Political Science

IHS Postgraduate Program in Political Science "European Integration" 2007-2010

Basic goals are

1. thorough training in methods: qualitative and quantitative methods, working techniques, and research design
2. extensive education in theory: social science theory with emphasis on political science and, in particular, European integration
3. European integration expertise: basic knowledge of institutions and procedures is a precondition of the course; specifics will be discussed in lectures and seminars
4. individual research: definition of the preferred topic (1st semester), of the specific puzzle to solve, the methods to use and the work schedule (2nd semester).

Performance tests: methods paper (end of 1st semester), seminar paper (end of March), active participation in VIGO/IHS dissertation seminar, 1st year paper (to be submitted 31 August 2008), active participation in all other seminars of the course.

The focus is now on European integration courses that support and complement individual research. Basic goals are to strengthen

1. European integration expertise: Visiting Professors will teach specialist seminars on various issues (seminars will cover questions cross-cutting the various policy areas of interest to individual students) and will discuss the students’ work with them
2. individual research: complete literature overview, field work and interviews according to previously specified work schedule
3. integration in international networks: students will have a chance to participate in various international activities

Performance tests: seminar paper (details t.b.a.), 2nd year paper (to be submitted 31 August 2009), active participation in all other seminars of the course.

Year 3

The focus is now on the student’s own research, supported by tutorial-style interaction with top-level Visiting Professors. Goals are to strengthen

1. European integration expertise: outstanding Visiting Professors will discuss their own work in the field with the students, plus comment on the students’ work
2. individual research: complete thesis (where possible) and dissemination of results
3. integration in international networks: the students are encouraged to present their findings in forums such as the European Consortium for Political Research (ECPR) and other major conferences

Performance tests: IHS diploma thesis (to be submitted 31 August 2010), based on doctoral dissertation (details t.b.a.), active participation in all other seminars of the course.