MA/MS in Eastern European and Russian Studies

Objective(s) of a study programme: To prepare highly qualified specialists, to provide them with deep and comprehensive knowledge about the region - its political, economic and cultural particularities, and develop their academic and analytical skills enable them to analyse, evaluate and assess key political and social processes within this dynamic and exciting region. Learning outcomes: Upon the completion of Eastern European and Russian Studies programme students will be able to work independently and in a team, collect and systematize information, organize different insights into a coherent framework of knowledge; apply theoretical knowledge to complex practical international relations issues; analyze the causes and the development of the economic and political transformation in Eastern Europe and Russia, critically assess its effects; analyze the development of economic policies and the nature of economic processes in the region as well as independently assess complex political-economic processes in the region and construct a research design and successfully implement a research programme. Activities of teaching and learning: MA programme is learner-orientated, students are expected to be learning during the lecture by analyzing practical problems and contemplating the solutions, working in groups, doing practical exercises, simulation games, analyzing audio-visual material and discussing. In addition, students are working individually outside of the classroom by analyzing prescribed 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. Study subjects (modules), practical training: During the first semester of studies students get a deep knowledge of Eastern European countries and economic transformation there. Also students are encouraged to develop their abilities to use different research methods of political and social sciences, which will be crucial in preparing their MA thesis. The second semester offers students in-depth knowledge of economic and political particularities in Russia and also Eastern European Security. The third semester is dedicated to work on Master's thesis. Different theoretical and practical aspects of the studies are combined in this programme: theoretical subjects (sucha as „State and Society in Eastern Europe and Russia: From Autocracy to Democracy“, „Economic Transformation: From Command Economy to a New System“, etc.) are supplemented by pratical ones („Energy Security“, „Russian Politics and Economy in Post-Modern World“, „Belarus and Ukraine Studies“). This programme offers students the opportunity to build their own extensive knowledge and expertise in their preferred field of interests by choosing elective subjects from the list of courses open to all Master level students at the Institute. For more information: http://www.tspmi.vu.lt/en/master-studies/eastern-european-russian-studies/ Optional courses: Students will be able to choose from a variety of elective subjects: : International Political Economy and Globalization; Change management in public sector organizations; Theories of Social Revolutions and Movements: Comparative Analysis; Islam in Europe; Contemporary Politics of Central Eurasian Countries and Regions; Belarus and Ukraine Studies; Nordic and Baltic Studies; International Negotiations; Project Management in Public Sector; Energy Security. Distinctive features of a study programme: The Eastern European and Russian studies programme is unique in its design, as it provides deep insights into the Eastern European and Russian region and enables students to devise their own curricular which best corresponds to their academic and professional interests. The language of instruction is English which indicates that students are able to study in the multicultural group with students from all over the world (India, USA, Azerbaijan, Canada, Georgia, Italy and other. Access to professional activity: Our graduates have found a number of different possibilities: some pursue their careers as civil servants in public administration institutions and diplomatic service. Others work as analysts and experts in the international organizations, academic and research institutions, private sector in Lithuania and abroad. Access to further study: Upon the completion of the study programme students may continue with their doctoral studies in the field of social sciences and humanities in Lithuania or abroad.