Political and International Studies Courses Map to the UN SDGs

In 2015, the Member States of the United Nations collectively embraced the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved. The SDGs acknowledge that efforts at deprivation and poverty eradication must be streamlined with actions to enhance healthcare and education, mitigate inequality and promote economic advancement. These SDGs recognize the interdependence of various facets of human life with climate-change challenges, thereby rendering echo-centric and anthropocentric concerns the main elements of sustainability. Making progress towards achieving the SDGs hinges on appropriate public policies and sustained international cooperation by state and non-state actors. In both courses and extracurricular activities, the BA in Political Science/International Affairs program contributes to raising awareness about the centrality of the SDGs.

• POL201 (Introduction to Political Science), which can be taken to fulfill a LAS requirement, introduces students to issues of ending poverty and hunger (SDG1 and SDG2), gender equality (SDG5), decent work and economic growth (SDG8), reduced inequalities (SDG10) and climate action (SDG13).
• POL331 (International Organizations) discusses the role of international organizations – such as the United Nations, World Bank, International Monetary Fund and International Labor Organization – in the promotion of SDGs. This course provides students with the opportunity for in-depth discussion of SDGs over several weeks.
• POL336 (Politics in the Global South) discusses issues concerning the urban and rural poor in the global South (SDG1, SDG2 and SDG11), gender equality (SDG5), the human development index and state models of economic growth (SDG8 and SDG9), reduced inequalities (SDG10), climate action (SDG13) and fostering peace and justice in societies plagued by ethnic conflict (SDG16).
• POL357 (Globalization and Political Change) centers on the impact of instantaneous and trans-planetary connections on human lives, society and states. This course delves into a multifaceted discussion of globalization by showing its impact on education (SDG4), gender equality (SDG5), inclusive economic growth and innovation (SDG8 and SDG9), the disparities between the global North and South (SDG10) and sustainable consumption patterns (SDG12).

The Department of Political and International Studies is deeply committed to advancing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, which emphasizes the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice, and the creation of effective, accountable institutions. Through its teaching, research and community engagement, the department addresses the root causes of conflict, mistrust in public institutions and global challenges such as climate change. The department has hosted multiple international diplomats to discuss pathways to more inclusive societies, creating a platform for students to engage directly with global leaders on critical issues related to governance and peacebuilding.

In addition to its emphasis on diplomacy, the department is pioneering in researching conflict resolution in the MENA region, particularly in plural and divided societies. Its research has focused on governance in polarized environments, offering innovative solutions to power-sharing arrangements. These efforts have not only enriched academic discourse but also equipped students with the skills to navigate and lead in complex political dynamics. By producing future leaders who are well-versed in the intricacies of sustainable peace, the department significantly contributes to the global effort to build inclusive and resilient institutions.