General Education

The General Education program (GEP) is designed to build intellectual curiosity and critical reflection, foster human inquiry and develop the knowledge, skills and competencies required to build a successful future career. General education courses are designed to establish strong intellectual foundation for all specializations. These courses are added on top of the mandatory major courses with the intent to broaden knowledge beyond what is required in the student’s specialization.

MISSION

The General Education Program provides students with an overarching framework of knowledge and skills to facilitate their intellectual, personal and professional growth. It further prepares them for being globally responsible citizens.

The revised general education program consists of 21 credit hours (7 courses) which are centered around the following three (3) axes:

• Languages
• Sustainable and innovative entrepreneurship
• Ethical global citizenship

Consequently, the following three (3) program learning outcomes were put in place:

GEP PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES 

Students will be able to:

• Demonstrate ethical and cultural sensitivity in regional and global contexts
• Formulate sustainable business plans with entrepreneurial prospects
• Demonstrate appropriate oral and written communication skills in various contemporary languages

Arabic Language

The Arabic language is a popular and the fifth largest spoken language worldwide. It contributes to understanding culture and people, and increases job opportunities. This course is designed to develop an understanding of Arabic to help students communicate confidently with others, and to equip them with the skills needed in a variety of situations by promoting the four language skills, namely, reading, writing, speaking and listening, by acquiring day to day words of common parlance and expressions in addition to some grammatical rules through a combination of lectures and interactive elements, such as group work, in-class exercises, conversations and audio-video aids.

Public Speaking

Civility and ethical speech are the foundations of effective public interaction. The course emphasises the practical skill of public speaking, including techniques to lessen speaker’s anxiety, and the use of visual aids to enhance delivery.  The course is heavily practice-oriented and has been designed to develop the skills of speech-making through class discussions, group work, presenting papers, and giving seminars. 

English for Academic Writing

Writing persuasively is a fundamental skill required by students throughout their academic and professional career. Students learn to identify and use persuasive language, summarize, paraphrase, and read and write critically.  Additionally, they learn to compose and construct well-written pieces of composition that meet the requirements of the university's curricula. Through group activities, discussion, debate, and analysis of authentic writings, students apply and demonstrate their understanding of language competency.

Islamic Culture

Islamic Culture is one of the richest cultures in the world and reflects tolerance in diversity. Students realize key beliefs and practices of Islam, the broad spectrum of cultural and social diversity, and gain skills which they apply across different fields. It also discusses social values, ethics and human rights and highlights the contribution of Islamic civilization to human civilization in general. It also provides an understanding of Islamic tolerance and connection to all nations based on moderate non-extremist approach. Course teaching methodologies like: Presentations, discussions, audio-video aids, storytelling and group projects are used.

Culture, Heritage and Traditions

UAE is a unique cohesive society that is inclusive of all, while preserving its culture, heritage and traditions. Students acknowledge the UAE identity, and appreciate the history and achievements of Emirati culture through the social moorings of the community and its values.  It covers a variety of important fields related to the UAE history, geography, political economy, social responsibility, women empowerment, and highlights the UAE tolerance, liberal approach and position in the global competitiveness through class discussions, storytelling, documentary films, project-based learning and other teaching methodologies.

Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Sustainability

The need, significance and movement for sustainable practices around the world is driven by the policies, practices and the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship transcending business size and industry. Students explore the relationship between creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability using techniques and concepts such as the lean canvas, design thinking, MVP (minimum viable product) ideation, incubation and the acceleration of business ideas and concepts.  Through a combination of case studies, research, group projects, interactive discussions, seminars, activities and role play the students develop the ability to recognize, create and deliver sustainable innovative solutions to a complex global market.

Ethics and Professional Responsibility

Ethically sensitive employees are valuable to creating socially responsible workplaces and improved business outcomes.  It also helps equip students to develop an overarching ethics-based approach to professional conduct. The course examines changing societal demands and expectations and elaborates on existing ethical norms and practice. The course offers insight into relationship of ethics and professions, ethical nuances of employer-employee relationship, whistleblowing and women and family issues in professional settings. Through case studies, current events, open discussions and debates students address the concept of professional ethics.