„Roads to Democracy(ies)“ – A European Master’s Programme in Contemporary Studies (University of Siegen)

Application Deadline: 15.08.2009

The University of Siegen encourages qualified candidates for “Roads to Democracy(ies) – A European Master’s programme in Contemporary Studies” (120 ECTS credits) to submit their applications for the Winter Semester 2009/10.

“Roads to Democracy(ies)” is an international, interdisciplinary and research-oriented Master of Arts programme that combines methods and approaches from history, political science and sociology. The two-year full-time programme is offered by the University of Siegen in cooperation with the Universities of Uppsala (Sweden) and Coimbra (Portugal). It includes an integrated study abroad period of 1-2 semesters at one of the two partner universities.

Target group:
Potential candidates for the Master’s programme are applicants with an above average Bachelor’s degree in history, political science, sociology, or in a related subject. The candidates must have a very good command of the English language and should have intermediate knowledge of German. We expect students of Roads to Democracy(ies) to be highly motivated to study in an intercultural learning environment, to enjoy academic research and to be interested in an interdisciplinary approach to democratic processes.

Aims of the programme:
The purpose of the programme is to provide students with knowledge of and insights into the development of democracies. The programme focuses on political, economic, social and cultural aspects of democratic ideas, institutions and structures within and outside of Europe. Students of Roads to Democracy(ies) will develop a broad, comparative understanding of the mechanisms behind democratic transitions from a historical and social scientific perspective and will acquire the competence to assess present-day democratic developments on a national and supra-national level.
Furthermore, students will obtain insights into comparative research methods in history and social science and will acquire the ability to plan, carry out and present their own research projects.
Graduates of the Master’s programme will be qualified to continue their studies to obtain a PhD degree. The programme also provides a good basis for a variety of positions at, for example, organisations and institutions on a European and international level.

Programme structure and curriculum:
Roads to Democracy(ies) is a four semester full-time programme (120 ECTS credits).
The programme comprises compulsory core modules as well as optional courses. The core programme includes four thematic modules that reflect the different focus areas of the three universities: Democratization, Political Cultures and Media (Siegen), Democratization and Welfare (Uppsala) and Democratization and Globalisation (Coimbra). Additionally, the core programme includes a Theory and Methods Module that consists of two innovative elements: The joint blended e-learning course “Democracy in Theory and Practice” which is attended by the programme students of each university at the same time and the interdisciplinary course “Theory and Methods of History and Social Sciences”. The compulsory part of the study programme is completed by a Thesis Module. Furthermore, students can choose between various optional elements, including transferable skills and language courses, additional optional seminars of relevance and internships.
One of the most significant strengths of the programme is the flexible module structure that enables students to develop individual study plans which are directed towards their Master’s thesis.

Degree:
Graduates of the programme will be awarded the degree of Master of Arts in Contemporary Studies. A Joint Master’s degree will be introduced in the near future.

Fees:
The University of Siegen charges tuition fees of 500 € per semester. During the study period abroad no tuition fees will be charged at the partner or home institution. The additional administrative costs of 187 € per semester include the semester ticket for free public transport within North Rhine-Westphalia. In order to finance their semester abroad students can apply for various grants, for example, within the frame of the Erasmus programme.

Application and application documents:

Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Application form (available at:
http://www.fb1.uni-siegen.de/ba_ma/ma_studiengaenge/roads_to_democracies/)
- A short CV and photograph
- Copies of diplomas, certificates etc.
- Copies of language certificates, documentations of internships etc.
- A letter of motivation (both in English and German) which outlines the main areas of interest
- A first outline of the applicant’s potential Master’s project
- Two letters of recommendation (to be posted separately or to be enclosed in a separate, sealed envelope)

Applications should be sent to:

Coordination Committee
"Roads to Democracy(ies)"
c/o Prof. Dr. Raphaela Averkorn
University of Siegen, FB 1,
Adolf-Reichwein-Str. 2,
D-57076 Siegen (Germany)

Application deadline: 15 August 2009

Further information and contact:

Maria Frindte, M.A.
FB 1 – International Coordinator
University of Siegen
Adolf-Reichwein-Str. 2
D-57076 Siegen (Germany)
Tel.: +49 (0)271-740 2330
E-Mail: master-democracy@fb1.uni-siegen.de; infoservice@fb1.uni-siegen.de