Bachelor’s Degree in History and International Relations
Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Sana’a University
The Department of History and Archaeology traces its roots back to the very foundation of Sana’a University in the academic year 1970/1971. Established along with just two colleges – the Faculty of Sharia and Law, and the Faculty of Education – the university initially focused on core disciplines. By the academic year 1973/1974, however, the Faculty of Arts emerged as a distinct entity, encompassing a wider range of departments. The Department of History and Archaeology functioned as a unified department earlier. Students were offered the opportunity to specialize in either history or archaeology beginning in their third year. This structure remained in place until the academic year 1976/1977, after which, in the academic year 1982/1983, the two departments were separated. The Department of History then embarked on its independent path, continuously adapting to evolving educational systems and changes in Arab and international universities. It followed the credit-hour, comprehensive, annual, and semester systems, major and elective courses, and specific departmental, college, and university requirements. Finally, in the academic year 1990/1991, a stable course system was introduced, with the approval of 47 intermediate-level courses, consisting of five courses per semester. As a result, four distinct branches gained prominence in the graduate studies program:
- Ancient History
- Islamic History
- Medieval History
- Modern and contemporary history
In addition to these specialized courses, the program included five general courses, five core university requirements, and three relevant courses from other departments. Over time, the curriculum has been continuously updated to reflect the evolving field of history. Currently, the program offers 47 courses, including the five core university requirements.
The department launched its postgraduate program in the academic year 1983/1984. Initially, however, the program faced challenges due to a limited number of applicants and a lack of faculty resources dedicated to postgraduate studies. Consequently, the program was temporarily suspended. Fortunately, in the academic year 1990/1991, with the necessary resources secured, the program was successfully relaunched. By 1992, it offered specialized postgraduate studies in four distinct areas: Ancient History, Islamic History, Medieval European History, and Modern and Contemporary History. Since then, the program has seen a significant increase in enrollment, with numerous graduates achieving Master’s and Ph.D. degrees across the various branches.
In 2020, the department underwent a significant transformation, changing its name to the Department of History and International Relations. This shift reflects the department’s commitment to preparing specialists equipped with expertise in both history and its connection to international relations. This expanded focus equips graduates for success in educational and professional positions within diverse societal institutions.
Mission
The Department of History and International Relations is committed to achieving quality and excellence in higher education, scholarly research, community service, and national identity. The core objective is to prepare exceptional professionals equipped to effect positive societal change. The department focuses on personal growth that steers students toward innovation and self-directed learning. It also aims to develop their critical and analytical skills in historical studies and international relations and provide advanced teaching programs that help students achieve their academic and personal goals.
Vision
The Department of History and International Relations seeks to foster historical awareness, identity, and knowledge.
Department Aims:
- Providing students with specialized knowledge and understanding of history across all its domains.
- Fostering a meaningful connection between past epochs and the present through historical studies, drawing lessons from the experiences and achievements of diverse civilizations to cultivate positive global relationships.
- Preparing experts in history and international relations, equipping them for positions in education and diverse professional roles within community institutions.
- Organizing conferences, scholarly seminars, and panel discussions that address historical issues, to formulate historical lessons that closely align with current contexts.
- Enhancing national awareness of Yemen’s history and civilization throughout the ages, including its regional and international interactions, while reinforcing the pillars of national, Islamic, and Arab identity at all levels.