YSU launches new master's program: "Eurasian Studies"

Program objectives

Developed within the framework of YSU's internationalization strategy, the one-and-a-half-year program is designed to attract both local and international students interested in the comprehensive study of contemporary societies, cultures, political processes, and regional interconnections across post-Soviet Eurasia.   

The program focuses on the broader historical and political landscape of post-Soviet Eurasia, with particular emphasis on Russia, Armenia, and the South Caucasus. It will provide an opportunity to study current regional transformations, the impact of growing global tensions, political developments in post-Soviet Russia, as well as Armenia's sociocultural and political challenges in a broader regional context. 

Interdisciplinary approach

The new master's program is formed within the framework of the specialization in international relations and combines a number of academic disciplines, including area studies, political science, international relations, sociology, cultural anthropology, history, cultural studies, and memory studies. This combination gives the program an interdisciplinary character and provides an opportunity for a comprehensive study of the region.

Courses and topics 

The program will offer courses covering topics such as: 

• Post-Soviet Eurasia: decolonization

• Modern and contemporary history of Russia

• Politics and security in Post-Soviet Eurasia

• Ethnic and national conflicts in Eurasia: the Caucasus in a Broader Perspective

• Theory and practice of democracy: the Caucasus in a Broader Context

• Professional language: Armenian and Russian

Other offered courses will address 20th-century cultural memory, current media transformations and culture wars, ethnic and cultural diversity in the Caucasus, civil society theory and practice, the Armenian diaspora in the context of diaspora studies, art and literature in post-Soviet Eurasia, and the contemporary history of Georgia.  

Who can apply

The program is intended for both Armenian and foreign students who already have an academic interest or prior training in Russian, Eurasian or Caucasian studies. Some participants may also be involved in Erasmus+ initiatives and bilateral cooperation between YSU and foreign universities.

Faculty

Courses will be taught by lecturers of the main YSU teaching staff, as well as invited lecturers and researchers from Armenia and abroad. 

Career prospects

Graduates of the program will receive both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that they can apply in: 

• Diplomacy 

• International organizations 

• Research and educational institutions 

• Mass media

• Public and private bodies engaged in regional cooperation 

The program aims to train specialists who can carry out professional activities both in Armenia and across the broader Eurasian region.