Assessment Tool Percentage Description
Discussion and Participation 20% Attendance is mandatory and students are expected to come prepared to
discuss the required readings for the week to participate in class discussion.
Oral Presentation (Individual)
Assigned Presentation Days:
Batch 05 A & 30
02 March
09 March
Batch 05 B & 30
28 February
07 March
40% Students will give an individual presentation on topics related to the subject.
Research Paper
Deadline for Submission:
14 March
40% Students will submit a research paper of 5,000 words, applying critically
appraising key domestic and international factors studied in the UAE foreign
policy.
Late papers will be penalized.
The instructor has a zero-tolerance policy regarding academic integrity.
Assessment
Ivo Sobral
2021/2022
1. Discussion and Participation
There is a clear distinction between attendance and participation. Attendance is a requirement and
should not be a part of an assessment tool, whereas discussion & participation is the measurement of
the students’ active engagement in the readings/discussions/lectures of the course. The objective of
this assessment tool is to encourage students to participate in discussion and to motivate students to
engage with background reading and preparation for a learning session. Additionally, this can also be
used to foster the development of public communication skills and group interaction, which is an
essential skillset in the field of International Relations. A detailed rubric will be provided to the
students at the beginning of the course to clarify the assessment criteria.
Assessment
Ivo Sobral
2021/2022
1. Oral Presentation (Individual)
Each student will individually present a topic on a contemporary UAE Foreign Policy issue.
The student will critically analyze the issue, its regional and/or international impact in details
for 15 min. This exercise will allow the students to both apply theories and concepts of UAE
Foreign Policy while assessing a particular case study. The student can select the Research
Paper topic has the main theme of the Oral Presentation.
Assessment
Ivo Sobral
2021/2022
2. Research Paper
Students are required to submit a 10-page single-spaced research paper addressing a substantive topic
relating to contemporary or current issues in UAE foreign policy. In this assignment, students are expected to
critically assess the key domestic and international factors that shape UAE foreign policy and to analyze
alternative UAE foreign policy strategies that address contemporary foreign policy issues reflecting the
UAE’s priority agendas.
The research paper should follow a standard essay format with introduction, body and conclusion paragraphs.
Below is a list of suggested topics. If students wish to suggest alternative topics, they are welcome to do so
provided that they consult the instructor in advance. Students may refer to key governmental websites, WAM
news agency, and local newspapers to draw further inspiration.
Assessment
Ivo Sobral
2021/2022
List of Suggested Topics
• The UAE national security
strategies
• Regional IGOs and the UAE
• UAE’s status as an emerging
regional player
• UAE’s foreign policy
towards Iran and Iraq
• UAE’s food and water
security strategies
• The UAE and the
global war on
terrorism
• UAE’s energy security
and renewable energy
• UAE foreign aid and
humanitarian
assistance
• The UAE and the
Political Economy of
Sovereign Wealth
Funds (SWFs)
Word Limit: 5,000 words (10 pages, single-spaced); Times New Roman, font size 12 – The title
page and references page are excluded from word count and page numbers.
Assessment
Ivo Sobral
2021/2022
STRUCTURE:
Title: The title page should include the name, Student ID, institutional affiliation and date of submission
Introduction (1 page): A brief introduction paragraph(s) should precede the research questions. Introduce the
topic, provide an overview and/or historical context and synopsis. Explain the significance and relevance of
the chosen topic to the current national, regional and international contexts shaping UAE foreign policy
imperatives and identify the core objectives and priorities for UAE foreign policy.
Body (6 pages): The body paragraphs should delve into empirical analysis that highlights the role of key
national, regional and international actors and address the key theoretical and conceptual and/or policy
debates for the chosen topic. Empirical analysis should be followed by a few paragraphs offering a future
prognosis of the regional and international contexts.
Conclusion (3 pages): The conclusion paragraphs should succinctly highlight the key arguments of the paper
and it should also include a list of policy recommendations for the future.
References: Students should adhere to one of the three citation formats (APA, MLA, or Chicago) and apply
them consistently throughout the paper.