General Education Programme

Introduction 

The General Education Programme (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 establish a strong intellectual foundation for all specialisations. These courses are added to the mandatory major courses to broaden knowledge beyond what is required in the student’s specialisation.

Mission

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

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

• Languages
• Sustainable and innovative entrepreneurship
• Ethical global citizenship

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

General Education Programme Learning Outcomes 

Students will be able to:

• Demonstrate ethical and cultural sensitivity in regional and global contexts.
• Apply knowledge of innovation and sustainability in making entrepreneurial and socially responsible decisions.
• Demonstrate appropriate oral and written communication skills in various contemporary languages.

GENERAL EDUCATION (UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS) - 21 CR

ARAB 102 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 - 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.

COMM 105 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 the speaker's anxiety and the use of visual aids to enhance delivery. The course is heavily practice-oriented and has been designed to develop speech-making skills through class discussions, group work, presenting papers, and giving seminars.

ENGL 102 English for Academic Writing

Writing persuasively is a fundamental skill students require throughout their academic and professional careers. Students learn to identify and use persuasive language, summarise, 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.

GENE 120 Islamic Culture

Islamic Culture is one of the richest cultures in the world and reflects tolerance of diversity. Students realise 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 civilisation to human civilisation in general. It also provides an understanding of Islamic tolerance and connection to all nations based on a moderate non-extremist approach. Course teaching methodologies like presentations, discussions, audio-video aids, storytelling and group projects are used.

GENE 210 UAE Studies

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's history, geography, political economy, social responsibility, and women empowerment. It highlights the UAE's tolerance, liberal approach and position in global competitiveness through class discussions, storytelling, documentary films, project-based learning and other teaching methodologies.

GENE 340 Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Sustainability

The need, significance and movement for sustainable practices around the world are 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 case studies, research, group projects, interactive discussions, seminars, activities, and role play, the students develop the ability to recognise, create and deliver sustainable, innovative solutions to a complex global market.

GENE 440 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 practices. The course offers insight into the relationship between 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.

COURSE (INTENDED) LEARNING OUTCOMES [CLOS]

ARAB 102 Arabic Language

After completing this course, students should be able to:

1. Use the course vocabulary effectively in meaningful sentences.
2. Apply the grammar rules for effective daily conversations.
3. Comprehend passages for critically evaluating the main idea.
4. Write paragraphs and letters while respecting the pertaining rules.
5. Identify the main ideas in Arabic conversations on familiar topics.

ENGL 102 English for Academic Writing

After completing this course, students should be able to:

1. Cite sources of information appropriately.
2. Evaluate sourced information for use in academic essays/reports.
3. Apply conventions of the writing process.
4. Develop a logical argument for essay writing.
5. Interpret visual representations of information for use in reports.

COMM 105 Public Speaking

After completing this course, students should be able to:

1. Analyse an audience and design speeches to reflect the analysis.
2. Use multimedia aids to enhance delivery.
3. Organise speeches in a logical manner.
4. Prepare speeches for specific situations.
5. Evaluate speeches based on a variety of verbal and non-verbal criteria.

GENE 120 Islamic Culture

After completing this course, students should be able to:

1. Develop knowledge of basic concepts of Islamic beliefs and practices.
2. Relate Islamic viewpoints to various contemporary issues.
3. Describe Islamic social and economic systems.
4. Apply Islamic beliefs and thoughts in daily life.
5. Show Islamic tolerance in dealing with others.

GENE 210 UAE Studies

After completing this course, students should be able to:

1. Describe the basic features of the UAE society.
2. Recognise the geographical features and demographic aspects of UAE and its impacts on society.
3. Discuss cultural and educational developments in the UAE society.
4. Describe contemporary economic changes and their social impacts.
5. Identify the personal features and capabilities required for future aspirations.

GENE 340 Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Sustainability

After completing this course, students should be able to:

1. Describe the significance of innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability in the global ecosystem.
2. Identify different phases of ideation, incubation and acceleration of sustainable and entrepreneurial business ideas and concepts.
3. Examine the tools and techniques entrepreneurs use to create innovative, sustainable solutions.
4. Analyse case studies of entrepreneurial ventures to highlight their role in promoting sustainable innovation in a complex global market.
5. Evaluate the contribution of innovative and sustainable businesses to the local and global market.

GENE 440 Ethics and Professional Responsibility

After completing this course, students should be able to:

1. Identify the conceptual framework of values and ethics in professional practice and conduct.
2. Analyse the theoretical constructs of the various approaches and constitutional elements of ethics.
3. Compare the role and code of Ethics applicable to various professional settings.
4. Evaluate the ethical contours and basis of employer-employee relationship.
5. Design ethical codes of conduct that align with the organisational culture and values.