Course Description

This course is intended for master’s students of political science and related fields. The main focus of the seminar is on discussing current issues in Czech and world politics, based on watching videos concerning these issues and reading newspaper or journal articles. Great attention is also devoted to building vocabulary both from the field of political science and Academic English as such. The content of the course will be adjusted to students’ needs and preferences discussed in the first seminar.

We will meet online via Zoom during the scheduled class time (Mondays, 12:00-13:40):

https://cesnet.zoom.us/j/92947832837?pwd=cFBwQzNQZ1NFcVRQaEoydzhKNE1MQT09 

Meeting ID: 929 4783 2837

Passcode: 122573

Office hours: Tuesdays, 16:00-16:45 via MSTeams 

Course Requirements

1) Given the seminar structure of the course, students are expected to attend all sessions (up to 2 unexcused absences), with exceptions stated by the Masaryk University Study and Examination Regulations.

2) Students are expected to do required readings/viewings for each lecture. The readings serve to initiate discussion but also to expand students’ vocabulary and exposure to authentic English. Links to required readings can be found in the syllabus or under the Study Materials → Learning Materials folder in the Information System.

3)  During the semester, students will be required to cooperate in the preparation of one weekly presentation on a topic of interest. You will be expected to give an approximately 10-15 minute presentation on a particular aspect of the weekly topic. In addition to the presentation itself, the student should also include an interactive element (e.g. class debate, questions for discussion) in order to engage your classmates.  

Registration: https://doodle.com/poll/trr9tvs3gi5smiw9?utm_source=poll&utm_medium=link 

4) Throughout the semester, students will be required to give “leads” (short introductions) to additional topics of their interest but relevant to the given weekly topic or region of interest. Each student will give 1 lead during the semester on a different week than the presentation. Max. 5 minutes, no PowerPoint.

Registration: https://doodle.com/poll/86t5sxdstst4r4nu?utm_source=poll&utm_medium=link 

5) Students will also be required to write one summary+reflection of an article of their choice from an independent reading related to a given weekly topic, e.g. related to either the presentation or lead. The paper should be submitted the same week as the presentation/lead. Max. 2 standard pages (3,600 characters incl. spaces), 1/3 summary + 2/3 critical discussion.

6) PowerPoint presentations from lectures will be provided in the Study Materials.