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Russian and East European Studies, MSc
University of Oxford, Social Sciences
- Area/Cultural Studies
Quick facts
| Country: | United Kingdom | Duration: | 9 Months |
| City: | Oxford | Start Date: | October |
| Educational Form: |
| Languages: | English |
| Education Variants: |
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| Annual Tuition Fee: | € 3739 - € 13455 (non-EEA) | ||
Programme Description
The M.Sc. in Russian and East European Studies is a relatively new course, which began in October 2002.
The structure of the M.Sc. course, which is completed over nine months, is similar to that of the MPhil course in that it includes the three core courses. It does not require the study of relevant language but supports those who wish to develop their language skills.
The aim of the M. Sc. in REES is to provide students with an understanding of major topics and perspectives within Russia and East European Studies based on a critical knowledge of the scholarly literature relevant to the course. Students will also receive training in research skills and methodology to enable them to complete a 15,000 word thesis.
Educational aims of the programme
* To offer a rigorous one-year multi-disciplinary course of study of Eastern Europe and the FSU as a background for other degrees and professional work in this area of importance to the EU. The course provides advanced training in the fundamental skills of critical analysis and research methodology.
* Students are required to read, analyse and incorporate into their own perspective the findings of basic works on Russia/USSR/FSU and Eastern Europe. Analytical rigour is further developed by the essays required to be written for classes and tutorials. Presentation and discussion within these classes and tutorials help to build communication skills.
* Students receive an interdisciplinary approach to the subject area, which provides an excellent background to future careers in the public and private sectors.
- Contents
- Requirements
- More
Contents
Michaelmas Term
In the first term of the course all students take a core course on History of Russia, the USSR and Eastern Europe in theTwentieth Century, taught in weekly seminars supplemented by tutorials. The course examines underlying themes and factors - the development of political institutions, relations between society and state, the role of the intelligentsia - and analyses their interaction, especially in periods of accelerated change.
During this term students also attend an introductory Methodology course on Methods and Themes in Economic and Social History, taught in weekly lectures, supplemented by classes. In addition, sessions on Research Skills will be provided, covering library and online resources and ethics in research.
By the end of term students will choose a topic for their 10,000-15,000 word dissertation and begin preparatory work on it.
Hilary Term
In term 2 all students take a second core course on Political and Economic Transitions in the Former Soviet Union and EasternEurope. Weekly seminars, supplemented by tutorials, review major analytical perspectives on developments since the end of Communism, and evaluate the utility of contending interpretations by assessing their application to transition processes in a range of countries. Seminars cover political science, regional, social and international relations approaches, as well as economic concepts.
A third core course on Culture of Russia and Eastern Europe is held in weekly seminars, supplemented by tutorials, beginning in the fifth week of term. Topics such as panslavism, religion and literature will be included.
The introductory Methodology course continues, and sessions on Research Skills cover electronic resources and PowerPoint presentations. During this term students also have to write a 3,000-4,000 word methodology essay.
Work on the dissertation continues, under supervision.
Trinity Term
In term 3 the core course on Culture of Russia and Eastern Europe continues for the first four weeks, with seminars and tutorials on utopia and anti-utopia, literature as a social institution, national myths and the novel as a source of information.
Students complete their dissertation, to be submitted by the end of Week 6.
They also revise for the examinations, which are normally held in Week 8.
Requirements
You are normally required to take an English Proficiency Test if you come from a non-English speaking country. Most European Universities recognise the IELTS test. More information
Applicants for admission will be required to provide:
* Evidence of a Bachelor level degree to first or upper second class standard, preferably in the social sciences
* Evidence of a knowledge of or strong interest in the proposed course of study
* A personal statement outlining reasons for applying for the course and a short research outline
* Two pieces of written work of about 2,000 words each on a relevant subject
* For those for whom English is not the first language, evidence of English language proficiency must be provided (normally the British Council IELTS English Language at 7.5 or TOEFL English Language atn650 points.
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