MA in the Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean Studies International Hellenic University (IHU)

The MA in Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean Studies: Culture and International RelationsProgramme is being offered by the School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Economics of the University Center of International Programmes of Studies of the International Hellenic University. The programme is based on an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the history and culture of the Black Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean region, offering two specialisation streams:

- Archaeology and Cultures stream, and

- International Relations and History stream.

The Black Sea region and the Eastern Mediterranean basin with their special geophysical and cultural characteristics, are gaining significance as a geopolitical link between Europe and Asia. The important natural resources and the crucial position of these regions at the hub of international routes have aroused the interest of many nations over the ages, leading to numerous events of great cultural and historical significance. The Black Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean constitute two great international gateways of considerable importance for Europe as well as for Asia and the East. Over the last few decades, research institutions and university departments all over the world have promoted research programmes concentrating on these regions with such rich scientific material.

The courses are taught exclusively in English. The academics teaching on the programme come from universities both abroad and in Greece.

With its two streams on “Archaeology and Cultures” and “International Relations and History”, the MA in “Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean Studies: Culture and International Relations” provides specialized education in diverse areas of interest such as Archaeology, Ethnography, Historical Geography, Art, Religion, Mythology, History, International Relations, Politics and Diplomacy. The MA in “Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean Studies: Culture and International Relations” promotes learning and teaching characterized by a diversity of teaching methods.

Course content

First Semester

The core courses

• Historical Geography and Cartography of the Black Sea in Antiquity
• Alexander the Great and the Formation of a New World
• International Relations in the Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean Region
• The Black Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean from the 19th until the end of the 20th century

Second Term

Archaeology and Cultures Stream - Stream Elective Courses (4 out of 6)

• Topics in the Prehistoric Archaeology of the Black Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean
• Ancient Art and Monumental Topography in the Black Sea
• Ancient Religion and Mythology in the Black Sea
• Historical and Cultural Aspects of the Black Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean in the Hellenistic and Roman periods
• Topics in Byzantine and Islamic Art in the Black Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean
• Excavation

International Relations and History Stream

• Conflicting National Strategies: Georgia-Russia, Ukraine-Russia, Armenia-Azerbaijan, Greece-Turkey-Cyprus
• War and Revolution in the Middle East: From the Arab-Israeli Conflict to the Arab Spring
• The Hellenism in the Black Sea countries
• Classical Geopolitics, Energy and Security Dilemmas in a Historical Perspective
• Political Islam between three Continents
• Mass Violence and Population Transfers in 20th and 21st centuries
• Archival Research and Internship in Historical Archives

Third Semester

The Dissertation

As a part of the MA program, students work on a subject relating to their academic interests and stream specialization. The Master’s dissertation provides a good opportunity to apply theory and concepts learned in different courses to a Black Sea-related issue or challenge. The Master’s dissertation tests students’ ability both to apply a certain methodology and approach in the analysis of a given problem and to demonstrate reasonably original research or fieldwork.

A member of the academic faculty supervises students throughout their projects. The supervision is delivered through face-to-face meetings at the University and through the e-learning platform of the University.

Schedule

The MA programme is a 3-semester full-time programme of study. It is taught mainly on weekdays over three-hour teaching periods. The first two semesters cover the core courses of the program. Each teaching term has 13 teaching weeks followed by a 10-day exam period. The third period is taken up with work on the Master’s dissertation. The program is also available in part-time mode. The programme is also available in distance learning mode.

The MA in Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean Studies accepts, after a careful selection process, graduates of History, Archaeology, Social Sciences, Humanities, Political Sciences, Geography, International Relations, Theology, Journalism, Balkan, Mediterranean or Oriental Studies and other related subject areas, from Greek universities or equivalent institutions from abroad and from Technological Educational Institutions of related subject areas according to Law 4485/2017 and 4610/2019, as applicable.

Ideal Career Path

The MA program offers a critical and multifarious study of the Black Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean region, from ancient history and archaeology to art, politics, international relations, and modern diplomacy. The graduates develop the competencies and the ability to comprehend and discuss works of ancient to comprehend international relations, political, economic, and historical data. The skills obtained to allow them to work in Educational Institutions and Academies concentrating on Black Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean region, Archaeological Departments and Research Institutes, Museums as well as the Diplomatic Corps or other state services, corporations, or NGOs, which have interests in the Black Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean.