Introduction
This course provides a broad introduction to the study of international relations. As a field of study, international relations focuses on the political, military, economic, and cultural interaction of state and non-state actors at the global level. The field therefore encompasses a diverse array of topics, from the causes of war to the politics of development, from international institutions to the environment. At the end of this programme, students will have great insights into foreign affairs, public policies, international development, economic trends, social issues, law, diplomacy work, lobbying, political analysis, international law and intelligence.
Goals
- To equip the students with adequate statistical and quantitative skills and the ability to apply them to the analysis of socio-economic and political issues and policies.
- To have the knowledge and understanding of political science methods
- An understanding of how political institutions emerge, how they operate, how they interact with their external environment, and how they shape individual and collective behavior.
- Understand the fundamental concepts, issues, and theories central to comparative politics and international relations, and be able to explain the similarities and differences between various types of polities and how they affect their behavior.
- Have a competence in the basic methodology of research and analysis in political science and be able to analyze and formulate effective argumentation about the political world in writing and oral presentation, making use of that competence.
- Enable to describe and explain political theory, political systems around the world, and politics in the international arena.
Objectives
- To stimulate the students intellectually through the programme, in such a way that they appreciate socio-political problems.
- To provide a solid foundation of knowledge about the workings of society and its institutions and develop the skills for the constructive use of such knowledge.
- To develop in students, the ability to apply the knowledge to the resolution of societal problems and conflicts.
- To develop in students, such skills for competency that would allow them to be self-reliant and entrepreneurial.
- Provide the students, such skill-base from which they can proceed to higher studies in political science and international relations.
- To imbue in the students a deep appreciation of the political dynamics of society and the impact of this on wider socio-economic development and societal wellbeing.
Course Curriculum
| B. Sc. International Relations – 4 YEAR Curriculam Plan | ||||||
| Sl. No | Course Code | Course Title | Units | Category | Lecture (hours) | Practical (hours) |
| SEMESTER 1 Level 100 | ||||||
| 1 | GST1211 | English Communication I | 2 | GST | 30 | – |
| 2 | GST1213 | Use of Library, Study Skills and ICT | 2 | GST | 30 | – |
| 3 | GST1215 | Nigerian People and Culture | 2 | GST | 30 | – |
| 4 | PSY1313 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | Core | 45 | – |
| 5 | POL1311 | Introduction to Political Science | 3 | Core | 45 | – |
| 6 | POL1313 | Introduction to African Politics | 3 | Core | 45 | – |
| 7 | SOC1311 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | Core | 45 | – |
| 18 | 270 | – | ||||
| SEMESTER 2 Level 100 | ||||||
| 1 | GST1222 | Communication in French | 2 | GST | 30 | – |
| 2 | GST1224 | Logical Critical Thinking & Problem Solving | 2 | GST | 30 | – |
| 3 | GST1226 | Introduction to Entrepreneurship | 2 | GST | 30 | – |
| 4 | ACC1322 | Research Methodology | 3 | Core | 45 | – |
| 5 | POL1322 | Nigerian Government & Politics | 3 | Core | 45 | – |
| 6 | PCR1322 | Peace and Conflict Resolution | 3 | Core | 45 | – |
| 7 | POL1324 | Introduction to International Relations | 3 | Core | 45 | – |
| 18 | 270 | – | ||||
| SEMESTER 3 Level 200 | ||||||
| 1 | GST2211 | English Communication II | 2 | GST | 30 | – |
| 2 | GST2213 | Leadership Skills | 2 | GST | 30 | – |
| 3 | GST2215 | Core Life Skills & Happiness | 2 | GST | 30 | – |
| 4 | GST2317 | Environment and Sustainable development | 3 | GST | 45 | – |
| 5 | POL2311 | History of Political thought | 3 | Core | 45 | – |
| 6 | POL2313 | Foundations of Political Economy | 3 | Core | 45 | – |
| 7 | IRS2311 | Nigerian Foreign Policy | 3 | Core | 45 | – |
| 18 | 270 | – | ||||
| SEMESTER 4 Level 200 | ||||||
| 1 | IRS2322 | History of Europe till World War II | 3 | Required | 45 | – |
| 2 | IRS2324 | Elements of Contemporary Global Studies | 3 | Required | 45 | – |
| 3 | IRS2326 | New States In World Politics | 3 | Required | 45 | – |
| 4 | IRS2328 | Theories of International Relations | 3 | Required | 45 | – |
| 5 | IRS2340 | Diplomacy | 3 | Required | 45 | – |
| 6 | IRS2342 | International Politics of Africa | 3 | Required | 45 | – |
| 18 | 270 | – | ||||
| SEMESTER 5 Level 300 | ||||||
| 1 | IRS3699 | SIWES(Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme) / Industrial Attachment / Project | 6 | |||
| 6 | – | – | ||||
| SEMESTER 6 Level 300 | ||||||
| 1 | IRS3322 | Foreign Policy Analysis | 3 | Required | 45 | – |
| 2 | IRS3324 | Race and Ethnicity in International Relations | 3 | Required | 45 | – |
| 3 | IRS3326 | Intentional Politics in the Post-Cold War Era | 3 | Required | 45 | – |
| 4 | IRS3328 | International Economic Relations | 3 | Required | 45 | – |
| 5 | IRS3340 | Africa and the Middle East | 3 | Required | 45 | – |
| 6 | IRS3342 | Law of Nations | 3 | Required | 45 | – |
| 7 | IRS3344 | The International Political System | 3 | Required | 45 | – |
| 21 | 315 | – | ||||
| SEMESTER 7 Level 400 | ||||||
| 1 | IRS4313 | Asia in World Politics | 3 | Required | 45 | – |
| 2 | IRS4315 | International Relations in Southern Africa & North Africa | 3 | Required | 45 | – |
| 3 | IRS4317 | Europe in World Politics | 3 | Required | 45 | – |
| 4 | IRS4319 | The Middle East in World Politics | 3 | Required | 45 | – |
| 5 | Elective 1 | 3 | 45 | |||
| 6 | Elective 2 | 3 | 45 | |||
| 18 | 270 | – | ||||
| SEMESTER 8 Level 400 | ||||||
| 1 | IRS4326 | Foreign Policies of the Powers | 3 | Required | 45 | – |
| 2 | IRS4328 | Contemporary Strategic Studies | 3 | Required | 45 | – |
| 3 | IRS4340 | Human Rights | 3 | Required | 45 | – |
| 4 | POL4326 | International Institutions | 3 | Core | 45 | – |
| 5 | IRS4342 | Technology, Ecology and Environmental Issues in International Relations | 3 | Required | 45 | – |
| 15 | 225 | – | ||||
| Total Credits for Programme | 132 | 1,890 | – | |||
| Project / Internship / SIWES ( Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme) | ||||||
| Course Code | Course Title | Units | Category | Lecture (hours) | Practical (hours) |
|
| IRS3699 | SIWES / Industrial Attachment / Project | 6 | ||||
| Options for Elective 1 & 2 | ||||||
| Course Code | Course Title | Units | Category | Lecture (hours) | Practical (hours) |
|
| POL4335 | World Peace Origination | 3 | Elective | 45 | – | |
| IRS4331 | Contemporary International System | 3 | Elective | 45 | – | |
| IRS4333 | Political analysis & International Society | 3 | Elective | 45 | – | |
| BUA4335 | International Management | 3 | Elective | 45 | – | |