International Politics and Development Studies
Description
The Bachelor's program in International Politics and Development Studies is designed for Lithuanian and international students interested in disciplines such as studies of developing regions and countries, international processes, human rights, studies of economic and social development, oriental studies, international and development strategies, migration, project planning and implementation, among others. The aim of the program is to prepare highly qualified graduates in political science, professional analysts capable of competently explaining, analyzing, comparing, and evaluating political, economic, and social processes of developing countries and regions, explaining and evaluating trends and strategies of international assistance to developing countries, conducting independent research, preparing and implementing practical and applied projects. The International Politics and Development Studies program attracts foreign students annually, for whom expertise in development cooperation policy becomes one of the factors in formulating career prospects.
The International Politics and Development Studies program is focused on the problematic nature and causal analysis of regional and national processes in the Eastern and Southern neighborhood regions of the European Union. In this program, students analyze the political systems, economic and social processes of Russia and Eastern Europe (Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova), the South Caucasus (Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan), the Middle East, and North African states, and explore the forms and strategies of international assistance and development cooperation provided to these countries.
During their studies, students undergo internships in various political institutions, international and non-governmental organizations, diplomatic missions, etc. In addition to English, which is the language of instruction, students choose to study other foreign languages, learn one of the languages of the developing regions or countries at the B1 level - French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, or Turkish.
Keywords
#Politics; #InternationalRelations; #Diplomacy; #DomesticPolicy; #ForeignPolicy; #PoliticalInstitutions; #Internationalism; #Leadership; #NationalSecurity; #HumanRights;
This international programme attracts students from various countries around the world. International organisations need diplomats, analysts, and project managers who think comprehensively and critically, and who can help overcome international challenges.
Assoc. Prof. Sima Rakutienė, Head of the Programme
I studied at Soongsil University in South Korea and completed an internship at the Embassy of Lithuania in Japan. I have no doubt that this invaluable international experience, my studies at VMU, and the opportunities I have taken advantage of will help me build a successful career in the future.
Armantas Blauzdys, Graduate of the Programme, Master's student at Kookmin University (Seoul, South Korea)
These studies and the knowledge I have gained have shaped my worldview and self-expression, and have provided me with the opportunity to travel and directly contribute to the implementation of the goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda and the search for solutions to global problems.
Greta Puodžiūnaitė, Graduate of the Programme, Project Manager at Trailblazer Cambodia and other projects.
Partners
Students undertake internships in the Ministry's departments, diplomatic missions, and consulates abroad. The programme also organises joint events and discussions.
Curriculum
| Course | Lecturer | ECTS Credits |
| Political Systems | Mindaugas Jurkynas | 6 |
| Introduction to Development Studies | Linas Didvalis | 6 |
| Optional courses I | ||
| Turkish Language A1 | Aleksandr Ismailov | 6 |
| Russian Language A1 | Viktoria Pehk-Ivascenko | 6 |
| French A1 | Daina Kazlauskaitė | 6 |
| Arabic Language 1 | Maritana Larbi | 6 |
| Spanish A1 | Rima Sabaliauskienė | 6 |
| A group subjects | 12 |
| Course | Lecturer | ECTS Credits |
| International Relations and Governance | Šarūnas Liekis | 6 |
| Development Politics and Strategies of International Organizations | Sima Rakutienė | 4 |
| Optional courses I | ||
| Spanish A2 | Rima Sabaliauskienė | 6 |
| Turkish Language A2 | Aleksandr Ismailov | 6 |
| Russian Language A2 | Viktoria Pehk-Ivascenko | 6 |
| French A2 | Daina Kazlauskaitė | 6 |
| Arabic Language 2 | Maritana Larbi | 6 |
| A group subjects | 14 |
| Course | Lecturer | ECTS Credits |
| Studies of Colonialism and Post-Colonialism | Giedrius Janauskas | 6 |
| Public Policy Process | Šarūnas Liekis | 6 |
| Optional courses I | ||
| French B1 | 6 | |
| Arabic Language 3 | 6 | |
| Spanish B1.1 | Rima Sabaliauskienė | 6 |
| Turkish Language B1.1 | 6 | |
| Russian Language B1 | 6 | |
| A group subjects | 14 |
| Course | Lecturer | ECTS Credits |
| Macroeconomics | Jonė Kalendienė | 6 |
| Human Rights and Democratization | Rytis Bulota | 6 |
| A group subjects | 16 |
| Course | Lecturer | ECTS Credits |
| Development and Neighbourhood Policy of the European Union | Sima Rakutienė | 5 |
| Qualitative Research Methods for Politics | Ingrida Unikaitė-Jakuntavičienė | 6 |
| Comparative Politics | Aistė Žemaitytė | 6 |
| International Economics | Monika Didžgalvytė-Bujauskė | 4 |
| Optional courses I | ||
| Civic Empowerment and Mobilization | Rytis Bulota | 5 |
| The Politics of Small and Middle Sized States in the International Context | Mindaugas Jurkynas | 5 |
| Analytical and Academic Writting | Sima Rakutienė | 4 |
| Microeconomics | Inga Maksvytienė | 6 |
| Migration Policy and Ethnic Relations in Contemporary State | Johannes Baks | 6 |
| Course | Lecturer | ECTS Credits |
| Quantitative Research Methods for Politics | Ingrida Unikaitė-Jakuntavičienė | 6 |
| Conflict Resolution in Developing Countries | Ieva Karpavičiūtė | 5 |
| NGO and Philantrophy | Johannes Baks | 4 |
| Politics of the Post-Soviet States | Rytis Bulota | 5 |
| Optional courses I | ||
| Orientalism and Cultural Awareness | Egdūnas Račius | 4 |
| Diplomatic and International Law | Charles Francis Xavier Szymanski | 5 |
| International Communication and Global Perspectives | Auksė Balčytienė | 5 |
| Course | Lecturer | ECTS Credits |
| Projects Planning and Implementation | Lina Kaminskienė | 6 |
| Politics of the Middle Eastern and North African States | Egdūnas Račius | 5 |
| Policies of the Great Powers in the Middle East and the Post-Soviet Space | Šarūnas Liekis | 6 |
| Term Paper | Sima Rakutienė | 5 |
| Optional courses I | ||
| Security Challenges in Contemporary World | Johannes Baks | 4 |
| Revivalist Islam and Politics | Egdūnas Račius | 4 |
| International Cooperation in the Black Sea Region | Sima Rakutienė | 4 |
| Regional Development | Ieva Karpavičiūtė | 5 |
| Course | Lecturer | ECTS Credits |
| Qualification Internship | Sima Rakutienė | 15 |
| Bachelor Graduation Thesis | Sima Rakutienė | 15 |
