European Master in Human Rights and Democratisation (E.MA) (Adv.)

Contents

European Master in Human Rights and Democratisation

First semester: Thematic sessions (in Venice)

During the first semester (September-January), all teaching takes place in Venice. Courses are taught by lecturers from the participating universities and by experts from international governmental and non-governmental organisations.

The curriculum consists of two elements: the first stream and the second stream.
The first stream is the core programme, and is aimed at the entire group of students. It is divided in a number of thematic sections (in 2008-09: 1. Fundamental principles of Human Rights and Democratisation; 2. Human Rights Institutions, Mechanisms and Standards; 3. Human Rights in the context; 4. Democratisation; 5. Human Rights and Globalisation; 6. Human Rights Security + a field trip). The first stream classes are mandatory classes. They are the object of exams for the purpose of the degree. The total number of ECTS credits is 30.

The second stream is made up of a variety of units, taking place in small groups taught in parallel sessions. They take the form of seminars, workshops, master classes, skill classes, etc. Second stream classes are optional. They are not the object of exams.

For a detailed description of the curriculum of the first semester, consult the website of the EIUC, indicated above. The curriculum is subject to changes.

Second semester: some courses and a thesis (in one of the participating universities)

In the second semester (February - July), students who have successfully completed the first semester study at one of the participating universities and undertake supervised research. This part of the programme is conceived as a European exchange, and students are expected to undertake their second semester research in a country other than their own.

The process of defining individual thesis topics and identifying suitable universities within the E.MA network to host these studies is undertaken in the course of the first semester programme. In December the Council of the Programme decides on the distribution of the students among the various universities. Up to 4 students can be hosted by each participating university.

In the second semester students take courses for at least 9 ECTS credits. They also write a master thesis, which counts for 21 ECTS credits.

The course work can consist of lectures, seminars and workshops. Each university offers its own programme. The courses are the object of exams, according to the rules applicable in the university concerned.

The thesis shall consist of an academic piece of work, written individually and independently by the student, in English or in French. It should be between 20.000 and 30.000 words, including footnotes (approximately 80 pages, 1,5 spacing, 12 points). Students will receive a supervisor at the host university. The thesis is to be handed in on 15 July. The supervisor and the programme director at the second semester university jointly grade the thesis provisionally. The final mark is given by the Programme's Examination Committee, after an oral defence in Venice, in September.

Second semester at K.U.Leuven: courses and thesis

Students selected to spend their second semester at K.U.Leuven can in principle choose among a number of selected regular courses. They take courses for at least 9 points. In 2008-09 the offer is as follows:

Upon a reasoned request, the programme director can authorise students to replace one or more of these courses by other courses, offered in the regular programme of the university.

* European Legal Thinking
* Armed Conflicts and the Law
* Anthropology of Law
* International Criminal Law
* Political crimes and transitional justice
* Strategy and Global Security Analysis

Thesis

Students may choose a topic in any field, usually in the field of law, political science or philosophy.

* Thesis