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Graduate Calendar Archives: 2007 / 2008

European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies

 

1311 Dunton Tower
Telephone: 613-520-2888
Fax: 613-520-7501
Email: EURUS@carleton.ca
Web site: carleton.ca/eurus/

The Institute

Director: Piotr Dutkiewicz

The Institute of European and Russian Studies continues a tradition of over forty years of teaching and research on the region at Carleton University. The Institute offers an interdisciplinary Master of Arts program in European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies, with the participation of faculty members from ten disciplines (art history, business, economics, geography, history, international affairs, law, political science, language studies, and sociology). They are regularly joined by visiting scholars from outside the University, including invited specialists from Europe and Russia.

In recent years, Europe, Russia, and Eurasia have witnessed dramatic developments, including the collapse of the communist system, the progression of European integration, the enlargement of the European Union, and increased mobility across state borders. These changes present a wide range of political, social, and economic challenges. While established democracies in Europe struggle to respond to issues such as immigration, economic integration, social policy reform, institutional change, and the development of a common foreign policy, the countries of Central and Eastern Europe face challenges deriving from the communist and pre-communist periods. States in Eurasia must balance Soviet legacies alongside a desire for national independence on the one hand and the rise of Islamic sentiment on the other. Other dynamics, such as globalization, the increasing importance of international influences, and environmental decline affect the entire region.

Institute courses and research programs focus on several broad themes. These themes combine attention to historical contexts with a thorough analysis of contemporary developments. Major themes include:

  • the legacy of the Soviet system and its impact on contemporary developments
  • the role of the European Union in transforming the continent
  • transition periods in the history of the region, with emphasis on political, economic, and social dimensions of the post-communist transition
  • nationalism, ethnicity, and migration as forces for change in the area
  • international integration, and the reintegration of Eastern Europe and Eurasia into European institutions and the larger international community
  • environmental problems and policies in a comparative perspective
  • the changing relationship between state and society, with attention to ethnicity, class, gender, and religion

The interdisciplinary approach emphasizes the social sciences and history. Students may take advantage of the university's regular academic exchanges with post-secondary institutions in Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Russia, and the United Kingdom. In addition, EURUS faculty facilitate research work and other study programs in other countries in the region.

The diploma program in European Integration Studies is a supplemental qualification available to graduate students enrolled in a M.A. or Ph.D. degree program at Carleton. Students in the Institute's M.A. program may work concurrently towards their diploma in European Integration Studies.

Qualifying-Year Program

Applicants who have a general (three-year) bachelor's degree in one of the disciplines represented in the program, or who lack sufficient area studies or language training, may be admitted to a qualifying-year program designed to raise their status to that of honours graduates in European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies. Students are expected to achieve a B+ average or better in the qualifying-year program in order to qualify for admission to the Master's year.

Master of Arts

Admission Requirements

The normal requirement for admission to the master's program is an honours degree (or equivalent), with at least a B+ average.

For admission to the program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • A B.A. Honours degree (or equivalent) in a humanities or social science discipline, with at least 3.0 credits in the European/Russian/Eurasian area covering three different disciplines (excluding language courses); and
  • A reading knowledge of an appropriate major European language (normally equivalent to two academic years of instruction, or one year with an intensive summer program) or, at the discretion of the Institute, equivalent knowledge of another of the region's languages. Applicants admitted with no proficiency or inadequate proficiency in an appropriate language will require additional language training beyond normal M.A. requirements.

Practical experience in the area of study will also be taken into consideration.

Applicants who do not have the required interdisciplinary background in the European/Russian/Eurasian area are encouraged to apply to the program, but additional coursework beyond the 5.0 credits may be required.

It is expected that students will complete the degree within three to four academic terms of study (which may include summer term registration). However, students who need extra language training or who do not have sufficient interdisciplinary background at the undergraduate level may require extra time for degree completion, as will students who participate in an academic exchange abroad.

Program Requirements

1) Students in the program must complete 5.0 credits, consisting of the following:

  • EURR 5001, which is a 0.5-credit core seminar offered specially by the Institute, and incorporates the approaches of several relevant disciplines and introduces students to a variety of methodological approaches and tools needed to design and implement research projects;
  • Selection of a concentration (either Russian, Eurasian and Transitions Studies or European and European Union Studies), with 1.0 credit of coursework from the concentration course list provided below under the description of each concentration;
  • Either EURR 5200 (recommended for students selecting the Russian, Eurasian and Transition Studies concentration), or EURR 5300 (recommended for students selecting the 'European and European Union Studies' concentration);
  • An additional 1.0 credit in coursework chosen with the approval of the graduate supervisor from the electives course list below;
  • Either EURR 5908 (1.0 credit), a research essay related to the concentration, incorporating the approaches of at least two disciplines represented in the program; the research essay must be defended orally and combined with an additional 1.0 credit coursework chosen with the approval of the graduate supervisor from the electives course list below,
  • or
  • EURR 5909 (2.0 credits), an M.A. thesis on a topic related to the concentration, which must combine interdisciplinary approaches with a greater degree of originality and a greater use of primary sources than that required of the research essay. The thesis must be defended orally. The thesis option cannot be taken without the specific permission of the graduate supervisor.
  • No more than 1.0 credit may be taken at the 4000-level. No more than 0.5 credit in a language discipline may be counted towards program requirements.

2) Completion of the language requirement:

Each student must demonstrate language proficiency. Students entering the M.A. program with no language proficiency or inadequate language proficiency will require extra coursework and/or summer language training to meet the language proficiency requirement.

Students who select the Russian, Eurasian, and Transition concentration must demonstrate proficiency in either Russian or one of the region's other languages. If a language other than Russian is selected (a) this language must be utilized in undertaking research for the research essay or M.A. thesis; and (b) its selection must be approved by the graduate supervisor.

Students who select the European and European Union concentration must demonstrate proficiency in French, German, Italian, or Spanish. Permission to substitute another language will be granted only in exceptional cases. In any case, the language selected must be utilized in undertaking research for the research essay or M.A. thesis.

Proficiency in the approved language may be demonstrated by successful completion of a written translation examination to be administered by the Institute or by completion of the appropriate language from the following list with a minimum grade of B+: RUSS 4200 and RUSS 4201; GERM 3605; SPAN 3605; ITAL 3000; or 1.0 credit in FREN at the 4000-level.

Concentrations

While one of the program's goals is to provide students with an integrative approach to the entire region, the concentration assures that each student's individual program will retain a particular focus. Europe and Eurasia have become increasingly integrated in terms of theoretical and methodological approaches. However, the two sub-regions covered by the program have distinct histories and legacies along with differing intellectual traditions. Selection of a concentration assures that each student's program will have an adequate level of intellectual coherence. Students studying the post-communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe that are EU member states or candidates for membership may select either concentration, depending on the thematic focus of the student's work. The Institute offers two concentrations that draw systematically from the program's range of courses and expertise. Students are required to pursue one of these concentrations:

  • Russian, Eurasian, and Transition Studies
  • European and European Union (EU) Studies
Russian, Eurasian, and Transition Studies
This concentration involves an interdisciplinary focus on the communist legacy and challenges facing countries in transition, with a geographic scope covering eastern and southeastern Europe, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, the Caucasus, and post-Soviet Central Asia.
It is recommended that students pursuing this concentration complete EURR 5200 rather than EURR 5300.
Concentration course elective list: EURR 4002 or EURR 5002, EURR 4101 EURR 5005, EURR 5007, EURR 5008 EURR 5102, EURR 5107, EURR 5202 EURR 5203, EURR 5204, HIST 5600 PSCI 4501, PSCI 4601, PSCI 5104 PSCI 5105, PSCI 5106, SOCI 5804
European and European Union Studies
This concentration focuses on countries involved in the European Union and on European integration processes, consequences, and dynamics from an interdisciplinary perspective, including EU enlargement and relations of the EU with other states.
It is recommended that students pursuing this concentration complete EURR 5300 rather than EURR 5200.
Concentration course elective list: EURR 4006, EURR 5003, EURR 5008 EURR 5104, EURR 5105, EURR 5106 EURR 5108, EURR 5201, EURR 5204 INAF 5804, INAF 5805, PSCI 5503 HIST 5100, HIST 5200

Electives Course List

Art History
ARTH 4202 Topics in Eastern Medieval Art
Economics
DCON 5603, ECON 5806, ECON 5807
Geography
GEOG 4600 Post-Communist Eastern Europe
History
HIST 4600 Seminar in Russian History
HIST 5100, HIST 5200, HIST 5600 HIST 5800, HIST 5810, HIST 5811
International Affairs
INAF 5202, INAF 5206, INAF 5602 INAF 5804, INAF 5805
Law
LAWS 4806 The Civilist Tradition
Political Science
PSCI 4501 Gender and Politics in Post Communist Societies
PSCI 4503 Politics of Central Eurasia
PSCI 4601 Foreign Policies of Soviet Successor States
PSCI 5104, PSCI 5105, PSCI 5106, PSCI 5201 PSCI 5404, PSCI 5503, PSCI 5506, PSCI 5509 PSCI 5803, PSCI 5806
Russian
RUSS 4200 Russian Syntax and Translation
RUSS 4201 Russian for the Social Sciences
Sociology
SOCI 5804
European and Russian Studies
EURR 4006 European Integration and the Business Environment in East/Central Europe
EURR 4101 The Balkans
EURR 5000, EURR 5001, EURR 5002
EURR 5003, EURR 5005, EURR 5007
EURR 5008, EURR 5100, EURR 5102
EURR 5103, EURR 5104, EURR 5105
EURR 5106, EURR 5107, EURR 5108
EURR 5201, EURR 5202, EURR 5203
EURR 5204, EURR 5900, EURR 5901
EURR 5902, EURR 5903, EURR 5904
EURR 5905, EURR 5906

Other 4000- and 5000-level courses may be approved by the graduate supervisor as EURUS credits if they are deemed appropriate to a particular student's objectives.

Academic Standing

Master's candidates must obtain a grade of B- or higher on each credit counted towards the degree.

Guidelines for Completion of Master's Degree

Students in the 5.0-credit program with sufficient proficiency in Russian, German, or another approved language are expected to complete the degree within three to four terms of study.

Students participating in international exchanges will normally require longer to complete degree requirements.

Diploma in European Integration Studies

This diploma program is only open to students currently enrolled in a graduate degree program at Carleton University and is intended to provide an additional qualification to the student's main degree. Applications to the program should be made to the Institute of European and Russian Studies. Some previous coursework or practical experience in the field of European Studies is a prerequisite for admission to the program. The purpose of the diploma program is to supplement the student's program of study by providing in-depth study of processes of European integration from an interdisciplinary perspective and thus to prepare the student for professional work or further study in this field.

Students must complete 2.5 credits of coursework and take part in a non-credit seminar EURR 5809. Of the 2.5 credits required for the diploma, 1.0 credit must be unique to the diploma program and may not be counted toward meeting requirements for the student's main degree program. The unique diploma courses must include EURR 5003 and one additional course on the primary option list. In addition to English, the student must demonstrate proficiency in a second European language (approved languages are subject to the discretion of the Institute), as certified by a language examination.

Note: in order to be awarded the Dipoloma, students must apply to graduate with the Diploma at the same time as they apply to graduate with their M.A. or Ph.D.

Required courses:

  • EURR 5003 Social and Political Perspective in Europe
  • EURR 5809 Seminar in European Integration Studies

Primary Option List

At least two of the following:

  • PSCI 5504 Topics in West European Politics
  • INAF 5804 International Relations in Europe
  • INAF 5805 The E.U. in International Affairs
  • EURR 5104 European Integration and European Security (also listed as PSCI 5608)
  • EURR 5105 European Economic Integration
  • EURR 5106 Selected Topics in European Integration Studies (also listed as PSCI 5609)
  • EURR 5108 Canada-EU Relations: Summer Module (also listed as PSCI 5103)

Secondary Option List

One additional credit, which may include:
  • ECON 5401 Public Economics: Expenditure
  • ECON 5402 Public Economics: Taxation
  • ECON 5601 International Trade: Theory and Policy
  • ECON 5602 International Monetary Theory and Policy
  • ECON 5806 Comparative Economic Systems I
  • ECON 5807 Comparative Economic Systems II
  • EURR 5102 The International Political Economy of Transition (also listed as INAF 5802)
  • PSCI 5105 Post-Communist Politics in East Central Europe
  • PSCI 5106 Selected Problems in the Politics of Soviet Successor States
  • PSCI 5503 Topics in West European Politics
  • PSCI 5509 Governing in the Global Economy
  • PSCI 5807 Analysis of International Organizations
  • PSCI 5808 International Political Economy
  • INAF 5308 International Trade: Theory and Policy
  • INAF 5309 International Finance: Theory and Policy
  • Other 5000-level courses may be approved by the graduate supervisor as Diploma credits if they are deemed appropriate to the program.

Graduate Courses

Not all of the following courses are offered in a given year. For an up-to-date statement of course offerings and to determine the term of offering, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca

EURR 5000 [0.5 credit]
Social Science Approaches to Communist and Post-Communist Studies
An overview of social science approaches to the field of study for students with limited background in the field. The course is open to graduate students from a variety of departments.
Prerequisite: permission of the Institute.
EURR 5001 [0.5 credit]
Interdisciplinary Seminar in European and Russian Studies
Current debates and methodological approaches within various academic disciplines relating to Europe, Russia, and Eurasia.
Prerequisite: permission of the Institute or enrolment in the EURUS program.
EURR 5002 [0.5 credit]
Post-Soviet States and Societies
The relationship between social forces and state structures at both the national and local levels in the USSR and the post-soviet states.
Precludes additional credit for EURR 4002.
EURR 5003 [0.5 credit]
Social and Political Perspectives in Europe
The emergence of a European polity, identity and culture. Examination of whether 'Europe' as a defined entity exists and the ways in which we may try to understand its evolution. Also offered at the undergraduate level with different requirements as EURR 4003, for which additional credit is precluded.
EURR 5005 [0.5 credit]
Environmental Problems and Politics in East/Central Europe and Eurasia
Nature, origins and policy responses viewed from economic, political and geographic perspectives. Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as EURR 4005, for which additional credit is precluded.
Prerequisite: 1.0 credit in the area of East European or environmental studies, or permission of the Institute.
EURR 5007 [0.5 credit]
Social and Political Discourse in Russia
Contemporary, social and political issues as covered in Russian-language media. Most course reading and instruction is in the Russian language but student participation may be in English or Russian. Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as EURR 4007, for which additional credit is precluded.
Prerequisite: appropriate facility in the Russian language and permission of the Institute.
EURR 5008 [0.5 credit]
Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict in Eastern and Central Europe
Ethnic basis of nationalism in the region. Ethnic politics and trends.
Precludes additional credit for EURR 4008.
EURR 5100 [0.5 credit]
Nation-Building in Central and Eastern Europe
Processes of nation building in the region examined in terms of a particular country, or set of countries. Country focus may vary. Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as EURR 4100, for which additional credit is precluded.
EURR 5102 [0.5 credit]
The International Political Economy of Transition
Problems of reintegration into the world economy and dilemmas of transition from command to market economies. Topics may include new trade and investment patterns, role in regional and international economic organizations, search for appropriate exchange rate policies, impact of Western assistance. (Also listed as INAF 5802.)
EURR 5103 [0.5 credit]
Sustainability and Development in the Arctic: Transformations in the Circumpolar North
The Circumpolar Arctic Region is undergoing rapid political, economic, social and technological development, which impacts sustainability. Climate, contaminants and biological diversity focus international attention. Nunavut, the Russian North, major developments, and international circumpolar regime formation will be discussed, with emphasis on environment and development. (Also listed as GEOG 5700.)
EURR 5104 [0.5 credit]
European Integration and European Security
A seminar focusing on security issues related to the formation of supra-national decision-making structures in Europe. Also offered at the undergraduate level with different requirements, as EURR 4104, for which additional credit is precluded. (Also listed as PSCI 5608.)
EURR 5105 [0.5 credit]
European Economic Integration
Economic issues and policies related to the process of European integration and the development of the post-World War II European Union.
Prerequisite: ECON 1000.
EURR 5106 [0.5 credit]
Selected Topics in European Integration Studies
Selected topics related to post-World War II European integration.
(Also listed as PSCI 5609.)
EURR 5107 [0.5 credit]
Russia and the New World Order, 1992 to the Present
An examination of how the Russian Federation has sought a place for itself in the world order since the collapse of the USSR.
Precludes additional credit for EURR 4107.
EURR 5108 [0.5 credit]
Canada-EU Relations: Summer Module
Relations between Canada and Europe in the context of European integration, with attention to policy issues affecting the relationship and/or areas of common policy challenges.
Precludes additional credit for EURR 5106 and PSCI 5609 if taken in the summer of 2003-2004 or 2004-05. (Also listed as PSCI 5103).
Prerequisite: previous course in European integration or permission of the instructor.
Intensive two-week summer module.
EURR 5200 [0.5 credit]
Interdisciplinary Seminar on Russian, Eurasian and Transition Studies
Particular issues in post-communist transition. Discussion of student research proposals.
Precludes additional credit for EURR 5300.
EURR 5201 [0.5 credit]
Special Topics in European Studies
Selected topics related to Europe and/or the European Union.
EURR 5202 [0.5 credit]
Special Topics in Russian, Eurasian, and Transition Studies
Selected topics related to the communist and post-communist states and processes of transition they are undergoing.
EURR 5203 [0.5 credit]
Imperial and Soviet Russia
Legacies of the tsarist empire and the Soviet Union that influence the region today. Topics include political culture, empire, socialism, class, gender, and non-Russian peoples. Also offered at the undergraduate level with different requirements as EURR 4203, for which additional credit is precluded.
Also listed as HIST 5603.
EURR 5204 [0.5 credit]
Central Europe, Past and Present
Evolution and current status of Central Europe from periods of foreign control in the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries to independent statehood. Emphasis on national accommodations and conflicts.
Also offered at the undergraduate level with different requirements as EURR 4204, for which additional credit is precluded. Also listed as HIST 5604.
EURR 5300 [0.5 credit]
Interdisciplinary Seminar on European and European Union Studies
Particular issues in EU member countries as well as processes of European integration and EU enlargement. Discussion of student research proposals.
Precludes additional credit for EURR 5200.
EURR 5809 (0.0 credit)
Seminar in European Integration Studies
Each student must present a paper relating to European integration that was prepared for another diploma course. Diploma students are expected to attend presentations by other students and other seminar talks. Open only to students registered in the Diploma in European Integration Studies.
EURR 5900 [0.5 credit]
Tutorial in Russian-Area Studies
Directed readings on selected aspects of the Soviet successor states, involving preparation of papers as the basis for discussion with the tutor. Offered to meet specific program needs.
EURR 5901 [0.5 credit]
Tutorial in Russian, Eurasian and Transition Studies
Directed readings on selected aspects of Russian, Eurasian and Transition issues.
Prerequisite: permission of the Institute.
EURR 5902 [0.5 credit]
Tutorial in European and European Union Studies
Directed readings on selected aspects of European and European Union issues.
Prerequisite: permission of the Institute.
EURR 5903 [0.5 credit]
Tutorial in European and European Union Studies
Directed readings on selected aspects of European and European Union issues.
Prerequisite: permission of the Institute.
EURR 5908 [1.0 credit]
Research Essay
A research essay on a topic relating to European, Russian or Eurasian Studies.
EURR 5909 [2.0 credits]
M.A. Thesis
Prerequisite: permission of the Institute.

Other courses may be available at the University of Ottawa.

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