European Master Global Studies: University of Leipzig

During the last two decades of the 20th century transnational intertwining increased as the significance of global problems rapidly gained importance. This process is commonly termed 'globalisation'. As a result of an increasing lack of balance with regard to the prospects of independent action, social, political and cultural strategies altered dramatically. These strategies have given rise to a discussion concerning the most suitable paradigms with which to analyse global processes. The M.A. in Global Studies is not restricted to a single method of interpretation but is designed to equip highly-qualified students with the ability to contribute to this forward-looking debate, an essential qualification for enhancing one's prospects in the contemporary labour market. The programme, despite its various approaches their necessary combinations, takes global connections as a starting point for the understanding of globalisation. It views globalisation as follows:

1. Globalisation is not only a phenomenon of past centuries but requires a greater historical perspective
2. It cannot be merely reduced to economic processes and social consequences but must also investigate the approval and disapproval of political and cultural developments
3. It cannot only be analysed as a global process of homogenisation but also from the perspective of Regional and Area Studies
4. It is also subject to interpretation, perspective and intellectual environment