Master s Programme in European Studies

Transcription

1 Programme syllabus for the Master s Programme in European Studies 120 higher education credits Second Cycle Confirmed by the Faculty Board of Social Sciences

2 2 1. Degree Programme title and credits The Degree programme is named Master s Programme in European Studies (Master Programme in European Studies), 120 higher education credits (S2EUS). 2. Confirmation The programme syllabus for the Master s Programme in European Studies, was approved by the Faculty Board of Social Sciences, and revised , to be valid from autumn The programme syllabus was further revised , and to be valid from autumn The programme syllabus was further revised to be valid from autumn The Programme Board of European Studies programmes is responsible for the Degree Programme. 3. Aim of the Degree Programme The overall aim of the programme is to provide advanced knowledge and analytical skills relevant to different aspects of European development, with a special emphasis on the European Union enlargement and integration processes. The programme is inter- and multidisciplinary and addresses a broad range of topics within the field of European studies including legal, political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of contemporary European development and integration, as well as its historical background. The programme will provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for both professional careers in and post-graduate research related to important European developments. The European enlargement and integration processes encompass not only activities at the supranational European level, but also how old and new member states and citizens are affected by the integration process, and how various actors (e.g. private companies, local/regional authorities, social movements) seek to influence or collaborate with the European Union. The programme equips students with the analytical skills to assess European actors involved in the integration process, implications of EU policy, as well as to formulate strategies to operate effectively in the European arena. The academic spirit of the programme is the creation of a critical stance, fostering of independent thinking as well as the promotion of an urge and an ability to formulate original questions rather than to convey ready-made answers. All courses of the programme are closely linked up with current research, with a special emphasis on multidisciplinary academic studies on European developments. Methodologically, the programme builds on a research-like approach implying the reading of research literature, own writing, problem solving, and oral presentations and discussions in the form of academic seminars. 4. Degree After completing the Degree programme the student can apply for a diploma with the denomination Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in European Studies (Filosofie masterexamen med huvudområdet europakunskap). 5. Main field of studies The main field of the Degree Programme is European Studies (Europakunskap) 6. Objectives See Appendix 2, Qualifications ordinance

3 3 7. Degree Programme content and structure 7.1 Structure The Master s Programme in European Studies is a full-time study programme, consisting of two compulsory core courses, one elective in-depth course, one semielective in-depth course, one compulsory course in research methods, electives that allow students to pursue specialization, including internship possibility, and a final compulsory master thesis. First Module Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Term 4 European Elective courses in Sweden Semi-Elective Integration: or abroad course Current (15 hec) (15 hec in-depth Research and course): Theory or (15 hec core Social Europe course) Internship for the Masters Programme in European Studies (15 hec) or European Environment and Energy or Second Module Integrating European Markets (15 hec core course) Elective course Central and Eastern Europe: Fully European or the European Other? (15 hec in-depth course) or Europe in the World Master s Research methods thesis for for European Studies European (15hec) Studies (30 hec) Elective courses in Sweden or abroad (15 hec) or Internship for the Masters Programme in European Studies (15 hec) 7.2 Content The core and in-depth courses are multi-disciplinary, research oriented, and problem-

4 4 oriented to central themes within the field of European Studies. Term 1, First Module: European Integration: Current Research and Theory, (15 hec), compulsory core course. This course lays the theoretical foundation for a broad multidisciplinary and problem-oriented approach to European integration. The aim is to increase the theoretical understanding of legal, political, economic, and social aspects of the European integration process, by bringing forward different disciplinary insights and understandings of current European phenomena. The students will learn about the institutions, processes, practices, and problems of European integration, as well as gain an overview of, and an ability to critically reflect on and discuss, orally and in written form, current theory and research on processes of European integration. Term 1, Second Module: Integrating European Market, (15 hec), compulsory core course. The course addresses the problems of integrating different national market systems into one single market, without formally integrating the social systems. The main key problems in the process of enlargement and integration, and how they are being handled in different EU institutions, and by different actors will be addressed, including different styles of policymaking, e.g. hard-law and soft- law. The interplay between formal legal restrictions, economical functions of the single market and the political policy-making process will be a central theme throughout this course. Term 2 First Module: Elective course or Internship for the Masters Programme in European Studies, (in Sweden or abroad) (15 hec). Elective courses may be selected from a list of courses deemed relevant to the field of European studies. Students may take courses at other universities and within fields; however, these exceptions will be decided on a case by case basis. There is a possibility within the programme to do an internship within an organization (public, private or non-profit) active in fields relevant to European studies. Students are responsible for identifying, contacting and making arrangements with the organizations. Internship placements require final approval by the course coordinator in order to qualify for higher education credits. Term 2 Second Module: Elective course Central and Eastern Europe: Fully European or the European Other? or Elective course (in Sweden or abroad) or Internship for the Masters Programme in European Studies (in Sweden or abroad), (15 hec). The Central and Eastern Europe: Fully European or the European Other? course highlights the historical, cultural, political, and socio-economic perspectives on why there is an implicit othering of Central and East Europe. It focuses on the Central and East Europe as a geopolitical region, its political, economic and social cleavages, as well as cultural and intellectual development historically and in our time. Students may also select from a list of courses deemed relevant to the field of European studies. Exceptions will be decided on a case by case basis. Internship for the Masters Programme in European Studies offer students the possibility to devote a half or a whole term for an internship within an organization (public, private or non-profit) active in the field of European studies. Students are responsible for identifying, contacting, and making arrangements with the organizations. Internship placements require final approval by the course coordinator in order to qualify for higher education credits. Term 3 First Module: Social Europe or European Environment and Energy or Europe in the World (15 hec), semi-elective in-depth courses. Students can choose between three specialized semi-elective courses highlighting central aspects of the future of Europe. The Social Europe

5 5 course focus on multi-disciplinary aspects of the European citizenship, i.e. rights and obligations, work, family, gender, identity, immigration, and the future of European welfare states. Other central features of this course are European soft law, the Lisbon strategy, and social movements. The European Environment and Energy course deals with future European challenges in terms of sustainable development and energy dependence, and how the EU and the member states try to handle these issues. Multi-disciplinary aspects encompass legal frameworks, economical aspects, and policy- making, and implementation problems. The Europe in the World course is designed to present a multidisciplinary and historic perspective on relations between Europe and other parts of the World. Three fields of interest will be in focus: migration, trade, and security. Values, norms, and interests, are discussed in theoretically founded historic, cultural, political, and economic perspectives, with the aim of contributing to deeper knowledge and understanding of the role of Europe in the world. Term 3 Second Module: Research methods for European Studies, (15 hec). It is compulsory to study 15 hec of research methodology relevant to the field of European studies within the master in European studies programme structure. Specializations in qualitative or quantitative methods for the social sciences will be offered. Research methodology may also be studied in any language. Term 4 First and Second Module: Master s thesis for European Studies, (30 hec). Students will write a Master thesis with theoretical and empirical relevance that adds new knowledge to the field of European studies. The student will independently formulate an original and well delineated research question, identify, survey, and synthesize knowledge relevant to the research question, choose suitable analytical methods, select or collect appropriate empirical material, analyze the material, and draw well-founded conclusions. The course also expects students to assess the validity of their own conclusions, communicate the results, and complete the work within the specified timeframe. The thesis writing will be supervised individually. Students will also be required to defend the thesis in a final examination seminar, as well as act as an opponent on another student s thesis. 7.3 Main field of study Core courses European Integration: Current Research and Theory Integrating European Markets In-depth courses Compulsory semi-elective courses: European Environment and Energy or Social Europe or Europe in the World Elective course: Central and Eastern Europe: Fully European or the European Other? Elective courses Internship for the Master s Programme in European Studies Elective course (in Sweden or abroad) Method course Master s thesis for European Studies

6 6 8. Prerequisites The entry requirements for admission to the programme, is a Bachelor s degree of 180 higher education credits, with a minimum of 90 higher education credits in a social sciences discipline. Students at the Law programme are also eligible to apply to the Master s Programme, after three years (180 higher education credits, equivalent of a bachelor degree). Priority will be given to applicants with 60 higher education credits in European Studies. For complete information, see Special eligibility in English: From July 2013 onwards, the basic English requirement is at least English 6, English Course B, or the equivalent. See 9. Guaranteed admission Students who have been admitted, and at the prescribed pace follows the programme, has guaranteed admission to all required courses within the programme. 10. Additional information The program is taught in English. The Master Programme in European Studies quality assurance activities are guided by the Programme Board of the European Programmes quality assurance plan, which is prepared in accordance with the current vision document and plan of action for quality assurance within the University of Gothenburg and Faculty of Social Sciences. For courses included in the programme but which do not relate to courses organized by the Programme Board of the European Programmes, each individual department is responsible for quality assurance activities.

7 7 Appendix 1 Alternative programme syllabus for the double degree option with University of Konstanz The Department of Political Science at the University of Gothenburg and the Department of Politics and Public Administration at the University of Konstanz, have agreed on a double degree master studies collaboration. The first year of study takes place in Konstanz and the second year of study takes place in Gothenburg according to the programme syllabuses and course syllabuses for the respective parties. Fulfilling the requirements specified in the programme description of Master in Politics and Public Administration (MA in Politik-und Verwaltungswissenschaft) in accordance with the double degree descriptions, the students will obtain a Master of Arts in Politics and Public Administration (Master of Arts in Politik- und Verwaltungswissenschaft). To obtain a Degree of Master of Science (120 hec) with a major in European studies (Filosofie masterexamen med huvudområdet Europastudier) at the University of Gothenburg the following courses within the specialisation in International relations and European Integration at the University of Konstanz, as well as the following courses within the Master s Programme of European Studies at the University of Gothenburg must be completed: Year 1, University of Konstanz Term 1, first module HEC Research Design I 9 Basic seminar - International Relations and European Integration (core course) 7 Term 1, second module Basic seminar - Comparative Politics and Policy Analysis or International administration and Conflict Management (core course) Elective core course: - area International Relations and European Integration 7 7 Term 2, first module Research Design II 9 Elective in-depth course: - area International Relations and European Integration 7 Term 2, second module Elective in-depth course: 7+7

8 8 - area International Relations and European Integration and - one additional course in other area* Year 2, University of Gothenburg Term 3, first module Elective in-depth courses: - European Environment and Energy or - Social Europe or - Europe in the World HEC 15 Term 3, second module Integrating European Market (core course) 15 Term 4 Master's thesis for European studies 30 *The areas include: Comparative Politics, Policy analysis, International administration, Conflict management, and Management and Public administration. Content The core and in-depth courses are multi-disciplinary, research oriented, and problemoriented to central themes within the field of European Studies. Term 1, First Module: Research design I, 9 hec This course offers an advanced treatment of design issues in political research that aims (as it usually does) at causal inference, i.e., at answering cause-and-effect questions of the general form: is X a cause of Y? If so, how large is the causal effect of X on Y? Starting from an exposition of the counterfactual model of causality, the course introduces the assumptions necessary for identifying causal effects, and shows how these assumptions are justified and met to varying degrees in different experimental and observational research designs. As to observational studies, the course gives an overview of common and new large-n methods for causal inference, such as regression and panel estimators, matching, instrumental variable and control function approaches. The course also discusses how the principles and methods introduced may be put to good use for small-n studies, in particular when it comes to intentional case selection, and how methods frequently dubbed qualitative (such as process tracing) may help identifying the mechanisms underlying causal effect estimates. The course s primary aim is to provide students with the epistemological and methodological tools to critically evaluate existing empirical studies, to identify their inferential weaknesses, and to develop research designs on their own that, to the greatest possible extent, respond to these problems. Basic seminar, International relations and European Integration, 7 hec This course provides an overview of some of the primary theoretical perspectives and analytical approaches for studying international relations in general and regional cooperation and international collaboration in particular. Emphasizing theory,

9 9 conceptualization and methodology, we will survey the contemporary literature and discuss the main developments in the advanced literature. The course is reserved for incoming graduate students who specialize in the domain of International Relations or Eastern European Politics. The first part of this course focuses on international relations theory and conflict research, the second part on regional integration and on decision making within the European Union; the second class will deal with the international political economy and international organization and negotiations, including the United Nations and its organizations. Term 1, Second Module: Basic seminar, Comparative Politics and Policy Analysis, 7 hec This course provides an overview of current developments in comparative public policy and politics. It surveys a variety of theoretical literatures (including works on preference formation, interest articulation, political parties, and institutions) that seek to explain public policy in a comparative manner. The course explores substantive issues in public policy of industrialized democracies with material written mostly by political scientists, but also economists, sociologists, and psychologists. Issues of research design and the appropriateness of social inquiry figure prominently in the discussions. The course has two fundamental aims. The first is to assess the analytical tools and concepts of comparative politics for understanding how public policies are generated and changed. The second is to explore areas of comparative public policy and politics that have seen interesting developments in the last twenty years. Or Basic seminar, International Administration and Conflict Management, 7 hec The seminar starts with a session on conflict theory, followed by one on the causes of violent conflict within states. Its first part is devoted to conflict management. That includes sessions on negotiation and mediation of internal conflict, institutions of transitional justice and conflict settlement in a cross-culture perspective. The second part is devoted to international administration and post-conflict reconstruction. It covers theories of bureaucracy and the role of international administration in conflict management, peace operations, humanitarian intervention and modern protectorates. A concluding session is devoted to pathologies and disasters in international administration. The seminar lays the groundwork for all further seminars offered in the program Introduction to International Administration and Conflict Management. The individual classes in this course provide an introduction to the subjects of the individual courses being offered in subsequent stages of the program. This is done in an attempt to equalize the knowledge base of students participating in the program, taking into account that they come from various universities and have different backgrounds. Term 2, First Module: Research design II, 9 hec Qualitative methods The course provides an in-depth introduction into research designs and methods commonly used in small-n research. Topics include causality and explanation, causal inference, concept specification, case selection, data collection, measurement, process tracing, content and discourse analysis. Students learn to evaluate the strength and weaknesses of qualitative approaches and to critically design and improve their own research. Quantitative methods

10 10 The overall aim of this course is to create a deeper understanding of various statistical inference topics, which have been learned in the BA-lecture "Statistik I". Furthermore this course deals with maximum likelihood estimation (MLE), one of the most important statistical methods, applied in diverse political science studies. Understanding their basic idea and implementation facilitate a more conscious handling of empirical information, based on statistical models and the assumed stochastic processes. Those who have not visited the BA-lecture "Statistik I" in Konstanz are recommended to visit the lecture parallel to this course. Term 1-2, Elective courses, 7 hec each The purpose of the offered courses is to deepen the basic methodological, empirical and theoretical knowledge, skills and abilities and to get a broader view of the chosen specialization by studying a selection of relevant research-oriented literature. Some seminars/courses are offered on a regular basis (every year), others only in connection with current research projects. Term 3, First module: European Environment and Energy or Social Europe or Europe in the World, 15 hec, semi-elective in-depth courses. Students can choose between three specialized semi-elective courses highlighting central aspects of the future of Europe. The Social Europe course focuses on multi-disciplinary aspects of the European citizenship, i.e. rights and obligations, work, family, gender, identity, immigration, and the future of European welfare states. Other central features of this course are European soft law, the Lisbon strategy, and social movements. The European Environment & and Energy course deals with future European challenges in terms of sustainable development and energy dependence, and how the EU and the member states try to handle these issues. Multidisciplinary aspects encompass legal frameworks, economical aspects, and policy- making, and implementation problems. The Europe in the World course is designed to present a multidisciplinary and historic perspective on relations between Europe and other parts of the World. Three fields of interest will be in focus: migration, trade, and security. Values, norms, and interests, are discussed in theoretically founded historic, cultural, political, and economic perspectives, with the aim of contributing to deeper knowledge and understanding of the role of Europe in the world. Term 3, Second Module: Integrating European Markets, 15 hec The course addresses the problems of integrating different national market systems into one single market, without formally integrating the social systems. The main key problems in the process of enlargement and integration, and how they are being handled in different EU institutions, and by different actors will be addressed, including different styles of policy-making, e.g. hard-law and soft- law. The interplay between formal legal restrictions, economical functions of the single market and the political policy-making process will be a central theme throughout this course. Term 4 First and Second Module: Master s thesis for European Studies, 30 hec. Students will write a Master s thesis with theoretical and empirical relevance that adds new knowledge to the field of European studies. The student will independently formulate an original and well delineated research question, identify, survey, and synthesize knowledge relevant to the research question, choose suitable analytical

11 11 methods, select or collect appropriate empirical material, analyze the material, and draw well-founded conclusions. The course also expects students to assess the validity of their own conclusions, communicate the results, and complete the work within the specified timeframe. The thesis writing will be supervised individually. Students will also be required to defend the thesis in a final examination seminar, as well as act as an opponent on another student s thesis. Main field of study Core courses: Compulsory courses within the main field of study: Basic seminar, International relations and European Integration, 7 hec Integrating European Markets, 15 hec Compulsory courses outside the main field of study: Basic seminar, Comparative Public Policy and Politics or Basic seminar, International Administration and Conflict Management, 7 hec Elective course within the main field of study: Area International relations and European Integration, 7 hec In-depth courses Elective courses within the main field of study: Area International relations and European Integration 2x7 hec European Environment and Energy or Social Europe or Europe in the world, 15 hec Elective courses outside the main field of study: One course from one of the following areas: Comparative Politics, Policy analysis, International administration, Conflict management, and Management and Public administration. Method courses: Research design I Research design II Thesis course: Master s thesis for European studies, 30 hec Prerequisites The entry requirements for admission to the programme is a Bachelor s degree of 180 higher education credits (hec), with a minimum of 90 hec in a social sciences discipline such as Political Science, European studies, International relations, Economics or Sociology. Students at the Law programme are also eligible to apply to the Master s Programme, after three years (180 hec, equivalent of a bachelor degree). Priority will be given to applicants with 60 hec in European Studies. For complete information, see and Special eligibility in English: The basic English requirement is at least English 6, English Course B, or the equivalent. See Students admitted by the University of Konstanz to the double degree studies fulfill the requirements of English language proficiency at the University of Gothenburg after having completed the first year of study in Konstanz.

12 12 Appendix 2, Qualifications ordinance (drawn from Higher Education Ordinance, 2011:946, Annex 2) Qualification Degree of Master of Arts/Science (120 credits) [Degree of Masterexamen] Scope A Degree of Master of Arts/Science (120 credits) is awarded after the student has completed the courses required to gain 120 credits with a defined specialisation determined by each higher education institution itself, of which at least 60 credits are for specialised study in the principal field (main field of study) of the study programme. In addition the prior award of a Degree of Bachelor's degree, Degree of Bachelor's degree in fine arts, professional or vocational qualification of at least 180 credits or a corresponding qualification from abroad is required. The requirement of the prior award of a qualification may be waived for a student admitted to the programme without the basic entry requirement in the form of a qualification. This does not, however, apply if a waiver was granted during admission pursuant to the second paragraph of Section 28 of the Chapter 7 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) on the grounds that the qualification had not yet been issued. Outcomes Knowledge and understanding For a Degree of Master of Arts/Science (120 credits) the student shall demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including both broad knowledge of the field and a considerable degree of specialised knowledge in certain areas of the field as well as insight into current research and development work, and demonstrate specialised methodological knowledge in the main field of study. Competence and skills For a Degree of Master of Arts/Science (120 credits) the student shall demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information demonstrate the ability to identify and formulate issues critically, autonomously and creatively as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake advanced tasks within predetermined time frames and so contribute to the formation of knowledge as well as the ability to evaluate this work demonstrate the ability in speech and writing both nationally and internationally to report clearly and discuss his or her conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based in dialogue with different audiences, and demonstrate the skills required for participation in research and development work or autonomous employment in some other qualified capacity.

13 13 Judgement and approach For a Degree of Master of Arts/Science (120 credits) the student shall demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical issues and also to demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for his or her ongoing learning. Independent project (degree project) A requirement for the award of a Degree of Master of Arts/Science (120 credits) is completion by the student of an independent project (degree project) for at least 30 credits in the main field of study. The degree project may comprise less than 30 credits, however no less than 15 credits, if the student has already completed an independent project in the second cycle for at least 15 credits in the main field of study or the equivalent from a programme of study outside Sweden.