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Programme:

International Relations (2023-2024)

Study Cycle: First Cycle (Undergraduate)
Faculty: Contemporary Social Sciences
Programme Code: IR-240
Academic year: 2024 / 2025
Title: Bachelor in International Relations
ECTS: 240 (4 years)
Decision:

The study program in InternationalRelations aims to familiarize students with the basic principles of policy, organization and functioning of national and international institutions, and political authorities, political thought and theoretical issues of the governance, as well. The program describes and identifies the branches of legislative, executive and judiciary; their interaction in the governance of the rule of law and functioning democracy.

The main objectives of the program are:

  • To enable students to gain theoretical knowledge and understanding of the importance of political processes through comparative political approach.
  • To enable studentsto participate in various levels of government system and public life and as political analysts to be able to give views on political issues.
  • To prepare students for assessment of political ttendenciesin society and the state, and be able to assess their impact onEuro integration processes in the country and the region.
  • To enable students to identify the needs of interest groups and public institutions within the political process.
  • Be able to take initiative in identifying and addressing the learning needs of state institutions and public administration.

By completing the studies in this program, students can be employed in state and local institutions, international governmental and non-governmental organizations, public institutions, political parties, non-profit organizations, and representatives of the Republic of North Macedonia abroad.

Knowledge and understanding
  • Has basic knowledge about the functioning of the state in international relations, foreign policy, national institutions for international cooperation and international institutions;
  • Has knowledge about the main actors in international relations;
  • Understand the basic theories and assumptions about the different ways of looking at the world, in the various areas of international relations;
  • Understand the causes that lead to disagreements over international politics.
Applying knowledge and understanding
  • It is able to work in the institutions for international communication, ie to carry out the knowledge in the fulfillment of the tasks in the state institutions, international organizations and non-governmental organizations;
  • Shows the capacity to translate ideas into practice, that is, to understand the relationship between theory and policy making in the international system;
  • Can assist in mediating and negotiating with internal actors in international relations;
  • Can apply theoretical knowledge, to conduct research on social phenomena and to develop a career in the academic blast.
Making judgement
  • Has the ability to think critically about international conclusions, current international events and processes;
  • Analyzes political tendencies in the society and the state and evaluates their influence on the Euro-integration processes in the country;
  • Has the ability to read, understand and analyze articles with different complexity on topics of international relations;
  • Undertakes the options and political capacities available to states and governments in certain situations in international relations.
Communication skills
  • It is able to participate in the debate and argumentatively to express its views on a situation in the international relations;
  • Shows ability for teamwork of state institutions with competencies in international relations;
  • Can communicate with international organizations and other actors in international relations;
  • Expresses his or her views in writing or orally in relation to an international event.
Learning skills
  • Can take an initiative for the preservation of the international actors active in our country;
  • Recognizes the contemporary trends and developments in the developed countries and their role in international relations;
  • Can develop their knowledge even after completing the course;
  • Can carry out lifelong learning and self-education in the field of international relations.

Semester 1

  • [CPS-1011] [6 ECTS] Introduction to Sociology
    The course "Introduction to Sociology" provides students with general knowledge about social movements and changes. It is about an object that conducting processing of some basic social movements, starting with those that we all face as citizens and academics. The students will be provided with a full range of literature from domestic and foreign authors, which will enable them to expand and develop their knowledge in the areas of topics that are subject to analysis. Specific objectives of this course can be emphasized: -Students understand basic sociological concepts and theories. Students understand the scientific framework of sociology. -Students will be able to recognize basic paradigms and directions in sociology. - Students create critical thinking about sociology as a dynamic system. -Students build a personal and critical attitude towards social interactions at the micro level as well as their connection with the social macro structure. -Students recognize the social and cultural aspects of socialization. -Students build personal opinions about globalization and technical and technological development and their impact on contemporary societies.
  • [C2308] [6 ECTS] Society and Politics
    This course is an introduction to study society and politics. It will aim to familiarize students of study of interaction of political theories of society and politics, development of institutions, role of society for development of institutions, impact of politics on societal changes, rights of citizen in policy making process, participatory model of decision making and societal challenges in the era of technological development. Students will develop knowledge for political theories for society, politics, and political systems and will be able to differentiate crucial characteristics.
  • [CPA-101] [6 ECTS] Introduction to Public Administration
    Public administration is an area which is of special interest to science. With the course ‘Introduction to public administration,’ students will gain knowledge of basic concepts of public administration. Particular emphasis will be directed to evaluating public administration, as well as toward reforms in this area in our country. Students will have the opportunity to become familiar with this area and critically analyze the development and phenomena of public administration. Because this area is subject to constant change, particular attention will be given to new theories and the classical theories of public administration. The progression of the research consists of: concepts and basic knowledge of the principles and the institutions of public administration; the role and importance of public administration in organized society; the genesis and historical development of public administration; the organizational structure of public administration; the functioning of the institutions of public administration; civil servants, control and responsibility of PA, communications in PA, public administration as a service for protection and realization of human rights, etc.
  • [3 ECTS] Albanian/Macedonian Language
    • [BAM1010] Albanian Language for Beginners 1
    • [BAM2010] Albanian Language for Beginners 2
    • [BS018] Macedonian Language for Beginners 1
    • [BS152] Macedonian Language for Beginners 2
    • [MLIL-01] Macedonian Language Intermediate Level 1
    • [MLIL-02] Macedonian Language Intermediate Level 2
    • [MAPP1010] Macedonian Language for Professional Purposes 1
  • [3 ECTS] English Language
    • [E2532] English Language 1
    • [E2533] English Language 2
    • [E2534] English Language 3
    • [E2535] English Language 4
    • [E2536] English Language 5
    • [ESS-01] English for Social Sciences 1
    • [ESS-02] English for Social Sciences 2
  • [6 ECTS] Elective/Digital Competencies
    • [E2610] Selected chapters in IT Skills
    • [EMOA-01] Microsoft Office Access
    • [EMOE-02] Microsoft Office Excel
    • [EMOPP-03] Microsoft Office PowerPoint
    • [EMOW-04] Microsoft Office Word
    • [EWC-01] Web Creation
    • [EDMD-02] Digital Media Design
    • [E2609] Google Education Apps
    • [E2741] IT Hardware and Software Fundamentals
    • [E2742] Introduction to Cybersecurity

Semester 2

  • [ECSS-03] [6 ECTS] Foundations of Social Policy
    Objectives of the course program: To gain in-depth knowledge of the theoretical and ideological basis of social policy, its historical development, actors who provide measures from social policy, as well as knowledge of specific policies in the domains of employment, wages, social insurance, social protection, education, etc.
  • [C2309] [6 ECTS] Public Policy and Institutions
    Course aims: At the end of semester students should be able to - acquire knowledge for policy approaches, role of the institutions, policy making process, key terms and definitions of public policy as well as develop skills for policy analysis critical thinking; - understand policy actors behavior within their ecosystem-political environment, legitimate and quasi legitimate actors of the policy making, and policy stages; - Compare well structured, relatively good structured, and ill structured or wicked policy problems - Understand the context of the public policy process. - Identify and create alternative policy solutions. - Understand the role of and expected effects of information use in policy analysis - Propose the proper courses of action to generate and analyze all the relevant information and data needed for policy analysis. - define and illustrate policy problems, setting the agenda, and formulation of policies and develop skills for implementation of the policy solution.
  • [C2310] [6 ECTS] Political Economy
    Political Economy explores the major social science paradigms for analyzing relations among state, economy, and society. This is a different perspective than what you will learn in an economics course. You will learn about what political economists have to say about how politics and economics are connected and how people are affected by this relationship. You will gain an understanding of financial and economic crises. You will learn about the causes of crises from economic, political, and psychological perspectives.
  • [3 ECTS] English Language
    • [E2532] English Language 1
    • [E2533] English Language 2
    • [E2534] English Language 3
    • [E2535] English Language 4
    • [E2536] English Language 5
    • [ESS-01] English for Social Sciences 1
    • [ESS-02] English for Social Sciences 2
  • [6 ECTS] Elective/Digital Competencies
    • [E2610] Selected chapters in IT Skills
    • [EMOA-01] Microsoft Office Access
    • [EMOE-02] Microsoft Office Excel
    • [EMOPP-03] Microsoft Office PowerPoint
    • [EMOW-04] Microsoft Office Word
    • [EWC-01] Web Creation
    • [EDMD-02] Digital Media Design
    • [E2609] Google Education Apps
    • [E2741] IT Hardware and Software Fundamentals
    • [E2742] Introduction to Cybersecurity
  • [3 ECTS] Albanian/Macedonian Language
    • [BAM1010] Albanian Language for Beginners 1
    • [BAM2010] Albanian Language for Beginners 2
    • [BS018] Macedonian Language for Beginners 1
    • [BS152] Macedonian Language for Beginners 2
    • [MLIL-01] Macedonian Language Intermediate Level 1
    • [MLIL-02] Macedonian Language Intermediate Level 2
    • [MAPP1020] Macedonian Language for Professional Purposes 2

Semester 3

  • [CPA103] [6 ECTS] Administrative Law and Procedure
    The subject of study is the principle of organization, the work and scope of the administrative bodies, the basic activities that constitute the administrative function, the acts of the administrative bodies and the relationship between the citizens and the administration. The objectives of the course program are to make students: - define and understand the terms ‘administration’ and ‘administrative function’; - recognize and analyze the legal regulations governing the organization and functioning of public administration in the Republic of Macedonia; - see the basic activities of the administrative function; - distinguish between the types of acts of the administration and to overcome the first steps in the creation of such acts; - study the types of administrative oversight; - understand the mechanisms of control over the administration and its responsibility to other state bodies, as well as to the clients-users of its services; -acquire skills and skills for future employment in the bodies of the administration of the Republic of Macedonia, non-governmental organizations, institutions and all institutions in which matters of an administrative legal nature are solved. 
  • [CPS-402] [6 ECTS] International Relations
    This course introduces to students the theoretical component in international relations, key ideas and debates in international relations, particularly on basic concepts, actors in international relations, foreign policy, and the power in international relations. The lectures will also be focused on international political economy and politics of global welfare, the existing and future problems in the international system, including armed conflict, economy, demography and environment.
  • [C2311] [6 ECTS] Management in Public Sector
    Students will be able to recognize the fundamental aspects of public management as a scientific field and as a profession and analyzes the activities of the government, from legal, managerial and political perspective.
  • [C2312] [6 ECTS] Statistics for Social Sciences
    The main goal of this course is to enable students to acquire basic knowledge of the basic statistical methods and their application in order to follow the professional literature, so that the results and conclusions of the conducted research can be presented concisely. The main aspects of studying this subject are: determining the disciplines, connecting the data, statistical analysis, statistical application of methods in the field of humanities, demonstrating the statistical data and presenting the relationship between statistics and other sciences.
  • [C2069] [3 ECTS] Oral Communication
    Aims of the course program: - To develop verbal communication skills. - To be able to be actively involved in a discussion on a particular topic. - To master the techniques for successful communication. - To express their critical opinion on certain topics. - To apply the adopted techniques in their professional career.
  • [3 ECTS] English Language
    • [E2532] English Language 1
    • [E2533] English Language 2
    • [E2534] English Language 3
    • [E2535] English Language 4
    • [E2536] English Language 5
    • [ESS-01] English for Social Sciences 1
    • [ESS-02] English for Social Sciences 2

Semester 4

  • [C2070] [3 ECTS] Written communication
    Course objectives: - To gain knowledge about the writing process (stages in creating a text). - To approve the standard language norms. - To achieve an academic level for written expressions in Albanian, Macedonian or English, which will apply the previously acquired knowledge of the standard language. - Encourage student motivation for written expressions regardless of text types and forms. - To approve the criteria of textuality, which are essential for a text. - Acquisition of materials search skills (libraries and online resources).
  • [C2313] [6 ECTS] Political Systems
    The primary objective of the course is to provide students with the knowledge about the political systems that are encountered today around he world, here including not only the political systems that are usually referred to as democratic ones. The course is structured in a way to provide students with theoretical knowledge about theories and concepts on political systems, and at the same time inform them about the practical functioning of more political systems in the world. From this point of view, as the specifik aims of this course the following can be emphasized: -The students should create an understanding of political systems in terms of their specifics and historical development. -Students should gain basic knowledge regarding the main theories and conceptions of political systems. -Students should get familiarized with the basic approaches towards the classification of political systems. -Students should be enabled to understand the specifics of individual political systems.
  • [CPMPP-04] [6 ECTS] System of Administrative Servants in RNM
    The purpose of this course is for students to acquire the knowledge and skills to analyze factors that influence the behavior of civil servants and mechanisms to improve the effectiveness of the civil service and accountability towards the public.
  • [EPA-401] [6 ECTS] Social and Labor Economics
    Labour Economics focuses on the economics of the labour market. It covers the determination of labour market supply and demand, wage determination and wage differentials, human capital investment, employment and unemployment. The aim is to work with case studies of labour markets in transition countries.
  • [CIR-06] [6 ECTS] European Integration
    The aim of the course is to deepen students' knowledge of European integration. The course addresses a range of key EU-related controversies, from the early days of integration to time crises as well as current challenges. To properly attend the course, students must possess basic knowledge of the European Union. The main goal of this course is for students to acquire analytical skills, to understand and objectively evaluate the complex mixture of phenomena that make up European integration and politics. The aim of the course is to enable students to analyze the policies of the European Union, to describe their main characteristics.
  • [3 ECTS] English Language
    • [E2532] English Language 1
    • [E2533] English Language 2
    • [E2534] English Language 3
    • [E2535] English Language 4
    • [E2536] English Language 5
    • [ESS-01] English for Social Sciences 1
    • [ESS-02] English for Social Sciences 2

Semester 5

  • [C2314] [6 ECTS] Local Governance
    Students should master the basic skills regarding the organization and functioning of local government. Also, they should gain knowledge of the relationship of local and central government, the basic principles of local self-government in countries with traditional local self-governments, in the countries of Southeast Europe and the Republic of North Macedonia. The purpose of the study of this course is the students to be ready at the required level to be able to complete commitments fully and responsibly.
  • [CPS-201] [6 ECTS] Social Psychology
    Topics for discussion include the perception of personality, agreement, forming opinions, evaluation and change, prejudice, aggression, social learning, group dynamics, social psychology and society and legal and organizational application.
  • [CPA-401] [6 ECTS] Institutions and Policies of the EU
    This course aims to introduce students to the complex nature of phenomena that comprise European integration, institutions and policies. The first part of this course covers the development of institutions, decision making process and the role of major actors, while the second section covers the policies of the EU. Also, this course aims to familiarize students with major theoretical interpretations and development of the EU, and to give consideration to current and future challenges facing the EU in terms of its institutions and policies.
  • [6 ECTS] Elective from other unit
    • [CPA-101] Introduction to Public Administration
    • [CPA-201] Public Leadership and Organizational Development
    • [CPA-302] Introduction to Public Policies
    • [CLE-101] Introduction to Law
    • [ELE-708] Introduction to Criminalistics
    • [C2298] Labour Law
    • [EFE-132] Human Rights and Freedoms
    • [CLE-203] Legal Writing and Reasoning
    • [EARTL-01] Assisted Reproductive Technology and Law
    • [ELE-408] Domestic Violence
    • [CCS-101] Introduction to Computer Sciences
    • [CCS-102] Internet Technologies
    • [CCS-402] Applied Probability and Statistics
    • [ECS-500] E-Commerce
    • [CISM2021] Introduction to Information Systems
    • [ECS3060] IT Professional Ethics
    • [EFE-129] Albanian Language and Writing Culture
    • [EFE-105] German Language 1-4
    • [EEL-613] Multiculturalism in Teaching English Language
    • [EFE-108] Intercultural Studies
    • [E2539] Critical Reasoning and Thinking
    • [EPRNM-02] Public Relations and New Media
    • [ECM-602] Media and Society
    • [CBE-101] Introduction to Economics and Business
    • [CBE-103] Principles of Management
    • [EBEM-503] Business Communication
    • [EBE-408] Project Management
    • [EBE-403] Business Plan
    • [EBE-409] Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethics
    • [EF999] French Language 1-2-3
    • [BSIL3010] Italian Language 1-2-3
    • [EFE-102] Academic Writing in English
    • [EDOL-03] Digital and Online Literacy
    • [ECE-02] Conversational English
    • [E2529] Communication Skills in a Professional Setting in English
    • [E2531] Fiction and Fun
    • [E2531] English Literature and Film
    • [E2540] Macedonian Language for Legal and EU terminology
    • [E2739] Ethics in Public Institutions
  • [6 ECTS] General elective (from SP)

Semester 6

  • [CMPA03] [6 ECTS] Comparative Public Administration
    Through this course students will gain knowledge about administrative systems in different countries. The main objective is to examine types and forms of behavior of public administration in different societies. Students will be familiar with different components of the administrative systems, as well as the functioning of institutions in both the executive and administrative components. This knowledge is important in the context of globalization and integration processes.
  • [CPMPP-05] [6 ECTS] Budgeting and Public Finances
    Equipping students with knowledge of public finance, as one of the key pillars of macroeconomic policies and a fundamental instrument of the functioning of the national economy as a whole and as a subsystem of the country's economic system. Equipping students with knowledge of public goods and costs for their provision, external effects, redistribution of social income, distribution and redistribution of income, social security and costs for them, cost-benefit analysis, social income system, tax system and their structure, comparative aspects of public finances in developed and transition countries, the specifics of the fiscal system of North Macedonia, its trends and challenges, fiscal decentralization, etc.
  • [CPA-6033] [6 ECTS] Quantitative and Qualitative Analyses in the Social Sciences
    The objective of the course is to focus on two general approaches to data analysis, namely, quantitative and qualitative. In terms of quantitative analysis, it focuses on the use of statistical analysis; in terms of qualitative analysis in which it is defined as those approaches that do not include quantitative approaches (or approaches that do not use numerical manipulation). It will also analyze this course and present case studies, research methods, research research approaches, implementation of empirical design, and multivariate analysis.
  • [6 ECTS] Elective from other unit
    • [CPA-101] Introduction to Public Administration
    • [CPA-201] Public Leadership and Organizational Development
    • [CPA-302] Introduction to Public Policies
    • [CLE-101] Introduction to Law
    • [ELE-708] Introduction to Criminalistics
    • [C2298] Labour Law
    • [EFE-132] Human Rights and Freedoms
    • [CLE-203] Legal Writing and Reasoning
    • [EARTL-01] Assisted Reproductive Technology and Law
    • [ELE-408] Domestic Violence
    • [CCS-101] Introduction to Computer Sciences
    • [CCS-102] Internet Technologies
    • [CCS-402] Applied Probability and Statistics
    • [ECS-500] E-Commerce
    • [CISM2021] Introduction to Information Systems
    • [ECS3060] IT Professional Ethics
    • [EFE-129] Albanian Language and Writing Culture
    • [EFE-105] German Language 1-4
    • [EEL-613] Multiculturalism in Teaching English Language
    • [EFE-108] Intercultural Studies
    • [E2539] Critical Reasoning and Thinking
    • [EPRNM-02] Public Relations and New Media
    • [ECM-602] Media and Society
    • [CBE-101] Introduction to Economics and Business
    • [CBE-103] Principles of Management
    • [EBEM-503] Business Communication
    • [EBE-408] Project Management
    • [EBE-403] Business Plan
    • [EBE-409] Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethics
    • [EF999] French Language 1-2-3
    • [BSIL3010] Italian Language 1-2-3
    • [EFE-102] Academic Writing in English
    • [EDOL-03] Digital and Online Literacy
    • [ECE-02] Conversational English
    • [E2529] Communication Skills in a Professional Setting in English
    • [E2531] Fiction and Fun
    • [E2531] English Literature and Film
    • [E2540] Macedonian Language for Legal and EU terminology
    • [E2739] Ethics in Public Institutions
  • [6 ECTS] General elective (from SP)

Semester 7

  • [CIR-08] [6 ECTS] Public Diplomacy
    This course deals not only with defining foreign policy, diplomacy and their differences and connections, but it focuses on different types of diplomacy, introducing students to decision-making knowledge and action patterns in the field of diplomacy. Research of the stages of the historical and contemporary development of diplomacy, types of diplomacy, methods, tools and forms of diplomacy, diplomatic law (with special emphasis on the principles and issues of the International Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations) etc. The course also aims to develop at a certain level and within the practical lessons of the students the practical skills in the field of diplomacy during the organization of the diplomatic mission and the performance of foreign policy roles. In this direction, students are expected to be trained, informed and understand more closely the functioning of the diplomatic mission, the diplomatic service, the duties and privileges of the diplomat, etc.
  • [EM509] [6 ECTS] International Political Economy
    This course surveys major interests and institutions and examines how state and non-state actors pursue wealth and power. Emphasizing fundamental economic concepts as well as the interplay between domestic and international politics, International Political Economy not only explains how the global economy works, it also encourages students to think critically about how economic policy is made in the context of globalization.
  • [DP0102] [6 ECTS] International Public Law
    Through this course, students will become familiar with the basic concepts of international public law, often identified with international law in general, which gained its foundations in the seventeenth century, as the law of nations, as evidenced by the name of today's most important universal organization - the United Nations. You will familiarize yourself with contemporary international public law, which governs relations between states, between states and international organizations, the mutual relations of international organizations and the behavior of physical and legal persons that states and international organizations consider important for the international community.
  • [6 ECTS] General elective (from SP)
  • [6 ECTS] Professional Elective (from the module)*

Semester 8

  • [EPS7020] [6 ECTS] Euro-Atlantic Security Institutions
    The course is designed as an overview and interpretation of the genesis of the basic concepts and institutional security mechanisms of the member states and partners of the North Atlantic Alliance, with special reference to the USA and the EU, after the end of the Cold War, with special emphasis on the European Union and its member countries. The goals are: to acquaint students with the modern development of security concepts, with the complex relationship between the United States and its European partners after 1989; The EU's efforts to build its own identity and resolve the dilemmas of the (non) independent security policy; explaining doubts and differences between EU members regarding the capacities and benefits of developing and implementing an independent security policy; the review of the results so far and the problems in the practical implementation of the Common Foreign and Security Policy; issues related to the connection of Euro-Atlantic security concepts with the security of Southeast Europe.
  • [EMDP-01] [6 ECTS] International Business
    This course is intended for non-business majors, where students should gain a basic understanding of the global business environment. The subject explores the relationship between government and business across borders and the economic dynamics between countries/regions, including the international monetary system, international trade and foreign direct investment. Students will analyze the strategy of international business and several case studies involving the issues of today's global world. In general, from the main topics of global business students should get a basic level of knowledge and skills involved in today's global business.
  • [C2316] [6 ECTS] Foreign Policy
    In this course, through analysis of papers published in relation to the external policy, students will be trained how foreign political means can be applied in a particular case study. Students are expected to be able to critically reflect on the foreign policy methods taken by states and international organizations, as well as their relationship with the do-mplementation methods.
  • [6 ECTS] General elective (from SP)
  • [6 ECTS] Professional Elective (from the module)*
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