search the website http://www.cgp-phd.org

Teaching Methods

Teaching Methods

The Graduate School of Global Politics (GSGP) recognizes that the key to understanding the complexities of modern global politics is interdisciplinary learning and a combination of guidance and individual initiative.

Blended Leaning: coursework in years I and II

This program is therefore designed to encompass both research and a significant amount of coursework in a number of different fields. The coursework takes place during the first two years, and this is also the phase in which doctoral candidates develop a detailed dissertation plan. The core curriculum courses are compulsory for the PhD candidates of FU Berlin and the selected Chinese partner universities.
The coursework is structured as follows:

- a weekly colloquium that is tailored specifically to GSGP PhD candidates;

- compulsory courses: the online courses Theory I and II,
  and Methodology, with an introductory intensive seminar;

- elective courses specific to the topic of the dissertation project;

PhD candidates from the FU Berlin will also complete courses such as:

- skills trainings, for example language courses, research
  management, etc.;

- one project module.

The GSGP uses the online learning management system Blackboard, which gives the PhD candidates access to coursework, supplementary reading material and forums for student discussion.

Supervision

Guidance is provided by two GSGP advisors that are experts in their fields. PhD candidates are matched with an advisor from each university (their home and partner university) according to their specific research interests. The advisors support the doctoral candidates throughout the program, in particular with the methodology, as well as in planning and formulating the dissertation.

Research semester

And finally, GSGP places particular emphasis on the value of international exchange and international research experience. In theory and methodology classes in both countries, as well as during a 6-12 month research stay in the partner country, PhD candidates acquire the tools they need to organize domestic and foreign research projects. This unique perspective helps foster future international cooperation and research.

The program is subject to change.