Courses
Courses
To accomplish MAS, students must obtain 120 ECTS credits and pass a state exam. The curriculum is composed of seven compulsory courses (60 ECTS credits in total), languages (12 ECTS), elective courses (at least 36 ECTS credits in total), and optional courses (maximum 12 ECTS credits).
The study track, which students may choose by the end of the first semester, requires at least 30 ECTS credits obtained from the elective courses flagged for the specific study track. Besides, students must submit a master’s thesis that falls within the scope of the chosen study track.
A state exam comprises defence of the master’s thesis and 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 the students to key concepts of area studies, the quantitative and qualitative methods in social sciences as well as to academic writing. The core courses are intended to provide the students with the conceptual toolbox and analytical skills, thus, to give a solid ground for further studies of specialized elective courses.
In total, the core courses give 60 ECTS credits.
|
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 |
|
M.A. Thesis Seminar for MAS I |
WS/SS |
Pass |
15 |
|
M.A. Thesis Seminar for MAS 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 Language I |
WS |
Pass |
3 |
|
Polish Language II |
SS |
Pass |
3 |
|
Polish Language III |
WS |
Pass |
3 |
|
Polish Language 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 |
Pass |
3 |
|
Foreign Language II* |
SS |
Pass |
3 |
|
Foreign Language III* |
WS |
Pass |
3 |
|
Foreign Language IV* |
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 offered study tracks. The study track requires at least 30 ECTS credits obtained from the elective courses flagged for the specific study track. Besides, students must submit a master’s thesis that falls within the scope of the chosen study track. After completion of the study track, in addition to the diploma, students receive the Certificate of Completion of the Study Track.
The US and Global Affairs study track
This track introduces students to skills essential for the analysis of 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 of Political Economy in North American Context |
SS |
Exam |
6 |
|
U.S. Foreign Policy |
WS |
Exam |
6 |
|
Critical Issues in U.S. – Chinese Relations |
SS |
Exam |
6 |
|
Landmarks in 20th Century U.S. History and Their Interpretations |
WS |
Exam |
6 |
|
Issues in United States National Security Policy |
SS |
Exam |
6 |
|
Promoting Democracy Abroad: The US and the EU in Third Countries |
WS |
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 development of the post-Communist European countries with respect to the transition from the Communist society and integration into the 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 |
| Legal Framework of the European Union | SS | Exam | 6 |
| Internal and External Security Policy in the EU | SS | Exam | 6 |
|
European Economic Integration |
SS |
Exam |
6 |
|
Culture and Politics in Europe |
WS |
Exam |
6 |
|
Rebuilding Europe: Challenge of the Climate Change |
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 |
|
Postcommunist Transition in East Central Europe |
SS |
Exam |
6 |
|
Post-Conflict Societies of the Western Balkans |
SS |
Exam |
6 |
|
Russia's Aggression against Ukraine: Implications for European Security |
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 |
|
Conflict, Identity, and Politics - Israel through Film and the Arts |
SS |
Pass |
6 |
|
Energy Security in Israel and the Middle East |
WS |
Exam |
4 |
| Understanding Israeli Security Policy: Territory, Occupations and Withdrawals | SS | Exam | 4 |
| Shifting Global Politics and the Middle East | WS | Exam | 6 |
| Geopolitics of the Middle East | SS | Exam | 4 |
| Territoriality of Radical Islamist Groups | WS | Pass | 4 |
| Insurgency and Counterinsurgency | SS | Exam | 6 |
| Radicalization and Deradicalization | SS | Exam | 6 |
| Foreign Policy of the Gulf Countries | SS | 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 to be taken in this category of course (that is, all 120 credits can be gained by taking only compulsory and elective courses from the lists above).
