Master of Administrative Sciences degree (120 ECTS)
Public Management 83 ECTS
- HALL2009 Comparative Public Policy and Administration 10 ECTS
- HALL3011 Public Ethics 8 ECTS
- HALL3017 Managerial Decisions 7 ECTS
- ICSC3002 Comparative Research Methods 8 ECTS
- HALL3014 Research Seminar (ICS) 10 ECTS
- HALL3015 Thesis (ICS) 40 ECTS
- KNÄY3003 Maturity Exam 0 ECTS
Academic Skills 8 ECTS
- OPIS0024 Personal Study Plan, PSP 1 ECTS
- OPIS0025 Information Skills I 1 ECTS
- OPIS0026 Information Skills II 1 ECTS
- KENG9211 Writing Academic English I 3 ECTS
- KENG9311 Writing Academic English II 2 ECTS
Intercultural Communication 17 ECTS
- ICSC1001 Intr. to Intercultural Communication&Cultural Studies 5 ECTS
- ICSC1002 Culture, History and Identity 5 ECTS
- ICSC2004 Classics of Cultural Studies 7 ECTS
Other Studies min 12 ECTS
- FILO1011 Philosophy of Science (compulsory for all students) 3 ECTS
- KSUO5111 Finnish for Foreigners I 5 ECTS
(compulsory for international students) - KSUO5112 Finnish for Foreigners II 5 ECTS
- HALL2016 Human Resource Mgmt in the Public Sector 8 ECTS
- HALL3016 Practical Training (ICS) 5 ECTS
- ICSC1003 Cultural Transfer in Literature and the Media 5 ECTS
- ICSC1004 Semiotics and Interpretation in Cultural Studies 5 ECTS
- ICSC1005 The Cultural Studies as a Discipline: A Survey 5 ECTS
- ICSC1006 Finnish History and Culture 5 ECTS
- JOIK2018 Public International Law 6 ECTS
Master of Arts Degree (120 ECTS)
Intercultural Communication 75 ECTS
- ICSC1001 Intr. to Intercultural Communication and Cultural Studies 5 ECTS
- ICSC1002 Culture, History and Identity 5 ECTS
- ICSC2004 Classics of Cultural Studies 7 ECTS
- ICSC3002 Comparative Research Methods 8 ECTS
- ICSC3001 Research Seminar 10 ECTS
- ICSC3100 Thesis 40 ECTS
- KNÄY3003 Maturity Exam 0 ECTS
Academic Skills 8 ECTS
- OPIS0024 Personal Study Plan, PSP 1 ECTS
- OPIS0025 Information Skills I 1 ECTS
- OPIS0026 Information Skills II 1 ECTS
- KENG9211 Writing Academic English I 3 ECTS
- KENG9311 Writing Academic English II 2 ECTS
Public Management 25 ECTS
- HALL3011 Public Ethics 8 ECTS
- HALL3017 Managerial Decisions 7 ECTS
- HALL2009 Comparative Public Policy and Administration 10 ECTS
Other Studies min 12 ECTS
- FILO1011 Philosophy of Science 3 ECTS
(compulsory for all students) - KSUO5111 Finnish for Foreigners I 5 ECTS
(compulsory for all non-Finnish students) - KSUO5112 Finnish for Foreigners II 5 ECTS
- ICSC1003 Cultural Transfer in Literature and the Media 5 ECTS
- ICSC1004 Semiotics and Interpretation in Cultural Studies 5 ECTS
- ICSC1005 The Cultural Studies as a Discipline: A Survey 5 ECTS
- ICSC1006 Finnish History and Culture 5 ECTS
- HALL2016 Human Resource Management in the Public Sector 8 ECTS
- JOIK2018 Public International Law 6 ECTS
- ICSC3090 Practical Training 2-10 ECTS
Course Descriptions
Comparative Public Policy and Administration
Course Code: HALL2009
Credits: 10 ECTS
Learning outcomes/Content: The course provides an introduction to key Public Administration theories and their use in exploring diversity in public administrations, and examines similarities and differences between public and private organizations.
Teaching methods: Lectures.
Assessment: Active participation on the lectures and an exam based on the lectures and literature.
Literature:
1. Shafritz, Hyde & Parke (ed.): Classics of Public Administration (5th Edition). 2004.
2. Harmon & Mayer: Organization Theory for Public Administration. Glenview. Scott, Foresman and Company. 1986.
Time:
Contact person: Lecturer / Professor, Public Management
Public International Law
Course Code: JOIK2018
Credits: 6 ECTS
Learning outcomes: The student knows the basic structure and contents of international law and especially the sources of international law as well as international organizations.
Content: 1) Structure and content of international law, 2) sources of international law, 3) most important international organizations, 4) human rights.
Teaching methods: Lectures or self-study.
Assessment: Lecture journal or written essay in case there are no lectures given.
Literature:
1) Brownlie: Principles of Public International Law. Oxford 2003 (footnotes and parts IV-V, VII excluded).
2) Hanski & Suksi (eds.): An Introduction to the International Protection of Human Rights, A Textbook. 2. ed. 1999, p. 1-218 and 415-452.
Time: Autumn and spring semester
Grading: On a scale of 1-5 / fail
Contact person: Senior Assistant
Public Ethics
Course Code: HALL3011
Credits: 8 ECTS
Learning outcomes/ Content: Based on administrative ethics doctrine and scientific literature, the course deepens understanding on ethical theories, ethical values, and different ways of improving integrity in governance and public sector organizations.
Teaching methods: Lectures
Assessment: Exam and essay based on lectures and literature
Literature:
1. Salminen (ed.): Ethical Governance: A Citizen Perspective. Vaasan yliopiston julkaisuja. Tutkimuksia 294. Public Management 39. 2010. (also available online)
2. Frederickson & Ghere (eds.): Ethics in Public Management 2005. (also available in Ebrary)
3. Articles and other material specified during the lectures.
Time:
Contact person: Lecturer / Professor, Public Management
Comparative Research Methods
Course Code: ICSC3002
Credits: 8 ECTS
Learning outcomes: The course deepens the student's understanding of what are methodology and methods in academic thought and practice.
Content: Key themes are comparison as the basis of all methodologically valid thinking, cultural studies methodology and specific methods of history, cultural studies, and literary studies, social science methodology and qualitative, quantitative and comparative methods and techniques, problems of interdisciplinary research, and methodological requirements of the thesis.
Teaching methods: Lectures and possible workshops.
Assessment: Exam based on lectures and literature, possible workshops. On the scale of 1-5/fail
Literature (relevant chapters to be specified during the course):
1. Gray: Research Practice for Cultural Studies. London 2003 (available in Ebrary, see http://www.tritonia.fi).
2. Ragin: The Comparative Method: Moving Beyond Qualitative and Quantitative Strategies. Berkeley 1987.
3. Somekh & Lewin (eds.): Research Methods in the Social Sciences. London 2005 (available in Ebrary, see http://www.tritonia.fi).
4. Johnson, Chambers, Raghuram & Ticknell: The Practice of Cultural Studies. London 2004.
5. Keesing, Roger M. & Andrew J. Strathern: Cultural Anthropology - A Contemporary Perspective (3rd edition, 1998).
Time:
Contact person: Lecturer / Professor, Public Management/ICS
Research Seminar (HALL)
Course Code: HALL3014
Credits: 10 ECTS
Learning outcomes: The aim of the brief seminar sessions held every month (approx. 8-10 meetings/academic year) is 1) to accomplish a plan of the thesis during the autumn semester and 2) to produce an interim report of the thesis before the end of spring semester. The sessions aim at developing the basic skills in academic writing and familiarizing the students with the requirements set for research work.
Content: The research seminar is divided in two segments: the Preparatory Seminar and the Research Seminar. The Preparatory Seminar starts by examining fundamental questions of public administration. The preparatory seminar introduces the basic principals of academic research process and deepens the knowledge of Public Management as a major subject. The Research Seminar segment follows, starting the academic research process. Active participation in the seminar sessions is required throughout the academic year.
Teaching methods: Supervised seminar sessions.
Assessment: Written assignment
Literature: Literature on the field of the thesis.
Time:
Contact person: Lecturer / Professor, Public Management
Research Seminar (ICS)
Course Code: ICSC3001
Credits: 10 ECTS
Learning outcomes: The student gains capacity for independent research work on MA-level.
Content: Starting the academic research process. The seminar, which begins in January and ends in December the same calendar year, aims at deepening the student's knowledge of the field of cultural studies (additional reading material during the Spring term); at developing the basic skills in academic writing; and familiarizing the student with research work. The students are expected to accomplish a research plan and an interim report of the thesis during the seminar. Active participation in the seminar sessions (weekly meetings both the Spring and the Fall semesters). The aim of the seminar sessions is 1) to provide a paper proposal on the topic of the thesis during the Spring semester and 2) to produce an approximately 80 page-long Interim report of the thesis itself before the end of the Fall semester. The sessions concentrate on developing the basic skills in academic writing and familiarizing the students with the standards
of academic research.
Teaching methods: Supervised seminar sessions 30 hours.
Assessment: Seminar paper, Pass / Fail.
Literature: Literature on the field of the thesis and seminar reading material.
Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree and first semester studies in ICS-programme
Time: 1. Year
Contact person: Lecturer / Professor, ICS
Thesis (HALL)
Course Code: HALL3015
Credits: 40 ECTS
Learning outcomes: Ability to do independent research work.
Content: Independent research work. Academic research of public administration from the point of view of administrative operations and structures.
Teaching methods:
Assessment: Writing a thesis, possible maturity exam.
Literature:
Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree and advanced level studies in major subject.
Time:
Contact person: Lecturer / Professor, Public Management
Thesis (ICS)
Course Code: ICSC3100
Credits: 40 ECTS
Learning outcomes: Ability to do independent research work.
Content: Ability to do independent research work. Academic research of a problem related to intercultural communication or comparative cultural studies.
Teaching methods:
Assessment: Writing a thesis, possible maturity exam.
Literature:
Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree and advanced level studies in major subject.
Time:
Contact person: Lecturer / Professor, ICS
Personal Study Plan (PSP)
Course Code: OPIS0024
Credits: 1 ECTS
Learning outcomes: Students are able plan their studies according to the degree structure.
Content: All Master’s degree students do a Personal Study Plan (PSP) in the beginning of their studies. PSP is an informal agreement between the student and the Faculty and it can be rechecked and corrected during the studies. PSP is a timetable of the courses the student is planning to take. It also includes information about thesis, estimated graduation time, and some open questions.
Assessment: Steps: 1) Study the Handbook for Master’s Degree and Doctoral Students (University of Vaasa, Academic Information, University Studies in Finland, Practical Information and the part of your own Master’s Programme) and courses in web pages. 2) Fill the Personal Study Plan -form. 3) Discuss the personal study plan with Coordinator of International Education / ICS (take the plan with you). 4) You can update your study plan during your studies.
Time: First autumn semester
Contact person: Coordinator of International Education / ICS
Information Skills I
Course Code: OPIS0025
Credits: 1 ECTS
Learning outcomes: Students are able to use Finnish library and information services effectively, apply various information retrieval tools efficiently and use information ethically.
Content: General principles of information seeking, basic information retrieval techniques, information resources and library services needed in the studies, information ethics.
Teaching methods: Obligatory workshops 4 h, online training
Assessment: Online assignments and a multiple choice exam
Literature: Online course material
Time: First autumn semester
Contact person: Raija Löytölä
Information Skills II
Course Code: OPIS0026
Credits: 1 ECTS
Learning outcomes: Students are able to retrieve scholarly information from international databases using advanced search techniques and to evaluate search results critically.
Content: Systematic information seeking, construction of search strategies using advanced search techniques, knowledge of subject specific resources and reference techniques in the student’s own discipline, critical evaluation of information sources.
Teaching methods: Obligatory lecture 2 h, online training
Assessment: Online assignments and a multiple choice exam
Literature: Online course material
Prerequisites: OPIS0025 Information Skills 1
Time: The course is simultaneous to Research Seminar or Research Methodologies course
Contact person: Raija Löytölä
Writing Academic English I
Credits: 3 ECTS
Code: KENG9211
Semester:
Previous studies: Course in Basic English
Aim: After finishing the course the student masters the basic principles of academic writing (structure, argumentation, referencing) and its special features (of style). The student can produce short academic texts and write summaries on the basis of academic articles.
Contents: General basic principles of academic writing, the transformation of research material into a research project. Participants will write short exercise papers. The use of footnotes and annotation of quotations, compiling a list of references, structuring a paper and other rules applying to the production of academic text.
Teaching: 20 hours
Requirements for the credit units: Active participation and short exercise paper.
Course literature: The Harbrace College Handbook.
Evaluation: On a scale of 1−5 / fail
Contact person: Course provided by the Language Centre
Writing Academic English II
Credits: 2 ECTS
Code: KENG9311
Semester:
Previous studies: Writing Academic English I (3 ECTS)
Aim: After finishing the course the student masters the critical and analytical reading. The student can use references correctly and is familiar with the style and structure of academic texts. The student can write a short academic thesis or an article in English and can act as an opponent. The student can produce texts in English in a fluent and concise academic style.
Contents: Conventions of academic writing with focus on the differences between English and Finnish traditions of academic writing.
Teaching: 20 hours
Requirements for the credit units: Written exercises and a final paper of 7 pages which will meet the criteria of academic writing in the English speaking world.
Course literature: As adviced by the teacher.
Evaluation: On a scale of 1−5 / fail
Teacher: Course provided by the Language Centre
Introduction to Intercultural Communication and Cultural Studies
Course Code: ICSC1001
Credits: 5 ECTS
Learning outcomes: The course introduces the basic concepts of both intercultural communication and cultural studies.
Content: Basic concepts and principles of intercultural communication: culture, ethnocentrism vs. cultural relativism, cultural values, stereotypes, culture shock etc.
Teaching methods: Lectures 20 hours.
Assessment:. Lecture journal and take-home exam. Pass / Fail
Literature:
1. Ferraro G.: The Cultural Dimension of International Business. 1998.
2. Handbook of International and Intercultural Communication. Editors William B. Gudykunst, Bella Mody. Thousand Oaks (Sage) 2002. (Selected chapters)
Time: Autumn semester
Contact person: ICS Lecturer
Culture, History, and Identity
Course Code: ICSC1002
Credits: 5 ECTS
Learning outcomes: The course develops understanding of different cultures and their relation to cultural and historical backgrounds.
Content: The course introduces the concepts of culture, history, nationalism, and identity. We will begin with the birth of the modern individuality and nationalism, and examine the changes in the notion of identity over three hundred years with examples from all over the world.
Teaching methods: Lectures 20 hours
Assessment: Exam based on the lectures and literature. On the scale of 1-5/fail
Literature:
1. Leerssen: National Thought and Europe. A Cultural History. 2007 or as instructed by the lecturer.
Time: Autumn semester
Contact person: Lecturer, ICS
Cultural Transfer in Literature and the Media
Course Code: ICSC1003
Credits: 5 ECTS
Learning outcomes: The course enables the students to evaluate the impact of cultural differences to the supply and reception of foreign movies, music, art, history writing, and literature.
Content: Comparative literature; imagology; the origins and influence of ethnic, religious and other stereotypes. Cultural institutions (e.g. publication, circulation and criticism) and the mechanisms of cultural transfer.
Teaching methods: Lectures 16 hours
Assessment: Take-home exam or written assignment.
Literature:
1. BASSNETT: Comparative literature: a critical introduction. Oxford (Blackwell). 1993. or
2. CORBINEAU-HOFFMANN, A: Einführung in die Komparatistik. Berlin (Erich Schmidt). 2000. or
3. AALTONEN, Sirkku: Time-Sharing on Stage. Drama Translation in Theatre and Society. Clevedon (Multilingual Matters). 2000.
Time:
Contact person: Professor and Lecturer, ICS
Classics of Cultural Studies
Course Code: ICSC2004
Credits: 7 ECTS
Learning outcomes: To familiarize the student with a sample of classic texts in cultural studies and to see how theory and method intertwine and how different ideas of culture and communication over time imply divergent conceptions of the individual, society, and nature. One of the course's main objectives is to familiarize the student to close reading of research literature.
Content: Reading seminar on classical texts in cultural studies and communication with an emphasis on 19th and 20th century developments. We will read and discuss key texts on semiotics, identity, discourse analysis, historicity, modernism, postmodernism, sociology and cultural anthropology by such classic authorities in the field as Rousseau, Weber, Durkheim, Lacan, Barthes, Lyotard, Eco, Geertz, etc.
Teaching methods: Reading Seminar, 24 hours
Assessment: Active participation in class discussions on the assigned texts and a 15-page long essay. On the scale of 1-5/fail
Literature:
1. EAGLETON: The Idea of Culture. Oxford & Malden 2000. 150 pp.
2. MATTELART & MATTELART: Theories of Communication: A Short Introduction. Paris1995. (translated from Histoire des théories de la communication.) 100 pp.
3. The selected texts as assigned by the instructor.
Time:
Contact person: Lecturer, ICS
Finnish for Foreigners I
Credits: 5 ECTS
Code: KSUO5111
Semester:
Previous studies:
Aim: The student has basic knowledge of Finnish pronounciation, is able to read simple texts and to write on a familiar subject, such as her/his own life.
Contents: Basic grammar and vocabulary for everyday life in Finnish. Short introduction to Finnish culture.
Teaching: Lectures and exercises 60 hours
Requirements for the credit units: Participation in lectures and exercises. Oral and written exercises in class. Passing grade for the vocabulary work. A written exam.
Course Literature:
1. White, Leila (2007): From Start to Finnish. A short course in Finnish (chapters 1−24).
Evaluation: on a scale of 1−5 / fail. The grade consists of attendance and active participation in class, assessment of work done during the course and a written exam at the end of the course.
Contact person: Course provided by Language Centre
Language of instruction: To be taught in English and Finnish.
Managerial Decisions
Course Code: HALL3017
Credits: 7 ECTS
Learning outcomes/Content: In this course students learn to analyze and understand decisions as rational activity. Making decisions requires creation and evaluation of alternatives, ability to make rational choices based on available information and ability to implement and evaluate choices. Rationality is hard to achieve in decisions, and managers are expected to do more, for instance be creative thinkers and provide innovations.
Teaching methods:
Assessment: Exam based on lectures and literature, possible workshops
Literature:
1. Simon: Administrative behavior (4th edition). New York 1997.
2. Mintzberg, Ahlstrand & Lampel: Strategy Safari: A Guided Tour Through the Wilds of Strategic Management. London 1998.
3. Selection of articles (announced during lectures)
Time:
Contact person: Lecturer / Professor, Public Management
Human Resource Management in the Public Sector
Course Code: HALL2016
Credits: 8 ECTS
Learning outcomes/Content: The course develops understanding of human resource management and development in public sector. Students should be able to identify the role of employee recruiting, motivation, training and rewards in managing people effectively. The course supports the development of students’ skills in team work.
Teaching methods: Lectures, workshops/team research.
Assessment: Exam based on lectures and literature, workshops or team research and presentation
Literature:
1. Lawler, Edward e. (2003). Treat People Right!: How organizations and individuals can propel each other into a virtuous spiral of success.
2. Articles and other material specified during the lectures.
Additional Information: Teaching in English, exams in English or in Finnish
Time:
Contact person: Lecturer / Professor, Public Management
Practical Training (ICS)
Course Code: HALL3016
Credits: 5 ECTS
Learning outcomes: Practical training aims to familiarize the student with work in public administration or similar field i.e. administration, planning, development. The objective is to deepen one´s expertise and to strengthen and adapt theoretical skills into practice.
Content:
Teaching methods:
Assessment: Three-month continuous, full-time practical training in a beforehand accepted organization and written report of 15–20 pages. Student is able to get an approval to the practical training only within his/her major subject. Before writing the report, the topic and the content must be discussed with the teacher. A proposition of the training place must be presented in advance and a copy of the testimonial and the written report has to be delivered to the assistant after the training for approval.
Literature: Literature on the topic and expertise area of the practical training, related to the written report.
Time:
Contact person:
Practical Training (ICS)
Course Code: ICSC3090
Credits: 2-10 ECTS
Learning outcomes: Practical training aims to familiarize the student with work in public administration or similar field i.e. administration, planning, development. The objective is to deepen one´s expertise and to strengthen and adapt theoretical skills into practice.
Content:
Teaching methods:
Assessment: Three-month continuous, full-time practical training in a beforehand accepted organization and written report of 15–20 pages. Student is able to get an approval to the practical training only within his/her major subject. Before writing the report, the topic and the content must be discussed with the teacher. A proposition of the training place must be presented in advance and a copy of the testimonial and the written report has to be delivered to the assistant after the training for approval.
Literature: Literature on the topic and expertise area of the practical training, related to the written report.
Time:
Contact person:
Finnish for Foreigners II
Credits: 5 ECTS
Code: KSUO5112
Semester:
Previous studies: Finnish for foreigners I, or equivalent knowledge of Finnish.
Aim: The student can express her/his opinion, arrange for a meeting and write brief texts on a familiar subjects (for example an email message).
Contents: The emphasis is on grammar and language production. Students will improve their practical language skills.
Teaching: Lectures and exercises 60 hours
Requirements for the credit units: Participation in lectures and exercises. Oral and written exercises in class. A passing grade in group work. A written exam.
Course Literature:
1. Kenttälä, Marjukka (2004): Kieli käyttöön. Suomen kielen alkeisoppikirja. (chapters 10−18, partly chapter 19) . Helsinki: Yliopistopaino.
Evaluation: on a scale of 1−5/ fail. The grade consists of attendance, active participation in class and a written exam at the end of the course.
Contact person: Course provided by Language Centre
Language of instruction: To be taught in Finnish and English.
Semiotics and Interpretation in Cultural Studies
Course Code: ICSC1004
Credits: 5 ECTS
Learning outcomes: The course familiarizes the student with the central role of semiotics and discourse analysis across the field of cultural studies.
Content: An overview of the basic concepts in semiotics and of the major theoretical schools in the field with accompanying examples of different analytical approaches to art, popular culture, advertisements, cinema, the media, and political discourse.
Teaching methods: Lectures 20 hours
Assessment: Exam based on lectures and literature. On the scale 1-5 / fail
Literature:
1) Chandler, Daniel: Semiotics. The Basics. Routledge 2002. Or Veivo & Huttunen: Semiotiikka. Merkeistä mieleen ja kulttuuriin. Helsinki 1999.
Time:
Contact person: Lecturer, ICS
Additional Information: ICS – Optional Module. The students may optionally choose 10 cr from the courses offered by the Finnish Network University of Semiotics.)
The Cultural Studies as a Discipline: A Survey
Course Code: ICSC1005
Credits: 5 ECTS
Learning outcomes: The course familiarizes the student with the field of cultural studies.
Content: A book exam with texts that give the student an overview of the main movements of cultural studies and on its interdisciplinary character.
Teaching methods: a book exam.
Assessment: A Book Exam on a set of assigned chapters of The Cultural Studies Reader and other articles. On a scale of 1-5 / fail
Literature:
1) During, Simon (ed.) The Cultural Studies Reader. 2nd Edition. New York (Routledge).1999.
Prerequisites: The course is recommended to be taken only after the ICSC 1004
Time: The exam dates (and list of the assigned texts) can be found in WebOodi.
Contact person: Lecturer, ICS
Finnish History and Culture
Course Code: ICSC1006
Credits: 5 ECTS
Learning outcomes: Introductory course (in English) on Finnish history, culture, and society. The course is particularly recommended to international students.
Content: The course (taught in English) will provide the student with an overview of Finnish history and culture, particularly from the time of autonomy (1809) onwards. The main focus will be on Finnish culture, identity, and the politics of the welfare-state.
Teaching methods: Lectures 16 hours
Assessment: Exam based on the lectures and literature.
Literature:
1. Kirby, David: A Concise History of Finland. UK: Cambridge University Press, 2006
Time:
Contact person: Lecturer, ICS
Philosophy of Science
Course Code: FILO1011
Credits: 3 ECTS
Period: The 2nd period in the autumn term 2011.
Aim of the course: After completing the course, the student will know basic questions of philosophy of science and of ethics of science and problems related to concept and theory formation and explaining in science.
Completion of the course: 10 hours of lectures on the starting points, objectives and requirements of scientific thinking and research. A book exam.
Course literature:
1) A.F. Chalmers, What Is This Thing Called Science? OR J. Elster, Nuts and Bolts for the Social Sciences. and
2) Alex Rosenberg, The Philosophy of Science: A Contemporary Introduction. Second Edition.
Additional information: The course is specifically meant for those international students who are doing or preparing to do their Bachelor's thesis or Master's thesis.
Teacher: University lecturer Tommi Lehtonen.
Organiser: Faculty of Philosophy.
Grading: On a scale of 1-5 / fail.
