Transatlantic Studies (TS)
Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS)
| Application deadline: | April 30 |
| Tuition fee: |
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| Start date: | September 2013 |
| Credits: | 120 ECTS |
| Duration full-time: | 24 months |
| Languages: |
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| Location: |
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| Delivery mode: | On Campus |
| Educational variant: | Full-time |
Description
A two-year interdisciplinary Masters Programme at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University in Prague
This programmes focus is to provide English-speaking students with deep, interdisciplinary knowledge of transatlantic relations since 1945. After all, the security commitments entered into by the United States after the Second World War represented a turning point in American history because, from its founding in 1776, the United States carefully avoided entering into so-called entangling alliances. The post-1945 changes also deeply impacted the political and cultural relations of the United States and the rest of the world. Close attention is paid to history, politics, and diplomacy, so that students can understand the changing nature of transatlantic relations during the different phases of the Cold War and afterward. As our faculty have various areas of specialization, the student should gain a balanced, well-rounded appreciation of the complex nature of transatlantic studies. Prague is an excellent place to study the issue because the Czechs underwent a transformation from being a nation subjugated by the Soviet Union during the Cold War to one that is a full member of NATO and the European Union.
The end of the Cold War has resulted in dramatic changes in the form and substance of transatlantic relations. The main organization symbolizing transatlantic relations is NATO. Though NATO has survived as a political and military alliance, its goals have been transformed in line with new challenges and threats to peace and stability in the world. The impact of the end of the Cold War on political, cultural, and economic relations has been substantial. In fact, as many questions have been raised as problems solved. What is the goal of NATO now? Has eastern expansion of the alliance been successful and productive? How have the mutual perceptions of North Americans and Europeans of the other changed?
Transatlantic Studies is a two-year Masters programme that is fully accredited by the Ministry of Education of the Czech Republic. The English-language audience can appreciate the Central European perspectives on transatlantic relations. The course can challenge the individual student to consider the political, social, cultural, and economic changes associated with the new global reality. Students will gain an overview of the history and the current state of transatlantic relations. Prague and the Czech Republic provide a perfect example of post-Cold War Europe.
Students will take a number of core courses designed to provide them with a general understanding of the issues involved. However, the generous selection of elective courses should help each individual student gain an area of specialization, which, in turn, will result in a scholarly Masters thesis, which can then be published if it meets the standards of our institute. Opportunities will be provided for students to make brief research trips to research centers in Europe and North America if their thesis topic warrants it. Successful graduates of the programme might like to consider a number of the doctoral programmes offered by the Faculty of Social Sciences.
After completion of the Transatlantic Studies programme, students will have a number of career options open to them. Some might like to pursue a doctorate and an academic career, but others will surely wish to enter employment straight away. Opportunities include diplomacy or civil service in their home country, employment at international organizations, the private sector, and, of course, the growing NGO (non-governmental organization) sector.
Contents
Transatlantic Studies is a two-year English-language Masters degree programme fully accredited by the Ministry of Education of the Czech Republic. It addresses the English speaking audience with a deep and versatile exploration of the Transatlantic Euro-American cultural as well as political and geographical space.
Primary attention is paid to modern history, politics and diplomacy, as well as to fundamental social, cultural and economic problems. It also offers students the elective chance to learn or improve their knowledge of some of the Czech language.
The core courses provide an overview of crucial segments of the area from an analytical and multidisciplinary perspective, while the elective classes allow students to create their own specialisation. The aim of the programme is to help students write a Masters thesis of sufficient quality to merit publication. Through the universitys network of exchange programmes, talented students may also be offered the opportunity to make a brief research visit to another country in the area. By developing the students knowledge of the Czech milieu and language, the programme may also serve as an access-point to some of our Ph.D. programmes. The programme is deliberately structured to take advantage of the multidisciplinary nature of the Faculty, and students will be encouraged to make connections between different fields of study, learning to combine a global perspective with attention to detail and local interests. It is an excellent stepping stone in developing an academic career in any of the Facultys academic disciplines, as well as a valuable source of analytical skills and practical background knowledge that can be applied in professional life.
Academic supervisor: Doc. PhDr. Fancis D. Raka, Ph.D.
Transatlantic Studies: Course Structureand Study Requirements
- Compulsory courses 78 ECTS
- Optional Courses 30 ECTS
- Choice (optional & electives=all couses tought at the University) minimum 12, maximum 24 ECTS
Total number of all required ECTS 120 ECTS
Defence of M. A. Thesis
(Electives see article 4 paragraph 10 of Consolidated University Code of Study and Examination of Charles University in Prague)
Requirements
Bachelor degree in a related field. Evidence of English-language ability (if not a native speaker).
Funding
Compulsory courses: 78 ECTS
Optional Courses: 30 ECTS
Choice (optional & electives=all couses tought at the University): minimum 12, maximum 24 ECTS
Total number of all required ECTS: 120 ECTS
Compulsory Courses: MA Thesis Guidance Seminar I
MA Thesis Guidance Seminar I
Methodology I
EU-US Relations: Political, Security, and Socioeconomic Perspectives
Geopolitical Importance of Central Europe in a Transatlantic Context
American Thoughts and Thinkers
Introduction to the U.S. Legal System: European Perspective
American Society since WW2
Government in North America I: USA
Government in North America II: Canada and Mexico
West European Comparative Politics and Society
Transatlantic Issues - U.S. and British Security Policies Compared
US and EU National Security Policy: A Comparison
Issues in United States National Security Policy
The USA and Europe after the Cold War
Optional Courses:Jazz in Czech Culture
Cold War in Documents
U.S. - U.K. Special Relationship
20th-Century American Literature I
20th-Century American Literature II
Great Powers and Czechoslovakia 1938-48
Roots of American Music - Folklore, Blues, Jazz
Legal Framework of European Integration
Contemporary Issues in Transatlantic Security
British Politics
USA Today
Economic Transformation in post-Soviet Area
American History Documents
Religion in Modern American History in a Transatlantic Kontext
American and European Foreign Policy in Asia, 1850-1945: A Comparison
Splendor and Misery of Detente
US Foreign Policy during the Cold War
Pre-requisites, co-requisites, alternative and incompatible courses:
MA Thesis Guidance Seminar I
MA Thesis Guidance Seminar II
Government in North America II: Canada and Mexico
Elective Language Courses:
Czech Language for BECES I
Czech Language for BECES II
Czech Language for BECES III
Czech Language for BECES IV
You are normally required to take an English Proficiency Test if you come from a non-English speaking country.
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