MA/MS in Contemporary politics

General Description: Objective(s) of a study programme: To provide advanced knowledge and develop skills necessary for the analysis, evaluation and comparison of Lithuanian and foreign political systems, political institutions, political decisions and political processes. Learning outcomes: Graduate of Contemporary Politics programme is able to conduct an empirical research, analyse political behavior, possesses a deep knowledge of ideas and concepts of contemporary philosophy, is able to independently analyse and assess political phenomena according to the standards of scientific research and is familiar with the newest Lithuanian researches. Activities of teaching and learning: The lecturers ability to choose freely the most appropriate study methods for his course is respected. There are no mandatory requirements regarding the form of holding a class (lecture or seminar). However, the general tendency is that the MA programme is student-orientated, students are expected to be actively engaged during the lecture by analyzing practical problems and contemplating the solutions, working in groups, doing practical exercises, analyzing audio-visual material and discussing. In addition, students are working individually outside of the classroom by analyzing assigned literature, preparing research papers and working on their MA theses. Methods of assessment of learning achievements: Written examination, case studies, essay, presentations, projects, active and quality participation during the seminars, research papers and their presentation (oral or written form), preparing and presenting a simulation, preparation of a research project. Framework: Study subjects (modules), practical training: The duration of this master programme is 1,5 years, volume – 90 credits.This programme is created to introduce contemporary political ideas and understanding to students. The first semester is dedicated to compulsory courses as Concept of Contemporary Politics, State and Civil Society. During the secon semester students get a deep knowledge of contemporary researches. The third semester is dedicated to writing of the final thesis. Specialisations: - Optional courses: Endeavoring the possibility to provide an ability to choose specific courses, which better represents personal career interest, students from the International Relations and Diplomacy Studies programme will be able to choose from these electives: Conflict Analysis and Peace Studies; Political Psychology; Programme and Project Management in the Public Sector Organizations; Russia and the EU: Changes in the Global Politics; Problems of the State and Society in the European Intellectual Tradition; Nordic and Baltic States Studies; Energy Security; Islam in Europe; Game Theories; Body Politics. Distinctive features of a study programme: Comparative Politics programme is suitable for those, who are interested in the newest phenomenon of politics and research methods. Philosophical and theoretical discussions are supplemented with researches when students are learning how to apply theories in practice. Access to professional activity or further study: Access to professional activity: A graduate can pursue a career as an analyst of domestic and foreign policy at international, national and non-governmental organisations, as a researcher at academic institutions, as a political commentator at mass-media institutions. Access to further study: Graduate of this MA programme may pursue PhD studies in the field of social sciences in Lithuanian and foreign universities.