IR List Overview

The UBC IR curriculum is divided into three thematic areas, allowing students to develop expertise in diplomacy, global security, economic development, and regional studies. Students complete at least 9 credits in either List A or B. They then have the choice to complete 9 further credits from any list. Each area integrates interdisciplinary perspectives from political science, economics, history, anthropology, geography, philosophy, and other disciplines.


List A. International Diplomacy, Security, and Peace Studies

Focus:

  • Theories and practices of diplomacy
  • Global security, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding
  • Human rights, gender, and social justice in international affairs

Key Disciplines & Topics:

  • Political Science (POLI_V) – International organizations, global governance, security policy, international law
  • History (HIST_V) – Global conflicts, colonialism, diplomatic history
  • Geography (GEOG_V) – Geopolitics, environmental security
  • Sociology (SOCI_V) & Gender Studies (GRSJ_V) – Social movements, gender and war, human security
  • Philosophy (PHIL_V) & Public Policy (PPGA_V) – Ethics in international relations, global justice
  • Anthropology (ANTH_V) – Cultural perspectives on diplomacy and conflict

List B. International Economy and Development

Focus:

  • Global trade, finance, and markets
  • Sustainable development and environmental policy
  • Economic inequality and poverty reduction strategies

Key Disciplines & Topics:

  • Economics (ECON_V) – International trade, development economics, economic policy
  • Food and Nutrition (FNH_V) – Global food security and sustainability
  • Forestry (FRST_V) & Geography (GEOG_V) – Environmental economics, climate policy
  • Anthropology (ANTH_V) & Sociology (SOCI_V) – Social and cultural impacts of development
  • History (HIST_V) – Economic history of globalization and regional development
  • Philosophy (PHIL_V) – Ethics in economic policy and global justice

List C. Area Studies

Focus:

  • Regional political, economic, and cultural dynamics
  • Historical and contemporary developments in specific world regions

Regional Specializations:

  1. Africa – Postcolonial studies, economic and social development
  2. Asia – East Asian politics, economic growth, historical transformations
  3. Canada and the Americas – North and Latin American relations, Indigenous issues
  4. Europe and Eurasia – EU governance, history of war and diplomacy
  5. Middle East – Political movements, religious and social transformations
  6. Comparative & Global Studies – Cross-regional analysis, transnational issues

Key Disciplines:

  • Political Science (POLI_V) – Comparative government, regional politics
  • Geography (GEOG_V) – Regional economies, environmental policies
  • History (HIST_V) – Colonialism, nationalism, historical transformations
  • Sociology & Anthropology (SOCI_V, ANTH_V) – Cultural diversity, migration, and transnationalism

Curriculum Pathways

Students can tailor their coursework toward:

  • Diplomatic careers – Focusing on international diplomacy and security
  • Global development – Specializing in economic policies and social justice
  • Regional expertise – Gaining deep knowledge of a particular world region
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