Introduction to Political Science

How to change the world, one policy at a time!

Studying politics can change your understanding of the world, enable you to be an active citizen and allow you to explore ways to have a real impact. Politicians, activists, human rights advocates, political analysts, diplomats, government officials and policymakers are just some examples of what graduates of political science can become. This field examines the nature of power, how it is distributed and why. It delves into governments, how they function and how they interact. The class will introduce you to the basic principles and concepts of political science, its scope and methods. You will learn about the different actors in world affairs and explore different themes, such as the rise of the modern state, political participation, political development, international relations, human rights and political economy. As a political scientist, you will learn to keep up with current events, understand their implications and develop a position when it comes to analyzing why things happened the way they did and how they can be used to predict future developments. If you are a student who likes to be engaged in the world around you and aspires to play a role in shaping the future, this is definitely a course for you! Join us now and enjoy your journey through this fascinating subject.

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Learning Outcomes

• Develop interest in current events.
• Develop an understanding and appreciation of key political science concepts.
• Critically analyze contemporary problems in the countries under consideration in light of the conceptual frameworks presented in class.
• Students will demonstrate critical reading and thinking skills, including the ability to evaluate and form an argument.
• Students will express their ideas in writing, including the ability to conduct research and martial evidence relevant to their research topic.
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of important social and ethical questions through the lens of politics, allowing them to engage more in their communities.

Duration and Location

• July 28 - August 15, 2024.
• Sessions will run daily from 9 am to 3 pm.
• AUC New Cairo campus.
• Fridays and Saturdays off.

Fees

• $1,000 (price includes field trips) - This amount is equivalent to half the price of a regular undergraduate course.
• 10% discount offered for siblings, AUC faculty, staff, and alumni.
• Egyptian students can pay the equivalent amount in Egyptian pounds.

Egyptian students can pay the tuition using

Current AUC Equivalent

This is a prerequisite for students who is to major or minor in political science.

Note: Program requirements may change by the time the student applies to AUC. If this course is no longer a requirement for the major, it will be counted as an elective course.

Course Transfer

• Upon taking this course, you will receive a certificate of completion from AUC.
• The course is equivalent to 3 credit hours. Only students who pass the course will be able to transfer these 3 credits when they enroll at AUC. In case transferring the course to other universities, their transfer assessments will apply. 

Requirements

• An English writing sample (at least 750 words): essay or reflection.
• A copy of your report card for the past two years of school.
• A recommendation letter from a high-school teacher within the past academic year, if available.

Transportation 

The AUC bus service is available for extra fees. Details on the schedule will be shared before the program’s start date.

Accommodation

Accommodation is offered at the University Residences in case needed. 

About the Instructor

Omneya El Naggar 

Omneya El Naggar is an academic and journalist. She has worked as a part-time assistant professor of political science at The American University in Cairo (AUC) since 2014. She taught a number of classes, including Introduction to political science, history and international relations, comparative politics of the Middle East, Europe in international politics in the twentieth century and introduction to research methods in political science. El Naggar has received a BA in political science, an MA in comparative politics and PhD in political philosophy. She has more than 20 years of teaching experience both at the high school and university levels. El Naggar is a strong advocate of student-centered classrooms where learning is an active process that allows the students to make meaning of the concepts discussed and develop the skills required for independent critical thinking. When she is not teaching, she enjoys walks exploring the old Cairo neighborhoods, street photography, gardening, traveling and reading. You can visit her website here or send her an email.

AUC Refund Policy

A 100% refund of the program fees will be offered in the following cases. If reported at least three weeks before the program's start date.

• Course cancellation
• Medical withdrawal
• Visa denial