Speciality Requirements Student must complete 21 credit hours

Course Code	Course Name	Credit Hours	Prerequests
454518	Scientific Research in Development Studies	3
This course focuses on the type of problems encountered in research in development studies in terms of selecting a topic subject, identifying its implications, examining its reliability and validity and how to employ them for the construction of testable hypotheses. In addition, this course discusses the relation between hypothesis and theory and the mechanisms involved in identifying the variables (both dependent and independent) and the patterns of generalisation, interpretation, and predictions. It also addresses another set of challenges such as research on how to separate and neutralise the ethics and values on the conduct of the process of scientific research in development studies and the issue of discrimination between the different research designs and determine the appropriate ones pertaining to development studies.
454519	Political Planning	3
This course consists of an introduction to the study of political planning, definitions , concepts, goals, stages, categories, requirements for successful planning, and related process of political development in both local and international environments. It also focuses on statebuilding, nation-building, through modernisation of public administration, strengtheningof leadership efficiency and skills, political reforms and fighting corruption, with the aim of achieving the desired objectives in the process of decision- making.
454520	Contemporary Theories, and Challenges of Political Development	3
This course is a conceptual framework whose purpose is to study and analyse schools and theories of political development such as the theory of liberal behaviourism, community-based growth theory, the theory of Marxism and dependency theory, development and the theory of Islamic succession. In addition, this course focuses on theories of political development and their ideological/intellectual sources, objectives, and consequences in order to determine the primary reasons for the failure of such theories as good models for political development.
454521	Policy Making and Analysis	3
This course aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for analyzing and evaluating public policies. It introduces the sequential stages of policy analysis, including: defining the problem to be addressed, selecting evaluation criteria, identifying alternative policy options, assessing these alternatives, choosing the most suitable policy, and finally, monitoring the performance of the selected policy and evaluating its outcomes in light of the problem identified in the initial stage.
454522	Financial Policies and Budget	3
This course aims to introduce students to the fiscal policies adopted by the state to achieve its financial, political, economic, and social objectives. These policies include the imposition of fees, penalties, various forms of domestic borrowing, tax policies, and customs duties. The course also covers the stages of preparing the state?s general budget?from ministries, agencies, and public institutions?until it is approved by the legislative authority and enacted as the budget law. In addition, the course familiarizes students with the sources of public revenue, the mechanisms and forms of public expenditure, and the methods of monitoring and oversight by both governmental and civil authorities.
454523	Political Change	3
This course deals with several political concepts connected with the phenomenon of political change such as stability, government effectiveness and legitimacy as well as the study of theories that explain the reasons behind the change. It also focuses on the relationship between political change and social and economic factors, political developments and the changes in political regimes in the world and finally, it focuses on the attempts used to adapt to the new world order.
454524	State Administration	3
This course is based on the study of the most important theories and foundations of the state, addressing the concepts of public administration and the development of theories of the state administration and public policy. The course looks at policy-making and the implementation of public policy and the obstacles facing the production of a rational policy by focusing on the administrative processes undertaken by the public administration in any politicalsystem.
454598	Comprehensive Exam	0
The Comprehensive Exam is a culmination of the Master's program, designed to assess students' understanding and integration of knowledge gained throughout their studies. This exam typically covers core concepts, theories, methodologies, and practical applications relevant to the field of study. It may include written, oral, or practical components, depending on the program requirements. The Comprehensive Exam provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate their mastery of the subject matter and their ability to synthesize and apply complex ideas in real-world contexts. Successful completion of the Comprehensive Exam is often a prerequisite for graduation and may serve as a milestone in students' academic or professional journey.

Speciality Optional Requirements Student must complete 15 credit hours

Course Code	Course Name	Credit Hours	Prerequests
454541	Political development and law principles	3
This course focuses on the legal frameworks?both domestic and international?that support planning and political development within the state. It emphasizes the philosophy of law in the context of the state and the formulation of legislation that promotes sound political advancement and strategic planning. The course highlights the responsibility of lawmakers to facilitate political planning and development, ensuring legal protection from political leadership abuses?whether at the level of government or political parties. It also stresses the importance of enacting laws that guarantee equitable and efficient distribution of planning and development activities across all regions and population segments. Furthermore, the philosophy of law?particularly in relation to political and economic systems?is studied as a priority area, as it plays a pivotal role in steering national activities and defining desired social, cultural, and economic objectives. On the international level, the course also explores the significance of international law, regulations, and guidelines related to cooperation with global institutions such as the UNDP and the United Nations, which play an active role in promoting political planning and development.
454542	Political and Economic Blocks: Regional and Global	3
This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive analytical perspective on the nature and role of global and regional political and economic blocs, particularly in the post?Cold War era. In this context, globalization has become a defining feature of the contemporary world. The course also offers an in-depth analysis of the collective stances and policies adopted by developing countries?including Arab states?toward greater cooperation among themselves. This includes the establishment of regional political and economic groupings to address the challenges posed by the new international conditions and transformations.
454543	International Finance and Development	3
This course aims to provide students with an understanding of external sources of funding, whether from governments, individuals, civil society organizations, or international financial institutions such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the Paris Club. It introduces the conditions of lending and the areas in which such loans are used. The course also explores the link between loans, political decision-making, and different forms of dependency. Additionally, it distinguishes between lending policies and those related to aid, grants, and donations, examining their implementation mechanisms and oversight processes. The course further analyzes the overall impact of these financial flows on various dimensions of development.
454544	Global Thought Rivalry	3
This course explores global intellectual conflicts and the attempts of competing ideological systems to influence nations and societies while confronting one another. It focuses on capitalism, Islam, and socialism, examining the relationship of each system with concepts such as democracy and freedom. The course investigates the foundational principles and values of these ideologies, their efforts to replace one another, and the resulting tensions and ideological struggles. Additionally, the course addresses the various methods and tools employed by each system in their efforts to expand, assert influence, and confront opposing ideologies.
454545	Comparative Development Studies	3
This course offers a comparative analysis of Arab experiences in political planning and development, with the goal of enhancing public awareness and accelerating citizen participation in political construction. It contrasts these experiences with those of other countries such as Iran, Malaysia, Brazil, South Korea, Indonesia, and Ukraine. While Arab experiences often fell short of expectations, the course suggests that valuable lessons can be drawn from the successes of others to improve political conditions in the Arab world. The course primarily emphasizes the importance of political participation in nation-building and examines the strategies and policies employed by selected countries to achieve this objective. It raises a central question throughout: Why did Arab nations fail to achieve sustainable political development and resort to violence when popular uprisings occurred, while others succeeded in establishing stable political systems that positively influenced all aspects of life and strengthened social cohesion and collective values?
454546	Conflict and Crisis Management	3
The issue of internal and external crises represents one of the most prominent challenges to development in the contemporary world. Various theories and approaches have emerged to address and manage crises in a way that transforms them from obstacles into catalysts for supporting political development. This course aims to introduce students to the nature and characteristics of political crises and their impact on political development. It emphasizes strategies that help mitigate the negative effects of crises and promote political stability as a foundation for sustainable development.
454547	Political Economy	3
This course addresses the dialectical relationship between economics and politics, highlighting the impact of economic interests, policies, and priorities on political activities and the internal and external relations of states and societies. Its aim is to connect economic power with political power and to examine the material factors that shape public policy both domestically and internationally. The course explores economic thought and its relationship to political theory, with a particular focus on the current phase marked by neoliberal capitalism and globalization. It examines features such as global market openness, the rapid and intensive movement of capital, and the emergence of major economic blocs.