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General Education

A shared foundation for every graduate.

General Education (GE) is the set of courses every AUE undergraduate completes. It builds critical thinking, a broad understanding of the humanities, arts, social and natural sciences, a common grounding in Islamic and Emirati studies, and the communication, quantitative and digital skills you need in higher education.

At a glance

GE at AUE

Minimum

30 credit hours

Competencies

7

Course areas

7

GE courses

28

What you will gain

Seven GE competencies

Every GE course develops one or more of these competencies, whichever program you study.

01

Communication literacy

Develop effective strategies for communicating in writing and speech.

02

Quantitative literacy

Use mathematical and other quantitative information to reach evidence-based conclusions.

03

Information literacy

Interpret information from print and digital sources, and research effectively and ethically.

04

Scientific literacy

Apply scientific methods and ideas to contemporary issues.

05

Critical thinking

Think critically to analyse and solve problems.

06

Ethical reasoning

Recognise ethical issues within a given context.

07

Aesthetic and creative comprehension

Express personal reflection through creative work.

GE courses

Courses by area

Each undergraduate program requires at least 30 credit hours of GE. The courses you take depend on your program's study plan. All GE courses carry 3 credit hours.

3 courses

University core

ASC 101 · University Life

Helps new students make the transition into AUE's academic and cultural environment and build the confidence to meet academic requirements. Academic content is combined with interactive class activities so students understand their curricular options and begin a career plan through self-reflection.

INV 200 · Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Sparks an interest in innovation and inspires entrepreneurial action through experiential learning, critical thinking and creative problem-solving. Students identify opportunities for creative disruption, design a strategy to implement it, develop innovative business ideas in practical workshops, and build a personal mastery portfolio.

ASC 219 · Introduction to AI

A practical introduction to artificial intelligence for students in every discipline. Through hands-on exercises students explore problem-solving, decision-making, simple machine learning, reinforcement and probabilistic learning, and natural language processing, with a focus on AI's impact on society, ethics and everyday life.

6 courses

Languages and communication

ENG 101 · Academic Writing

Builds advanced English writing skills for study in any academic specialization, covering structure, technical writing, research papers and essays.

ASC 207 · Introduction to Research

Introduces research terminology and the research process, from choosing a topic to writing an APA-style proposal. Students learn to read and review journal articles, research ethics, data collection instruments and how to interpret data.

ARLAA 100 · Communication Skills in Arabic

For Arabic speakers. Develops the writing of reports, official letters, minutes, recommendations and systematic research, along with spelling rules, punctuation, paragraphing and essay writing.

ARLAA 105 · Arabic Composition

For Arabic speakers. Students analyse texts from different fields of knowledge and learn to write them correctly, using models, linguistic rules, planning and cohesion to inform and persuade the reader.

ARLNA 100 · Arabic for Non-Arab Speakers

Builds listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in Arabic step by step, using text-based dialogues so learners can interact confidently with the Arab community.

ENG 100AR · English I

For programs taught in Arabic. Develops the English listening, speaking, reading and writing skills needed across disciplines, and prepares students to research, draft and write an article.

4 courses

Natural sciences and mathematics

MAT 100 · General Mathematics

Develops a solid understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts and the ability to think logically and concisely, giving students the confidence to take further courses in mathematics and statistics.

ASC 210 · Natural Science

A survey of astronomy, geology, biology, chemistry and environmental science, including weather, water, nutrition and the chemistry of life. Students build skills in observation, critical thinking and interpreting scientific facts.

ASC 211 · Environmental Science

Introduces the principles of environmental science, from ecology and ecosystems to population dynamics, biodiversity, air quality, and water and waste management, with the knowledge to identify, prevent and solve environmental problems.

ASC 212 · Sustainable Energy

A thorough introduction to sustainable energy, conservation and efficiency in the UAE and the world, covering climate change, sustainable food production, waste management, environmental law and solutions to the energy crisis.

6 courses

Humanities and arts

ASC 201 · Introduction to Philosophy

Introduces the key concepts and tools of philosophy and its main schools of thought, applying philosophical analysis to knowledge, religion, mind, freedom, responsibility and ethics.

ASC 203 · World History

Surveys the history of humankind from 250 CE to 1990 CE, with interregional, comparative and cross-cultural perspectives. The course explores the roots of contemporary globalization and develops historical thinking and writing.

ASC 204 · Middle East History

An overview of the history of the Middle East and its historical sources, concluding with different perspectives on the region's history.

ENG 200 · English Literature

An overview of literature in English from the United States, from early Anglo-American writers and the major literary movements to the minority voices that shape American literature today.

DES 104 · Contemporary Arab Art

Explores Arab art and aesthetics from the early twentieth century to today: contemporary art and design movements in Arab countries, the expression of cultural identity, and the pioneering artists who shaped them.

DES 105 · History of Islamic Art

A chronological overview of the trends and approaches in Islamic art, exploring how the rise of Islam led to a new artistic culture across the world.

6 courses

Social and behavioral sciences

ASC 110 · Introduction to Social Sciences

An interdisciplinary introduction to anthropology, sociology, psychology, political science and economics, and to a lesser extent history and geography, building critical thinking about social issues, change and institutions.

ASC 104 · Introduction to Sociology

Introduces sociology as the systematic study of societies, institutions and social relationships, including the methods used to study social interaction and stratification.

ASC 102 · Introduction to Anthropology

The study of human beings across time and space from both biological and cultural perspectives. Students experience ethnographic fieldwork as part of the course.

ASC 200 · General Psychology

An introduction to the science of psychology: its history, the biology of the mind, memory, learning, child and personality development, and psychological disorders and therapy, with applications to everyday life.

ASC 202 · Introduction to Political Science

Introduces the key concepts and tools of political science and the roles and functions of the main political actors.

ASC 206 · Introduction to Geography

A comprehensive overview of human and physical geography, focusing on the concepts needed to understand global, regional and local issues.

2 courses

Islamic studies

ASC 105 · Islamic Culture

Explores Islamic culture and its characteristics, the sources of legislation in Islam, and the history of Islam.

ASC 106 · Islamic Civilization

An in-depth look at the universal principles behind Islamic civilization, its basic ideas and their contemporary relevance and challenges, including the debate on the 'clash of civilizations'.

1 course

Emirati studies

ASC 208 · Emirati Studies

Formerly UAE and GCC Society. Introduces the history and distinctive features of UAE and GCC society, its customs, traditions and lifestyle, and the processes, challenges and future aspirations of its development.

See GE in your program

Each program's study plan shows exactly which GE courses you will take and when.

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