries
Class Organization
This course is divided into sixteen weeks. In each week, three hours will be devoted to interactive lectures and two hours will be group discussion.
Grading
Tutorials 10%
Group Presentation & Assignment 25%
Final Exam 65%
Final Exam
The final exam will be comprehensive (i.e, it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65% of the overall course grade. The exam will include materials from lectures, tutorials and discussion topics.
Presentation and Tutorials–Groups will be formed based on students’ portion and assigned topics for presentation. The presentation topics are based on course readings and outside research. Tutorials will include a range of lectures and will aim to increase student’s understanding of the weekly readings and key concepts. All tutorial activities and attendance will be worth 35% of the students overall final grade.
IR 4109 Governments and Politics of South Asia
Course Description
The aims of this course are to provide the students with clear understanding of politics and governments of South Asian countries as well as some issues between and among them. In addition, it also aims the students at learning how these countries try to establish their governments and politics and how to interact with one another will be explored as well. In this sense, we’d like to focus on the politics and governments of only Four countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka although the South Asian region is made up of eight countries.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the semester, the students will be able
Class Organization
The course is divided into 16 weeks. In each week, 3 hours will be devoted to interactive lectures and 2 hours will be classwork.
Grading
Class work (presentation, assignment, tutorial) 35
Final Exam paper 65
Final Exam
There will be final exam in Week 16. The final exam will be comprehensive (i.e., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65 marks of the overall course grade.
Attendance and Presentations
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures and tutorials and for their participation in tutorial discussions, including group presentations in tutorial time. All tutorial activities and attendance will be worth 35% of the students overall final grade.
IR-4110 Myanmar-India Relations
Course Description
This course aims to provide students with a solid understanding of the situations of Myanmar-India Relations as a way of analysing Myanmar and India politics. Students will explore the importance of Myanmar-India Relations to implement the Indo-Pacific strategy. Student will examine various determinant factors which influence and determine the Myanmar-India Relations. This course will provide students with critical thinking of various the dimensions, obstacles and opportunities in Myanmar-India Relations.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the semester, the students will be able
Class organisation
This course is divided into sixteen (16) weeks. In each week, two hours will be devoted to interactive lectures and two hours will be devoted to tutorials.
Readings
Readings from a variety of sources will be available to students through the course. The main textbooks will be India-Myanmar Relations: Changing Contours, by Rajiv Bhatia and India-Myanmar Relations: Historical Links to Contemporary Convergences, by Lipi Ghosh and other authors. The related Articles will also be used.
Grading
Attendance and Presentations 35%
Final Exam 65%
Attendance and Presentations
Students will be assessed on their attendance in lectures and tutorials and for their participation in tutorial discussions, including group presentations in tutorial time. All tutorial activities and attendance will be worth 35% of the students overall final grade.
Final Exam
There will be final exam in Week 16. The final exam will be comprehensive (i.e., it will cover the entire semester) and be worth 65% of the overall course grade.
Modules for International Relations Specialization
(Master of Arts Degree)
IR (First Year)
Semester I
IR 611 International Relations of Asia Pacific I
IR 612 Major Issues in International Relations
IR 613 International Relations: Theories and Approaches
IR 614 International Political Economy I
Semester II
IR 621 International Relations of Asia Pacific II
IR 622 International Relations of Central Asia
IR 623 Globalization: Ecological Issues
IR 624 International Political Economy II
IR (Second Year)
Semester I
IR 631 Research Progress Report
IR 632 Research & Seminar
Semester II
Research
PS (First Year)
Semester I
Semester II
*Modules for Political Science specialization are being discussed.
PS (Second Year)
Semester I
Semester II
*Modules for Political Science specialization are being discussed.
Modules for International Relations Specialization
(PhD Preliminary Course)
Ph D
Preliminary
IR 711 Myanmar Foreign Policy
IR 712 United Nations and Myanmar
IR 713 Regional Development in Asia
IR 714 Treaties, Agreements & Conventions
Modules for Diploma in International Relations (DIR)
DIR
Semester I
D IR Module I Elements of International Relations I
D IR Module II Elements of Political Institutions I
DIR Module III Diplomacy I
D IR Module IV Current Issues in International Relations I
Semester II
D IR Module V Elements of International Relations II
D IR Module VI Elements of Political Institutions II
DIR Module VII Governments of Southeast Asia
D IR Module V III Current Issues in International Relations II
Modules for Diploma in Political Science (DPS)
Semester I
DPS Module I International Relations in Political Thought
DPS Module II Essentials of International Relations
DPS Module III Comparative Politics
DPS Module IV Public Administration
Semester II
DPS Module V Foreign Policy Formulation
DPS Module VI Elements of Political Institutions
DPS Module VII Comparative Politics
DPS Module VIII Public Policy
