Study at VMU! by Vytautas Magnus University

Study @ Vytautas Magnus University

Contents INSPIRE YOURSELF – DISCOVER VMU

Artes Liberales University Liberal Studies and Academic Freedom Learning Languages @ VMU

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ENRICH YOUR LIFETHROUGH STUDIES @ VMU 5 Bachelor Level Studies @ VMU Master Level Studies @ VMU Doctoral Level Studies @ VMU Exchange Studies @VMU

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SUMMER SCHOOLS 2010/2011 @ VMU

Lithuanian Diaspora Academy

STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT OF VMU FACULTIES OF THE UNIVERSITY

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Faculty of Arts Faculty of Catholic Theology Faculty of Economics and Management Faculty of Humanities Faculty of Informatics Faculty of Law Faculty of Natural Sciences Faculty of Political Science and Diplomacy Faculty of Social Sciences Faculty of Social Welfare

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DISCOVER LITHUANIA

Welcome to Lithuania – at the Crossroads of West & East Main Facts about Lithuania

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DISCOVER KAUNAS

Kaunas – Inspiring Mixture of Old and Modern Interesting Facts about Kaunas

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INFORMATION SEARCH GUIDE

INSPIRE YOURSELF â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DISCOVER VMU Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) is seen as Artes Liberales university and is one of the most liberal and modern universities in Lithuania. Its liberal studies policy seeks to establish successful international relations with other universities all over the world. It is the university where traditions and innovations successfully meet and

complement each other. The university is proud of creative and enthusiastic community â&#x20AC;&#x201C; students and academics feel free to communicate as equals allowing which not only facilitates better cooperation and sharing of knowledge but allows for generation of new and creative ideas.

ARTES LIBERALES UNIVERSITY VMU differs from other Lithuanian institutions which provide higher education by its modern conception of studies, based on the of Harvard University model. The university is unique in Lithuanian when it comes to the system of studies, openness to the world, dissemination of liberal thought and high quality of studies. At VMU the priority is given not to narrow and highly specialised studies but to broad university education, which satisfies the needs of studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal development and contemporary society. Studies at VMU are organised differently from other universities in Lithuania. During the first 2 years of the BA studies, students chose from a range of basic courses in humanities and social sciences, biomedicine and physical sciences, as well as arts. After completing the initial twoyear study period, students then choose a specific field of study to major in and spend the next two to three years specialising and acquiring new skills in their chosen field of studies.

LIBERAL STUDIES AND ACADEMIC FREEDOM VMU is unique in Lithuania for its liberal study system and academic freedom which allows students to decide when and what courses to take. Students also have the

opportunity to earn a minor studies certificate together with their major diploma. At present VMU has the most developed studies in humanities and social sciences; however, art and theology, as well as physical and natural sciences (Informatics, Mathematics, Physics and Environmental Sciences) are gaining an increasing popularity and recognition. The academic community of university now consists of more than 9000 students taught by 550 scholars who since the reestablishment of the university have brought forth 23 000 alumni. Even though most courses are taught in Lithuanian, there is a growing pool of various study and research opportunities in English. Currently, there are 7 full Master degree programmes taught in English. Great attention is being paid to teaching of foreign languages and students are offered the opportunity to study up to 23 different languages. The atmosphere at the VMU can be described as academic freedom, openness to the world, dedicated students and supportive staff.

LEARNING LANGUAGES @ VMU Centre of Foreign Languages at VMU provides students with a possibility to choose from up to 23 courses ranging from various modern to classical languages.

Since its reestablishment in 1989, VMU has focused on teaching English as a foreign language. Nowadays the centre also offers advanced level course in English for specific purposes as well as language related culture courses. Language teaching in the Centre of Foreign Languages is supported by a modern well-equipped ‘SANAKO 300’ computer laboratory that provides excellent facilities for computer assisted language learning, most effective in improving the students’ listening and speaking skills as well as in raising their general interactive and communicative competences. Teachers, who are qualified and experienced professionals, attempt to create a relaxed atmosphere in which students can learn a foreign language in an enjoyable and rewarding way. Learning a foreign language assists in developing and improving communication skills, fostering sociocultural understanding, promoting graduates’ employability as well as academic and professional mobility. This gives students an opportunity of learning a foreign language while at the same time developing other important skills.

ENRICH YOUR LIFE THROUGH STUDIES @ VMU VMU introduced a system of studies based on the three levels: Bachelor, Master and PhD. In some cases students may also choose between the full–time and part–time studies. The latter are more flexible, as their duration, time for lectures and consultations, as well as the exam schedule are designed in such a way that students could successfully combine studies at the university and professional activities.

BACHELOR LEVEL STUDIES @ VMU The first – Bachelor level, involves undergraduate studies and lasts for four years requiring obtaining 240 ECTS credits; the study programme culminates with the completion and presentation of a Bachelor Thesis. VMU invites international students to choose from a variety of Bachelor’s (BA) non-degree semester long courses which are offered in English and other foreign languages. For an updated list of offered courses please visit www.trt.vdu.lt English section for students.

MASTER LEVEL STUDIES @ VMU The second - Master level of studies, last for 1,5 or 2 years; its purpose is to deepen or expand the BA graduate’s competences in the chosen field. A student receives Master’s degree after successful completion of 120 ECTS credits and Master Thesis.

VMU offers seven Master degree programmes conducted in English: • • • • • • •

Marketing and International Commerce (for more information see page 18) Journalism (for more information see page 25) Baltic Region Studies (for more information see page 25) East Asia Region Studies (for more information see page 26) Social and Political Critical Studies (for more information see page 26) Social Anthropology (for more information see page 28) Social Work (for more information see page 30)

The university also offers various individual non-degree Master’s level semester long courses taught in English or other foreign languages in addition to the seven Master degree programmes conducted fully in English. For an updated list of all courses taught in English and other foreign languages please visit www.trt.vdu.lt English section for students.

DOCTORAL LEVEL STUDIES @ VMU The third level involves four years of postgraduate studies (PhD). All the VMU credits are fully transferable to any university in the world recognizing university studies within the European Union. In most disciplines offered at VMU Doctoral degree may be pursued in English. Postgraduate students are required to carry out independent research and extensively familiarise themselves with research work that has been done in their field of study. The Doctoral degree normally requires at least four years of full time study. Doctoral level students of VMU may also apply for the Baltic Graduate School (BGS). It was founded by the consortium of Vytautas Magnus University, Tallinn University and University of Latvia on October 3rd, 2008. BGS is an initiative to organise a more effective cooperation between Baltic universities in the field of doctoral education, to provide students aspiring for a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) degree with more broad-based supervision and consulting, better access to relevant research in their areas.

EXCHANGE STUDIES @VMU

“LLP / ERASMUS”

VMU welcomes a large number of foreign students who join the university through student exchange programmes such as “LLP / Erasmus”, “Campus Europae“, bilateral agreements with partner universities and Lithuanian Governmental Scholarships.

Since 1999, VMU has been participating in the European Community higher education programme “LLP / Erasmus”. “LLP / Erasmus”, the EU’s flagship education and training programme, emphasises student and staff mobility and European co-operation involving higher education institutions and other key players in the knowledge-based economy.

Recognizing the paramount importance of international academic relations, altogether VMU has signed cooperation agreements with more than 80 universities abroad, mainly in Western Europe, the United States, and Japan. At the moment the University has 136 “LLP / Erasmus” partners in 26 countries and 69 bilateral cooperation partners and is a member of 5 international organizations. And since 2003, VMU has been a member of “Campus Europae“ university network. VMU is open to members of academic community from all over the world. Each year over 100 students and a number of teachers from different International universities come to VMU.

Together with an enriched study experience, “LLP / Erasmus” also provides exposure to different cultures. Over 140,000 lecturers have taken the opportunity to gain experience in one of the other 31 countries currently participating in the programme. As of 2010, within the „LLP / Erasmus“ programme VMU is collaborating with universities from all EU member countries, as well as with the ones from Norway and Switzerland. During 10 years, 1079 VMU students had a great opportunity to study for one semester in a wide range of universities throughout Europe and over 400 international students studied at VMU. The most popular countries for academic exchange among VMU students are Germany, Sweden, Finland, Italy, Spain, France, Latvia and Poland. VMU is very popular among international students from France Spain, Italy, Latvia, Poland and Germany.

For more information about “LLP / Erasmus” possibilities at Vytautas Magnus University, please visit www.trt.vdu.lt English section.

languages. Through the full recognition of the study abroad in “Campus Europae“, it is an opportunity to enable more effective and successful studies.

“CAMPUS EUROPAE”

For more information about “Campus Europae“possibilities at Vytautas Magnus University, please visit www.trt.vdu.lt English section.

Since 2003, Vytautas Magnus University is a member of the project “Campus Europae“ – a multilateral exchange programme for of Bachelor and Master students. A network of 18 universities in 14 European countries is open study possibilities for students in various “Campus Europae” member universities. VMU participates in the following study programmes: Business and Economics, Languages, Literatures and Cultures, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Sociology, and Teacher Training. The visionary goal of the „Campus Europae” concept is to develop students’ awareness of being European citizens. In contrast with the “LLP / Erasmus” programme, “Campus Europae” students study for a full year of their Bachelor or Master course at one of the universities in the network. Following the motto two years, two languages, candidates ideally spend two entire years of their six years studying as part of their Bachelor or Master Course abroad in Europe and learn or develop their abilities in two foreign

SUMMER SCHOOLS 2010/2011 @ VMU Every year Vytautas Magnus University invites students to participate in Summer Schools. In 2009/2010 VMU organised European Summer Academy for students of Journalism entitled ‘Reporting Europe from Home’, also Japanese Culture Summer School, Korean Language & Culture Summer School, Summer School ‘Around East Asia in 7 Days’ and Lithuanian Language & Culture Summer Course, this year organized for the 11th time in a row.

Lithuanian Diaspora Academy It is run by Vytautas Magnus University and is open all year long. The main focus of the academy is to promote closer academic ties between Lithuanian emigrants or their descendants anywhere in the world and Lithuania. It closely works with students, teachers and researchers from education institutions in Lithuania and abroad. The academy is involved in organising study courses, exchange programmes, internships and traineeships as well as academic reach projects. It seeks to attract and help all those that have an interest in Lithuania and its culture.

Summer School Entitled “Refresh in Lithuania”, the special summer school project this year aims at uniting all Lithuanians and their descendants currently living abroad in order to revitalise and renew their relationship with their home country. It

will seek to promote among Lithuanians living abroad a broader knowledge and deeper understanding of current affairs and issues in Lithuania. Course will be held starting 5th July until 16th July in Kaunas, Lithuania. They are organised by Vytautas Magnus University and Lithuanian Diaspora Academy. For more information please visit www.vdu.lt or www.iseivijosinstitutas.lt.

This year the course starts on 27th July and run through to 20th August. The application forms are accepted until 30th May. The courses are organised by Faculty of Political Sciences and Diplomacy of Vytautas Magnus University. For more information please visit www.vdu.lt/LTcourses.

Summer Internship Programme Youth of Lithuanian descend living abroad are invited to do their professional internship, academic practice or charity work in Lithuania. This is a great opportunity to acquire professional experience and practices, improve language skills, and get to know Lithuania better. The programme is sponsored by Lithuanian American Community and Vytautas Magnus University. For more information please visit www.stazuote.com.

Lithuanian Language and Culture Summer Course This has been organised for the 11th time. Every year in summer foreign students are invited to improve their Lithuanian language skills and to get acquainted with Lithuanian culture, politics and history.

STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT OF VMU The highest academic official of Vytautas Magnus University is the Rector who works together with ViceRectors. The management of the university is pursued with the help of the Senate and the Council. There are also a number of administrative offices and divisions that help with the management and carry out the agenda of the university. The university has a special office for international relations. It works together with faculties and departments of the university to provide and assist with opportunities to participate in the international mobility schemes for outgoing and incoming students as well as academics and administration personnel. Â International office implements management of exchange and cooperation agreements, mobility, funding and scholarships, furthermore, staff at the office helps incoming international students with pre-arrival matters, provides additional information about the programmes offered, courses, scholarships, admission criteria, registration, visa application procedure and requirements. After the arrival it organises various activities and provides support and assistance for the exchange students during their stay at VMU.

The university is also a founder of more than ten public institutions. They have now taken a role of their own, yet they still maintain tight bonds with the university. Vytautas Magnus University has ten faculties with ten deans who are in charge of the faculties. Scientific research is carried out by the research centres of the university which work closely with the faculties.

FACULTIES OF THE UNIVERSITY Vytautas Magnus University offers study and research in 10 faculties: Arts, Catholic Theology, Economics and Management, Humanities, Informatics, Law, Natural Sciences, Political Science and Diplomacy, Social Sciences and Social Welfare. Together they offer more than 450 Bachelor and Master level as well as non-degree semester long courses in English and other languages. There are seven Master degree programmes taught entirely English.

FACULTY OF ARTS

Address Laisvės al. 53, Room 403, LT-44309 Kaunas, Lithuania Tel. + 370 37 327 877 Fax + 370 37 203 858 E-mail dek@mf.vdu.lt Web page http://www.menufakultetas.vdu.lt/EN Science and study divisions Department of Art History and Criticism, Department of Theatre Studies, Art Centre. For more information about science and study divisions of the university please visit www.vdu.lt English section. The faculty offers more than ten Bachelor and Master level non-degree semester long courses in English and a course in German language. For more information about the courses offered please visit www.trt.vdu.lt English section for students. Departmental coordinator for international relations Vice-Dean Dr. Rūta Mažeikienė Tel. + 370 37 327 878 Fax + 370 37 203 858 E-mail R.Mazeikiene@mf.vdu.lt

Faculty

students - percentage of the total number of university students

FACULTY OF CATHOLIC THEOLOGY Address Gimnazijos g. 7, LT-44260 Kaunas, Lithuania Tel. + 370 37 205 489 Fax + 370 37 323 477 E-mail dek@ktf.vdu.lt Web page http://www.teologija.vdu.lt/ Science and study divisions Theology Department, Religious Studies Department, Canon Law Department, Centre of History of Lithuanian Catholic Church, Research Centre on Marriage and Family. For more information about science and study divisions of the university please visit www.vdu.lt English section. The faculty offers some Bachelor level non-degree semester long courses in English. For more information about the courses offered please visit www.trt.vdu.lt English section for students. Departmental coordinator for international relations Dean Dr. Benas UleviÄ?ius Tel. + 370 37 205 489 Fax + 370 37 323 477 E-mail B.Ulevicius@ktf.vdu.lt

Faculty

students - percentage of the total number of university students

FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT

20%

Address S. Daukanto g. 28, Room 313, LT-44246 Kaunas, Lithuania Tel. + 370 37 327 856 Fax + 370 37 327 857 E-mail dek@evf.vdu.lt Web page http://evf.vdu.lt Science and study divisions Department of Finance, Department of Management, Department of Economics, Business Consulting and Continuous Education Centre. For more information about science and study divisions of the university please visit www.vdu.lt English section. The faculty offers more than 50 Bachelor and Master level non-degree semester long courses in English, as well as Marketing and International Commerce full Master degree programme in English. For more information about the courses offered please visit www.trt.vdu.lt English section for students. Departmental coordinator for international relations Vice -Dean Dr. Vytautas Liesionis Tel. + 370 37 327 856 Fax + 370 37 327 857 E-mail V.Liesionis@evf.vdu.lt

Faculty

students - percentage of the total number of university students

MA programme offered by the faculty Marketing and International Commerce (1,5 year, 90 ECTS credits) This programme aims at extending studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; knowledge and understanding of the broader application of marketing and international commerce. Graduates will master modern theories and methods in marketing and international trade; will understand contemporary marketing and organisational issues in a changing context; they will learn how to pursue market research independently and to follow-up and evaluate scientific novelties and how to apply the obtained knowledge in organizational setting in order to improve their marketing management skills. For more information please visit www.trt.vdu.lt English section for students.

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FACULTY OF HUMANITIES

15%

Address K. DonelaiÄ?io g. 52, Room 217, LT-44244 Kaunas, Lithuania Tel. + 370 37 327 830 Fax + 370 37 323 689 E-mail dek@hmf.vdu.lt Web page http://hmf.vdu.lt Science and study divisions English Philology Department, German and French Philology Department, History Department, Ethnology and Folklore Department, Lithuanian Language Department, Lithuanian Literature Department, Computer Linguistics Centre, Philosophy Department, Culture Research Centre, Centre of Studies of PhD Bronius Vaskelisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Literary Comparativistics. For more information about science and study divisions of the university please visit www.vdu.lt English section. The faculty offers more than 140 Bachelor and Master level non-degree semester long courses in English and other foreign languages, such as French, German, Latvian, Polish, and Russian. For more information about the courses offered please visit www.trt.vdu.lt English section for students. Faculty students - percentage of the total number of university students

Departmental coordinator for international relations Vice-Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rūta Eidukevičienė Tel. + 370 37 327 831 Fax + 370 37 323 689 E-mail R.Eidukeviciene@hmf.vdu.lt

FACULTY OF INFORMATICS

Address Vileikos g. 8, Room 409, LT-44404 Kaunas, Lithuania Tel. + 370 37 327 900 Fax + 370 37 327 896 E-mail dek@if.vdu.lt Web page http://if.vdu.lt Science and study divisions Applied Informatics Department, Mathematics and Statistics Department, Statistic Research Centre, Multimedia Laboratory. For more information about science and study divisions of the university please visit www.vdu.lt English section. The faculty offers more than 40 Bachelor and Master level non-degree semester long courses in English and German languages. For more information about the courses offered please visit www.trt.vdu.lt English section for students. Departmental coordinator for international relations Vice-Dean Dr. Sigita PeÄ?iulytÄ&#x2014; Tel. + 370 37 327 900 Fax + 370 37 327 896 E-mail S.Peciulyte@if.vdu.lt

Faculty students - percentage of the total number of university students

FACULTY OF LAW Address Ožeškienės g. 18, Room 311, LT-44254 Kaunas, Lithuania Tel. + 370 37 751 044 Fax + 370 37 207 166 E-mail dek@tf.vdu.lt Web page http://teise.vdu.lt Science and study divisions Department of Public Law, Department of Private Law. For more information about science and study divisions of the university please visit www.vdu.lt English section for international visitors. The faculty offers more than 20 Master level non-degree semester long courses in English. For more information about the courses offered please visit www.trt.vdu.lt English section for students. Departmental coordinator for international relations Vice-Dean Mindaugas Bilius Tel. + 370 37 327 874 Fax + 370 37 327 872 E-mail M.Bilius@tf.vdu.lt

Faculty

students - percentage of the total number of university students

FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES

Address Vileikos g. 8, Room 212, LT-44404 Kaunas, Lithuania Tel. + 370 37 327 902 Fax + 370 37 327 916 E-mail dek@gmf.vdu.lt Web page http://gmf.vdu.lt Science and study divisions Department of Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, Department of Chemistry, Department of Physics, Centre of Environmental Research. For more information about science and study divisions of the university please visit www.vdu.lt English section. The faculty offers more than 40 Bachelor and Master level nondegree semester long courses in English. For more information about the course offered please visit www.trt.vdu.lt English section for students. Departmental coordinator for international relations Vice-Dean Dr. Nerijus Jurkonis Tel. + 370 37 327 921 Fax + 370 37 327 916 E-mail N.Jurkonis@gmf.vdu.lt

Faculty

students - percentage of the total number of university students

14%

FACULTY OF POLITICAL SCIENCE AND DIPLOMACY Address Gedimino g. 44, Room 102, LT-44240 Kaunas, Lithuania Tel./Fax + 370 37 206 709 E-mail dek@pmdf.vdu.lt Web page http://www.pmdf.vdu.lt Science and study divisions Department of Public Communication, Department of Social and Political Theory, Public Administration Department, Political Science Department, Regional Studies Department, Asian Studies Centre, Civic Tolerance Centre, Centre for Slavic Studies, Centre of Letonics, Centre for Multilingualism. For more information about science and study divisions of the university please visit www.vdu.lt English section. The faculty offers more than 40 Bachelor and Master level non-degree semester long courses in English, as well as Journalism, Baltic Region Studies, East Asia Region Studies, Social and Political Critical Studies full Master degree programmes in English. For more information about the courses offered please visit www.trt.vdu.lt English section for students.

Faculty

students - percentage of the total number of university students

Departmental coordinator for international relations Vice-Dean Dr. Linas Venclauskas Tel. + 370 37 206 709 Fax + 370 37 206 709 E-mail L.Venclauskas@pmdf.vdu.lt MA programmes offered by the faculty: Journalism (2 years, 120 ECTS credits) The programme is designed to prepare future journalists and editors to meet the challenges of contemporary society. It is a small-scale programme that creates collaborative learning environment, applies cross-media education model and focuses on professional skills training. Students publish community newspaper, several online-only news portals and complete the requirements of professional internship. The programme provides an excellent theoretical basis for questioning how political, economic, technological as well as cultural issues are involved in the democratic performance of the media. The programme is both professional and research oriented. The journalists who complete this programme will gain insight into theoretical as well as practical issues that contemporary journalism has to face in a changing society. They will master a wide range of media tools and gain valuable experience in addressing everyday questions with a professional expertise.

For more information please visit www.trt.vdu.lt English section for students. Baltic Region Studies (2 years, 120 ECTS credits) Upon graduation the students will be competent to analyze political processes in different countries in the regional context. They will have a good grasp of theoretical models and their practical applications for examining regional political and economical phenomena. The emphasis is on knowledge in the areas of the regional political systems, historical aspects of the regional processes and developmental perspectives. Students will be able to formulate research questions and to perceive the development of the Baltic countries in the European and global context as well as able to identify, analyze, evaluate and foresee the main tendencies of political and economic processes in the Baltic Region. The Baltic Region Studies Degree is taken as a Joint Degree Programme in collaboration with international partner universities: University of Tartu (Estonia), University of Latvia (Latvia) and University of Turku (Finland). For more information please visit www.trt.vdu.lt English section for students.

East Asia Region Studies (2 years, 120 ECTS credits) Students learn how to analyze political processes in Asia countries. They familiarise themselves with theoretical models and their practical applications for examining regional political and economic phenomena. A graduate will be able to identify, analyze, evaluate, foresee the main tendencies of political and economic processes in the East Asia region and will be competent in analysis of political processes in different countries in the regional context. For more information please visit www.trt.vdu.lt English section for students. Social and Political Critical Studies (2 years, 120 ECTS credits) The basic aim of the programme is to equip students with the skills to analyze social and political processes in a way that not only reflects their political and social realities, but which examines and nurtures human selfexpression and its existence which manifest as the result of these processes. Upon successful completion of these programme the students are expected demonstrate the following key competencies : analysis of social and political processes; analysis and conveyance in scholarly form of the intellectual (social, political, artistic, philosophical) traditions of various Central and Eastern European

countries; teaching social and political theses formulation, essay and scientific article writing and criticism, as well as engage in an academic debate and dialogue with other participants of the programme; inducement to creatively combine personal and experiences of students with already existing bodies of social and political criticism; conversance with trends in contemporary social, political, and economic thought and methods; development of creative thinking abilities, innovative expression, and original scientific research; provision of teaching and research opportunities for permanent faculty and visiting professors in their respective fields of study. For more information please visit www.trt.vdu.lt English section for students.

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

21%

Address K. DonelaiÄ?io g. 52, Room 301, LT-44244 Kaunas, Lithuania Tel. + 370 37 327 820 Fax + 370 37 327 823 E-mail dek@smf.vdu.lt Web page http://smf.vdu.lt Science and study divisions Educology Department, General Psychology Department, Theoretic Psychology Department, Sociology Department, Social Research Centre, Vocational Training Study Centre, Educational Study Centre, Social Anthropology Centre, Psychological Clinic. For more information about science and study divisions of the university please visit www.vdu.lt English section. The faculty offers more than 50 Bachelor and Master level non-degree semester long courses in English, as well as Social Anthropology full Master degree programme in English. For more information about the courses offered please visit www. trt.vdu.lt English section for students. Departmental coordinator for international relations Vice-Dean Dr. Rytis Pakrosnis Tel. + 370 37 327 823 Fax + 370 37 327 823 E-mail R.Pakrosnis@smf.vdu.lt

Faculty

students - percentage of the total number of university students

MA programme offered by the faculty Social Anthropology (2 years, 120 ECTS credits) The programme is designed to train future anthropologists to carry out independent scientific research and be able to conduct ethnographic fieldwork as well as apply anthropological theories and contemporary research perspectives. Moreover, it is useful in the training of specialists in intercultural communication. Â The MA in Social anthropology will enable the graduate to apply anthropological methodology and models of socio-cultural stability and change when conducting anthropological research in various societies and cultures; carry out empirical research based on qualitative methodology, applying participant observation and other anthropological fieldwork methods; design and conduct research on problematic situations caused by socio-cultural encounters between different global, transnational, national, regional and local development perspectives, majority and minority interests under conditions of social change, mobility, difference, and multiculturalism; address, both politically and practically, problems arising from socio-cultural differences; carry out the monitoring of stigmatised and/or marginalised and other segregated groups as well as represent the interests of these groups in intercultural mediation; identify and analyse informal

intercultural communication of socio-culturally different and/or conflicting interest groups; prepare preventive strategies for inter-group conflicts, simulate possible and solve existing cultural conflicts; prepare national strategies, i.e. programmes for the implementation of sustainable development in education, public health, culture, and ethnic relations, environmental and cultural heritage protection; mediate in the fields of national and international cooperation on the issues of defence, business, politics, education, cultural diversity and environment; teach anthropology in university level programmes. For more information please visit www.trt.vdu.lt English section for students.

FACULTY OF SOCIAL WELFARE

Address K. DonelaiÄ?io g. 52, Room 408, LT-44244 Kaunas, Lithuania Tel. + 370 37 327 847 Fax + 370 37 327 846 E-mail dek@sgf.vdu.lt Web page http://sgf.vdu.lt Science and study divisions Department of Social Work, Social Work Competence Centre. For more information about science and study divisions of the university please visit www.vdu.lt English section. The faculty offers more than 20 Bachelor and Master level non-degree semester long courses in English, as well as Social Work full Master degree programme in English. For more information about the courses offered please visit www.trt.vdu.lt English section for students. Departmental coordinator for international relations Vice-Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Violeta IvanauskienÄ&#x2014; Tel. + 370 37 327 846 Fax + 370 37 327 846 E-mail V.Ivanauskiene@sgf.vdu.lt

Faculty

students - percentage of the total number of university students

MA programme offered by the faculty

organisations and continue learning independently, developing social work profession.

Social Work (2 years, 120 ECTS credits) The aim of the Social Work second cycle programme is to prepare a social worker who is able to research contextualised practice and act integrating and developing professional knowledge, skills, values, enhancing the solution of human interaction and personal relation with environment problems, initiating social changes and innovations in pursuit of personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and societal welfare, strengthening civic society and developing professional competences. By completing the study program students are expected to demonstrate the following competences: develop social work research and produce social work knowledge; analyse the mission and objectives of contemporary social work in the local and global context promoting human rights and social justice; reflect the integrity of theory, practice and ethics in social work process; analyse the interrelations between social policy, social structures and resources and design social projects; critically analyse interactions between social worker and client and perform interventions in complex situations; apply social work intervention methods emphasising participation of clients in the change process; understand the principles, methods and restrictions of social worker activity in organisation and community; reflect the learning and professional experience, professional relations in

For more information please visit www.trt.vdu.lt English section for students.

DISCOVER LITHUANIA WELCOME TO LITHUANIA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; AT THE CROSSROADS OF WEST & EAST Lithuania is an attractive multifaceted country lying at the crossroads of West and East. Its history and past has enriched both Europe and the rest of the world. The country was first mentioned in historic manuscripts more than a thousand years ago in 1009, and since then it has lived through a dramatic history of establishing its independence and statehood. It has the longest tradition of statehood among the Baltic States going back to the Middle Ages when it was the largest state in Eastern Europe. Nowadays, Lithuania is active Member State of the European Union (since 1 May 2004) and the North Atlantic Alliance (since 29 March 2004). In terms of the culture, Lithuania has attracted creative personalities of international repute, thus, the country may boast about a cultural field of distinctive gravity. Prominent artists of Polish, Russian, Jewish, German and other descent have loved this country and produced their creative works here. Modern Lithuanian culture is a peerless reflection of the meeting between Western and Eastern Europe and their sociocultural developments. Post-communist experience provides the creators of our culture with a deep understanding of occupation, manipulation and political censorship as well as resources for unconstrained improvisation, original artistic output and the formation of individual social environment.

MAIN FACTS ABOUT LITHUANIA: – Total area: 65.300 km2, population: about 3.4 million (Lithuanians – 83.5%, Polish – 6.7%, Russians – 6.3%, Belarusians – 1.2%, others – 2.3%) – Official name: Lietuvos Respublika (the Republic of Lithuania) – State: Democratic Parliamentary Republic with one legislative house Seimas – Capital: Vilnius (population 550 000), major cities: Kaunas (360 000), Klaipėda (200 000), Šiauliai (130 000), Panevėžys (100 000) – Currency: Litas (Lt) – State language: Lithuanian – Local time: GMT+2 – National holidays & commemorative days: Freedom Defenders Day (January 13), Independence Day (February 16), Restoration of Lithuania’s Independence (March 11), Feast of St. John (June 24), Statehood Day / Coronation of King Mindaugas (July 6), Constitution Day (October 25). Find out more: www.travel.lt, www.tourism.lt, http://culturelive.lt, www.businesslithuania.com

DISCOVER KAUNAS KAUNAS – INSPIRING MIXTURE OF OLD AND MODERN Kaunas with nearly 400 thousand inhabitants is one of the most important cities in Lithuania. It is a fast-growing modern city with 6 universities, 2 academies and 3 affiliates of other universities with main campuses located in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. Kaunas is also an attractive centre for business and industry as well as science, studies and culture. The city has a remarkably dynamic cultural life. Each year famous festivals and outstanding artistic projects are held in Kaunas by local and foreign artists. Kaunas – the provisional capital of Lithuania (1920–1940) – is famous for its history, cosy parks, remarkable and wonderful Old Town, interwar spirit as well as active, young and ambitious people. Kaunas was and still is an important historical and cultural city in Lithuania!

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT KAUNAS Kaunas is the academic capital of Lithuania – it has more Universities than any other city. Approximately fifty thousand students make Kaunas their home annually making it a city of students.

It is a green city â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you will hardly find a place without lively vegetation sprouting everywhere during the warm periods of the year. Kaunas supports a dynamic cultural life, each year residents and guests of Kaunas take great pleasure in attending international music, modern dance and theatre festivals as well as a variety of art performances by local and foreign artists. Find out more about Kaunas: http://visit.kaunas.lt, www.inyourpocket.com/city/kaunas, www.StudyKaunas.eu, www.kaunas.lt

INFORMATION SEARCH GUIDE Want to know more about Vytautas Magnus University and wonder where should you start? Start with the following links: 1. Check the official Vytautas Magnus University website (www.vdu.lt) English section for international visitors; 2. Check the official Vytautas Magnus University website of International Office (www.trt.vdu.lt) English or the French sections for international visitors; 3. Check the Contact section of this book and visit websites or contact the coordinators.

INSTANT CONTACT SHEET International Office Postal address: International Office Vytautas Magnus University K. Donelaičio g. 58 LT-44248 Kaunas Lithuania Visiting address of International Office: S. Daukanto g. 27, Rooms 301–309, Kaunas E-mail office@trt.vdu.lt Tel. +370 37 327 986 Tel./Fax + 370 37 327 989 web pages: www.trt.vdu.lt

Faculties: Faculty of Arts see page 15 Faculty of Catholic Theology see page 16 Faculty of Economics and Management see page 17 Faculty of Humanities see page 19 Faculty of Informatics see page 21 Faculty of Law see page 22 Faculty of Natural Sciences see page 23 Faculty of Political Science and Diplomacy see page 24 Faculty of Social Sciences see page 27 Faculty of Social Welfare see page 29

Public Communications Office Address K. Donelaičio g. 58, LT-44248 Kaunas Tel. +370 37 327 960; +370 37 327 868 E-mail info@vks.vdu.lt Kaunas 2010 © International Office, 2010 © Vytautas Magnus University, 2010 Edited by: International Office Photos: VMU archive. Design: Paulius Januškevičius.