The B.A. in International Relations program, short IR, provides the educational foundation for an academic and/or professional career in various international related occupations. The program is designed to meet the needs of governmental- and non-governmental institutions, the private sector and research and educational institutions in Cambodia and overseas. The program is based on national and international standards of the Cambodian National Qualifications Framework of Higher Education (CNQF 2014) and guidelines of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoeYS), Department of Higher Education (DHE 2018).

The International Relations program offers a variety of courses in the discipline and related fields, including humanities, law, political science, economics, sociology, psychology and media. The program requires students to plan and organize their studies and make choices in which field they would like to specialize. For this purpose, the curriculum provides for elective basic and core major courses. IR students are supervised by a multicultural faculty coming from Cambodia, the Philippines, Europe and the United States as well as visiting professors and practitioners from various countries and backgrounds. The International Relations program has greatly facilitated our student’s academic and professional careers in various occupations.

IR graduates will have a sound educational foundation to succeed in an academic and/or professional career. Graduates master basic concepts in their field of study, are familiar with basic research methods and their application, demonstrate proficiency in academic writing and speaking, are open-minded, tolerant and self- and socially responsible. They deal pro-actively with issues arising from their functions as citizens, members of society, and employees or supervisors. They act in the interests of Cambodia and the relevant stakeholders in society, for the continued development of their country. IR graduates will be well aware and knowledgeable about the importance of maintaining and promoting constructive and peaceful relations at home and abroad.

Course Description

 POL 101          Introduction to Political Science

The course introduces the student to basic concepts of political science. The course also examines institutions and political processes in various systems throughout the world. Information and analysis provided in the course are necessary foundations for further study in this field.

 ANTH 102      Cultural Anthropology

This course is designed as part of the general studies that any undergraduate student has to fulfill before going on for a specific major course. This course is designed to investigate the impact of culture on our everyday living and decision-making, both locally and globally. This course deals with basic concepts of the study of humans, past and present, with emphasis on their differing cultures. The course entails the students not only to learn conceptual information but also to apply it in problem solving, case studies and class debates.

 NATS 102        Environmental Science

This is a non-lab science course that is part of the general studies. Any undergraduate student has to complete it in order to go to their specific majors. This course examines the complex interaction between human being and their environment. Some fundamental concepts of environmental science are presented to students in order to make them environmentally aware about vital issues like conservation of natural resources, sustainable use of resources, environmental degradation, and rapid growth of human population coupled with technology causing major environmental problems. Emphasis is given to promote sustainable concepts and to enable students to make informed choices regarding their environment. This course is designed to make students understand theories and integrate them into practical applications through real world situation observations, consequentially allowing them to establish cause and effect relationship through impact assessment projects.

 COMP 110      Introduction to Computers

This course is one of the general courses in the FY program required by PUC to familiarize students with the use of computer as an efficient tool for their study and work. It is designed to provide non-IT students an overview of how computer system has been developed the fundamental concepts and terminologies of computer systems, knowledge of basic computer hardware and software, and the teach students how to assemble computer, install software, and computer troubleshooting. There are 2 Lab-sessions, which equal to 3 hours for students to practice computer assembling and software installation. Student will learn what computer components are, implication of information technology, and basic troubleshooting knowledge.

 ENGL 110       English I: Reading and Composition

The course, a foundation level of English as a foreign language course, is intended to guide students through models and writing practice, and to sharpen composition and analytical skills needed for good academic writing. Students will be guided through a variety of writing strategies and techniques with emphasis on sentence structure, including correct use of grammar, mechanics and sentence combining. Students will learn paragraph organization, and research and organization methods required for writing paragraphs.

 KHMR 110    Khmer Studies

Khmer Studies enables students to learn about the origins of cultures and civilization of each race, which had settled on our land, and to acquire Austro-Asian culture that is the primitive Khmer culture before the arrival of foreign cultures. Likewise, we can learn about the evaluation of Khmer culture from one era to another such as Pre-history, Norkor Phnom (Funan) era, Chenla era, Angkor era, Post-Angkor as well as present society. Moreover, Khmer Studies also focuses on the early beliefs, superstitions, and religions in which Khmer believed and practiced in various historical ages. Also, Khmer Studies is about arts, languages, literature, customs, traditions and creativities of the Khmer people. In addition, Khmer Studies enables student to be well aware of the Khmer cultural values and civilization Consequently, students will love, nurture and defend their country, races, culture and civilization and national identities in order to benefit Cambodia people as a whole. 

 SOC 110          Gender Studies

The course is designed to introduce key concepts in gender studies from holistic and multidimensional perspective with intersectionality approach. Concept of gender and history of feminism is examined in the beginning of the course to setting the tones for the entire course. Patriarchy will be examined and discussed as institutional mechanism for systematic discrimination against women and a denial of sexual diversity. The course explores gender issues as cross-cutting encompassing different sectors including education, reproductive health, economy, decision making to identify causes of gender inequality. The convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women (CEDAW) will be a main pillar for analysis into the issues. The course also discusses about gender-based violence such as domestic violence, rape and human trafficking for sexual exploitation as a manifestation of male supremacy and as a continuum of gender inequality which continues to oppress women. The course will end with discussions about applications of gender studies to daily lives of the participants to the course.

 ENGL 120       English II: Reading and Composition

The course, an intermediate level of English as a foreign language course, is intended to guide students through models and writing practice – particularly the essay, and to sharpen composition and analytical skills needed for good academic writing. Students will utilize a variety of writing strategies and techniques with emphasis on sentence structure, including correct use of grammar, mechanics and sentence combining. Students will learn paragraph organization, documentation and organization methods required for writing term papers.

 IR 100             Introduction to International Relations

This course is designed as part of the first year oriented and introductory courses for student’s major field of study before going on for specific major courses. This course introduces to major concepts, terminology and theories of international relations. In particular the course explains the historical and contemporary development of the international system, identifies main actors in international relations, provides an overview over major international problems and introduces students to main theories of international relations including among others, the theories of realism and liberalism.

 POL 102          Introduction to Academic Writing for SSIR

This course introduces students how to write academic papers and to do basic research in libraries and internet. The course provides basics on how to develop concepts, research questions, summarize information without plagiarizing, to cite properly and how to write introductions and conclusions for academic papers.

 IR 200             Theories of International Relations

 The course introduces to classical and contemporary theories of international relations (IR). The ‘fundamental’ theories/paradigms of IR are explained in the historical context, which includes Realism, Liberalism, International Society Theory, Social Constructivism Theory and Theories of International Political Economy (IPE). The course objective is familiarizing students with main IR theories and examining their utility to explain/understand international phenomena. The course also aims to improve communication-, writing- and analytical skills of students.

HFT 201          Health Education and Fitness

Health Education course will introduce students to basic knowledge on health education, health behavior, reproductive health, tropical diseases, sexual transmitted diseases, chronic disease, alcohol, tobacco, and domestic violence will be imparted. With this knowledge, students will have opportunity to explore the concept of health education / health promotion and health determinant factors affecting to public health.

MATH 201      College Algebra

Algebra provides materials in basic mathematics for general need in related fields such as economics, business, social science, law and so on. The topics will be covered: basic algebra operations, equations and inequalities, graphs and functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and systems of equations and inequalities. All the topics are accompanied by applications in order to get the students to know the real use of mathematics.

POL 206          Comparative Political Systems

This course provides students with the basic concepts, terminology and methods of comparative politics before in later courses specializations on different political systems in Asia, Europe and the US follow.           

ARIL 210        Academic Research: Information Literacy

The goal of this course is to instill students with information literacy (IL) skills. By the end of the course, it is expected that students will be able to “locate, evaluate and use” information of any type, in any media effectively. Moreover, IL will enable students to communicate their work in a scholarly manner within academic ethic principles. They will understand what plagiarism is and will cite their sources properly when they use someone else’s ideas or work.

PHIL 210        Logic and Critical Thinking

Students will be introduced to the basic methods and principles of logic. Students will study and apply various methods to test arguments, and apply the principles of logic, through various exercises, puzzles, and problem solving, to develop critical thinking skills. Students will study assorted forms of false reasoning and examine possible applications of this study in academic and non-academic life.

PHIL 212        Introduction to Ethics

This course is an introduction to the subject of ethics.  We will examine the basic concepts and principles of ethical thought, including issues of morality and self-interest, right and wrong, actions, character, consequences, motive, and their relationship to issues of law, religion, and society.  We will also read and analyze writings by famous philosophers, thinkers, and leaders regarding ethics and the “good society”.

 PSYC 212        Personal Growth and Development

Personal growth and development is part of the general studies required by PUC for the entire undergraduate program. Students in their third term must take this course. This course is designed to teach disciplinary, good behaviors, positive attitude, self-respect and self-confidence at the university as well as in the society. It will also teach study skills and time management for success in college as well as in life. Buddhist as well as western philosophy and thoughts are essential part of this course. Students can learn how to value life, develop virtues, molding themselves after great heroes. The way to obtain the “positive mental attitudes” is taught through this course.

 POL 202          ASEAN Governments, Politics and Economics

 This course has been designed to give students’ fundamental knowledge and basic understanding of ASEAN as a regional organization. We will explore the situation in Southeast Asia during the Cold War, the emergence of regionalization leading to the establishment of ASEAN. It argues the role and function of ASEAN, influence on ASEAN of regional politics and economy, ASEAN’s norms and practice and evolution of ASEAN in response to global, regional, and sub-regional changes. Students will also have a chance to study ASEAN member countries’ political and economic perspective, and international relations of ASEAN. Finally, students will also be trained in critical thinking, and basic research and analytical skills, which will be very useful in their future academic and professional endeavors.

 HIST 230        History of Cambodia

This is a social science course that students have to fulfill before going on to their specific major course. It will be a discussion of the civil war and its consequences especially the post dark period of year 1975-79 in Cambodia. There will also be a discussion of renovation and reform after the year 1993. The changes in Khmer culture, society and economics will be discussed based on general opinions and public media. Political structure, foreign policy, gender issues, human rights, rural development, and education are also included.

 LAW 101         Introduction to Law

This course introduces students to 1) basic concepts of law and the role of law in the society; 2) law and customs; 3) law and moral, rules, and values; 4) law and its general classification; 5) law and its nature; 6) the world legal systems; 7) Khmer legal systems and its evolution; 8) the lawmaking processes and hierarchy of laws, amendment of law; 9) organization of law in society/in Cambodia, 10) law and dispute resolution.

POL 200          Political World History

The course elaborates on major political events in the past including the revolutions in GB, F and Russia and the US and the origins of the modern state system. In addition the course covers major political events in the 20th century including major political transitions and conflicts (WW II, Cold War, Colonialism, Decolonization, Democratization and Globalization) and the impacts these events and processes have on domestic and international political developments.

 POL 202          Introduction to Political Economy

This course will provide a basic introduction into the essential of political economy, domestically as well as internationally, touching questions of economic development. A course to introduce students to the theories and consequences of economics, especially as it relates to political policies, income levels, currency value, and opportunities. Some of the topics covered will include Keynesian economics, supply-side economics, inflation, deflation, inflationary pressures, currency value, etc.

PAD 207          Introduction to Public Policy and Administration

The study of public policy and pubic administration has become more important and complex in recent years. This course aims at providing students with basic concepts of public policy making process with a bunch of theories that have been widely used to understand the behaviors of both politicians and bureaucracy. Since there are several models available in the study of public policy, this course will adopt the cycle approach to look into the policy process, because this model is simple, step-by-step and practical in analyzing public policy. When public policies are made, it requires the government institutions and public servants to implement. For a long time, we always assume that implementation was static and predictable, but recently we have learned that problems of implementation are also part of policy failure. The second part of this course will focus on public administration, which consists of traditional model of public administration and new public management.

 SOC 213          Principles of Sociology

The course examines principal sociological concepts of social change, social order and stability, power, social inequality, social injustice, race, gender and ethnicity, organizations, society and religion and the relationship between individual and society. The principal concepts are discussed along contemporary social developments.

POL 302          International Organizations

The course focuses on those organizations that are international in nature, for example global and regional organizations like the UN and EU, and examine the role of these organizations in the international system. Furthermore, the course also discusses the impact of such organizations on the behaviour of states and their role in peace and conflict.

POL 303          History of Politics of ASEAN States

The course provides a comparative study of the history and political systems of Cambodia’s neighbour states and some other selected states in Southeast Asia. Focus of the comparative study is on the history and political systems of Thailand, Vietnam and Laos, but also attention will be given to the more distant neighbour states of Myanmar, Singapore and Malaysia.  The course objective is to strengthen student’s general knowledge about the historical developments and political systems of ASEAN member states.

POL 304          Political Philosophy

The course explores the history of political philosophy and examines its role in domestic and international affairs. Political philosophy can be understood as worldviews that are often the underlying value-system in domestic and international affairs influencing and directing actor’s political thinking, attitudes and behaviour. Students will analyse, discuss and reflect on political philosophies against the background of their own experiences and thoughts.

 POL 305          Human Rights and World Politics

The course provides an exhaustive discussion of the concept of human rights, then compares and contrasts the status of such rights in various systems of the world, and examines the impact of this concept on foreign policy and international relations. In the implementation of the course detailed analysis of institutions promoting human rights will be provided.

 POL 306          Western and Asian Political Systems

The course will focus on the comparison of political systems in the Western Hemisphere and Asia. Students are familiarized with the political history of major states, government systems and political changes which those political systems underwent. Students are familiarized with differences and similarities of Asian and Western political systems.

 IR 307             Contemporary International Relations

Students are familiarized with the international system and the changes which this system underwent. The course deepens students understanding of historical and contemporary international relations among major powers today including the US, Russia, China, Japan and the EU.

 IR 308             The United Nations System

The course describes the origins and establishment of the United Nations, and then proceeds to examine the organizational structure of the UN as well as the various programs undertaken by the organization. There will also be an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of this international body in the era of globalization.

 ECON 310      Economic Development

This course aims to provide students a good understanding of the existing structure and system of economic development on global, regional, and national as well as equipping students with the conceptual factors necessary to analyses the advantages and disadvantages of various developments.  It also gives students with information and knowledge, including capacity development and analytical ability to evaluate economic development mainly based on classical and neo-classical approaches. It will also seek to identify the general root causes of national poverty, and define characteristics of economic problems in developing countries. In facts, the course will incorporate other sub-factors mainly institutional reforms, effective governance, infrastructure, social inequality, demographic growth and unemployment. Basically, it is more focused on specific areas, i.e economic conditions for development, sustainable development, and public policy encouraging economic growth, trade policy and opens economy, as well as multilateral or bilateral relations amongst world economic development, environment, business, political economy, economic policy and international trade.

 LAW 310         Introduction to International Law

The field of international law deals with many aspects of the functioning of the international community (including the relations of States with each other and with international organizations). It also affects many activities that occur within or across State boundaries (including the treatment by States of their citizens, environmental law, international trade and many other areas). The impact of international law on the Cambodian legal system and the globalized nature of many governmental, judicial and social activities means that a basic knowledge of the terminology, institutions, and substance  of  international  law  is  not  only  worthwhile  acquiring  in  its  own  right,  but  is  also  a necessary part of the knowledge and skills of any law graduate. This is so, whether you choose to go into the private practice of law, to work as a government or public lawyer, or are undertaking a law degree because you consider it will be useful in another career.

 LAW 320         Alternative Dispute Resolution

This course introduces the theories, principles, and the important role of ADR in Cambodian legal system    which    alternate to    traditional    litigation, to    examines    the    various    ADR    models used in worldwide, to identify different ADR methods, and to recognize each method’s strengths and weakness including the overview of ADR process, analysis of its theoretical and legal underpinning and of their practical application.

 SOC 329          Research Methods in Social Science

The course introduces into intermediate research methods in social science with emphasis on research methods in international relations. The course builds on the first and second year courses in academic writing and information literacy introducing students to conventional and unconventional research methods in social sciences in order to prepare them for senior projects as well as employment in research projects conducted by PUC or other institutions.

 STAT 201        Introduction to Statistics & Its Application

This course is designed for students who have never taken statistics before. We begin with the elementary concept of statistics, continue to descriptive statistics and end with inferential statistics. Students will learn how to present qualitative and quantitative data, both by using graphs and summary values. They also learn basic probability theory in order to understand the concept of inferential statistics. The two kinds of inferences, confidence intervals and test hypotheses are included at the end of the course.

IR 300             SSIR Practicum

 This is an experience where students will work in an organization/government to gain some insight into demands of work with a social science career. Students will be required to write an 8 to 10-page paper talking about their reflections and tying in the work they did to the theories they have learned in the classroom.

IR 301             Political Ideology

This comparative course focuses on the three most important ideologies in the twentieth century: Communism, Fascism and Liberalism. The main points of the ideologies are described, and the course offers an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses in each set of ideas. In the end, communism and fascism failed, and democracy prevailed. The course examines the reasons for the difference in mass appeal.

POL 303          Political Systems of ASEAN States

The course provides a comparative study of the history and political systems of Cambodia’s neighbour states and some other selected states in Southeast Asia. Focus of the comparative study is on the history and political systems of Thailand, Vietnam and Laos, but also attention will be given to the more distant neighbour states of Myanmar, Singapore and Malaysia.  The course objective is to strengthen student’s general knowledge about the historical developments and political systems of Cambodia’s neighbouring ASEAN member states.

POL 304          Contemporary Political Theory

The course examines recent developments in political theory as it pertains to the role of government, the status of the individual in society, concepts of good governance and power political procedures, and comparative analysis of democracy and authoritarianism. As such the course is focused on developments in this field in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

 PSYC 312        Political Psychology

In this class the student will first understand about various psychological theories to better understand political leadership personality styles (i.e. authoritarian personality). The second portion of this class is looking at social psychological theories which explain people’s behaviors when they are in groups, such as groupthink, conformity, and obedience to authority. An important of people’s behavior is related to social cognition, social influences, and social relations factors. The last portion of this class will look at the behavior and attitudes of people with regard to their political activities and views – nationalism, racism, voting, terrorism, protesting, etc.

 PSYC 322        Introduction to Social Psychology

This course introduces undergraduate students to some of the theories, research, and applications of social psychology. Social psychology is an interdisciplinary domain that bridges the gap between psychology and sociology.  Social psychology can useful for students who want to have a deeper understanding of marketing principles, conformity, self-concepts, prejudice, group dynamics, and crowd violence. It is hoped that through this course students will have a better understanding of why people act as they do in various social situations. The course can also help students raise their awareness of their attitudes, self-concept, prejudices, and social behavior.

 POL 405          The Politics and Economics of Globalization

The course provides an overview on the contemporary process of globalization. Globalization will be first studied in its meaning and dimensions as a global process of integration touching not only the economic, but also the political, social and cultural sphere. The second part of the course focus on the study of global politics and global issues including the pros and cons of globalization and the challenges it pose for the political, social and economic sphere.

POL 431          Political Sociology

Participants are familiarized with major sociological theories and their relevance for international relations and political science. This might include theories of structuralism, phenomenology, post-modernism and neo-Marxism. The theories are elaborated in their relevance and contributions to better understand and explain political developments. 

SOC 435          Gender, Power, Equality and Violence

Historically women have been systematically treated in an inferior manner. This course will examine the reasons for this and what the consequences of this treatment are for women today. Gender is viewed as a social, historical, and cultural construction that has profound influences on the opportunities, education, acceptance, and political voice of women. Societal violence that is both condoned and not condoned will be discussed.

 ECON 449      International Economics and Finance

This course is a presentation of international economics and finance issues. An initial focus  and production and trade will broadly be explained in a theoretical way but also by referring to the structure of past and today international financial system. The main problems related to the IFS will be highlighted and students’ propositions to solve these problems will stand as a conclusion to this class.

IR 480             The Work, Goals, and Demands of Governmental and Non-Governmental

                        Organizations

This course seeks to expose students to how the work of NGO’s, IGO’s, as well as governmental bureaucracies is related to interest aggregation, policy formulation, and the pursuance of human rights and free speech. Students should be acquainted with the types of research and activities these organizations/agencies engage in, and how this work is related to their overarching mission or philosophy. Additionally, students should become familiar with the types of skills, knowledge, and thinking these organizations/agencies seek in their employees.

 IR 483             Regional Integration: ASEAN and EU

The course advances students understanding of integration and functional theories (liberal institutionalism) by explaining the regional integration processes in Europe and Southeast Asia in comparative perspective. Similarities and differences of the integration process of ASEAN and EU are discussed and challenges both regions face in advancing a deeper integration of their regions.

 IR 485             Modern Diplomacy and International Cooperation

The course examines theories and practices of diplomacy among states in historical and contemporary perspective. The course will explain diplomacy as an instrument of state foreign policy, elaborate on different forms of diplomacy and on its main functions in contemporary international state relations. Special focus is given to the role of diplomacy in conflict resolution. Negotiation and mediation as diplomatic tools for conflict resolution and the concepts of preventive and coercive diplomacy will be discussed. Participants will deepen their general knowledge on the practice and theory of state diplomacy and international cooperation.

 IR 497             Political Ideologies

The course reflects critically on the origins and the impacts of political ideologies on past and current domestic and international political developments Particular emphasized are the ideologies of liberalism, fascism, communism, nationalism and socialism. The destructive ideologies of Fascism, National Socialism and Communism will be dismantled as dehumanizing ideologies. The course also discusses the contemporary ideologies of Feminism, Environmentalism and Islamism. Students will learn to critically reflect on political ideologies and elaborate on their role and function in politics. A term paper and presentation strengthen student’s writing and presentation skills.

 NATS 413       Environment and Sustainable Development

The course is designed to raise the students awareness of the various socio-economic and technical issues involved in sustainable development, and to give a broad overview of the different areas of concern as expressed by practitioners.

 COM 450        Media in The Digital Age

This course explores the impact of citizen journalism, social networking sites, online video, mobile technology, and other aspects of new media on the media industry. The course also examines issues relating to digital journalism and business entrepreneurship in the rapidly evolving media marketplace, and the implications of changes in media for public affairs professionals.

ECON 468      Political Economy

Students will learn the concept and function of political economy, namely the interconnectivity of economics and politics, and on how this nexus affects government behavior, or policies. Students will also learn the practical lessons and theories of political economy that has profoundly impacted international politics and international relations. The course intends for students to grapple with the inter-relationship of the international financial institutions (IFIs) with society and the state as well as the global order. 

IR 481             Major International Problems

The course examines the most significant problems facing the world today. The course will look at their history, evolution, different approaches for dealing with them, and ideas on how they could eventually be successfully handled. Problems discussed include poverty, border conflicts, authoritarian regimes, global warming, hunger, nuclear proliferation, and the spread of terrorism. An important component of this course will require students to read the international news and be able to think critically about these articles and the consequences of each news event.

IR 482             Special Topics in International Relations

This course will be presented by various SSIR senior members to expose students to a more in-depth analysis of political philosophy, current international events, political economy, human rights issues, or social issues affecting world events.

IR 486             US-China Relations

China and the USA are currently the most influential political actors in the Asia-Pacific region including Southeast Asia. The course elaborates on the history and evolution of political relations between the US and China and contemporary issues of contentions and cooperation among them and their contemporary influence on international relations in Southeast Asia.

 IR 487             Pro-Seminar in International Relations

This course requires students to develop an academic paper, which they will have to defend in class. A broad range of international relations related topics might be covered in the course depending on the lecturer. Focus should be to strengthen student’s skills to develop advanced academic papers and strengthen their communication skills in defending their academic papers in class. Students will be chosen to cross-read the paper of other students.

IR 489             Senior Project, Internship Report or Exit Exam