MA Program

Master of Arts In Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies (REES MA)

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Master of Arts in Russian and East European Studies is organized across five disciplines:

• Anthropology-Sociology
• Culture
• Economics
• Government
• History

Students plan a directed program of study that includes course work in at least four of the fields. They may opt to prepare a thesis as part of their degree program or select a non-thesis option.

Non-Thesis MA

The non-thesis MA requires

• 42 credit hours of course work, including two core courses (Introduction to Area Studies and the Capstone Seminar) and two advanced language courses;
• a presentation of the student's research before CERES faculty and students prior to graduation.

Students will complete a total of fourteen courses, including the two core seminars and two advanced language courses; the other ten courses are selected according to the student's academic interests and the multidiscplinary requirement. The CERES directors will advise each student on a core curriculum of six courses that form the basis of each student's program, reflecting a disciplinary, regional or thematic focus.

Thesis MA

The thesis MA degree requires (as of fall 2012):

• 42 credit hours of course work, including two core courses (Introduction to Area Studies and the Capstone Seminar) and two advanced language courses;
• a presentation of the student's research before CERES faculty and students prior to graduation;
• an approved thesis.

Students will complete a total of fourteen courses, including the introductory seminar, capstone seminar and two advanced language classes; the other ten courses are selected according to the student's academic interests and the multidiscplinary requirement. The CERES directors will advise each student on a core curriculum of six courses that form the basis of each student's program, reflecting a disciplinary, regional or thematic focus.

 

Language requirements

Students are tested in reading and oral proficiency in a language of the region upon entry to the program and placed in the appropriate level of language classes. Completion of two courses at the advanced level is required for graduation, except for native speakers of a language of the region.

Georgetown offers Persian, Polish, Russian, Turkish and Ukrainian language courses that fulfill the advanced language study requirement (six credits). Other language study opportunities are available through the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area and through summer intensive language study programs in the US or abroad.

Public Presentation of Research

The Capstone Seminar requires that the student make a public presentation of the research project to CERES students and faculty. Students writing a thesis will present their research during their last semester of study.

Learning Goals of the MA Program

Students earning the MA in Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies will achieve:

• knowledge of the region from broad disciplinary perspectives and using a variety of methodologies;
• the ability to integrate theoretical with practical knowledge of regional affairs;
• a thematically focused curriculum that develops expertise;
• proficiency in at least one regional language;
• original research utilizing the student's language of proficiency;
• effective oral presentation and critical writing skills.