Handbook: For Master's Degree Programme in

20142015
HANDBOOK
for Masters Degree Programme in

Intercultural Studies in Communication
and Administration
Foreword
Welcome to the Masters Degree Programme in Intercultural Studies in Communication and Administration (ICS)
and to the University of Vaasa. The Handbook is designed
to give assistance with and information on your ICS studies. This information can also be found on the website
www.uva.fi/en/education/master/ics.
For timetables, rooms, course descriptions, possible changes, follow updates on the web sites, Weboodi and Lukkari the timetable generator system, and also remember to
check your e-mail regularly.
Introduction
MASTERS DEGREE PROGRAMME IN INTERCULTURAL STUDIES IN COMMUNICATION AND ADMINISTRATION
Master of Arts (120 ECTS), Master of
Administrative Sciences (120 ECTS)
The Faculty of Philosophy invites you to participate in the
Masters Degree Programme in Intercultural Studies in
Communication and Administration. The main focus of the
programme is on questions of identity and cultural difference and how these affect peoples behaviour, ways of
thinking, and their organised interaction in international,
multilingual, and intercultural contexts. Its theoretical framework draws on comparative management sciences,
sociology, anthropology, semiotics, linguistics, and literary
studies. The unique curriculum concentrates on the interplay of communication, identity and cultures, and the main
themes of management sciences.
Intercultural Studies in Communication and Administration is an interdisciplinary, research orientated masters degree programme within the fast growing field of studies
on intercultural and multicultural phenomena. The genuine
multiculturalism of the Masters Degree Programme in Intercultural Studies in Communication and Administration
provides a dynamic potential for working in an internationally mixed community. Its combination of the humanities
on the one hand and of public administration, sociology
and management on the other hand is unique and offers
the student knowledge and skills applicable in an array of
different organizational contexts.
The study programme comprises 120 ECTS credits
leading to a masters degree in humanities or public management. The programme can be completed in two years.
Programme Structure: Master of Administrative Sciences degree 120 ECTS

Public Management 83 ECTS
HALL2026 Government and Management..........................................................10 ECTS
HALL3018 Culture and Management..................................................................... 5 ECTS
HALL3011 Public Ethics............................................................................................ 8 ECTS
CCS3001 Comparative Cultural Studies............................................................... 5 ECTS
ICSC3004 Empirical Research Methods............................................................... 5 ECTS
HALL3014 Research Seminar (ICS.......................................................................10 ECTS
HALL3015 Thesis (ICS)...........................................................................................40 ECTS
KNY3003 Maturity Exam.......................................................................................... 0 ECTS
Academic Skills 8 ECTS
OPIS0024 Personal Study Plan, PSP..................................................................... 1 ECTS
OPIS0025 Information Skills I................................................................................... 1 ECTS
OPIS0026 Information Skills II.................................................................................. 1 ECTS
KENG9212 Writing Academic English................................................................... 5 ECTS
Intercultural Communication 19 ECTS
ICSC3003 Introduction to Intercultural Communication.................................... 7 ECTS
ICSC2004 Culture, Communication, Organization: Essential readings......... 7 ECTS
Choose one additional CCS/CCSK course (min. 5 ECTS).............................. 5 ECTS
Other/Optional Studies min. 10 ECTS
FILO1011 Philosophy of Science (compulsory for all students)....................... 3 ECTS
KSUO5111 Finnish for Foreigners I......................................................................... 5 ECTS
(compulsory for all non-Finnish students)..............................................................................
KSUO5112 Finnish for Foreigners II....................................................................... 5 ECTS
HALL2027 Comparative Public Administration..................................................... 5 ECTS
HALL2030 Managing Hybridity................................................................................. 5 ECTS
HALL3023 Contemporary Public Management.................................................... 8 ECTS
OPIS0035 Practical Training..................................................................................... 5 ECTS
CCSK1002 Culture, History and Identity............................................................... 5 ECTS
CCSK1003 Cultural Transfer in Literature and the Media................................. 5 ECTS
CCSK1004 Semiotics................................................................................................ 5 ECTS
CCSK1005 Finnish History and Culture................................................................ 5 ECTS
ALUE3018 Transnational Learning and Regional Development.....................10 ECTS
CCS3002 Cultural Currents..................................................................................... 5 ECTS
Programme Structure: Master of Arts Degree 120 ECTS
Teaching periods
Intercultural Communication 79 ECTS

ICSC3003 Introduction to Intercultural Communication.................................... 7 ECTS
ICSC2004 Culture, Communication, Organization: Essential readings......... 7 ECTS
Choose one additional CCS/CCSK course (min. 5 ECTS).............................. 5 ECTS
ICSC3004 Empirical Research Methods............................................................... 5 ECTS
CCS3001 Comparative Cultural Studies............................................................... 5 ECTS
ICSC3001 Research Seminar................................................................................10 ECTS
ICSC3100 Thesis......................................................................................................40 ECTS
KNY3003 Maturity Exam.......................................................................................... 0 ECTS
At the University of Vaasa the Academic year is divided into

five periods. These periods begin and end simultaneously
in all faculties. During each period, teaching, exams and
feedback are organised. One week of each period is reserved for exams; during this week, there are in general
no courses.
Academic Skills 8 ECTS

OPIS0024 Personal Study Plan, PSP..................................................................... 1 ECTS
OPIS0025 Information Skills I................................................................................... 1 ECTS
OPIS0026 Information Skills II.................................................................................. 1 ECTS
KENG9212 Writing Academic English................................................................... 5 ECTS
Public Management 23 ECTS
HALL3011 Public Ethics............................................................................................ 8 ECTS
HALL2026 Government and Management..........................................................10 ECTS
HALL3018 Culture and Management..................................................................... 5 ECTS
Other/Optional Studies min. 10 ECTS
FILO1011 Philosophy of Science (compulsory for all students)....................... 3 ECTS
KSUO5111 Finnish for Foreigners I......................................................................... 5 ECTS
(compulsory for all non-Finnish students)
KSUO5112 Finnish for Foreigners II....................................................................... 5 ECTS
HALL2027 Comparative Public Administration..................................................... 5 ECTS
HALL2030 Managing Hybridity................................................................................. 5 ECTS
HALL3023 Contemporary Public Management.................................................... 8 ECTS
OPIS0035 Practical Training..................................................................................... 5 ECTS
CCSK1002 Culture, History and Identity............................................................... 5 ECTS
CCSK1003 Cultural Transfer in Literature and the Media................................. 5 ECTS
CCSK1004 Semiotics................................................................................................ 5 ECTS
CCSK1005 Finnish History and Culture................................................................ 5 ECTS
ALUE3018 Transnational Learning and Regional Development.....................10 ECTS
CCS3002 Cultural Currents..................................................................................... 5 ECTS

The structure is also described here:
For the Humanities: www.uva.fi/en/education/master/ics/studies/humanities
For Public Management: www.uva.fi/en/education/master/ics/studies/public_management
The periods are as follows:

Autumn Semester 2014
I period weeks 3643 (1st September 24th October)
II period weeks 4451 (27th October 19th December)
Exam weeks are: week 36, week 43, week 50 and week
51
Spring Semester 2015
III period weeks 28 (5th January 20th February)
IV period weeks 914 (23rd February 3rd April)
V period weeks 1522 (6th April 29th May)
- Easter holiday 2nd April 6th April
Exam weeks are: week 2, week 8, week 13, week 14,
week 17, week 20, week 21 and week 22
Courses
Information about courses students need to register for
can be found in WebOodi System or in the Lukkari timetable generator. The Lukkari and WebOodi systems are
also the best and quickest source of information for course
timetables. Courses may overlap. In this case register for
both and then choose later which one you want to attend.
The Lukkari timetable generator is available at asio.uwasa.fi and WebOodi at saaga.uwasa.fi/oodi.
Masters degree students are expected to complete courses worth approximately 30 ECTS credits each semester.
Please note that extending the students residence permit usually requires that the student can show sufficient
progress in her/his studies. The total number of credits
required for a Masters degree is 120 ECTS credits, inclu-
ding the Masters thesis (40 ECTS). The department will

provide you with a thesis supervisor and instruct you on
when to start writing your Masters thesis. Before graduation, you need to pass a written examination based on the
topic of your thesis (maturity test). Your thesis supervisor
will prepare the question(s) for this examination and it will
take place on one of the regular examination days (or you
can agree on a specific date with your supervisor).
Detailed course descriptions can be found at the end of
this Handbook or on the programme web site: www.uva.
fi/en/education/master/ics.
Exams
Students must register for an exam at least 7 days in advance (Registrations can be made one month before the
examination date at the earliest). Students should register
for exams by using the www-based student information
system WebOodi. WebOodi is available for all students
registered at the University of Vaasa. Students are often
able to retake exams; professors will give you the information on the possible retake exam date(s). Notice that
exams may also be held on Saturdays. Check the information on date, time and location in WebOodi.
At the beginning of each semester, the International Office
together with the Student Union organises an orientation
course on the Universitys databases which also covers
the WebOodi system.
Assessment and Registration of

Credit Units
According to Degree Ordinance 12 of the University of
Vaasa, exam results must be announced within 30 working
days of the exam date. In case of delay, the lecturer or
other person responsible for announcing the results will
have to inform the students about the delay within the 30
days of the exam.
Master's Degree Programme in Intercultural Studies in Communication and Administration recommended schedule 20142015
1st year
(60 ECTS)
Autumn Semester
Spring Semester
Period 1 (24 ECTS)
Period 2 (18 ECTS)
Period 3 (18 ECTS)
-Introduction to Intercultural
Communication (7)
-Personal Study Plan, PSP (1)
-Information Skills I (1)
-Government and Management
(10)
-Comparative Cultural Studies (5)
-Culture, Communication,
Organization: Essential
Readings (continues in
period 3)
-Public Ethics (8)
-Culture, Communication,
Organization: Essential
Readings (7)
-Information Skills II (1)
-Culture and Management
(5)
-Empirical Research
Methods (5)
-Writing Academic English (5)

-Finnish for Foreigners I (5)
2nd year
(53 ECTS +
optionals)
Period 4
-Research Seminar (continues in the next autumn semester)
Autumn Semester
Period 1
-Research Seminar (10)
Period 5
Spring Semester
Period 2 (13 ECTS)
Period 3
Period 4
Period 5 (40 ECTS)
-Philosophy of Science (3)

-Semiotics (5)
-Comparative Public
Administration (5)
-Culture, History, and

Identity (5)
-Finnish for Foreigners II (5)
-Finnish History and Culture
(5)
-Contemporary Public
Management (8)
-Cultural Transfer in
Literature and the Media (5)
-Managing Hybridity (5)
-Cultural Currents (5)

-Transnational Learning and Regional Development (10)
MASTER S THESIS (40) & Maturity exam (0)
Study Exchange (1 semester) / Practical Training (5)
N.B. This is a recommended programme schedule to be used as a guideline but not necessarily to be followed strictly.
Optional courses are marked in italics: choose at least two to reach a total of 120 ECTS. Discuss the selection of optionals with the Coordinator of
International Education when making your Personal Study Plan (PSP). Note that the recommended workload for one academic year is 60 ECTS,
including optional courses.
The assessment criteria are public and the student may

inquire about these from the examiner. A student may have
a look at his/her corrected exam or course work and get
information on assessment details by visiting the examiner
during his/her office hour.
Exam results are displayed on each departments notice
boards and in the WebOodi system. The Academic Affairs
Office has copies of the result sheets, which also include
the names of students who have failed a course. Credits
for entire courses are registered in the Transcript of Records at the departments. Courses that include compulsory written exercises or other partial credit units will be registered only after all parts have been completed. For this
reason it is important that the student, whenever possible,
completes the course and all its parts simultaneously.
The student either fails or passes a course. Students who
pass the course are graded according to the University of
Vaasa grading system, that is, 15 (1 is pass and 5 the
best grade) or on a pass/fail basis. In the latter case, the
mark hyv.(pass) appears on the students transcript. The
transcript of records includes an explanation of the grading system and the ECTS grades. Students can check
their own credit record in the WebOodi system. Official
transcripts of records are available at the International Office upon request.
Transcript of University Records

Official transcripts of university records can be ordered
from the International Office on request.
This document shows all the courses passed, with grades
and credits (ECTS credits and a brief explanation of the
grading scale at the University of Vaasa). Please be prepared to wait for one whole workday after your request.
Exams: Code of conduct

Do NOT talk in the exam!
Be on time. The doors of the examination venue will
be locked 15 minutes past the hour and no one is
allowed to enter after that. The invigilator / supervisor of the exam will allocate a seat for each student.
When taking seats in the auditorium leave one empty
seat on both sides (sometimes two, please follow the
invigilators instructions).
You are only allowed to have writing equipment and
the instruments specifically allowed for the exam with
you (for example a dictionary or pocket calculator).
Bags and jackets have to be left at the side of the
exam hall. Mobile phones must be switched off during
the exam.
Any kind of communication with other students is
strictly forbidden after you have received the questions. Ignoring this regulation may result in an allegation of cheating in the examination.
You are not allowed to read the exam questions until
the invigilator gives you permission to do so. Thus
keep your paper turned upside-down until you get
permission to start the exam from the invigilator. If necessary, the invigilator will clarify unclear points in the
examination paper. You can attract the attention of the
invigilator by raising your hand if you need to clarify
something or more paper is required or you wish to
go to the toilet, etc.
You are allowed to enter the exam hall max. 15 minutes after the exam has started.
You are not allowed to leave the exam hall during the
first 45 minutes of the exam.
You are not allowed to leave the exam hall for a cigarette etc. and come back to write your exam.
Before leaving everyone has to hand in the exam
paper to the invigilators. Please check that each exam
paper you submit has your name, your student number, name of the exam, and name of the examiner. You
have to show your identity card when returning the
exam papers to the invigilator.
If it is found out that a student is cheating in an exam,
he/she will receive punishment which can lead to a
termination of studies at the University of Vaasa.
Plagiarism and cheating in exams and other written work

is considered a serious offence at Finnish universities. According to the Degree Ordinance 19 of the University
of Vaasa, plagiarism or cheating in examination may lead
to cancellation of the course result and dismissal from the
University for a maximum of one year. The University of
Vaasa will inform the immigration officials and police about
possible offences if the officials ask for this information
when processing e.g. residence permit applications. In
addition, if possible employers ask for information about
former students of the university, the employers will be informed about the abovementioned offences. Please avoid
even the suspicion of plagiarism or cheating in examinations!
Electronic plagiarism detection

Electronic plagiarism detection is a part of the quality
assurance system of education and research. Electronic
plagiarism detection should act as a tool of instruction
while preventing dishonest behaviour.
All theses and dissertations (Bachelor, Master, Licentiate
and Doctoral) are checked for originality using the Turnitin
plagiarism detection software. All theses which are submitted on August 1st 2014 or afterwards must be checked
with the plagiarism detection software before approval.
Teachers can use the software to check other assignments, such as essays, exercises, take-home exams, and
reports. It is also the teachers responsibility to instruct
students on correct referencing and good scientific practice during studies.
For additional information on plagiarism detection, refer
to the University portal port.uwasa.fi/tietohallinto/ohjeet/turnitin.
Personal Study Plan / HOPS

All Masters degree students write a Personal Study Plan
(PSP/HOPS) at the beginning of their studies. The PSP is
an informal agreement between the student and the Faculty (student advisor / teacher), and it can be rechecked and
corrected during the studies. The general PSP comprises
a timetable of the courses the student is planning to take.
It also includes information on the thesis, on the estimated
graduation time and some open questions. More information about the PSP is given during the orientation days and
in programme meetings arranged in the beginning of the
academic year.
Graduation and Thesis

The total number of credits required for a Masters degree is 120 ECTS credits including the Masters thesis
(40 ECTS). The department will provide you with a thesis
supervisor and instruct you on when to start writing your
thesis. You will also get information and guidance with the
Thesis process in seminars. Please consult the faculty for
detailed instructions.
Before graduation, you need to pass a written examination based on the topic of your thesis (maturity test). Your
thesis supervisor will prepare the question(s) for this examination and it will take place on one of the regular examination days (or you can agree on a specific date with your
supervisor). The Masters thesis must be handed in for the
final reading 45 weeks before it can receive final approval from the Faculty Dean. Also the maturity test has to be
taken well in advance since correcting it may take up to 4
weeks. Please check with your thesis supervisor the latest
date you can submit your thesis and take the maturity test.
See further information on Graduation: www.uva.fi/en/
for/student/studies/graduation.
Guidelines on how to write your Masters Thesis can be
found from the programme web site and here: www.uva.
fi/en/for/student/materials/writing_guidelines.
Career Services
For personal discussion and guidance on working life matters make an appointment with the Coordinator of International Education Sami Ilomki (how to apply for a job, job
application, CV, etc.),
e-mail: sami.ilomaki(a)uva.fi, location: Fabriikki building,
room F3428.
Office hours: every Thursday 1214.
See also the web pages on Career Services: www.uva.fi/
en/for/student/guidance/career
Work Permit
International students holding residence permits issued
for studying may work without a work permit 25 hours a
week during semester time, and full-time during holidays.
These limitations do not apply to citizens of the Nordic and
EU/EEA countries. However, you should bear in mind that
the unemployment rate, especially among young people,
is fairly high in Finland and thus the competition for open
positions can be fierce.
Please note that the University of Vaasa does not have any
scholarship for the programme and cannot offer financial
aid for international students. The programme is also fulltime. Thus working is not an option to finance your studies
in Finland.
Guidance and Study Counselling

The Coordinator of International Education along with the
academic staff are mainly responsible for guidance concerning the ICS programme itself. The International Affairs
Office gives guidance in general matters and, the Academic Affairs office gives guidance in practical matters concerning studies; exams, graduation etc.
Study counselling is given by teachers, faculty student advisors, student advisors in international relations, and student advisors in academic affairs. All members of person-
10
nel have office hours during which students may inquire,

for example, about teaching arrangements or the contents
of a specific course. The responsibility areas are as follows:
Faculties (in the Fabriikki building, 2nd (and 3rd ) floor)
Study counselling concerning degrees, programmes
and planning studies
Questions concerning students legal protection
Personal study plan (PSP/HOPS)
Choosing additional courses/studies
International Office (in the Luotsi building, 1st floor)
Registration
Signing up for two exams simultaneously
General enquiries (e.g. course timetables, signing up
for courses)
Certificates
Academic Affairs Office and other student services (in
the administrative building Luotsi, 1st floor)
Change of address (Academic Affairs Office)
Degree certificates, exam arrangements (Academic
Affairs Office)
Students legal protection (Head of Academic Affairs)
WebOodi
The WebOodi system is available at saaga.uwasa.fi/
oodi. You may select the language from the bottom of
the main menu on the left side of the window. This menu
shows the functions available for everyone, even without
logging in. Thus you may browse the information about,
for example, teaching events even if you do not have a
valid username or password. You will also find instructions
on how to use the WebOodi system at the bottom of the
menu.
In order to register for the WebOodi system, enter your
e-mail username and password in the empty boxes. Then
press the Enter button. After logging in, you will be taken to your personal front page where you can select the
function of your choice from the main menu. The courses

of the day and the exams for which you have registered
through WebOodi will appear on your calendar. Your personal student number and your name are visible in the upper left corner of the window. Even if you have study rights
in several programmes, you have only one student number
in use.
The different functions of WebOodi are shown on the main
menu on the left side of the window. You can search for
information using the By search terms or By organisation option. These allow you to search for information on,
for example, study modules or courses and exams. In My
studies, you can view your planned studies, valid registrations, credits, and upgraded or rejected studies. By using
the Transcript of studies item, you may order an unofficial
transcript of records to your e-mail address. The Other
functions option enables you, for example, to update your
personal information such as address and phone number.
End your WebOodi session by clicking on Quit in the
main menu. WebOodi then returns to the starting page
and you may exit the browser. When you stop using WebOodi, always quit your session properly to prevent the
next computer user from accessing and modifying your
data.
If you want to write two examinations on the same day, you
need to fill in the form Registration for two examinations
available at the International Office. Please also remember
to register for both exams in WebOodi.
Fees
ICS Staff:
Dr. Daniel Rellstab
Head of the Programme
Lecturer in Cultural Studies
Fabriikki, room F244
daniel.rellstab(a)uva.fi
Office Hours: Wednesdays 1516 or by appointment
Prof. Esa Hyyrylinen
esa.hyyrylainen(a)uva.fi
Office hours: by appointment only
Prof. Christoph Parry
chpa(a)uva.fi
Prof. Ari Salminen
ari.salminen(a)uva.fi
Asst. Prof. Charles Osifo
charles.osifo(a)uva.fi
Office hours: Monday 1315 or by appointment
Coordinator of International Education
Student guidance
Office hours: Thursdays 12.3014 or by appointment
philtech(a)uva.fi / tel. +358 29 449 8129
Masters degree students do not have any tuition fees. However, they are required to pay the Student Union membership fee of 128 euro per academic year or 69 euro per
semester. Membership entitles Masters degree students
for subsidized meals in campus restaurants, student healthcare and various discounts on and off campus.
11
ICS Course descriptions:

COMPARATIVE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Code and credits: HALL2027, 5 ECTS
Learning outcomes: During this course the student
learns to understand the diversity in public administration
and management and gets an introduction to the study of
diversity.
Core content: The emphasis is on comparative approach
to national governments and their public administrations.
Literature:
Otenyo and Lind eds.: Comparative Public Administration:
The Essential Readings.
Articles (announced during lectures). Oxford 2006.
Completion of the course: Exam based on lectures and
literature.
Evaluation: Exam 15 or fail.
Time: 2nd year, autumn
Contact person: Lecturer / Professor, Public Management
PUBLIC ETHICS
Learning outcomes: Based on administrative ethics
doctrine and scientific literature, the course deepens the
understanding on moral theories, ethical values, and different ways of improving integrity in governance and public
sector organizations.
Core content: The content of the course is focused on
the following issues: ethical doctrines and global values;
decision making and ethics management; corruption in
developed and developing countries.
Literature:
Salminen (ed.). Ethical Governance: A Citizen Perspective. Vaasan yliopiston julkaisuja. Tutkimuksia 294. Public
Management 39. 2010.
Quah (ed.): Different Paths to Curbing Corruption: Lessons from Denmark, Finland, Hong Kong, New Zealand
and Singapore. Emerald Books 2013.
35 scientific articles (specified during the lectures).
Completion of the course: Exam based on lectures, literature, and case studies.
Evaluation: On a scale of 15 or fail.
12
Time: 1st year, autumn

EMPIRICAL RESEARCH METHODS
Code and credits: ICSC3004, 5 ECTS
Learning outcomes: The course deepens the students
understanding of methodological possibilities of the
masters thesis.
Core content: Key themes are comparison as the basis
of all methodologically valid thinking, cultural studies methodology, and the most widely used empirical methods of
public management and of methods used in qualitatively
oriented communication research.
Literature:
Hauser, Stefan & Luginbhl, Martin (eds.) 2012: Contrastive Media Analysis. Amsterdam etc.: John Benjamins.
Ragin, Charles S. 1987: The Comparative Method: Moving Beyond Qualitative and Quantitative Strategies. Berkeley: UCP.
Van Thiel: Research Methods in Public Administration and
Public Management. Abingdon 2014.
Johnson, Richard et al. (eds.) 2004: The Practice of Cultural Studies. London: Sage.
literature, possible workshops.
Time: 1st year, spring
Contact person: Lecturer / Professor
RESEARCH SEMINAR (HALL)
Learning outcomes: The aim of the brief seminar sessions held every month (approx. 810 meetings / academic year) is 1) to accomplish a plan of the thesis during
the autumn semester and 2) to produce an interim report
of the thesis before the end of spring semester. The sessions aim at developing the basic skills in academic writing
and familiarizing the students with the requirements set for
research work.
Content: The research seminar is divided into two segments: the Preparatory Seminar and the Research Seminar. The Preparatory Seminar starts by examining funda-
mental questions of public administration. The preparatory

seminar introduces the basic principles of academic research process and deepens the students knowledge
of Public Management as a major subject. The Research
Seminar segment follows, starting the academic research
process. Active participation in the seminar sessions is required throughout the academic year.
Teaching methods: Supervised seminar sessions.
Evaluation: Written assignment. Pass/fail.
Literature: Literature on the field of the thesis.
Time: 1st year spring through to 2nd year autumn
Research Seminar (ICS)
Learning outcomes: The students gain the competence
to do independent research work; they write the first 40
pages of their MA thesis.
Content: The seminar, which begins in January and ends
in December of the same calendar year, aims at helping
the student to find suitable thesis topics, at increasing the
depth of their knowledge of research methods and at helping them to acquire research skills.
The students are expected
to provide a research proposal of the topic of the
thesis during the spring semester,
to write a 40-page interim report before the end of
the autumn semester.
Active participation in the seminar sessions is required
(weekly meetings during the spring semester, group seminars in the autumn semester).
Teaching methods: Supervised seminar sessions 30
hours.
Evaluation: Active participation, research proposal, interim report. Pass/fail.
Literature:
Drew, Paul et al. (eds.) 2006: Talk and Interaction in Social
Research Methods. London etc.: Sage.
Litosseliti, Lia (ed.) 2010: Research Methods in Linguistics. London: Continuum.
Prerequisites: Bachelors degree and 1st semester studies in the ICS programme
Time: 1st year spring through to 2nd year fall

Contact person: Lecturer / Professor, ICS
Thesis (HALL)
Learning outcomes: Ability to do independent research
work.
Content: Independent research work. Academic research
of public administration from the point of view of administrative operations and structures.
Teaching methods:
Evaluation: Writing a thesis, maturity exam.
Literature:
Prerequisites: Bachelors degree and advanced level studies in major subject.
Time: 1st and 2nd year
Additional information: Starting from 1.8.2014, all
masters theses will be checked with the Turnitin plagiarism detection software.
Thesis (ICS)
Learning outcomes: Ability to do independent research.
Content: Ability to do independent research work. Academic research of a problem related to intercultural communication, multiculturalism or comparative cultural studies.
Teaching methods: Guided, yet independent research.
Evaluation: Writing a thesis, maturity exam.
Literature:
Prerequisites: Bachelors degree and advanced level studies in major subject.
Time: 1st and 2nd year
Contact person: Lecturer / Professor, ICS
Additional information: Starting from 1.8.2014, all
masters theses will be checked with the Turnitin plagiarism detection software.
Personal Study Plan (PSP)
Code and credits: OPIS0024, 1 ECTS
Learning outcomes: Students are able to plan their studies according to the degree structure.
13
Content: All Masters degree students do a Personal Study Plan (PSP) at the beginning of their studies. The PSP
is an informal agreement between the student and the
Faculty and it can be rechecked and updated during the
studies. PSP is a timetable of the courses the student is
planning to take.
Evaluation: Steps: 1) Study the Handbook for Masters
Degree and Doctoral Students (University of Vaasa, Academic Information, University Studies in Finland, Practical
Information and the part of your own Masters Programme)
and courses on the websites. 2) Fill in the Personal Study Plan form. 3) Discuss the personal study plan with the
Coordinator of International Education / ICS (take the plan
with you). 4) You can update your study plan during your
studies.
Contact person: Coordinator of International Education
/ ICS
Information Skills I
Learning outcomes: Upon completion of the course, the
student is able to recognize different kinds of information
resources and apply various information retrieval tools in
an efficient way.
Content: General principles of information seeking, basic
information retrieval techniques, information resources and
library services needed in the studies, ethical use of retrieved information.
Teaching methods: Obligatory workshops 4 h, online training
Evaluation: Online assignments and online tests
Language: English
Literature: Online course material
Contact person: Information specialist Heidi Troberg, Tritonia
Additional information: www.tritonia.fi/?d=165&l=3
Information Skills II
Learning outcomes: Upon completion of the course, the
student is able to retrieve scholarly information from in-
14
ternational databases using advanced search techniques

and to evaluate search results critically.
Content: Systematic information seeking, construction
of search strategies using advanced search techniques,
knowledge of subject specific resources and reference
techniques in the students own discipline, critical evaluation of information sources.
Teaching methods: Obligatory lecture 2 h, online training
Evaluation: Online assignments and online tests
Language: English
Literature: Online course material
Prerequisites: OPIS0025 Information Skills I
Time: The course should be done simultaneously with Research Seminar or just when starting the thesis.
Contact person: Information specialist Heidi Troberg, Tritonia
Additional information: www.tritonia.fi/?d=165&l=3
Writing Academic English
Code and credits: KENG9212, 5 ECTS
Course aim: B2C1
Learning outcomes: The student becomes aware of the
characteristic features of academic writing, can identify,
practice and master the principles of academic writing,
and can apply them. The student develops critical and
analytical reading skills, and can produce and review academic texts. The student also recognizes the challenges s/
he faces as the user of English as a foreign language, and
learns what constitutes plagiarism and academic dishonesty.
Content: The students will be introduced to the notions
of audience, purpose, register and style as they pertain to
academic writing. They will also learn about the structure
and organization of academic texts such as summaries,
definitions, data commentaries, reviews, research plans
and research papers. The students will practice analytical
reading, and identify rhetorical strategies used in academic writing. The students will also develop critical reading and note-taking skills, as well as learn and apply the
principles of documentation. In addition, attention will be
brought to frequent patterns produced by users of English
as a foreign language in academic texts.
Teaching: 30 hours
Requirements for the credit units: The students produce

short written assignments and a longer final written assignment. They should also participate actively in class.
Literature: The Harbrace College Handbook and other
materials as instructed.
Contact person: Course provided by the Language Centre.
Introduction to Intercultural

Communication
Learning outcomes: The students familiarize themselves
with the most important concepts, issues, and traditions in
the field of intercultural communication research. They are
able to critically evaluate existing theories of intercultural
communication as well as the methodologies used to do
research on intercultural communication and multiculturalism. They learn to understand phenomena and processes
of communication across cultural borders.
Content: History of Intercultural Communication Research, Approaches to Intercultural Communication and
Multiculturalism, Migration and Globalization, Stereotypes
and Intercultural Communication, Intercultural Communication in a Globalized World, Communicating as NonNative Speaker, Communicating in a Lingua Franca, Multilingual Communication
Teaching methods: Lectures 20 hours and guided study
groups
Evaluation: Lecture journal and take-home exam. On a
scale of 15 or fail.
Literature:
Selected papers of (among):
Paulston, Christina et al. 2012: Handbook of Intercultural
Discourse and Communication. Hoboken: Wiley-Blackwell. (Available in Ebrary.)
Blackledge, Adrian 2005: Discourse and Power in a Multilingual World. Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins.
Blommaert, Jan 2010: The Sociolinguistics of Globalization. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Harris, Roxy, Rampton Ben (eds.) 2003: The Language,
Ethnicity and Race Reader. London/New York: Routledge.
Holliday, Adrian et al. 2010: Intercultural Communication:

An Advanced Resource Book for Students. 2nd ed.: London/New York: Routledge. Plus classical papers on ICC.
Time: 1st year, fall
Contact person: ICS Lecturer
Culture, History, and Identity
Code and credits: CCSK1002, 5 ECTS
Learning outcomes: The course develops an understanding of different cultures and their relation to cultural and
historical backgrounds.
Content: The course introduces the concepts of culture,
history, nationalism, and identity. We will begin with the
birth of the modern individuality and nationalism, and examine the changes in the notion of identity over three hundred years with examples from all over the world.
Teaching methods: Lectures 20 hours
Evaluation: Exam based on the lectures and literature. On
a scale of 15 or fail.
Literature:
Leerssen 2007: National Thought and Europe. A Cultural
History. Or as instructed by the lecturer.
Time: 1st or 2nd year, spring
Contact person: Professor, CCS
Cultural Transfer in Literature
and the Media
Learning outcomes: The course enables the students to
evaluate the impact of cultural differences to the supply
and reception of foreign movies, music, art, history writing,
and literature.
Content: Comparative literature; imagology; the origins
and influence of ethnic, religious and other stereotypes.
Cultural institutions (e.g. publication, circulation and criticism) and the mechanisms of cultural transfer.
Assessment: Take-home exam or written assignment.
Literature:
One of the following:
1. Bassnett: Comparative Literature: A Critical Introduction. 1993.
2. Corbineau-Hoffmann, A: Einfhrung in die Komparatistik. 2000.
15
3.
Aaltonen, Sirkku: Time-Sharing on Stage. Drama
Translation in Theatre and Society. 2000.

Culture, Communication, Organization:
Essential Readings
Learning outcomes: The student gains a good understanding of functioning and organization of communication, of commonalities and differences of communication
in different contexts and cultures and in multicultural and
multilingual settings. S/he understands the specificities of
communication in organizations and how research is conducted in this area. The student is able to critically review
different strands of communication research. Content: Approaches to culture, communication and talk-in-interaction
with a specific emphasis on talk at work, intercultural
communication, and culture, discourse, and power.
Teaching methods: Reading Seminar 24 hours
Evaluation: Active participation in class discussions on
the assigned texts and a 15-page essay. On a scale of
15 or fail.
Literature:
Selected papers of (among):
Drew, Paul & John Heritage (eds.) 1992: Talk at Work. Interaction in institutional settings. Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press.
Meyer, Bernd et al. (eds.) 2010: Multilingualism At Work.
From Policies to Practices in Public, Business and Medical
Settings. Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins.
Gumperz, John et al. (eds.) 1986: Directions in Sociolinguistics. The Ethnography of Communication. Oxford etc.,
Blackwell.
Holmes, Janet et al. 2010: The Handbook of Language
and Gender. Malden etc.: Blackwell.
Time: 1st year autumn through to 1st year spring
Contact person: Lecturer, ICS
Finnish for Foreigners I
Code and credits: KSUO5111, 5 ECTS
Aim: The student has basic knowledge of Finnish pronunciation. S/he is able to communicate in everyday life situ-
16
ations, to read simple texts and to write about a familiar

subject, such as her/his own life.
Content: Basic grammar and vocabulary for everyday life
in Finnish. Short introduction to Finnish culture.
Teaching: Lectures and exercises 60 hours
Requirements for the credit units: Participation in lectures and exercises. Oral and written exercises in class.
Passing grade for the vocabulary work. A written exam.
Literature:
White, Leila (2012): From Start to Finnish. A Short Course in Finnish (chapters 124) or Gehring, Sonja & Sanni Heinzmann (2010): Suomen mestari I. Suomen kielen
oppikirja aikuisille. According to the lecturers instructions
Supplementary material:
White, Leila (2008): A Grammar Book of Finnish or White,
Leila (2008): Suomen kielioppia ulkomaalaisille.
Evaluation: On a scale of 15 or fail. The grade consists
of attendance and active participation in class, assessment of work done during the course and a written exam
at the end of the course.
Contact person: Marjut Mnnist
Language of instruction: To be taught in Finnish and
English.
Government and Management
Learning outcomes: Students learn to understand the
interplay of politicians, public managers, citizens and different organizations at global, European and national levels
of public governance.
Core Content: The course gives a comprehensive picture
of ever more internationalized governments and their practices from a management perspective.
Literature:
Fraser-Moleketi ed.: The World We Could Win: Administering Global Governance. Amsterdam 2009.
Herman, Risse and Brewer eds.: Transnational Identities:
Becoming European in the EU. Lanham 2004.
Pollitt and Bouckaert: Public Management Reform: A
Comparative Analysis, New Public Management, Governance and the Neo-Weberian State (3rd edition). Oxford
2011.
Announced documents and articles.

Completion of the course: An exam based on lectures
and literature, workshops and group papers.
Evaluation: Essays 15 or fail.
Additional information: This course is intended also for
those students who are conducting internationalization
studies with literature option.
Culture and Management
Learning outcomes: The course helps to understand how
cultural differences shape managerial practices in organizations.
Core Content: The emphasis is on specifically cross-cultural issues at all levels of management in governments,
non-profit organizations and business organizations.
Literature:
Smith, Peterson and Thomas eds.: The Handbook of
Cross-Cultural Management Research. Sage 2008.
Articles (announced during lectures).
literature, workshops.
Time: 1st year, spring
Contemporary Public Management
Learning outcomes: The course deepens the understanding of Public Management as an academic discipline with
its distinctive identity. Students learn to recognize the main
developmental phases of administrative theory from traditional public administration to current public management
and from government to governance.
Core Content: The emphasis is on traditional and modern
texts that have contributed in shaping the discipline. Future alternatives for administrative theory will be also discussed during the course.
Literature:
OLeary, Van Slyke and Kim eds.: The Future of Public
Administration, Public Management and Public Service
around the World: The Minnowbrook Perspective. Washington 2010 (available from Ebrary via Nelli-portal).
Shafritz, Hyde & Parke (ed.): Classics of Public Administration (5th edition). 2004.
Harmon & Mayer: Organization Theory for Public Administration. Glenview 1986.
Simon: Administrative Behavior (4th edition). New York
1997.
Completion of the course: Self-study; exam based on
literature.
Managing Hybridity
Learning outcomes: On successful completion of the
course, students will be able to recognize the key managerial challenges and opportunities related to combining
features of public and private in organizations. Completion
of the course helps students also to understand how the
current variety of available organizational forms arises from
consecutive ideas of Classical Public Administration, New
Public Management and New Public Governance.
Core Content: Special emphasis is given to public, private
and hybrid forms of organization used in Finland to perform
public interest tasks.
Literature:
Billis ed.: Hybrid Organizations and the Third Sector: Challenges for Practice, Theory and Policy. Houndmills 2010.
Hyyrylinen & Viinamki: Benefits of Hybridity in Organizations: Views from Public, Private and the Third Sector.
International Journal of Management Science and Information Technology 1:2 (2011), 1647 (available at http://
www.naisit.org/images/journal/pdf/1/5.pdf)
Karr: Heads and Tails: Both Sides of the Coin: An Analysis of Hybrid Organizations in the Dutch Waste Management Sector. The Hague 2011.
literature.
17

Additional information: Teaching in English, exams in
English or in Finnish.
Practical Training
Learning outcomes: The objective is to deepen the
students expertise and to strengthen and adapt theoretical skills into practice. In practical training one learns
to identify and develop ones working life skills. A part of
completing practical training is to reflect on ones own
competencies.
Content: Three-month continuous, full-time practical
training in an organization. The student writes a report
of 510 pages about the practical training. The report
should include a description of the organization and the
work tasks as well as a reflection on ones own learning
experience during the practical training period in relation
to ones studies. A copy of the testimonial and the written
report have to be delivered to the coordinator of international education for approval after the practical training.
Evaluation: Pass/fail.
Time: 1st or 2nd year
Contact person: Coordinator of International Education
Additional information: Practical training is an optional
unit in the Masters degree
Finnish for Foreigners II
Code and credits: KSUO5112, 5 ECTS
Previous studies: Finnish for Foreigners I, or equivalent
knowledge of Finnish.
Aim: The student can express her/his opinion, arrange
for a meeting and write brief texts on familiar subjects (for
example an email message).
Content: The emphasis is on different kinds of themes
such as me and my history, everyday life, working life and
society. Students will improve their practical language
skills.
Teaching: Lectures and exercises 60 hours
Requirements for the credit units: Participation in lec-
18
tures and exercises. Oral and written exercises in class. A

passing grade in group work. A written exam.
Literature:
White, Leila (2008): A Grammar Book of Finnish or
White, Leila (2008): Suomen kielioppia ulkomaalaisille.
Other materials provided by the lecturer
Evaluation: on a scale of 15 or fail. The grade consists
of attendance, active participation in class and a written
exam at the end of the course.
Time: 2nd year spring
Contact person: Marjut Mnnist
Language of instruction: To be taught in Finnish and
English.
Semiotics
Learning outcomes: The students are familiar with the
main traditions of semiotics, and they know the most important semiotic concepts. They are able to apply semiotic
instruments to analyze texts, pictures, and multimodal texts
(for example, advertisements) in different media (Newspapers, TV, Internet, etc.) in order to understand how these
texts function. Content: Basic sign conceptions, traditions
of semiotics, application of semiotics, multimodal semiotics, media semiotics, social semiotics.
Evaluation: Exam based on lectures and literature. On a
scale of 15 or fail.
Literature:
Chandler, Daniel 2007: Semiotics. The Basics. 2nd ed.:
London: Routledge.
Van Leeuwen, Theo 2005: Introducing Social Semiotics.
London: Routledge.
Contact person: Lecturer, ICS
Finnish History and Culture
Learning outcomes: Introductory course (in English) on
Finnish history, culture, and society. The course is particularly recommended to international students.
Content: The course (taught in English) will provide the
student with an overview of Finnish history and culture,
particularly from the time of autonomy (1809) onwards.

The main focus will be on Finnish culture, identity, and the
politics of the welfare-state.
Evaluation: Exam based on the lectures and literature, on
a scale of 15 or fail.
Literature:
Kirby, David: A Concise History of Finland. UK: Cambridge
University Press, 2006.
Time: 2nd year, spring
Philosophy of Science
Code and credits: FILO1011, 3 ECTS
Aim of the course: On completing the course students
will know basic questions of philosophy of science and
ethics of science and problems related to concept and
theory formation and explaining in science.
Completion of the course: 10 hours of lectures on the
starting points, objectives and requirements of scientific
thinking and research. A book exam.
Literature:
A. F. Chalmers, What Is This Thing Called Science? OR J.
Elster, Nuts and Bolts for the Social Sciences OR J. Elster,
Explaining Social Behavior: More Nuts and Bolts for the
Social Sciences and
Alex Rosenberg, The Philosophy of Science: A Contemporary Introduction. 2nd edition.
Teacher: University lecturer Tommi Lehtonen.
Organiser: Faculty of Philosophy
Cultural Currents
Code and credits: CCS3002, 5 ECTS
Learning outcomes: The student gains tools to understand and analyze the interaction and consequences of
culture diversity in different fields (theatre, literature, movies, science). The student will also recognize consequences of interaction such as the melting pot or salad model,
recognizes positive and negative aspects of cultural surfaces both historically and in todays globalized world.
Content: Analysis of the significance and everyday visi-
bility of cultural interfaces for instance in art and science.

Reflection on the meaning of power relations in cultural
formations.
Teaching methods: lectures 24 hours
Evaluation: active participation in lectures and written essay. On a scale of 15 or fail.
Literature:
supplementary material in essay writing: Delisle, Jean &
Judith Woodsworth (1995), Translators through History.
(selected parts):
Tymoczko, Maria (2006): Reconceptualizing Translation
Theory. Integrating Non-Western Thought about Translation, in Hermans, T. (eds.), Translating Others, Volume 1.
(100s)
Bachmann-Medick, Doris (Hg): Kultur als Text (partially),
Chiellino, Carmine (Hg.) Interkulturelle Literatur in Deutschland : ein Handbuch (partially) (total. approx. 100 pages)
Contact person: CCS professor
Comparative Cultural Studies
Code and credits: CCS3001, 5 ECTS
Learning outcomes: After completing the course, the
student is aware of the diversity of culture and identity
concepts and understands perspective linkage related to
cultural encounters.
Content:
concepts and definitions of culture
perspective of cultural research
concepts of identity
problems of cultural comparison
questions of globalization and multiculturalism
Teaching methods: lectures 16 hours
Evaluation: active participation in lectures and written assignment. On a scale of 15 or fail.
Literature:
Joep Leerssen, National Thought in Europe. 2007.
Alasdair MacIntyre, Whose Justice? Which Rationality?,
2003, pp. 326403.
Contact person: CCS professor
19
Transnational Learning and Regional

Development
Code and credits: ALUE3018, 10 ECTS
Learning outcomes: The course provides an understanding of transnational institutions, for instance the OECD,
EU and UN based conventions, such as World Heritage
Convention, as well as transnational communities, programs, and projects. The student will have an understanding of regional development in international context.
The student will be familiar with European cross-border
programs as well as various forms and methods of transnational learning like benchmarking, and open method of
co-ordination.
Core content: Theories and methods of transnational learning, Interreg programs, Smart specialization strategies,
Europe Horizon 2020.
Teaching methods: Lectures and essay.
Literature:
Mariussen & Virkkala (eds.): Learning Transnational Learning. The Case of Regional and Local Development. Routledge 2013.
EU programmes and programme evaluations.
Evaluation: Essays and exam. On a scale of 15 or fail.
Contact person: Professor Seija Virkkala
Additional Information: Teaching in English, essays in
English or in Finnish.
20
Academic Writing Clinic, 0 ECTS

Learning outcomes: reading carefully the first chapter of
the thesis and discuss it in great detail with the student,
teaching a sufficient level of skill so that the student can
manage on their own
Teaching methods: a discussion of other students work
during a limited number of joint sessions
Evaluation: active participation
Time: autumn (and spring semester)
Contact person: lecturer Jukka Tiusanen
21
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Tritonia
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University of Vaasa
Wolffintie 34, P.O. Box 700
FI-65101 Vaasa, Finland
Tel. +358 29 449 8000
uva.fi/en
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20142015

for Masters Degree Programme in

Programme Structure: Master of Administrative Sciences degree 120 ECTS

Programme Structure: Master of Arts Degree 120 ECTS

Intercultural Communication 79 ECTS

At the University of Vaasa the Academic year is divided into

Academic Skills 8 ECTS

The periods are as follows:

ding the Masters thesis (40 ECTS). The department will

Assessment and Registration of

Period 1 (24 ECTS)

Period 2 (18 ECTS)

Period 3 (18 ECTS)

-Writing Academic English (5)

-Research Seminar (continues in the next autumn semester)

-Research Seminar (10)

Period 2 (13 ECTS)

Period 5 (40 ECTS)

-Philosophy of Science (3)

-Culture, History, and

-Managing Hybridity (5)

-Cultural Currents (5)

The assessment criteria are public and the student may

Transcript of University Records

Exams: Code of conduct

Plagiarism and cheating in exams and other written work

Electronic plagiarism detection

Personal Study Plan / HOPS

Graduation and Thesis

Guidance and Study Counselling

nel have office hours during which students may inquire,

function of your choice from the main menu. The courses

ICS Course descriptions:

Time: 1st year, autumn

mental questions of public administration. The preparatory

Time: 1st year spring through to 2nd year fall

ternational databases using advanced search techniques

Requirements for the credit units: The students produce

Holliday, Adrian et al. 2010: Intercultural Communication:

ations, to read simple texts and to write about a familiar

Announced documents and articles.

Evaluation: On a scale of 15 or fail.

tures and exercises. Oral and written exercises in class. A

particularly from the time of autonomy (1809) onwards.

bility of cultural interfaces for instance in art and science.

Transnational Learning and Regional

Academic Writing Clinic, 0 ECTS

(Main Building and

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