Description
Students choose (one of) the thesis seminar(s) offered within their specialisation. It is strongly recommended that students start thinking about the topic of their thesis before the start of the classes. Attendance is compulsory for all classes. Detailed information about the study material and the writing process can be found on Brightspace.
Course Objectives
Objective 1: To deepen the understanding of theories and methods related to research on the theme of the Master Specialisation.
Objective 2: Applying them to a specific topic as part of the student’s Master thesis project.
General Introduction Meeting
See 'Information and Deadlines' for the time and date of the introduction meeting.
Themes
Theme 01: Global Public Goods and Commons (dr. R. Hagen)
This thesis seminar applies insights from political economy and addresses the difficulties countries, organizations and individuals have in achieving successful collective action. By using and comparing theories from public goods and commons literature, students will use an empirical example of their own choosing in their individual project that delves into how collective action has / is / or can be, achieved and what the difficulties in that specific instance are. (Global) public goods and commons are multidisciplinary subjects combining fields such as political economy, law and philosophy and uses them to explore the workings of international action and decision making. Examples of such issues are found for instance in climate mitigation, defense, refugee protection and the Internet. By writing a thesis on this subject students will gain an understanding on the necessary conditions of achieving successful collective action in these complicated settings
Theme 02: International Institutions and Security ( dr. A.G. Bayramov)
It focuses on the interplay of international rules and institutions, non-governmental organisations, and national governments in an era of emerging powers, technological change and pressing issues of security. The MA Thesis Course on International Institutions and Security provides an immersive exploration into the complex interplay among international organizations, NGOs, multinational companies, and intergovernmental bodies, shaping the global security landscape. This comprehensive program equips students with an in-depth understanding of the multifaceted dynamics that underpin contemporary security challenges. Through the critical examination of theories from international institutions and security literature, students will analyze and compare various frameworks, applying them to an empirical example of their choice in their individual projects. The course scrutinizes the influential roles of entities such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization, International Monetary Fund, and diverse NGOs, illuminating their impact on security. Students can cover an extensive spectrum of security concerns, including traditional threats like conflicts and terrorism, alongside emergent challenges such as cybersecurity, energy security, and environmental issues while exploring regional, global, and local security issues.
Assessment method
Grades are based 100% upon the research thesis submitted toward the end of the semester, which is evaluated jointly by the instructor/supervisor and a second reader.
Registration
See 'Information and Deadlines'
Timetable
See 'MyTimetable'