Study Programme
Programme Overview
The Master’s programme in Development and Governance combines teaching in several political science sub-disciplines (development studies, international relations, peace and conflict studies, administration and policy studies, comparative politics of European Union, Sub-Saharan Africa or East Asia). The main emphasis is on acquiring knowledge of the relevance of different tiers and forms of governance-processes (local, national, international) both within established democracies and developing societies, and on training students’ analytical skills. The programme is thus providing students with both policy- and region-specific expertise.
We will offer additional courses or workshops depending on the availability of practitioners and lecturers and depending on the specific demands of students. The University of Duisburg-Essen is also offering different types of language courses.
For more specific information on the modules of our program, please have a look at our module handbook!
Curriculum
Module 1: Development
..focusses on developmental issues via the lens of governance. It includes two courses of which one is an elective:
Global Governance and Development covers fundamental theories and concepts of global governance, with a focus on developing countries and their involvement in global governance processes.
Alternatively, students can take the course Theories and Practices of Development, which focusses on historical and contemporary interpretations and applications of the term "development."
The seminar on Causes and Dynamics of Violent Conflict highlights current discussions in peace and conflict studies, focussing on national, regional, and global conflict resolution solutions, as well as the relationship between development and violence.
Module 2:
Governance
...consists of three courses in which students gain knowledge of governance processes in industrialised and developing countries.
An introduction to basic concepts and approaches in Comparative Policy Analysis is complemented by a seminar on management and juridical aspects of administrative processes and reforms (Public Administration).
The third course is focused on Democracy and Governance highlighting the applicability of democratisation and governance concepts in the non-OECD world.
Module 3:
Research Practice
...is dedicated to the writing of the Master’s Thesis.
Within this module, students begin with a course on Research Practice, which introduces them to the fundamental logic and technical aspects of academic paper writing in Germany. This is supplemented with tutorials, in which students complete practical exercises in small groups with senior students/mentors.
In the second semester students will then start working on their MA thesis.
Module 4:
Area Studies
...complements the first two modules with an in-depth study of region-specific governance structures.
Students select two out of the three courses on African Politics, European Politics and East Asian / Chinese Politics. Students will learn to critically assess the relevance of general theoretical models and problem-solving strategies for governance problems in their home countries.