Course description
Course Description:
The MA in European Studies is designed to give students a broad understanding of European issues in politics, literature and society, while at the same time providing the opportunity to specialise in chosen pathways.
Students take a core course on European Identities in the Autumn Semester, along with Research Methods and Skills training.
There are three pathways in the spring semester:
* Europe in a National and Global Context
* European Identities: Culture & Ideology
* Translation Studies
MA European Studies
Course convener: Gordon Cumming
The MA in European Studies is designed to give students a broad understanding of European issues in politics, literature and society, while at the same time providing the opportunity to specialise in chosen pathways.
In addition to the academic component of the scheme we aim to provide a thorough grounding in generic and transferable skills that will equip students for careers in a wide variety of occupations which require competence in computer and information retrieval, as well as the ability to sustain coherent and logical arguments.
Programme of Study
In the autumn semester full time students study the core course European Identities along with Research Methods and Skills.
Part time students study the core course European Identities in the first year, and Research Methods and Skills in the autumn semester of the second year.
There are three pathways in the spring semester:
* Europe in a National and Global Context
* European Identities: Culture & Ideology
* Translation Studies
Full time students select modules totalling 60 credits from the options available from their chosen pathway.
Part time students select modules totalling 30 credits from the options available from their chosen pathway.
Students then progress to a 60 credit dissertation of 20,000 words.
Period of Study
The period of study is twelve months (October to September). The taught element of the course takes place over two semesters (October to June). The dissertation is completed during the summer months and submitted at the end of September.
The degree can also be taken over two years as part-time study.
Admissions Requirements
A minimum 2:1 degree classification or equivalent qualification.
Suitable for graduates in Language, Literature, Politics, Philosophy and in disciplines broadly conceived to have a European focus.
Academic Staff
Professor Alexis Nuselovici
Dr N Parsons
Dr C Gorrara
Dissertation
The thesis component, which comprises a third of the overall assessment, allows students to make an in depth study of a topic of their own choice under the supervision of an expert in the field. Dissertation topics can focus on Europe-wide or country-specific issues.
Course Modules (core and options)
Compulsory Modules
European Identities
This module will give students an introduction to Europe's growing identity and identity problems in different phases of its process of maturity. It focuses on issues related to national, cultural, and political identities which have significantly shaped the twentieth century, and will do so (in their modified forms) in the future. Students will be exposed to different perspectives on the ideas and images of Europe, and will explore their transformations in contemporary policy making, citizenship, politics of identity, film, literature and political philosophy.
Research Methods and Skills
The broad aim of this module is to teach the generic skills required for effective research in the humanities and social sciences with reference to languages, area studies and politics. It covers the use of archival material, the efficient use of library facilities, as well as a thorough grounding in the use of computers as word processors and instruments for information retrieval. It aims to improve students' abilities to execute research effectively and to present their research in a coherent and logical manner.
Option Modules
In the second semester students choose modules worth 60 credits from one of the following three pathways:
Europe in a National and Global context:
* Europe and Globalisation (30 credits)
* Nationalism in Europe (30 credits)
* External Relations of the European Union (15 credits)
* European Economic Governance (15 credits)
* La Grande Nation: EU Foreign & Security Policy & International Relations in France (15 credits)
* State Crisis: Changing Governance in Italy (15 credits)
* European Political Economics
European Identities: Culture & Ideology:
* Nationalism in Europe (30 credits)
* Memories of the Second World War in European Autobiographical Writing (30 credits)
* A Sense of Place: Images of Europe in Travel Writing (30 credits)
* Crossing Borders: Adaptations of Literature into Film (30 credits)
Translation Studies:
* Theories of Translation
* History of Translation in Europe
* Europe in Translation
* Practice of Translation
Note: the optional modules listed above are liable to be changed or withdrawn according to the availability of key members of staff or if there is insufficient take-up of modules by students.
Special Features:
* Opportunities to follow pathways in Europe in a National and Global Context, European Identities: Culture and Ideology, Translation
Studies.
* A thorough grounding in generic and transferable skills that will equip students
for careers in a wide variety of occupations which require competence in computer and information retrieval.
* A generic overview of the idea of Europe, including culture, ideas and politics.
