MAIS-ES Curriculum

Program Background

The European Studies track combines a broad background in International Relations with a more specific focus on the process of European integration. The program takes into consideration that the Philippines and the members of the European Union share common ideals: a belief that economic development can be best attained through a market economy, a respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, an adherence to democratic ideals and institutions, and an external policy based on regionalism as a means of fostering peace and cooperation in world affairs.

The European Studies track is designed not only to enable students to acquire in-depth knowledge of the historical, political, and economic dimensions of European integration, but also to develop analytical skills that will equip them to respond to new challenges – both intellectual and professional – that the evolution of the European Union poses for its partners.

Course Requirements

Term 1 2 3 4 5 6
Foundation Courses 6 units 6
Core Courses 6 units 3 3
Specialization Courses 6 units 6
Electives 6 units 6
Comprehensive Exam 0 units 0
Thesis 1 & Thesis 2 6 units 3 3
Total 30 units 6 9 9 0 3 3

MAIS-ES Foundation Courses

Course Code Course Title Brief Description
EUR530M Introduction to International Studies This course is a graduate-level introduction to the discipline of International Relations. It is structured around three main themes: international history, regions, and processes, developing the student’s ability to critically assess the parameters of International Relations.
EUR860M Technical Writing This course for graduate students is a writing and research-intensive course on improving their skills in technical writing, providing valuable techniques for effectively writing research, documents, white papers, and other outputs in a professional and logical format. The course will cover topics such as clarity, conciseness, logical organization, and effective communication in technical contexts.

MAIS-ES Core Courses

Course Code Course Title Brief Description
EUR535M Theories of International Relations This course is a graduate-level introduction to theories, debates, and major scholarly traditions in International Relations. It is structured around three core engagements: historical foundations, mainstream approaches, and critical approaches.
EUR521M Research Methods In this graduate studies course, students are expected to develop their research skills within the discipline of International Relations and familiarize themselves with research writing, methodology, and ethics. The course will equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for conducting research for their graduate studies thesis by learning how to identify research problems, conduct literature reviews, design research proposals, gather and analyze data, and interpret and present findings.

MAIS-ES Specialization Courses

Course Code Course Title Brief Description
EUR631M The Politics of European Integration This graduate course focuses on three key understandings: (1) the historical development of the European Union and the theories explaining its integration process; (2) the political dimension of integration that delves into the political structures of the European Union, including its bodies, and the contemporary challenges posed by its evolution; (3) the economic aspects that examines the European Unions economy and the issues it face in the global system.
EUR630M The Economics of European Integration This graduate course is designed to provide an economic analysis of European integration and the methods and processes towards Economic and Monetary Union in Europe. The stages of economic integration will be emphasized, and a discussion of the economics of common policies in the European Union is also included.

MAIS-ES Offered Electives

Course Code Course Title Brief Description
EUR751M International Political Economy This graduate course introduces students to the field of International Political Economy in three distinct parts: (1) The Macroeconomics of Trade, where the class will attempt to answer questions arising from trade in goods and services; (2) The Macroeconomics of Trade by looking at how trade impact economies and touch on the economics of integration; and (3) International Finance, where discussions will evolve around issues arising from global financial markets and their impact on macroeconomic activity.
EUR752M International Law This graduate course intends to acquaint students with the fundamental principles of international law, to increase their awareness of the political and historical context of its development. It also introduces students to the major international legal issues, instruments, and principles that aid in their understanding and analysis of international problems.
EUR604M International Organization This graduate course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of international organizations and their dynamics in global politics. It also introduces students to the role of international organizations in global development, diplomacy, international law, and the contemporary issues of global society.
EUR772M International Security This graduate course introduces the study of security in global politics, surveying some of the major concepts, theories, and case studies in the subfield of Security Studies. The course is divided into two parts: the first part introduces the main concepts and theories in Security Studies. Meanwhile, the second part explores prominent contemporary security issues, both traditional and non-traditional, that affect the interactions of states and non-state actors in the 21st century.
EUR609M International Security of East Asia The course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the primary security issues and the security dynamics of the East Asian region. Topics to be covered include the international security structure of the region, traditional security issues like cross-Taiwan Strait relations, the North Korean nuclear issues, and East Asian territorial disputes. The course will also include non-traditional security issues such as the region’s response to climate change, resource scarcity, and transnational crime.
EUR754M Contemporary Issues and Trends in International Relations The graduate course explores the major international relations issues since the Cold War, examining contemporary theoretical approaches. The course also opens the understanding of contemporary international relations, which allows students to analyze current events and trends in global politics.
EUR767M Global Migration: Issues and Trends This graduation course covers the foundational concepts of migration, including its causes, types, and consequences in the global arena. The course will also look into migration models and theories, emerging trends and patterns, and various specific case studies relevant to the Filipino people, providing students with a multi-level understanding of the significance of migration in globalization and contemporary world movements.
EUR646M Contemporary China and the World The course is an introduction to China’s socio-political development, foreign policy, international relations, and economic and social issues, providing students with a honed understanding of China’s major role in contemporary global politics. The course will also delve into the major power’s influence on global dynamics based on contemporary case studies of specific events and trends such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing trade disputes with other economies.
EUR765M International Relations and Game Theory The course covers the fundamental principles of game theory and how they apply to the various aspects and issues of international relations, including basic types and concepts of games, strategic interactions, game theory models, and advanced theories, and how they relate to trade and economic relations, conflict and cooperation, and security studies.