Centre for International Relations International Relations MA - Study Abroad program Course List - 2017/2018 Faculty of Humanities, Department of International Relations and Political Sciences Tuition-fee/credit: 105 USD Full list of Study Abroad courses in International Relations MA: Credits Semester Course title (ECTS) European paradigm since the ancient ages until the present day Fall 3 Geopolitics Fall 3 Mezo-level Governance Fall 3 Geography of Elections Fall 3 Diplomatic and Consular Relations Fall 3 Hungarian Security Policy after the change of regime Fall 3 Political geography, geography of security Fall 3 Russian foreign policy Fall 3 Comparative Politics Fall 3 Political culture International Cultural Relations Fall 3 The problems of the global world in Africa, Asia and Latin America Fall 3 Political Africa Studies Fall 3 Central European Political Structures Fall 3 Theories of International Relations Fall 3 International political economy I II Fall and Spring 3 Modern Political Philosophy Spring 3 Europe, Africa, the Americas and Asia intercultural, religious, interethnic and linguistic relations Spring 3 Judicial decentralization, the theoretical basis of public autonomies Spring 3 Hungarian Foreign Policy Spring 3 Sustainable development and environmental protection Spring 3 Foreign Policy of the USA Spring 3 Theory and Practice of Diplomacy in a Global Context Spring 3 Latin America from the cold war up to the present Spring 3 Ethnic and Religious Enclaves in the Balkans Spring 3 India, Japan and China in the global world Spring 3
Detailed information about the courses: Course title: Modern Political Philosophy Course description: There are three different trends in political philosophy: law of nature, utilitarianism, and social contract. Following a discussion on them we will deal with the connections between the individuum and society. Since its appearance as a scientific field, social philosophy had to face the possibility of the dissolution of society. The cornerstone of the works of Tukudides, Platon and Aristotle on the theories of society, the so-called stasis concentrate on the proposal to create an ideal political system that can avoid stasis. The second question that will be discussed is the special connection between society and the individuum based on the works of Tocqueville. The third part of the course will concentrate on the interpretation of freedom following J.S. Mill, together with its consequences appearing in political philosophy. The fourth part concentrates on modern social-moral debates, namely the debate between Sir Patrick Devlin and H.L. A. Hart. The most important methodological part of the course is text analysis. As a result, students will be able to understand and practice the methodology of self-sufficient text interpretation. Course title: European paradigm since the ancient ages until the present day Course description: This course focuses on the development of ideas on Europe since ancient Greek interpretations and the co-operation among city-states to modern achievements after the Second World War. The course discusses the different theoretical works published since the 13th century (by Du Bois, Saint Simon, Cudenhove-Kalergi) and the different aims of regional federations since the Middle Ages until today. The theories of Hungarian politicians and philosophers will be discussed separately; their theories on the contributions of different European states to European integration will also be looked at in detail. Within the framework of this course students will be able to see the differences in the roots of the various European states, such as differences in religion, culture, or the sciences. With this approach the question of tolerance and the understanding of different national traditions will also be given an interpretation. Semester: Autumn semester
Course title: Europe, Africa, the Americas and Asia intercultural, religious, interethnic and linguistic relations Course description: It is rather difficult to interpret the ethnic, religious and linguistic differences between different continents from only one methodological perspective. Keeping in mind biological and cultural diversity, we would like to describe the ethnic, cultural, spiritual connections and conflicts of the four continents based on the experience from the historical past. This course is strongly based on case studies from the four continents. Our aim is to give a deeper insight into the interpretation of international relations and to contribute to the possible re-interpretation of the Europe-focused view. Course title: Geopolitics Course description: Geopolitics is the field of the analysis and understanding of powers competing or co-operating in space and time, within which there are various actors, games and bets. The geopolitical analysis deals with the spatial abilities, conflicts, fights or cooperation of different powers. Within the framework of the course we address the following issues: polemology, English, German and French geopolitical theories, the geopolitics of panideas and security policy, the geopolitics of war and peace, the geopolitics of the cold war, geopolitics and security, geopolitics as the analytical method for International Relations, the geopolitics of Islam, etc. During the course students will be able to understand the difference between geopolitics and foreign policy. They will be able to examine the behaviour of the geopolitical and geoeconomic actors. Course title: Mezo-level Governance Course description: The course deals with the problems of the division of labour within the state, the issue of region-building from an international perspective, and the problems of multi-level governance. One aspect of so-called Europeanisation is the co-operation between
the supranational, national and regional levels of governance. They interact, and vertical mechanisms are being replaced by horizontal partnership. Within this course the following issues will be discussed: networks, partnerships, political, cultural and ethnic conflicts, and the growing importance of cities. In addition to the interpretation of new principles, the new functions of regional governance will also be introduced: welfare policy, regional development policy, international relations, environmental protection, the importance of planning, etc. The course also deals with the importance of the neo-weberian philosophy of the state. Course title: Judicial decentralization, the theoretical basis of public autonomies Course description: The aim of the course is to provide a deeper interpretation of regional political public issues based on the knowledge of students gained in their previous studies in constitutional law. Within the framework of the course the theoretical basis, institutions and the methods of the spatial distribution of power will be discussed (including centralization, decentralization, subsidiarity, federalism, de-concentration, de-centralization, networks, models of self-governments, and the role of services). Several international cases will also be discussed. The course deals with the basis of the actual problems of Hungarian regional administration and the new challenges of the organization of the public administration (outsourcing, New Public Management, neo-weberian model, reforms in administration and public administration, the types of modernization, etc.) Regional and cultural autonomies, the analysis of local and regional communities (minorities, autonomous territories, civil society, public autonomies, social capital, and theories of governance) will also be looked at in the course. Course title: International political economy I II Course description: This course provides an introduction into the political economy of Central and Eastern Europe, discussing the transition into market economy and the integration of the CEECs both into the global economy and the European Union. The course highlights, among other things, the different approaches to economic transformation, privatization, the changing role of the state, the creation of financial markets, the determining role of the FDI
and the differences between transition models like Externally directed and the Top-down directed capitalism. The course also raises important issues, such as corruption and black market economy, largely neglected during the first stage of the political transition and the region s move toward accession to the European Union. The module provides a comprehensive introduction to how economic and political changes appear in the region. Students will able to understand the importance and consequences resulting from the different scenarios of change of regime and the role of the Central and Eastern European region and the European Union as a global market in world economy. Semester: Autumn and Spring Semester Course title: Geography of Elections Course description: Within the frames of this course several geographical issues of the Hungarian and international elections will be discussed. The administrative system and the local/ regional elections will also be examined. During the seminars we will focus on the European states, among others, the EU member states as special spatial and value communities. With the help of this course students will be able to analyse the special categories of the geography of elections and compare the different structures. Course title: Diplomatic and Consular Relations Course description: The aim of this course is to familiarise students with the world of diplomacy and give them a comprehensive overview of one of the distinguished driving forces of International Relations, the law and the practice of the diplomatic and consular relations. The concept of diplomacy, the history of diplomacy will also be discussed together with the following key issues: ius legationis, persona non grata, agrément, exequator, doyen, nuncius, anciennity, and the sources of law of the diplomatic and consular relations. The course deals with the bodies of IR within states and in the international context, the missions, the level of diplomatic relations, and the tasks of diplomatic and consular bodies. It interprets the meaning of diplomatic/consular protection (in order to distinguish these two issues) and the question of diplomatic asylum as well as privileges and immunities. The course also focuses on the interpretation of the work of Hungarian diplomatic missions abroad
and the function of the foreign missions based in Hungary. There will be some key case studies presented on cases dealt with by international courts. The following problems will also be discussed: diplomacy of sports, press, cultural diplomacy, and economic diplomacy. Course title: Hungarian Security Policy after the change of regime Course description: With the change of regime Hungary had to face two challenges: creating new political, economic and social structures in the country and, at the same time, finding its place and role in a new international and security environment. This situation led to the adoption of new priorities in Hungarian security and military policy. Today, the Hungarian national army operates within the framework of a new type of military alliance, creating a professional army-model based on the principle of volunteering. The aim of the course is to introduce the security policy of Hungary in the last two decades, examine the institutions involved in national security policy (government, parliament, army), examine the institutional framework of civil control over the army, the legal environment, the results and the failures in the modernisation of the army. The examination of the security and military policies of the governments and parties since the change of regime is also an essential part of the course. It is our aim to stimulate students to participate in discussions, and enable them to communicate their ideas on these issues in a foreign language. Course title: Political geography, geography of security Course description: Within the framework of the course students will get acquainted with the geographical framework of the modern geography of security and the role of the state. Students will have the opportunity to examine the concept of the state within different disciplines, touching upon issues like states, borders, nations, national minorities, identities, sovereignty, state policies, the size and shape of states, etc. The question of borders will also be discussed with the help of the following concepts: borders, borderlines, CBSs, Euroregions, natural and artificial borders. The question of core area and its role in international conflicts will also be discussed using the Balkan peninsula as an example. (The Balkans and the successor states of Yugoslavia, and the problem of Kosovo.) The course also
deals with the special role of capital cities based on different examples, examining the role of enclaves, corridors, exclaves, the challenges they face from the point of state security. The course will also discuss the effects of environmental and political conflicts and their consequences for state security. With the help of this course students will be able to understand the different historical, economic, cultural and security roles played by the state. Course title: Hungarian Foreign Policy Course description: The aim of the course is to introduce the history of the theory of Hungarian foreign policy from 1848 until the present day. Within the framework of the course the struggle for the independent foreign policy of Hungary will be discussed with its possibilities and barriers in the current system of international relations, since WW1 till the beginning of the 21st century. Apart from the analysis of the relation between Hungary and the great powers, the aim is to focus on the introduction of the relations between Hungary and its neighbouring states. The aims and opportunities of the Hungarian state since the change of regime will be closely looked at. It will be essential to deal with the neighbourhood policy of Hungary following the regime change, as it is one of the most important and determining elements of Hungarian foreign policy. By taking this course students can get detailed information about Hungarian foreign policy and its unique components. Based on the knowledge they acquire, students will be able to understand and analyse the events of international relations together with the Hungarian reactions given to them. Course title: Sustainable development and environmental protection Course description: The aim of the course is to interpret the change in the traditional way of environmental policy-making. In addition to emission control and waste management, the integrated approach covers all stages, including the mining of raw materials, production, distribution, use, recycling, recovery and final disposal, and reducing the life cycle environmental impacts of products. The main objectives and principles of the IPP strategy and
its key role in EU s sustainable development strategy, as well as the principle of integrating environmental requirements into EU other policies will be discussed. Policy tools aiming at the creation of incentives for greener production and consumption patterns, as well as the relevant EU laws will also be addressed. The topics for discussion include the following: the integrated product policy approach, the life cycle concept; key principles of the IPP, e.g. combination of voluntary approaches with mandatory measures, stakeholder involvement, precaution, minimisation, substitution, etc. Product-related legislation in the EU, such as legislation on the composition of products, restriction or ban on export-import, marketing and use of certain dangerous substances, etc. The course will deal with the EU climate change policy, the regulation of products from biotechnology (GMO), the EU chemicals regulation (new REACH system), incentives for greener production: the EMAS system and the ecological design, environmental standardisation; incentives for greener consumption: green public procurement, ecological labelling system. Course title: Russian foreign policy Course description: The course discusses the attempts of Russia as a great power since the Napoleonic wars in foreign policy. Within the framework of this course students will be able to analyze various factors of internal policy and economy that determined the basis of the ambitions of a state situated on one- sixth of the surface of the Earth. We will focus, among other things, on the reasons underlying Russian colonization and its international conflicts. The second part of the course will focus on the foreign policy of the Soviet and post- Soviet era. We will discuss the international environment of Russia and the Soviet Union from 1917 to 1991 and its diplomatic connections. The bipolar system and the foreign policy of the Forth Russia" will also be addressed. We will analyze the international importance of the Russian Federation and the different aspects of foreign policy under Yeltsin and Putin. Course title: Foreign Policy of the USA Course description: Within the framework of this course students will have the opportunity to study the international relations of the USA and the changing role of the USA in world politics. The course will discuss the growth of the USA and the process of how it became a world power from a neglected group of colonies. The course will focus on the doctrines and
opportunities of foreign policy made use of by the different governments. Students will have the possibility to learn more about the wars the USA participated in, and the peace treaties and alliances the USA made. The course also focuses on the internal background of the US foreign policy. This course gives an introduction to the history of the USA. Students will be familiarised with the views of a world power and a non-european point of view on foreign policy. Course title: Comparative Politics Course description: The aim of the course is to familiarize students with one of the main trends in the methodology of political science. With the help of this course students will be able to prepare state analyses on their own, examining the functions of parliaments, the election systems, the structures of governments, the structures of the representation of interest, etc. Students will have the possibility to get acquainted with each others essays. It is our aim to enable students to get more information on the political systems of the examined states. This course will contribute to the development of writing skills; improve the ability to write a final essay and to participate in debates; and enable them to get acquainted with the terminology of the discipline. Course title: Political culture International Cultural Relations Course title: Theory and Practice of Diplomacy in a Global Context Course description: The course is based on the knowledge of students gained during their BA studies. Its aim is to introduce recent developments in diplomacy, its functions, the
changes of the institutional background, and the new tools of diplomacy. Among others, the aim of the course is to give an overview of Hungarian diplomacy in the world. We want to introduce the new trends and fields of diplomacy with the help of invited visiting diplomats. New diplomacy is based on a staff with excellent knowledge about their home country and good foreign language skills who can find their way in the era of new communication skills and technologies. Among others, we will introduce a new type of diplomacy, the so called public diplomacy." Our aim is to enable students to get acquainted with the different elements of the diplomatic code of conduct as well as with the different procedures and situation(s). By taking this course students can deepen their knowledge in communication skills, develop their intercultural skills by becoming familiar with and understanding other cultures. This course is designed for students who intend to join the diplomatic staff later. Course title: The problems of the global world in Africa, Asia and Latin America Course description: This course discusses the problems of the so-called Third World. In this course we will address some global problems emerging in the late 20th century and early 21st century: demographic growth, the problems of mega cities, migration trends, the collapse of the biosphere, the production, consumption and trading with drugs, oil exploration, energy shortage, global warming, the debt trap, hunger zones, etc. In this course we will focus on Latin America, Asia and Africa. Documentary films and photos will be used to help deepen students knowledge. Course title: Latin America from the cold war up to the present Course description: During the Cold War the animosity between USA and the Soviet Union resulted in a nuclear standoff. In order to avoid direct conflicts within the territories of the two camps, the Latin American countries became the locations of superpower conflicts. The wars in Latin America substituted for the conflicts among the super powers. This course examines the geopolitics of the Latin American world, the Cuban revolution, the democratic transition and the system of new international relations.
Course title: Political Africa Studies Course description: The new dynamics of the global system, together with its actors (the newly industrialised economies and the more developed forces at play) and their relevant connections and co-operation with Africa will be in the centre of investigation Africa celebrated the 50th anniversary of gaining independence from the former colonial powers and nation-statehood (17 territories got independent during the annus mirabilis in 1960). Many say Africa is the looser of globalisation, but many others think the new forces at play, i.e. China, India, and Brazil offer alternative ways of development. At the same time, we are witnessing (due to increased competition on African soil) the rethinking of policies on Africa by the US, the UK and the European Union. Can all these bring real development for Africa? The course will investigate current political processes and events, and will look into Africa s potential place and role in a possible new world order. Students will have the chance to get engaged in analysing Africa-related political issues not only African politics but e.g. Africa strategies of China, India, the EU, etc. Students will learn more about the new dynamics of the global world and the changing world order. Students will be able to critically analyse and evaluate the effects and possible scenarios of the involvement of the new actors in Africa. Students will develop critical skills in working with different academic sources, ranging from American, African to Chinese authors. They will develop both their oral and their written argumentative skills for defending their opinions. Course title: Central European Political Structures Course description: The course offers a survey of the history of Central European political systems after WW2. It gives an introduction to the Soviet system", together with the reasons for territorial division, efforts and reforms in countries of the Soviet Bloc, and the collapse of the Soviet Union (reasons, consequences). The new position of the former Communist countries in the new world order will be discussed in details. the following topics will be discussed within the framework of the course: East-Central Europe after Jalta; The development of the Communist Bloc, The Stalinist Model, the bloc after the death of Stalin, the different ways of Socialism, the ways to transition, the collapse of Socialism, the building
of new institutions, the consequences of the change of regime, the ways to the EU, the consequences of the economic crisis and the new challenges. Course title: Ethnic and Religious Enclaves in the Balkans Course description: This course deals with the Balkan region and its geopolitical position. The course will also discuss the historical, geographical, cultural aspects, such as the challenges of the 21st century and the importance of this region. The different states of the Balkan region and the cultural enclaves in past and present will also be touched upon. One of the most important focus points of the ethnic, religious, political and cultural enclaves of Europe is the Balkan peninsula. Although the process of integration and creating a new state had already been finished in the Western part of the European continent, the Balkans remained an outdated fragmentation of religion and ethnicity. These borders created special administrative units and mental spaces in a special way. The aim of the course is to introduce, analyse and examine the results of these historical and spatial enclaves. Course title: India, Japan and China in the global world Course description: This course deals with three great powers, Japan, China and India, and their economic, political and international relations. It is designed to discuss the history, the cultural elements and the geopolitical position of these great powers, dealing in detail with the changes of the roles these states play in world economy, the existing political and economic relations, and their influence on world economy.
Course title: Theories of International Relations Course description: The course is based on the knowledge of students gained during their BA studies. Its aim is to introduce recent developments in diplomacy, its functions, the changes of the institutional background, and the new tools of diplomacy. Among others, the aim of the course is to give an overview of Hungarian diplomacy in the world. We want to introduce the new trends and fields of diplomacy with the help of invited visiting diplomats. New diplomacy is based on a staff with excellent knowledge about their home country and good foreign language skills who can find their way in the era of new communication skills and technologies. Among others, we will introduce a new type of diplomacy, the so called public diplomacy." Our aim is to enable students to get acquainted with the different elements of the diplomatic code of conduct as well as with the different procedures and situation(s). By taking this course students can deepen their knowledge in communication skills, develop their intercultural skills by becoming familiar with and understanding other cultures. This course is designed for students who intend to join the diplomatic staff later.