Courses

Courses

To accomplish MAS, students must obtain 120 ECTS credits and pass a state exam. The curriculum consists of seven compulsory courses (60 ECTS credits in total), languages (12 ECTS credits), elective courses (at least 36 ECTS credits in total), and optional courses (up to 12 ECTS credits).

Please check the complete list of courses for this study programme in the course book Karolinka. The Karolinka course list is binding and is usually the most up-to-date version as well. Pay attention to the prerequisite links between individual courses.

Students have the opportunity to compile their own curriculum that reflects their personal interests and future career plans. They may either build an individualised thematic and territorial profile or choose one of the following optional study tracks: Israel and the Middle East, The US and Global Affairs, or Transition and Integration in Europe.

The study track, which students may choose by the end of the first semester, requires a minimum of 30 ECTS credits obtained from elective courses designated for the specific study track. Besides, students must submit a master’s thesis that falls within the scope of the chosen study track.

The state exam comprises a defence of the master’s thesis and an academic debate on a selected topic from within the specialisation created throughout the studies (beyond the thesis focus).


Course structure

Compulsory courses

60 ECTS

Languages

12 ECTS

Electives (tracks)

min. 36 ECTS

Optional courses

max. 12 ECTS

Total

120 ECTS

Compulsory Courses

Compulsory core courses introduce students to key concepts in area studies, qualitative and quantitative methods in the social sciences, as well as academic writing. The core courses are intended to provide students with a conceptual toolbox and analytical skills, thus giving a solid foundation for further studies in specialised elective courses.

Name of Course

Semester   

Examination   

Credits   

Academic Writing

SS

Exam

6

Introduction to Research Design

WS

Exam

6

Quantitative Methods in Social Sciences      

SS

Exam

6

Area Studies: Theory and Methodology      

WS

Exam

6

Comparative and Conceptual History

WS

Exam

6

MA Thesis Seminar I

WS/SS

Pass

15

MA Thesis Seminar II

WS/SS

Exam

15

Languages

Language courses constitute an integral part of MAS. Students are expected to master a language that will allow them to analyse and understand the development of their region of interest at a basic level at least. Students may choose from a range of language courses offered at Charles University. Alternatively, students may find a course externally if the language is not available at the university. The choice of the course is, however, subject to approval of the programme director.

In total, the language courses must give at least 12 ECTS credits.  

Name of Course

Semester

Examination

Credits

Czech as a Foreign Language I

WS/SS

Exam

6

Czech as a Foreign Language II

WS/SS

Exam

6

Czech as a Foreign Language III

WS/SS

Exam

6

Czech as a Foreign Language IV

WS/SS

Exam

6

Russian Language I

WS

Exam

6

Russian Language II

SS

Exam

6

Russian Language III

WS

Exam

6

Russian Language IV

SS

Exam

6

Polish I

WS

Pass

3

Polish II

SS

Pass

3

Polish III

WS

Pass

3

Polish IV

SS

Pass

3

Greek Language I

WS

Pass

3

Greek Language II

WS/SS

Pass

3

Greek Language III

WS

Exam

3

Greek Language IV SS Exam 3

Foreign Language I*

WS/SS

Pass

3

Foreign Language II*

WS/SS

Pass

3

Foreign Language III*

WS/SS

Pass

3

Foreign Language IV*

WS/SS

Pass

3

* Students who find the language course externally must discuss the choice with the programme director. The programme director will then specify the course completion requirements.

Electives

Elective courses cover a wide range of specific areas and issues which allows the students to specialize in the field of their interest. Students may choose from all courses taught at the Institute of International Studies. 

In total, the elective courses must give at least 36 ECTS credits.

Please find the complete offer of more than 130 elective courses for this study programme here.

Electives for Study Tracks

Apart from building an individual thematic and territorial profile, students can follow one of the study tracks offered. The study track requires a minimum of 30 ECTS credits, obtained from elective courses designated for the specific study track. Besides, students must submit a master’s thesis that falls within the scope of the chosen study track. Upon completing the study track, in addition to the diploma, students receive a Certificate of Completion of the Study Track. 


The US and Global Affairs study track

This track introduces students to the skills essential for analysing US foreign policy, its structural underpinnings, and their impact across the globe and in various policy fields. 

 

Below, you can see just a sample of courses for this study track. Please find the complete list here.

Name of Course

Semester

Examination

Credits

Government in the United States

WS

Exam

6

The Transatlantic Link: Understanding America from Europe

SS

Exam

6

U.S. Legal Culture

SS

Exam

6

Major Problems in Political Economy in North American Context

SS

Exam

6

Major Issues in Contemporary Public Debates in the U.S.

WS

Exam

6

The Special Relationship between the United States and Great Britain

WS

Exam

6

U.S. Foreign Policy

WS

Exam

6

Critical Issues in U.S. - Chinese Relations

SS

Exam

6

Issues in United States National Security Policy

SS

Exam

6

U.S. and the Global South

WS

Exam

6


Transition and Integration in Europe study track

This track focuses on the study of the latest developments in post-Communist European countries, particularly with respect to their transition from communist society and integration into Euro-Atlantic structures.

Below, you can see just a sample of courses for this study track. Please find the complete list here.

Name of Course

Semester

Examination

Credits

Postcommunist transition in East Central Europe

SS

Exam

6

Political Systems of East Central European Countries

SS

Exam

6

European Culture and Society

WS

Exam

6

Grand Debates of European Integration

SS

Exam

6

Internal and External Security Policy in the EU

WS

Exam

6

EU Institutions

SS

Exam

6

European Economic Integration

SS

Exam

6

Cohesion Policy of the EU in Central and East European Countries

WS

Exam

6

Problems of the post-Soviet Space

WS

Exam

6

Post-Conflict Societies of the Western Balkans

SS

Exam

6


Israel and the Middle East study track

The track helps students understand the politics and societies in Israel and the Middle East, with a focus on the pressing conflicts and disputes in the region.

Please find the most current list of courses for this study track here.

Name of Course

Semester

Examination

Credits

Israel: Politics and Society

WS

Exam

6

The Israeli-Arab/Palestinian Conflict

WS

Exam

6

Israel’s Foreign Policy

SS

Exam

6

The European origins of Zionist ideologies and their evolution: from East Europe to Israel

SS

Exam

6

Radicalization and Deradicalization

SS

Exam

6

Insurgency and Counterinsurgency

SS

Exam

6

Geopolitics of the Middle East

SS

Exam

4

Energy Security in Israel and the Middle East

WS

Exam

4

Territoriality of Radical Islamist Groups

WS

Pass

4

Foreign Policy of the Gulf Countries

WS

Exam

6

Optional Courses

Off-field optional courses can be taken at any department of Charles University. Students may take a maximum 12 ECTS credits of optional course. These credits can also be used to follow elective courses or languages. There is no minimum number of credits required to be taken in this category of course (i.e., all 120 credits can be gained by taking only compulsory and elective courses from the lists above).