DEPARTMENT

of

INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

2020-2021
INTRODUCTION
This program is designed for those who wish to be equipped with theories,
practical knowledge and analytical skills to understand critical world issues and
the way they develop. The themes underlying the curriculum embrace
interdisciplinary coherence (social sciences and foreign languages).
In view of the fact that Cambodia has experienced fast paced development and
become increasingly regionally and globally integrated, yet remains in need of a
broader perspective and a rational world view, the Department of International
Studies (DIS) undertakes the important mission to produce a pool of
intellectually matured graduates with expertise in international studies.
International Studies is a multidisciplinary program which focuses on global
issues and development as well as the complex relationship between societies
and governments that shape the world we live in. The focal themes include
political science, international economic development, foreign relations, and
international cultural histories. DIS draws on a broad range of recognized
Cambodian experts at the Royal University of Phnom Penh who see the need for
Cambodia to have future leaders who are well-equipped with analytical skills and
knowledge of the global world.

BACKGROUND
The Department of International Studies originated from the International
Studies Program (ISP), which was established at the Institute of Foreign
Languages on September 5, 2008. At its inception, ISP, with a limited number of
students, was under the administration and management of the Department of
English. Since then as the quality and quantity of students and faculty members
grew, significant modifications to the curriculum were made and the Program
was transformed into the Department of International Studies (DIS) in June 2010.

VISION
The DIS envisions an academic institution in which faculty, students and staff
strive to learn, apply, share and ultimately create new knowledge such that the
Cambodian people, regional partners and the world, benefit. DIS looks towards a
future in which it is the recognized Cambodian leader in teaching, research,
engagement and services in the fields of international relations, economics and
trade.

VALUES
 Excellence
 Integrity
 Professionalism
 Selfless services

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MISSIONS
The Department of International Studies aims to:
1. Equip students with in-depth knowledge in the fields of international
relations and governance, international law and organizations,
international economics, and region and area studies;
2. Develop students’ critical and analytical thinking skills, independent
learning, and other transferable skills needed for a variety of careers in a
globalized world;
3. nurture students’ ability to apply theories learnt in class to real life
situations;
4. produce students who are able to act responsibly as good citizens in a
globalized world.

DIS PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

DIS Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

DIS graduates will:
A. Knowledge:
A1. Demonstrate core knowledge of socio-cultural, economic, political and security
factors, facts, concepts, and generalizations that inform intra-state and cross-border
relations among state and non-state actors;
A2. Possess knowledge of latest developments in the thematic clusters of international
relations and governance, international law and organizations, international
economics, and region and area studies;
B. Cognitive Skills :
B1. Evaluate the perspective, quality and accuracy of information resources with
reference to international relations and governance, international law and
organizations, international economics, and region and area studies;
B2. Use a deep knowledge of diverse worldviews, experiences, power structures,
different effects of human organization and actions on the global system to develop
informed actions to address significant global/local problems;
C. Interpersonal Skills and Responsibility:
C1. Execute tasks in an academic setting which require interpersonal skills, leadership
skills, and independent learning skills useful for employment;
C2. Demonstrate an understanding of philosophical and social contexts and respect for
ethics and ethical standards of the discipline when creating tools to address social,
political, economic, and environmental challenges;
C3. Develop a sense of appreciation and respect for national interests, culture and
cultural diversity;
D. Communication, Information Technology, and Numerical Skills
D1. Demonstrate an ability to effectively communicate information and ideas in English
in both local and international contexts;
D2. Utilize the most appropriate information technology, statistical and mathematical
techniques and tools in gathering, analysing, interpreting and presenting information.

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ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
This program is a rigorous and intensive degree program whose primary
medium of instruction is English. Applicants must possess an outstanding level of
achievement required by the Institute of Foreign Languages for admission. Each
candidate must pass an entrance examination arranged by the Institute of
Foreign Languages. The exam is designed to test candidates’ English proficiency
as well as general knowledge about regional and global events and histories.

PROGRAM DURATION
This program requires FOUR years of full-time study. Each academic year is
scheduled into two semesters per year with additional elective (optional)
courses conducted between academic years. Students are required to study five
regular courses each semester, except for those admitted into the Honors
Program, the second semester of fourth year. Each course consists of 30 one-
and-half-hour sessions.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Students must earn a minimum of 120 credit points to be eligible for the award of
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. The total accumulated credit points can
be earned by attending required courses (3 credits for each course) and passing
the comprehensive examinations or successfully defending their senior project
(for students in the Honors Program).
There are two strands for the BA programs at the senior year: (1) the regular
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies (with two concentrations: International
Relations and International Economics) and (2) the Bachelor of Arts in
International Studies (Honors). The Regular Program does not require students
to write the senior project but they must pass the comprehensive examinations.
The Honors Program requires students to successfully complete and defend the
project. Only limited outstanding students (those students with an average score
of 80 or above in all the four years of study) are admitted into the Honors
Program upon the recommendation from their academic advisors/teachers.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Potential applicants must submit a completed application form (available from
Room 03, IFL) along with the following documents:
1) A copy of a provisional or permanent High School Certificate or Bachelor’s
Degree certified by a provincial or municipal authority, along with an original
copy, which will be immediately returned to the candidate; or
2) A certified copy of an Associate Degree Certificate deemed equivalent by the
Accreditation Committee of Cambodia; or
3) For recent high school graduates, an original transcript with a stamped photo
certified by the School Director, and
4) One 4 x 6 photo.
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Students must submit their application form with attachments to an application
form checker at IFL, pay an entrance examination fee, and collect a receipt from
the stamp officer. This receipt must be presented to examiners before students
can take the entrance examination.

REGULAR AND ELECTIVE COURSES

Regular courses are compulsory, while elective courses are optional. Credits
earned from elective courses cannot be transferred to the regular courses.
Students are strongly encouraged to enroll in elective courses to better prepare
themselves for the next-year level. Elective course credits will be included on
academic transcripts.

PROGRAM COURSE THEMES

The curriculum offered for the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies provides
each student with a comprehensive understanding of the following four
interrelated themes:
1. International Relations and Governance Studies
2. International Economics and Trade
3. Region and Area Studies
4. International Law and Organization

I. International Relations and Governance Studies

This theme covers the following main areas—international relations/world
politics, comparative politics, international political economy, and foreign policy.
Each of these includes the respective history, development, related issues, as well
as major philosophical, theoretical, and methodological approaches to the study
of the area.
Courses under this theme:
1. IR101 Introduction to International Relations
2. AWA101 Atlas of World Affairs
3. IS203 / IS207 International Relations I and II
4. IS301 Political Thoughts and Ideologies
5. IS302 International Political Economy
6. IS305 Global Governance
7. IS307 Comparative Politics
8. IS402 Governance Issues in Developing Countries
9. IS403 Globalization and Social Change
10. IS401 / IS406 Foreign Policy I and II
11. IS404 Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
12. IS405 Order, Actors and Power in International Politics
13. IS409 International Security
14. IS410 Diplomacy: Theory and Practice

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II. International Economics and Trade
This theme offers students a deeper understanding of the changing dynamics of
global economy, finance and trade. The two prerequisite courses: Principles of
Microeconomics and Macroeconomics aim to provide students with necessary
background in theory and practice of economic models and concepts. They are
the basic building blocks for economic policy analysis and application to real
international economic settings. This theme also allows students to draw upon
Cambodia’s relevant development and economic issues for class discussion and
policy analysis.
Courses under this theme:
1. IS202 Principles of Microeconomics
2. IS206 Principles of Macroeconomics
3. IS408 International Development Economics
4. IE401 Applied Econometrics
5. IE402 Regional Economies: ASEAN, G8, BRICS and East Asia
6. IE403 Special Topics on Trade in Developing Countries
7. IE404 International Trade Theory and Policy
8. IE405 International Monetary Economics and Policy
9. IE406 Industrial Policy
10. IE407 International Finance
11. IE408 International Economic Development
12. IE409 Trade Negotiations
13. IE410 Digital Economy

III. Region, Area and History Studies

Courses under this theme aim to provide students with foundations of history,
world civilization, and area studies. Students will be invited to explore intriguing
issues and focused studies pertaining to various regions.
Courses under this theme:
1. ASEAN101 ASEAN Studies
2. WHC102 World History and Civilization
3. IES102 Introduction to East and Southeast Asia
4. IS204 Politics and Governments in Southeast Asia
5. IS208 Model ASEAN Summit
6. IS210 ASEAN in Regional and Global Contexts
7. IS308 Institutions in Asia Pacific

IV. International Law and Organizations

This theme includes international law, international organizations, and issues
related to international law and international organizations. It covers the history
and development as well as issues pertaining to the application, implementation
and the international organizations that work to uphold international law.

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Courses under this theme:
1. IS201 The United Nations Systems and Agencies
2. IS304 Public International Law
3. IS306 Model United Nations
4. IS407 International Human Rights Law

V. Elective Courses
1. IS901 History of Conflicts in Southeast Asia
2. IS902 Geopolitics

FOUNDATION YEAR SUBJECTS

Year I (Semester I) Year I (Semester II)

WHC102: World History IES102: Introduction to

and Civilization East and Southeast Asia

AWA101: Atlas of World IR101: Introduction to Elective Course I

Affairs International Relations
KHR102: Khmer and ASEAN101: ASEAN Studies IS901: History of
Regional History Conflicts in SE Asia
AMS101: Applied
KC102: Khmer Civilization
Mathematics and Statistics

AWR101: Academic Writing AWR102: Academic

and Reading 1 Writing and Reading 2

YEAR TWO SUBJECTS

Year II (Semester I) Year II (Semester II)

IS206: Principles of
IS201: The UN Systems and Agencies
Macroeconomics

IS202: Principles of Microeconomics IS207: International Relations II

IS203: International Relations I IS208: Model ASEAN Summit

IS204: Politics and Governments in IS209: Critical Thinking for Global

Southeast Asia Affairs and Local Development

IS205: Professional Communication IS210: ASEAN in Regional and

Skills Global Contexts

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 YEAR THREE SUBJECTS

Year III (Semester I) Year III (Semester II)

IS301: Political Thoughts and IS306: Model United

Ideologies Nations

IS302: International Political IS307: Comparative

Elective Course II
Economy Politics

IS308: Institutions in
IS303: Introduction to Research IS902: Geopolitics
Asia Pacific

IS309: Research
IS304: Public International Law Methods in International
Relations

IS310: Critical IR
IS305: Global Governance
Thoeries

YEAR FOUR SUBJECTS (REGULAR PROGRAM)

Concentration: International Relations

Year IV (Semester I) Year IV (Semester II)

IS406: Foreign Policy II:

IS401: Foreign Policy I
Diplomacy of Small States

IS402: Governance Issues in IS407: International Human

Developing Countries Rights Law

IS403: Globalization and Social IS408: International Development

Change Economics

IS404: Conflict Resolution and

IS409: International Security
Negotiation

IS405: Order, Actors and Power in IS410: Diplomacy: Theory and

International Politics Practice

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YEAR FOUR SUBJECTS (HONORS PROGRAM)
Concentration: International Relations

Year IV (Semester I) Year IV (Semester II)

IS406: Foreign Policy II: Small

IS401: Foreign Policy I
State Diplomacies

IS402: Governance Issues in IS407: International Human

Developing Countries Rights Law

IS403: Globalization and Social IS410: Diplomacy: Theory and

Change Practice

IS404: Conflict Resolution and

Negotiation
IS411: BA Senior Project
IS405: Order, Actors and Power in
International Politics

YEAR FOUR SUBJECTS

Concentration: International Economics

Year IV (Semester I) Year IV (Semester II)

IE401: Applied Econometrics IE406: Industrial Policy

IE402: Regional Economies: ASEAN,

IE407: International Finance
G8, BRICS and East Asia

IE403: Special Topics on Trade in IE408: International Development

Developing Countries Economics

IE404: International Trade Theory IE409: Trade Negotiations (for

and Policy regular program only)

IE405: International Monetary IE410: Global Digital Economy

Economics and Policy (for regular program only)

* The DIS reserves the right to change or modify this subject chart when it is
deemed necessary.

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PROGRAM COURSE DESCRIPTION

FOUNDATION YEAR SUBJECTS

IR101: Introduction to International Relations

This course aims to introduce first-year DIS students to the basic concepts of
International Relations. First, the course introduces students to the role and
influence of the state in international politics. The second part of
the course explores how non-state actors such as religious
organizations, nationalist movements, multinational
corporations, rebel groups, terrorist groups, and Non-
Governmental Organizations, exercise their role and influence in
world politics. The third part of the course introduces the role
and influence of Inter-Governmental Organizations (IGOs) such
as the League of Nations, the United Nations, the European
Union, and ASEAN, in global and regional contexts. Finally, the course introduces
students to major regional and global challenges and issues such as climate
change, weapons of mass destruction, humanitarian crises, as well as the North-
South divide.

AWA101: Atlas of World Affairs

This course is designed for first-year DIS students to advance
their vocabulary, reading, and thinking skills. By offering a brief
overview of the most critical issues facing the world today, the
course also provides students with the opportunity to practice
their speaking skills in groups and as a class. This course offers
a brief introduction to social, economic, and political events that
have shaped the modern world since the Second World War.
International issues and conflicts are placed in their geographical contexts with
descriptive maps. Beyond advancing language skills, this course offers students
historical and political backgrounds to better understand the issues and
institutions that are shaping today’s world as reported on international
newscasts.

ASEAN101: ASEAN Studies

ASEAN Studies aims at offering students the glimpse of modern history of
countries in Southeast Asia, which supplements the understanding of socio-
cultural, political-security, and particularly economic issues raised by recent
ASEAN’s institutional developments. Another objective is to raise students’
awareness of ASEAN and the three communities which have profound
implications and impacts on their lives. The course will also enable students to
capture the overall picture of the expected costs and opportunities generated by
the three ASEAN Communities.

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AMS101: Applied Mathematics and Statistics
Modern technology yields large amounts of data which can be well understood
with the help of statistics. The main objective of this subject is to provide an
accessible introduction to statistics. It starts with the concept of data; what it is
and how it can be collected and summarized. There is a brief review of the basic
concepts of probability. Students will study important statistical tools and
understand their use by solving specific applied problems.

IES102: Introduction to East and Southeast Asia

This course aims to develop students’ understanding about East and Southeast
Asia, a culturally rich and diverse region of the world. At the
outset, the course introduces students to the nature of tradition
and modernity, and change to family and religion in East and
Southeast Asia. Next, the course guides students to explore the
role of colonialism and nationalism in political change, national
building, and economic development in the region. Finally, the
course provides students with opportunities to examine major
regional challenges and issues such as democracy, human rights, globalization,
and superpowers’ relations.

WHC102: World History and Civilization

World History and Civilization is the story of great human
adventures, their cultural development and their achievements
in human history. World History and Civilization provides a
variety of knowledge to students from religious ideas to
scientific achievements. This course focuses on the
development of academic English to understand major world
civilizations chronologically. It starts from the development of
Egypt Civilization, Sumerian Civilization, Indus Civilization, Chinese Civilization,
and the Mayan Civilization, which are considered to be the predecessors of later
development. This course also emphasizes the building of these major
civilizations as well as their achievements in the fields of religion, literature,
science and technology.

KRH102: Khmer and Regional History

The aim of this subject is to increase students’ understanding of Cambodia’s
unique national identity through its history, which is one of the oldest in
Southeast Asia and of the development of the histories of other countries in the
region through interaction with outsiders, political tendencies and acculturation
as well as cultural transformation. Students will examine, discuss and analyze the
roles of two great civilized countries in Asia, India and China, in influencing the
region in ancient times; how certain countries in the region emerged and
developed their ancient and modern states before and after the emergence of

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Western Superpower; and the rise in nationalism in Southeast Asia during and
after World War II.
KC102: Khmer Civilization
Khmer Civilization is concerned with Khmer culture and how it has been
influenced by foreign cultures since ancient time. Its themes include the
relationships between Cambodian and foreign cultures, religions, architecture,
arts, beliefs, and ritual ceremonies. It aims at helping students to appreciate
Cambodian cultural identity and distinguish it from foreign cultural identities. In
addition, students will learn how to spread Cambodian culture in the global
context appropriately and know how to link it to some world and regional
cultures. The course book is a collection of texts from various sources including
Cambodian Culture and History and Cambodian and Indian Cultures.

AWR101 & AWR102: Academic Writing and Reading 1 & 2

These courses are designed to develop DIS students’ academic
writing skills by having them engage in various academic
writing activities such as writing paragraphs and essays, citing
sources, quoting, referencing, paraphrasing, and summarizing.
The course is primarily aimed to provide students with practical
information about the essential conventions of academic writing
and to improve students’ academic writing skills through
frequent practice. The course places high emphasis on how to
avoid plagiarism and how to write unified, cohesive, coherent, and adequately
developed paragraphs and essays.
IS901: The History of Conflict in Southeast Asia (Elective)
This course begins its narrative with prehistory and investigates how the earliest
complex societies developed in the region now referred to as “Southeast Asia.”
This survey course will reveal a dynamic world of encounter, cooperation,
conflict, interaction, and war, exploring the ways in which the concepts of ruler,
empire, community, ethnicity, nation, state, national identity and more have
emerged within a broad historical and geographical landscape. Moreover, since
much of the conflict in Southeast Asia in modern times has occurred within
nations rather than between them, the course examines civil wars, ethnic
conflicts, and secessionist movements.

YEAR TWO SUBJECTS

IS201: The UN Systems and Agencies

This course seeks to give students a clear understanding of an

area fundamentally important in global governance by
introducing students to the frameworks of the UN, the supreme
Inter-Governmental Organization, and its subordinate agencies,
which have significantly influenced the international relations
of the states, organizations, and individuals. The course will

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expose students to the fundamental knowledge concerning the UN and its
agencies.
IS202: Principles of Microeconomics
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of
microeconomic analysis. Topics covered include the study of
the forces of supply and demand that determine prices and the
allocations of resources in markets, as well as the behavior of
individuals and businesses in response to those market forces.
This introduction course provides all the basic knowledge
required to understand other Economics courses that follow.

IS203: International Relations I

International Relations I provides a basic illustration of what International
Relations is mainly about. Essential concepts, theories,
ideologies, debates, and controversies over international politics
and economy (among other prime national and international
factors) will be presented throughout the course. In addition,
students will be exposed to different discussions over the
relativity of IR theory and practice in the real world, through the
analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of specific theories
when applied to different case scenarios/case studies.

IS204: Politics and Governments in Southeast Asia

This course explores contemporary dynamic politics of the
eleven countries in Southeast Asia in a new international era
following the end of the Cold War. Despite heavy load of region’s
sensational headlines and stereotypical images, the current
Southeast Asia populated by more than 600 million people has
currently been experiencing unprecedented and dynamic
political and socio-economic changes. Neo-paradigm of wealth
and poverty; conflict over rights, identity, social justice, and
particularly power; emergence of new actors advocating against the
governments; centrality of ASEAN in the region and the world at large; and the
like are emerging across the countries in Southeast Asia. Therefore, the
interconnectedness between institutions and social groups, state-society
relations and democracy, economy and development, and foreign relations of
those eleven countries transforming the entire Southeast Asia has become a
primary focus of international attention and thus has been recently subjected to
careful scrutiny.

IS205: Professional Communication Skills

Given the critical importance of effective communication to
enhance performance and productivity, both personally and
professionally, this course aims to introduce students to
fundamental principles of communication, and effective

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applications of communication. The principles to be discussed include, inter alia,
communication cycles and barriers, six rules of effective message,
communication by objective, and communication through technology.
Subsequently, the course shifts to practical applications at workplace, namely job
search skills, presentation skills and writing skills of memos, reports and
proposals. Apart from literature, exercises and case studies are also integral
parts of this course.

IS206: Principles of Macroeconomics

This course is an introduction to the study of the aggregate
national economy. It introduces basic models of macroeconomics.
It explores issues such as the determinants of economic growth,
and how monetary and fiscal policies affect output, employment,
unemployment, interest rates, and inflation.

IS207: International Relations II

A continuation from International Relation I, International Relation
II emphasizes the complexity of interconnectedness among
prominent actors—be them government, civil society, or
individuals—who have certain levels of influence over political and
economic decisions. Not only so, International Relations II provides
students with a more comprehensive look at how conflicts and
instability arise in the face of globalization, technological
advancement, and intellectual development, and how they are handled through
various means. Contemporary global issues, including the environment,
healthcare, and human rights, discussed in this course will serve as a great
opportunity for students to see how IR theories are at work in today’s
challenging world arena.

IS208: Model ASEAN Summit

The Model ASEAN Summit is one of the most unique classes because it is an
academic simulation of the annual meeting held by ASEAN in relation to (1)
politics and security, (2) economic integration, (3) social welfare and
development, (4) ASEAN free trade agreement, (5) transnational crime and
international terrorism, and (6) other external relations amongst its 10 member
countries and its dialogue partners—China, Japan, and South Korea.

IS209: Critical Thinking for Global Affairs and Local Development

This course is designed to improve students’ critical thinking and analytical
skills by looking at global, regional and local affairs. To this end, the course
includes several special features aiming at equipping students with necessary
skills and knowledge such as critical thinking, logical fallacies, reasoning
methods, rational judgment and more.

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IS210: ASEAN in Regional and Global Contexts
ASEAN in Regional and Global Contexts looks at the situation
in Southeast Asia during the Cold War period and the
emergence of regionalization leading to the formation of
ASEAN. It discusses the roles and functions of ASEAN, the
impact of ASEAN in regional politics and economy, ASEAN’s
norms and practice and the transformation of ASEAN in
response to international, regional and sub-regional changes.
Also, the engagement of ASEAN with the world’s major
powers, regional groupings such as EU, and international institutions like UN will
be discussed.

IS902: Geopolitics (Elective Course)

Geopolitics is the study on how geography determines foreign policy making. The
course has two objectives: (1) introduce students to the history and theories of
geopolitical thinking. Studying geopolitics is about acquiring tools to analyze
events. At the same time, key terms in geopolitics will be explored. These key
terms are usually associated with important geographical features that have
political significance. Sometimes, these features can also have considerable
influence on foreign policy, the domino theory being one prominent example. (2)
Open the students’ mind to the world “beyond the water’s edge”, as we call it.

YEAR THREE SUBJECTS

IS301: Political Thoughts and Ideologies

Political theory can be considered a tradition of discourse or a
mode of thinking about the significance of political events that
can pave ways to a better understanding of our contemporary
societies, but is politics necessarily driven purely by sub-rational
motives such as material interests or can ideas make a
difference? This course is designed to introduce and explore the
history, nature, and evolution of political theory—a realm of
intellectual inquiry where we examine our most basic concepts
and definitions, engage in normative judgment of our existing systems of
government, and articulate and defend a vision of the system of political
organization we envision to be ideal. It is meant to offer critical insight into the
different ways in which political thinkers have responded to the challenges and
divisive issues in the complexity of our contemporary political world. By
studying the evolving constructs of political theory mainly in the past several
centuries, students will gain insight into different approaches that leaders use to
solve complex problems of governance and maintenance of social order and that

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which revolutionizes the ways we come to understand democracy, justice, rights
and politics in a broader sense mainly from the 18th Century, if not ancient time.

The course is also designed to provide advanced undergraduates with an

opportunity to engage contemporary political theory at a high intellectual level
as well as an occasion for theoretical reflection on their own political
commitments. It is to demonstrate the ways in which political theory provides us
with not only the foundations of our political system, but guidance in
understanding, evaluating, and coping with on-going navigation of difference in
deeply pluralistic and interdependent societies. Common themes seen in
contemporary political thought include governance, property ownership and
redistribution, free enterprise, individual liberty, justice, and responsibility for
the common welfare.

IS302: International Political Economy

The course aims to equip students with broad critical thinking
on the current knowledge of the global political economy
through the discussions of different theories, approaches, and
definitions. This course will look into specific practical
applications of economic and political theories at regional and
global levels. It helps students understand the current issues
surrounding development and financial system.

IS303: Introduction to Research

This course is intended to provide students with basic, essential
research concepts of and how-to approaches to research that
can be applied to most social settings, especially in
International Studies. This course will be very helpful for
conducting small-scale projects and for writing the senior
project in the final year. In addition, the concepts in the course
will help students critically read and deal with various research
findings they may encounter in the future.

IS304: Public International Law

International Law has an important role in contemporary
international society. Understanding its principles, at least at an
introductory level, is compulsory for students of International
Studies. The course begins with an introduction to central
elements of public international law. The areas introduced will
cover examples of how international law works in specific fields
and will enable students to identify legal issues in current
international affairs.

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IS305: Global Governance
This course considers the content of good governance and the
question of why it has been widely promoted. Issues such as the
politics of development and the roles of civil society will be
analyzed. The course will also look into implications of
promoting accountable and transparent government and public
sector reforms and will then briefly discuss issues relating to
global governance.

IS306: Model United Nations

Model United Nations is another unique class because it is an academic
simulation of the United Nations that aims to educate participants about civics,
effective communication, globalization and multilateral diplomacy. This class is
meant to prepare you to fully participate in the simulation and to increase your
understanding of how the United Nations Security Council deals with and
negotiates solutions to global problems such as global climate change, weapons
proliferation, human rights, peacemaking, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding.

IS307: Comparative Politics

Designed as a guide to comparative politics, this course looks at
institutions and policies of various countries and regions from
cross-national/regional perspectives. Topics covered include
what comparative politics is, the history of comparative
politics, political development, political culture, challenges and
alternatives to the development approach, communism,
democracy and democratization, and applicability of the
various models and paradigms of comparative politics, as well as what lies ahead
in comparative politics. Students will be exposed to mono-country, bi-country,
and multi-country comparative studies in various fields.

IS308: Institutions in Asia Pacific

At the heart of International Relations lies a continuous
examination of the development of inter-state relations and
different community building initiatives and projects to govern
such. Remarkably, the Asia-Pacific, which is contested even in
the definition itself, is known as a diverse region that owns most
of the world population and an important arena where different
major regional powers including U.S., China, and Japan
cooperate, resulting in various community building projects
while concurrently competing against one another. As a state cannot be alone
traveler for peace and prosperity in this age of globalization and the impacts of

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what happens in the Asia-Pacific can be felt beyond the geographic area, this
region and a set of institutions are worthy of comprehensive study. The course is
designed for students who seek a better understanding of what the Asia-Pacific
is, who involves in the building of the “regional architecture,” what the
regionalism and its limitations, if any, is, and what the regionalism associated
with institutions in the Asia-Pacific is likely to be.

IS309: Research Methods in International Relations

This course is specifically designed for students of International Relations
(International Studies). The main objective of this course is to introduce students
to both research methodologies and methods commonly used in the discipline of
International Relations and a broad research process roadmap, ranging from
formulating research questions to selecting research designs, collecting and
analyzing data, and writing research reports. Specifically this course aims to help
students identify their research topics, formulate research questions, organize
literature review, and select appropriate research designs and methods for their
research projects. At the end of the course, students are required to submit their
complete research proposals. It is expected that those research proposals can be
converted into full research if students are selected to join the Honours Program
in their final year.

IS310: Critical IR Theories

Political theory can be considered a tradition of discourse or a mode of thinking
about the significance of political events that can pave ways to a better
understanding of our contemporary politics and societies. The main body of the
scholarship includes the history, nature, and evolution of political theory—a
realm of intellectual inquiry where we examine our most basic concepts and
definitions, engage in normative judgment of our existing systems of government
and governance, and articulate and defend a vision of the system of political
organization we envision to be ideal. It is meant to offer critical insight into the
different ways in which political thinkers have responded to the challenges and
divisive issues in the complexity of our contemporary political world. The
central question in any political debates is whether politics is necessarily driven
purely by sub-rational motives such as material interests or can ideas make a
difference?

International Relations (IRs) theory is no exception and has been the subject of
intense academic, intellectual and political debates. It has witnessed highly
divergent approaches and interpretations, theoretical trajectories and
contending positions as well as applications of key concepts and contested views
about the different logics of action and the practical purpose underpinning those
generalizations and/or theorizations.
This course is designed to provide the participants with a solid theoretical and
conceptual grounding of this complexity and diversity and an opportunity to
engage key contemporary IRs theories at a high intellectual level as well as an

17
occasion for theoretical reflection on their own political commitments. Since it
engages more closely critical IR and interpretative understanding and analysis, it
departs from the mainstream or orthodox theories and places more emphases on
the critical alternatives to the orthodoxy.

18
YEAR FOUR SUBJECTS (REGULAR PROGRAM)
Concentration: International Relations
IS401: Foreign Policy I
This course aims at introducing students to the various methods
by which foreign policies of states are analyzed and compared. It
is divided into two parts. The first part examines theoretical
approaches to foreign policy analysis. There are essentially three
approaches to foreign policy studies. The course will examine:
(a) studies that explain foreign policy at the level of individual
policy makers; (b) studies that explain foreign policy in terms of
factors at the level of domestic politics (including bureaucratic
politics, domestic power politics, and national identity); and (c) studies that
explain foreign policy at the level of international system.
IS402: Governance Issues in Developing Countries
This course equips students with theoretical and empirical knowledge of
governance issues in developing countries. It is divided into two parts. In the first
part of the course, students are familiarized with various major governance
issues in developing countries. The themes covered in this course include
inequality, human rights, gender, environment, development, etc. The second
part of the course illustrates these issues with country-specific case studies from
different parts of the world with a heavy focus on Southeast Asian countries.

IS403: Globalization and Social Change

This course provides students with theoretical frameworks and
factual knowledge about the concepts, dynamics, and impacts of
globalization. At the outset, the course introduces students to
the theoretical debates about the concept, history, and dynamics
of globalization. The second part of the course provides
students with opportunities to examine the impacts of
globalization on social order, specifically on states’ economies,
governance, and identities. Then the course leads students to
explore the links between globalization and (in)security, (in)equality, and
(un)democracy. Finally, the course introduces the possible policy measures
which can minimize the harm and maximize the benefits of globalization.

IS404: Conflict Resolution

This course surveys theoretical and empirical knowledge of
conflict resolution. The first part of the course introduces the
students to the field of conflict studies, which is rich in
theoretical and methodological approaches. Next, students are
engaged with a variety learning activities designed to help them
understand and to explain the causes of conflict. The final part
explores a variety of theoretical approaches and practical policy
measures to resolve conflicts.

19
IS405: Order, Actors and Power in International Politics
This course specifically introduces students the nature of power, roles of both
state and non-state actors, and order in international relations which have
generally been considered as the domain of states. To equip students with better
understanding about power, actors and order in international relations, this
course will provide students with both theories and practices based on a variety
of articles and journals

IS406: Foreign Policy: the Diplomacy of Small States

This course is about the making of small states’ foreign policy choices. It provides
a general introduction to the history, traditions, approaches and theories of small
states in conducting their diplomacy to pursue their foreign policy objectives.
The course centers on theoretical and analytical tools as well as empirical
information to understand and analyze small states’ foreign policy. Moreover, the
course primarily aims to teach students to systematically explain and critically
evaluate small states’ foreign policy.

There are three major parts and goals of the course. The first is to understand the
history of small states in the Westphalian system throughout its historical
incarnation from 17th to 21st century. Small states’ survival, proliferation and
termination deserve our critical scrutiny in the structure shaped by power
politics. Second, the class examines the intellectual processes by which small
states’ diplomacy is made. This part is normative since it aims to provide
students with theoretical and conceptual foundations for theoretically
understanding and systematically analyzing small states’ foreign policy. To put it
in a nutshell, the class examines key theoretical debates on small states’
diplomacy in international relations. Third, the class explores the political
processes by which small states’ foreign policy choices are made. This part is
positive and theoretical because it explores international, societal, institutional
and decision-making influences on small states’ foreign policy choices. It aims to
provide conceptual foundations for analytically and systematically explaining
how and why small states’ foreign policy is conducted.

Three major goals are related, indeed. First of all, understanding the history of
small states allows us to meaningfully and critically understand how and why
those small states have existed, evolved and/or disappeared in the Westphalian
system since October 1648. Second, comprehending both intellectual and
political processes by which small states’ foreign policy is made enables us to
more systematically, critically and effectively explain and evaluate substances
and processes of small states’ diplomacy. The course highly encourages students
throughout the semester to ask how and why small states’ diplomacy is
conducted, as well as to think about what small states’ foreign policy should be
and what the best process is for making sound foreign policy choices to maximize
their interests at various levels.

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IS407: International Human Rights Law
This course examines the philosophy of human rights
protection; the universal protection of human rights in
international human rights law, in particular through the work
of the UN Human Rights Council and other treaty-based
committees. It offers an overview of the existing conventions
and institutions. Indeed, this course is designed to equip
students with the knowledge and skills—notably legal
expertise sensitivity to cultural differences and knowledge of
the UN system and its NGOs interfaces—necessary to be effective human rights
workers and/or advocates within governments, NGOs and organizations more
generally.

IS408: International Development Economics

Problems in the growth of underdeveloped countries will be
explored. The course strives to find answers to questions such
as: Why some countries are richer than others? What accounts
for the different growth rates among countries? Topics
covered include the consequences of market structures,
population growth, externalities, institutions, and political
factors for economic development.

IS409: International Security

This course covers theoretical frameworks and factual
knowledge in international security. At the outset, the course
introduces the students to a variety of theoretical approaches,
both traditional and non-traditional, to security and its concept.
The second part of the course guides students to examine major
contemporary security challenges such as terrorism, weapons
of mass destruction, organized crime, state failure, migration,
cyber-threats, environmental destruction, and energy security.
The third part of the course provides students with opportunities to explore a
variety of regional security challenges and issues such as China’s rise, the Korean
peninsula, India’s rise, Pakistan’s security, and Russia’s revival. Finally, the
course provides students with opportunities to explore practical policy measures
to confront those security challenges.

IS410: Diplomacy: Theory and Practice

Diplomacy, the art and conduct of relations among states, and
between states and other actors, is an important
means/instrument which states employ to pursue their foreign
policy goals. Diplomacy is mainly, but not exclusively,
conducted by professional diplomats working for the
ministries of foreign affairs. As far as students of
International Relations are concerned, the knowledge of

21
modern diplomacy is a valuable asset for them. With such knowledge, students
will be able to pursue not only their academic goals but also their dream careers
in the ministries of foreign affairs. Against this background, this course is
designed to introduce students to the nature and practice of modern diplomacy.
At the outset, the course introduces students to the structure and functioning of
the ministries of foreign affairs, the states’ principal institutions tasked with
conducting diplomatic relations with other actors on the world stage. Next, the
course leads students to examine the work of diplomats. In other words, this
course guides students to examine and analyze the processes, methods,
opportunities, and challenges of diplomatic negotiations and relations conducted
by diplomats who are stationed both inside states and inside embassies overseas.

YEAR FOUR SUBJECTS (REGULAR PROGRAM)

Concentration: International Economics
IE401: Applied Econometrics
This course covers the basic quantitative and econometric tools needed to
understand empirical research and to carry research projects using a
quantitative approach. The course focuses on applied approach on how to use
econometric techniques to analyze international issues. During the course, more
applications in the area of international economics and the analytical method for
analyzing government’s policy will be provided such as the analysis of the
quantitative impact of international trade, international flow of capital and
investment, international labor and people movement, economic integration,
global value chain, the flow of international technology, free-trade agreement
(FTA) and other related issues.

Topics included are statistical inference, regression, quantitative method for

evaluation of policies and programs, macro and microeconomic econometric
forecasting. Students will also learn to use statistical software such as MS. Excel
and other statistical software to perform the analysis. The prerequisite for this
course is fundamental of statistics.

IE402: Regional Economies: ASEAN, G8, BRIC, and East Asia

The course studies a number of important economic observations from ASEAN,
East Asian, G8, and BRICS economies through the lenses of economic theory,
especially the theory of economic growth. The purpose of this course is to
provide a rigorous and analytical overview of economic structures, development
policy orientations, economic performances, and development constraints of
those economies.

IE403: Special Topics on Trade in developing countries

This course introduces students to the global trade and emphasizes the
significance and implications of government policies for trade and foreign direct
investment in certain region or countries. Specifically, students will learn about

22
various trade and investment policies and develop an intuitive understanding of
the policy rationales, especially with regards to international agricultural trade.
Students will learn about the roles of government and institutions in setting
trade policies.

IE 404: International Trade Theory and Policy (International Economics I)

This course is the first part of the study of International
Economics. International Trade Theory and Policy is alive with
practical questions, including but not limited to: What is the
basis for trade? What are the effects of trade? Who will gain
from trade (and who will lose)? How are the value and volume
of trade determined? What factors hinder trade flows? And
what are the welfare impacts of public policy that attempts to
alter the patterns of trade emerging through market forces? The
course will answer these questions by presenting a coherent basic
microeconomic framework that forms the theories of international trade in its
historical timeline. First, the Classical theory of trade is concerned with the
earliest theories of Mercantilism and the Ricardian model of comparative
advantage. Then, Neoclassical trade theory deals primarily with Offer Curves and
the Heckscher-Ohlin model. Following is the post-Heckscher-Ohlin theories of
trade. After theories, we turn to policy, analyzing the impacts on economic
efficiency (welfare) of certain protectionist trade policy instruments such as
import tariffs and non-tariff barriers such as import quotas, export restraints,
border taxes and so on. Applications to real-world current issues are also
included.

IE405: International Monetary Economics and Policy (International

Economics II)
With increasing financial globalization, hardly any countries
around the world today are closed economies. This course is
essentially macroeconomics for open economies—the second
part of the study of International Economics. Therefore, this
course is to develop a deeper understanding of how the macro-
economy works when it is open to international capital flows. It
is designed as an introduction to such topics as the balance of payments,
uncovered interest parity, purchasing power parity condition, (determinants of)
exchange rates and exchange rate regimes, the external balance of an open
economy and monetary and fiscal policies in an open economy. Students will see
how central banks, through affecting the money supply, can influence the
exchange rate and thus the current account, and how the economy adjusts to
various shocks under floating and fixed exchange rate regimes.

23
IE406: Industrial Policy
In a context of the global open economy, industrial policy no
longer means a direct intervention or control of a government
in a production but refers to policies implemented by various
institutions to stimulate firm creation, to favor their
agglomeration, and promote innovation and competitive
development. Hence, this course covers policies aimed at
integrating capital and product markets, rules of the game to
ensure fair competition, the roles of Research and
Development, and industrial development policies.

IE408: International Development Economics

Problems in the growth of developing countries will be
explored. The course strives to find answers to questions such
as: Why are some countries richer than others? What accounts
for the different growth rates among countries? Thus, it begins
with a discussion of growth models and then move on to the
analysis of, for example, health and education, population,
urbanization, rural development, environment, and
international trade and finance.

IE409: Trade Negotiations (for regular program only)

This course is practically designed for students to understand the process of
trade negotiation, especially the nature of preparations that a state needs to
make. At the same time, it also aims to illustrate the techniques, approaches, and
strategies as part of state’s policies in the international economic relations.
During this course, students expect to learn how to conduct analysis on trade
policies and other related issues based on recent existing case studies.

IE410: Global Digital Economy (for regular program only)

The digitization of the economy is one of the recent topics of
our time. Digital technologies have changed the way firms,
household, government and market work and it will continue
to do so in the future. This course is about digital economics an
d how the digital economy influences markets and the society.
The course will focus on the following areas: (1) fundamental of
digital economies, (2) the digital technologies in private
business and household sectors, (3) the digital technologies in
public and government sectors and (4) the digital technologies
in international trade and finance, (5) infrastructure, regulation and policy of
digital economy.

24
ACADEMIC POLICY AND DISCIPLINE
In accordance with standard university assessment procedures, each course is
assessed separately in each semester. Students are notified at the end of each
semester whether they have satisfied the program requirements.

1. ASSESSMENT AND EXAMINATION

Students’ academic performance is assessed by semester. In other words, a pass
or good score in one semester cannot compensate for a fail or poor score in the
other. And students are assessed in two ways:
 On-going assessment (60%) based on class tests, homework,
assignments, projects, oral presentations and class participation, and
 Final Examination (40%) taken by all students at the end of each
semester.

2. PROMOTION
Students must fulfill all academic and attendance requirements in order to be
promoted to the next level.
In order to pass a subject/course, students have to achieve a score of AT LEAST
50%. This means that 50% is a borderline pass. Please read the following policy
carefully to avoid any possible problem.
a) If a student fails any course in any semester, s/he will be allowed to sit for
a supplementary examination for that semester provided that s/he has
fulfilled the attendance requirements. However, in year 4 semester 2,
there is no supplementary examination. Students who fail one or more
subjects in that semester will have to repeat the subject.
b) If a student has failed THREE courses or more in one semester after taking
supplementary exams, s/he will have to repeat that respective semester.
However, students are allowed to repeat only ONE whole year for each year
level.
c) If any student fails THREE courses or more in both semesters, s/he is
required to repeat all those courses and will NOT be promoted to the next
year level.
d) Under no circumstances can students take more than 6 years to complete
the Bachelor’s degree.
e) All students are eligible for all semester exams. However, if a student has
failed the attendance of any course, his/her exam score (no matter how
high) will be considered invalid and s/he will have to repeat that course
automatically and will NOT be eligible for its supplementary exam (see the
Attendance Regulations below).In this case, both the attendance and score
columns will be marked ‘F’.

25
 f) Foundation Year students will not be promoted to year 2 if they fail even
ONE single course after taking the supplementary exam.
g) For year 2 and 3, if a student fails fewer than THREE courses after taking
supplementary exams in a semester, s/he will have to repeat only those
courses and can still be promoted to year 3 and 4 respectively.
h) Year 3 students who repeat the total of ONE course in year 2 or 3 twice may
be promoted to year 4.
i) Year 3 students who repeat more than one course in any year and have
studied at the department for five years will be promoted to year 4 and
have to retake all those courses. However, they will not be awarded a
Bachelor’s degree if they still fail even ONE single course in any year.
3. REWARDS
To enhance competition and quality, the institute has unanimously adopted a
student reward system in which students are rewarded on the basis of their
overall academic performance and lecturers’ evaluation of other qualities stated
in the Student Evaluation Form, which will be distributed to you.
Awards of Excellence and/or gifts in-kind will be presented annually to most
outstanding students in each group of the first three years during the Opening
Ceremony/Orientation of each new academic year and to the most outstanding
students in year 4 in their Graduation Ceremony.
4. CREDIT TRANSFER
In line with the sub-degree of the government, students of other universities
who wish to enroll in the International Studies Program are required to follow
the procedures below.
1. Submit a credit transfer form and their official foundation year transcripts.
2. Take a test designed by the department.
3. Wait for the approval from the Institute of Foreign Languages.

Students who go on an overseas exchange program and wish to have credits

transferred to the department must have their selected courses approved by the
DIS management. The content of the subjects must be consistent with those of
the DIS.

Early Exams: Students who miss their final exams due to personal emergencies
may request a permission to sit for early finals or in supplementary exams.

26
5. RULES OF CONDUCT FOR TESTS AND EXAMS
Throughout the Test or Examination period:
 Students must be careful to follow any instructions given by invigilators.

Before the Test or Examination:

 Enter the room quietly and sit at the place assigned by the invigilators at
least five minutes before the test or examination starts.
 Do not talk once you have entered the test or examination room.
 Leave all personal belongings at the front or the shelves at the back of the
room.
 Do not begin reading and writing until the invigilators indicate to do so.

During the Test/Examination:

 Do not cheat or attempt to cheat (see the Academic Penalties below.)
 Turn off your phone and put it away from you during the whole
test/examination period.
 Do not talk to or communicate with your classmates by whatever means.
 Do not borrow pens, erasers or other stationery.
 Do not use correction pens or cover fluid. If you want to change your
answers, simply cross them out and write new ones.
 Write all your answers clearly in blue ink, not pencil.
 Raise your hand if you have a problem. An invigilator will come to your
desk to help you.
 Do not leave the test/exam room throughout the whole exam period.
 You may use dictionaries only if course lecturers have specifically stated
that they may be used for a particular section or part of a test or
examination.
 If you have finished, leave the room quietly after having carefully checked
every item in your test or exam paper. Do not disturb others.

At the end of the Test/Examination:

 Stop writing immediately after the invigilator has said “pens down” or
“stop writing”
 Remain silently seated whilst papers are being collected and checked.
 Leave the room when the invigilators indicate that everything is in order.

27
6. ACADEMIC PENALTIES
Cheating in all forms is a serious crime, and so is plagiarism (an act of stealing or
copying another person’s idea or part of their work and pretending that it is your
own). Penalties for a student’s act(s) of cheating or plagiarism are: warning,
mark deduction, invalidation of particular work (such as homework,
assignments, tests and examinations), repetition of the course(s) that student
was found cheating or plagiarizing, or even repetition of the whole year. In the
most serious cases, a student can be expelled from the institute.
Please carefully read Penalties for Cheating in Tests and Exams which are strictly
enforced with NO exception.

Behavior Action taken

a. An attempt to cheat Warning
b. First cheating 20%
c. Second cheating 50%
d. Third cheating 100% (paper invalidated)

7. RESULT ANNOUNCEMENTS
All semester results shall be announced not later than one month after the exams
are administered. And all supplementary exams shall be administered no later
than TWO weeks after the semester results are released. Students who miss any
supplementary exam during this period will not be allowed to take any
supplementary exam if they take leave NOT permitted by the Department.

8. DISCIPLINE
To become a fully-fledged intellectual and well-rounded citizen of a nation, one
needs to be both well-educated and well-disciplined. It is, therefore, your
obligation to avoid any misconduct or immoral acts or you will face
consequences and/or disciplinary action.
a. Sexual harassment and other improper sexual behaviors, for example
kissing and hugging, are strictly prohibited on the IFL premises.
b. Cursing, vulgar or disrespectful words, immoral facial expressions and
body language, especially directed to lecturers, are not tolerated.
c. Guns and other weapons are not allowed.
d. Sexy, see-through, and skimpy clothes are prohibited.
e. Jeans or T-shirts are not allowed.
f. Flip-flops are not allowed in the classrooms.
g. Negative attitudes towards and malicious acts against others are punished.

28
9. ATTENDANCE REGULATIONS
Attendance is mandatory for all the subjects and largely maintains the quality of
the department. Therefore, observe the following attendance regulations
carefully and comply with them strictly. Non-compliance with any of these
regulations will result in a Fail in attendance, a Fail in a course or the invalidity of
leave forms.

1. You must use a leave form obtained from the photocopy office.
2. Your class patron or course lecturers may NOT grant leaves for more than ONE
day. These leaves have to be requested from the DIS coordinator by
depositing the Leave Form at Room 03.
3. You should produce two copies of one-day leaves for two different lecturers.
4. Reasons in phrases are not accepted. They must be written in full sentences in
a formal way.
5. Class monitors are NOT allowed to write in the 'Official Use Only' box and/or
grant leaves to their classmates.
6. For one-day leaves, the starting date and the ending date must be the same.
7. The period of leave should indicate the number of days or sessions, excluding
public holidays and weekends.
8. Write a class code NOT a room number, for example A1.1 (DIS) NOT G14.
9. Write dates NOT days, for example 27 October, 2006 NOT Friday October.
10. Leave forms may not be written by anyone other than you. If you change
class during a semester, show your new class lecturers your former class
attendance records and academic scores (if any) signed by your former
lecturers.
11. Absence from a test/exam without a permitted leave will incur a zero (0) in
that test/exam.
12. Only students absent from a test with a permitted leave will receive the
lowest score in that test, or only under rare circumstances will he or she be
allowed to take a make-up.
13. Any student who takes a granted leave from any semester exam well before
the exam takes place is qualified for its supplementary exam and for his or
her actual exam score (not a borderline pass of 50%), but is not allowed to
take any other additional exam.
14. Before you submit a request for leave for more than 1 day, make sure that you
attach a valid supporting document, otherwise it will be rejected.
15. Notifications of Absence submitted LATER THAN TWO DAYS after returning from
leaves are not accepted.

29
16. Leaves for the maximum period of 6 weeks may be granted to fee-paying
students and scholarship students per semester for missions and other
serious situations with valid supporting document(s). With this maximum
leave period, the leave taker shall receive only a borderline pass in
attendance in all the courses. In these cases, one week leave incurs 5%
deduction of attendance in each subject.
17. If you fail the attendance of any subject in any semester, you will fail both the
subject and its attendance. You will not be allowed to take its supplementary
exam and you will repeat the subject.
18. There is no guarantee that leaves you request or notify are accepted. They are
granted on the merits of your reasons and supporting documents.
19. Notification after taking long leaves without informing any relevant lecturer
in advance are not accepted even if they are submitted within two days after
returning from leaves.
20. Three 15 minute late attendances without permitted leaves are equal to one
absence.
NUMBER OF ABSENCES ALLOWED
Years 1, 2, 3 & 4

Courses No. of sessions No. of sessions Attendance

absent with leave absent without percentage
granted leave granted
All DIS courses at
4 4 70%
all year levels

10. FINANCIAL POLICY

A. PAYMENT
The fee paid by year is USD590 and the fee paid by semester is USD295. Fee
payment should be made at the beginning of each academic year or at the
beginning of each semester.
Please note that classes are arranged according to the ‘first come, first served’
basis. This means that if you want to stay in your previous class or in a different
class with your friends, you must register and pay together. In order not to harm
our quality and image, there is a limit to the size of each class. If a class is over-
sized, certain students will be moved to other small classes on this ‘first come,
first served’ basis.

Semester 1:
Students are required to apply for their studies and pay their tuition fees for a
new academic year by the closing date specified by the Institute of Foreign
Languages so that classes and times they choose can be arranged in time.

30
Semester 2:
Students have to make their payments by the closing dates set by the institute,
which is NO LATER THAN 10 DAYS after the release of semester one results. If
s/he fails to do so, s/he will have to pay a penalty of USD10.

B. FEES FOR SUBJECTS REPEATED

1) Foundation-year students who fail any subject and wish to attend their
repeated classes again must pay the following rates.

SUBJECT Per Per Year

Semester
Introduction to International Relations $60 N/A
Atlas of World Affairs $60 N/A
Introduction to East and Southeast Asia $60 N/A
World History and Civilization $60 N/A
Academic Writing and Reading 1 & 2 $60 $120
Khmer and Regional History $60 N/A
Applied Mathematics and Statistics $60 N/A
Khmer Civilization $60 N/A
ASEAN Studies $60 N/A

2) If a foundation-year student does not have time to retake repeated classes,

they have to pay the following fees examinations for each course. But this does
not apply to those who failed attendance because they have to attend classes
and pay the fee specified in (1).

SUBJECT Semester 1 Semester 2

Introduction to International Relations $30 N/A
Atlas of World Affairs $30 N/A
Applied Mathematics and Statistics $30 N/A
ASEAN Studies $30 N/A
Academic Writing and Reading 1 & 2 $30 $30
Introduction to East and Southeast Asia N/A $30
World History and Civilization N/A $30
Khmer Civilization N/A $30
Khmer and Regional History N/A $30

3) Year 2-4 students who fail any subject and wish to attend their repeated
classes again must pay USD80 per subject per semester.

31
4) If year 2-4 students do not retake repeated classes, they have to pay USD30
for examinations for each course. But this does not apply to those who failed
attendance because they have to attend classes and pay the fee specified in (3).

C. FEES FOR ELECTIVE COURSES

The amount of annual fee does not cover the additional fee for elective courses; a
fee of USD60 per course/subject is to be paid for each elective course. Each
elective course will be offered when there are more than 25 enrolled students in
a class. Elective courses and credits will be presented in the enrolled students’
academic transcripts.
Enrollment for elective courses will start at the beginning of the second semester
of each year in Room 03. Each elective class is arranged according to the ‘first
come, first served’ basis. Further notice on the specific enrollment date and
deadline will be announced by the Institute of Foreign Languages.

FACILITIES AND RESOURCES

SELF-ACCESS CENTRE
One of the main objectives of all our programs is to encourage students’
independent learning. The Self-Access Centre (SAC) is an excellent place to
provide the opportunity for this. The SAC is open from 7:30 am to 11:30 am and
from 2:00 pm to 7:30 pm on weekdays and from 7:30 am to 11:30 am on
Saturdays. The SAC assists you to overcome your language and content area
difficulties. You can spend your free time reading books, magazines, periodicals
and other reference materials. You can also have discussions with friends or
sometimes with lecturers, listen to the radio or tapes, watch news or videos in
English. The Teacher’s Reference Library (TRL) is for lecturers’ use only. And the
MA section in the SAC is for MA students only. There is a separate section for the
Department of International Studies.

INTERNET FACILITIES
Internet and word processing are available on the ground floor for free.

LANGUAGE LABORATORY
Students and lecturers have access to a wide range of resources in our Language
Laboratory, which is funded by the Japanese government. These include video
shows, slide and PowerPoint presentations, and listening-interpretation
resources.

USING THE FACILITIES AND RESOURCES

The main building of the Institute of Foreign Languages has been maintained in
very good condition. And a new building has been constructed to accommodate
the growing number of students and to provide more spacious premises for all. It
is, therefore, very important that everyone take pride in the institute so that it
can be kept in its present condition. It is expected that everyone using it will have

32
respect for the property and consideration for others by looking after the
building and its facilities. The following points must be observed:

1. Toilets
Use the toilets which are assigned for your use. Certain toilets are reserved for
staff and for female students only. Please show consideration for others by
using the facilities properly and making sure that you leave the toilet clean for
the next person

2. Smoking
Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the building.

3. Spitting
No spitting is allowed anywhere inside the building on the terraces.

4. Eating
Students are not permitted to consume any food, even chewing gums, in the
classroom. Food must be consumed in the canteen behind the main building.

5. Rubbish
Always use the bins provided for rubbish. Please show responsibility and
consideration for others by keeping all classrooms and common areas clean
and tidy. To achieve this, you must use fewer tissues at the canteen and
not write, draw or paint anything on the classroom or toilet walls,
chairs, and tables.

6. Parking
Students are not permitted to park under the IFL main building or behind
the CJCC Multi-purpose Hall. These areas are reserved for staff only. Secure
parking for motorbikes is available behind Building B; and parking for
cars is available behind Building A, in front of Building B, and behind
Building C. If you use any other areas for parking, no responsibility will be
taken for your vehicle and motorcycle/bicycle loss or damage. Please observe
all traffic rules and follow all signs on the campus.

7. Property damage
All furniture and facilities are now in good condition. Please treat them with
care and respect. Students who cause damage to them will be asked to pay the
cost of replacement or repair.

ASSIGNMENT GUIDELINES
As a student of the department, you will be required in all subjects to submit
assignments at regular intervals throughout the course. Grades on these pieces of
written or oral work will become part of your 'On going Assessment' which will
provide 50% of your final course marks. Therefore, it is extremely important that

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you be clear about what lecturers expect in assignments. Assignment work is one
of the most important aspects of your life as a university student. It is your
chance to develop and show your own ideas and skills.
Reading and following the general guidelines on this page will enable you to plan
and present your assignments well. In addition, you will need to note the
requirements specific to each subject, task and lecturer.

ASSIGNMENT DOS AND DON’TS

Preparation of Assignments

You should allow yourself at least one week to prepare for an assignment.
 Read the topic/question carefully and if uncertain ask your lecturer or fellow
students for clarification.
 Note the particular requirements of the assignment especially genre, length
and due date.
 Think and read about the topic well before you write and make notes as you
read.
 Collect information and brief quotations by always noting book names and
authors for use in your essay footnotes and bibliography.
 Reread your assignment and edit it carefully before making a final copy for
submission.

Presentation of Assignments

Neat, clear assignments are expected from all students.

 Always write or type clearly and legibly in black or blue.
 If you write by hand, use line notebook paper with straight edge. Always leave
margins on both sides free for comments by lecturers.
 Complete, check and hand in your assignment by or on the due date.

Grading of Assignments

All major assignments will receive a score or grade.

 Each lecturer might have his or her own style of marking but all lecturers will
give you a numerical mark. Care will be taken to maintain consistency of
marking and weighting of assignments in any one subject across a year level.
 Class participation, assignment and test marks will form the basis of the mid
semester feedback given on your progress as well as of the final 'on going
assessment'.

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 Marking penalties will apply if you do not hand in an assignment on time
unless illness or other emergencies occur. In those cases, you must bring a
note of explanation to your lecturer.

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 DIS Marking Scheme

25 - 21 20 - 16 15 - 11 10 - 6 5-1
Knowledge & Understanding 25 identifies key issues identifies key issues identifies key issues evidences poor evidences a low
(Issue, Concept, Reading) and demonstrates a and demonstrates and demonstrates understanding of level of
sophisticated strong grasp of grasp of relevant key issues and understanding of
understanding of key relevant concepts; concepts and argues weak grasp of key issues and
concepts and displays evidence of logically; displays pertinent concepts, insufficient grasp
displays evidence of a wide range of evidence of and of pertinent
considerable reading and a appropriate reading displays limited concepts,
independent reading. thorough approach and appreciation of evidence of reading and displays
to the subject. the subject. beyond basic texts. significant
weaknesses or
gaps in reading.

Development of 25 constructs a strong constructs and provides some shows limited demonstrates low
arguments/ideas argument (and defends a consistent examples to ability to construct level of ability to
engages with argument illustrate points and an argument. construct an
counter-arguments throughout; argues logically. argument.
demonstrating very demonstrates
good analytical strong
ability and powers of understanding
critical thought); shown by use of
demonstrates a examples to
strong level of illustrate points and
understanding justify claims.
shown by use of wide
range of examples to
illustrate points and
justify claims.
20 - 16 15 - 11 10 - 6 5-1
Critical 20 demonstrates demonstrates shows limited shows little/no
engagement/judgement (strong) analytical powers of critical evidence of critical evidence of critical 33
ability and good thought and shows judgement . judgement.

Language use and 20
presentation
Structure and Format 5 Full adherence to a
Referencing & Citation 5 Correct and sufficient Sufficient citations
powers of critical some evidence of
thought and shows critical judgement.
(strong) evidence of
critical judgement.
well-presented with generally shows shows serious shows serious
good strengths in good writing ability weaknesses in weaknesses in
academic/scholarly in academic/scholarly academic/scholarly
style (coherence, academic/scholarly style (coherence, style (coherence,
cohesion, unity), style (coherence, cohesion, unity), cohesion, unity),
grammar, and cohesion, unity), grammar and grammar and
expression. grammar and expression. expression, and
expression. may contain
incomprehensible
passages.
5 4 3 2 1
Adherence to a Adherence to a Limited adherence Poor adherence to
standard form of standard form of standard form of to a standard form a standard form of
scholarly appearance scholarly scholarly of scholarly scholarly
(structure, word appearance appearance appearance appearance
limit, layout, margin, (structure, word (structure, word (structure, word (structure, word
font type, font size, limit, layout, margin, limit, layout, margin, limit, layout, limit, layout,
…) font type, font size, font type, font size, margin, font type, margin, font type,
…) with few errors. …) with some font size, …) font size, …)
errors.
Sufficient citations Limited citations Limited and
citations and and referencing and referencing and referencing incorrect citations
referencing with few errors with some errors and referencing
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CLUBS AND EXTRA-CURRICULA PROGRAMS
It is quite common knowledge that to become well-rounded and useful citizens of
a nation, particularly a developing one, and to release stress, school and
university students should participate in extra-curricular activities and social
events such New Year Celebration, Clean-Up Day, charity trips, community
service, and sports. The following clubs and program were established or is being
established to achieve this goal.

ASEAN STUDY TOUR

This new initiative aims to take the students to different countries of ASEAN
annually. The visit will help enhance their practical awareness of ASEAN identity
and to promote people-to-people connectivity among the peoples in Southeast
Asia. During the tour, the students will interact academically and socially with
those of the ASEAN host university and exchange views on ASEAN policy issues
with well-known scholars and researchers of the host university. Such
interactions also help boost Cambodian students’ substantive insight, self-
confidence, communication skills and leadership quality.

DIS SOUTHEAST ASIAN CONVERSATION SERIES

Southeast Asia Conversation Series is a signature forum in which DIS hosts
prominent scholars, researchers and policy practitioners working on Southeast
Asia. It seeks to offer the students, who have acquired theoretical and conceptual
insights in the class, an opportunity to further explore the issues in a practical
fashion and to interact with the experts in substantial manner. In addition to the
exchange of views, the students will have a chance to build up and expand their
research networks with the invited speakers.

ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES

English for Academic Purposes (EAP) is an English course that aims to help
students who wish to enhance their four macro skills: listening, reading, writing,
and speaking and two imbedded sub-skills: vocabulary and grammar so that they
are able to cope successfully with their study at university level. With the
requirement of official IELTS overall band score 6 for DIS students to graduate,
the EAP course at the Department of International Studies serves to help
students meet the requirement. The EAP course consists of seven levels, with the
last being an IELTS preparation. Those students who progress through the levels
and complete IELTS preparation will sit for official IELTS test. The test fee will be
paid by the department. EAP and IELTS Preparation Course are open to all
students – both DIS and non-DIS.

DIS ACADEMIC SUPPORT PROGRAM

Academic Support Program of the Department of International Studies aims to
provide students with a wide range of academic supports/services that will
contribute to their academic and personal growth. To this end, we offer a variety

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of free-of-charge counseling and mentoring services such as study skills,
academic writing assistance, English language assistance, test-taking strategies,
scholarship tips, and other study-related challenges. We also offer regular
academic skills workshop series to students to ensure that they enjoy a smooth
academic ride and handle challenges effectively.

Our ultimate goal is to strive to promote overall academic success and

outstanding performance for students so that they become successful learners.

IFL DEBATE CLUB

Recognizing the need for students to develop strong English communication
skills in order to compete in the international arena, the Institute of Foreign
Languages founded the Debate Club in February 2001 with the aim of developing
skills in education, business, communication and networking, through
participation in ASEAN events, such as the ASEAN Varsities’ Debate, the All
Asians’ Debate, and the Australian-Asian Intervarsity Debate Championship.
The club’s members can improve their English language competence, general
knowledge about ASEAN nations and the rest of the world, and their reasoning,
analytical and critical thinking skills. They exchange ideas and experiences with
one another and develop confidence in public speaking, particularly expressing
and defending ideas before large audiences.

DIS FOOTBALL CLUB

DIS Football Club was founded in 2016. It was the first time ever that DIS has its
own football team to compete in the RUPP Tournament. Prior to 2016, DIS
student players were teamed up with players from various departments at IFL.

DIS Football Club provides students with opportunities to build and strengthen
their friendship across different year levels and a sense of belonging and
attachment. Also, it is meant to build team spirit and a sense of cooperation, not
to mention the physical and emotional endurance and stamina, all of which can
be of great use for their personal and professional lives.

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DIS MANAGEMENT

Head of the Department

Dr. Neak Chandarith: B.Ed. (TEFL), RUPP (Cambodia), 1994; Grad Dip. (TESOL),
Latrobe University (Australia), 1998; M.Ed. (TESOL), Latrobe University
(Australia), 2000; M.A (Political Science), Kobe University (Japan), 2004; Ph.D.
(Political Science), Australian National University (Australia), 2013.

Academic Manager
Mr. Khon Munty (2009): B.Ed. (TEFL), RUPP (Cambodia), 2007; Bachelor of
Law, RULE (Cambodia), 2007; M.A. (International Law and Human Rights), UN-
mandated University for Peace, Costa Rica and Ateneo de Manila University
(Philippines), 2011.

Academic Research and Project Coordinator

Ms. Sam Ath Sambath Sreysour (2014): B.A (English for Professional
Communication), RUPP (Cambodia), 2013; B.A (International Studies), RUPP
(Cambodia), 2014; M.A (International Politics-International Relations),
University of Manchester (the United Kingdom), 2016.
Academic Support Program Coordinator
Mr. Theam Sovibol (2010): B.Sc. (Computer Science), RUPP, 2006; B.Ed. (TEFL),
RUPP, 2006; M.Sc. (Information Management), University of Malaya (Malaysia),
2010.

FULL-TIME FACULTY MEMBERS

Mr. Bong Chansambath (2021): B.A. (IR), PUC (Cambodia), 2017; MA (Security
Studies), Kansas State University (USA) 2020.
Dr. Cheng Savuth (2017): B.A. (Economics), RULE (Cambodia), 2003; MA
(Economics), Nagoya University (Japan) 2009; PhD (Economics), Nagoya
University, 2013.
Ms. Chhi Soktinphallin (2017): B.A. (International Studies), RUPP (Cambodia),
2017.
Mr. Huot Sokunthea (2011): B.B.A (Marketing), NUM (Cambodia), 2003; B.Ed.
(TEFL), RUPP (Cambodia), 2005; M.A. (SMEs), University of Malaya (Malaysia),
2010; M.A. (Conflict Resolution), University of Bradford (UK), 2011.
Mr. Huot Vichheka (2019): B.Ed. (TEFL), RUPP (Cambodia), 2002; MA
(Cooperation and Development), Pavia Univeristy (Italy), 2006.
Mr. Lak Chansok (2012): B.A. (International Studies), RUPP (Cambodia), 2017;
MA in Asia Pacific Studies (International Relations), Ritsumeikan APU (Japan),
2019.

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Dr. Leang Sim Onn (2014): B.Ed. (TEFL), RUPP (Cambodia), 2006; Diploma of
Technology, ITC (Cambodia), 2003; M.A. (International Relations), Waseda
University (Japan), 2011; Ph.D. (International Studies), Waseda University.
(Japan), 2014.
Mr. Mey Punlok (2010): B.Ed. (TEFL), RUPP (Cambodia), 2002; M.A. (TESOL),
RUPP (Cambodia), 2008; M.A. (International Relations), International University
of Japan (Japan), 2010.
Mr. Nay Maneth (2018): B.A. (International Studies), RUPP (Cambodia) 2018.
Mr. Sok Kosinara (2016): B.A. (Law), RULE (Cambodia), 2004; B.Ed. (TEFL),
BBU (Cambodia), 2009; M.A. (TESOL), RUPP (Cambodia), 2012’; M.A. (Peace
Studies), International Christian University (Japan), 2016.
Mr. Sok Sothearak (2020): B.A. (International Studies), RUPP (Cambodia) 2019;
B.Ed. (TEFL), RUPP (Cambodia), 2019.
Ms. Sun Setthikun (2018): B.A. (International Studies), RUPP (Cambodia) 2018.
Ms. Touch Sreylak (2017): B.Ed. (TEFL), RUPP (Cambodia), 2016.
Mr. Vrak Thanit (2017): B.A. (International Economics), RUPP (Cambodia),
2017.
Dr. Yun Kea (2015): B.Ed. (TEFL), RUPP (Cambodia), 1999; M.A. (International
Relations), Waseda University (Japan), 2011; Ph.D. (International Studies),
Waseda University (Japan), 2014.

PART-TIME FACULTY MEMBERS

Dr. Chep Hoeurn (2020): B. Sc. (Environment), RUPP (Cambodia), 2011; MA

(Development Studies), RUPP (Cambodia), 2014; PhD (International
Development), Nagoya University (Japan), 2019.
Mr. Chou Huot (2017): B.A. (Business Administration), NUM (Cambodia), 2004;
B.Ed (TEFL), RUPP (Cambodia) 2006; MA (International Relations), Syracuse
University (USA), 2009; MA (Economics), Syracuse University (USA), 2009.
Ms. Him Sothearath (2016): B.A. (International Studies), RUPP (Cambodia),
2015. MA (International Relations), Waseda University (Japan), 2018.
Dr. Iem Heng (2013): B.A. (Security Studies), Asia Pacific Center for Security
Studies (US), 2004; M.A. (International Relations), Deakin University (Australia),
2007; Ph.D. (Political Security), Charles Sturts University (Australia), 2013.
Mr. Im Chanboracheat (2017): B.Ed. (TEFL), RUPP (Cambodia), 2013; LLB
(Law), RULE (Cambodia), 2013; M.A. (Public Policy), National University of
Singapore (Singapore), 2016.

38
Mr. In Thearith (2020): B.A. (Computer Science), RUPP (Cambodia), 2005; M.A.
(International and Administrative Policy), Hitotsubashi University (Japan), 2010.

Dr. Ly Kimlong (2018): BSc (Agricultural Economic and Rural Development),

Royal University of Agriculture (Cambodia), 2005; MSc (Sustainable Agricultural
Development), University of Copenhagen (Denmark), 2009; PhD (Economics),
University of Montpellier (France), 2017.
Ms. Nay Darlin (2018): B.A. (International Studies), RUPP (Cambodia) 2018.
Dr. Nhem Boraden (2010): B.A. (Economics and Law), RULE (Cambodia), 2004;
Maîtrise (Economics), Université Lumière Lyon 2 (France); M.A. (Economics and
Political Science), University of Delaware (USA); Ph.D. (Political Science and
International Relations), University of Delaware (USA), 2014.
Mr. Rath Vathana (2011): B.A. (Finance and Banking), RULE (Cambodia), 2006;
B.Ed. (TEFL), RUPP (Cambodia), 2006; M.A. (Economics), Kobe University
(Japan), 2009.
Ms. San Sopheawattey (2020): B.Ed. (TEFL), RUPP (Cambodia), 2010; B.A.
(Economic Science, Finance and Banking), Norton University (Cambodia), 2009;
Master of Public Policy (Macroeconomics), National Graduate Institute for Policy
Studies (Japan), 2015; Master of Economic Policy, Australian National University
(Australia), 2019.
Dr. Soeng Reth (2019): BSc (Mathematics), RUPP (Cambodia), 1997; MBA, PUC
(Cambodia), 2003; PhD (Applied Economics), University of Antwerp (Belgium),
2009.
Mr. Sok Bunthorn (2015): B.A (International Studies), RUPP (Cambodia), 2015;
B.A. (Law), University of Cambodia (Cambodia), 2016; Master of Laws
(International Trade Law), University of Leeds (UK), 2020.
Ms. Tann Channarath (2013): B.A. (Economics), University of Cambodia
(Cambodia) 2012; B.A. (International Studies), RUPP (Cambodia) 2013; MA
(Public Policy) National University of Singapore (Singapore), 2017.
Mr. Thong Mengdavid (2021): B.A. (International Studies), RUPP (Cambodia)
2015; MA (Political Science), Shanghai Jiao Tong University (China), 2020.
Mr. Un Samnang (2018): B.Ed. (TEFL), RUPP (Cambodia), 2007; MA (Asia
Pacific Studies), Thammasat University (Thailand), 2018.
Ms. Ung Chanpisey (2021): B.A. (International Studies), RUPP (Cambodia)
2016; B.A. (Law), RULE (Cambodia), 2017; MA (International Relations),
University of Leeds (UK), 2020.
Ms. Vong Rylida (2021): B.Ed. (TEFL), RUPP (Cambodia), 2010; MA
(International Development), Nagoya University (Japan), 2014; PhD
(International Development), Nagoya University (Japan), 2019.

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 VISTING PROFESSORS AND GUEST LECTURERS
Dr. Heng Dyna (2012), IMF (USA)

RESIDENTIAL FELLOWS
Dr. Sok Say (Political Economy)

NON-RESIDENTIAL FELLOWS
Dr. Un Kheang (Political Science), Northern Illinois University, USA
Dr. Phat Kosal (International Relations), New York University, USA

LECTURERS ON LEAVE:

Degree
N Name Area of Expertise Country
pursued
1 Ngoy Yuthnea Economics PhD New Zealand
2 Samath Sambath Sreysour IR PhD New Zealand

Contact Address:
Room 03, Building E
Institute of Foreign Languages, Royal University of Phnom Penh
Russian Federation Boulevard
PO Box 416, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phone: (855-23) 885-419
Fax: (855-23) 884-154
Email: intlstudiespro@gmail.com

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