MA International Relations & Cultural Diplomacy (University of Siena, Italy)

Program Curriculum

The MA Program in International Relations & Cultural Diplomacy consists of 60 ECTS Credits in total and has duration of two semesters, which take place in both Berlin, Germany and Siena, Italy, a Professional Development Training Program, designed individually for each student and a Thesis to be submitted towards the completion of the program. 

This unique structure of the program provides the students with the advantage of learning in 2 different major European cities and thus the opportunity to gain academic, professional and personal experience from living in different cultures. Furthermore, the program’s structure provides a unique opportunity to benefit from the study environment in both an international nongovernmental organization and a traditional public University.

 

Semester 1

 (Center for Cultural Diplomacy Studies; Berlin, Germany)

The main priority of the curriculum for the first semester is to provide students with a solid foundation and understanding of the history and contemporary practice of Cultural Diplomacy, as well as future applications of the field.

Mandatory Courses:

• The History and Evolution of the Field of Cultural Diplomacy
• International Case Studies of Cultural Diplomacy
• Future Trends in International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy

* Elective Courses for Semester One (one of which each student must undertake), include:

• Nation Branding and Unilateral Cultural Diplomacy
• Contemporary German Foreign Policy
• International Organizations
• European Politics
• Models of Cultural Diplomacy
• Soft Power, Hard Power, and Smart Power
• Cultural Diplomacy in Conflict Zones

Semester 2

(University of Siena; Siena, Italy)

Students will begin their academic studies at the University of Siena during the second semester of the program. The primary focuses of the curriculum for the second semester are the essential theories, practices, and institutions in the fields of International Relations and Global Governance. Students will attend 5 modular classes and will be assessed based on class participation and the completion of term papers.

Mandatory Courses:

• Theories of International Relations
• International Relations & Global governance
• Contemporary crisis, conflict resolutions & Negotiations
• Political change and ideological challenges in Europe
• International Relations in the EU- Mediterranean region

*Elective Courses – The decision of the offered elective courses is made by the CCDS faculty, in accordance with the timing period of the Semester, logistical issues as well the planned activities of the ICD during the prospective period. Based on this decision, it is possible that only two courses will be offered in the given semester and students will need to take these courses.

Professional Development Training Semester

The Professional Development Training Program provides students with the opportunity to apply in practice what they learn in theory in their studies. The program is of 7 weeks in duration and is to be completed after the conclusion of the first or the second semester of studies. The program may be scheduled in the period either immediately following the first semester (before the second semester, pending on the date of the enrolment to the program) or following the second semester either in Berlin or in the location of the student’s choice (however under the supervision of the student’s professional advisors at the ICD).

The professional development program at the ICD is designed individually with each of the students and is composed of part or all of the following main components:

• Research
• Development of Cultural Diplomacy Initiative
• Participating in and Contributing to ICD’s Projects, Activities and Conferences