Department of Political Science
Loeb Building B644
Telephone: 520-2764
Fax: 520-4064
E-mail: vperebo@ccs.carleton.ca
The Department
Chair of the Department:
Glen Williams
Assistant Chair:
Vincent Della Sala
Departmental Supervisor of Graduate Studies:
S.L. Sutherland
Assistant Supervisor:
A.S. Chandler
The Department offers programs leading to the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees. Graduate
study and research may be undertaken in the fields of political theory,
Canadian government and politics, comparative government and politics,
international relations, and public administration and policy analysis.
Within these fields, students may select more specialized areas, such as
classical, medieval, and modern, or analytic and empirical theory; comparative
government and politics of a particular area or group of countries where
the Department has developed particular strength.
In relation to the M.A., the Department also draws to the attention of
students the possibility of pursuing planned themes or special topics of
study that draw systematically from the department’s range of courses and
expertise across two or more of the traditional fields of political science,
and also open the possibility of pursuing, depending upon prerequisites
and with the permission of the academic units concerned, planned streams
of course work across other departments, schools, and institutes of the
University.
Themes include:
-
public affairs and policy analysis, with emphasis on quantitative analysis
of public opinion, media impacts on policy, and on policy outcomes
-
a political theory concentration that focuses on contemporary problems
of modernity including the challenge that technology presents to the state
-
North American community studies, with an emphasis on political institutions
and how trade instruments affect domestic and regional politics
-
European politics, which treats political integration and transitions in
both western and eastern Europe
-
global politics and society
-
critical and analytical approaches to development in regard to selected
geographical areas
-
government and institutions, at whose centre is an exploration of the role
of the state and the importance of institutional provisions.
See Study Themes under Master of Arts, Course Work Requirements.
In the Department and the self-standing schools and institutes, Carleton
University houses one of the three largest concentrations in Canada of
well-known political science professionals. In this configuration, the
Department is unique in offering the full range of fields that make up
modern political science, and is thus well placed to develop critical and
analytical skills in its degree candidates, as the range of perspectives,
priorities, and methodologies in contemporary political theory and political
studies in general are brought into close relation with one another.
The Department is committed to the view that the goal of studying politics
is to continue and further the search for the meaning and the morality
of public life (community) by historical, critical, empirical, and analytical
means. A community’s politics and its public policy describe the extent
of political community that is aspired to, and which can feasibly be accomplished
given the context of power relations in the international and domestic
institutional and economic conjunctures. The Department exists to continue
the discussions that run through the history of the study of politics about
what is good, and how to maintain the autonomy of the sphere of the public
and the political in the face of multiple challenges, which now include
citizen apathy and economic forces that escape states. Students emerge
with minds trained to identify, weigh, and sift ideals and evidence, using
the full range of methodologies, and also with a grounding in the politics
of areas and institutional configurations. They are also equipped for one
of the most important roles in human life: that of citizen.
Qualifying-Year Program
Applicants who have a general (pass) B.A. in Political Science, with second-class
standing, may be considered for admission to a qualifying-year program.
Candidates who complete the qualifying year with high honours standing
may be considered for admission to the master’s program the following year.
Refer to the General Regulations section of this Calendar for details of
the regulations governing the qualifying year.
Master of Arts
Admission Requirements
The normal requirement for admission to the master’s program is an honours
B.A. (or the equivalent) in Political Science, with at least high honours
standing.
Honours graduates in fields other than political science will be considered
on the basis of their academic background and standing, and will be judged
on a case-by-case basis. Those with only minor deficiencies may be required
to take certain specified courses, while others whose degrees are less
closely related to political science may be required to register in the
qualifying year, at the discretion of the Department. Graduates of three-year
programs in political science will be required either to complete the fourth
year of an honours degree and reapply, or register in the qualifying year
of the M.A. (see above), depending on work completed to date and academic
standing.
Program Requirements
All master’s candidates will fulfil a 5.0 credit program requiring departmental
approval. No more than 1.0 credit may be taken at the 400 level. It is
anticipated that candidates will enter with both political theory and research
methods in their backgrounds. In cases where this is not so, candidates
will, with the advice of the Department, select suitable courses as part
of their programs.
All candidates, in consultation with the Department, will pursue their
degree either by course work only or by undertaking an independent research
project. The independent research project can be fulfilled in one of two
ways: a 1.0 credit research paper on a topic related to at least one of
the courses taken, that may represent a significant development of one
or more papers submitted in fulfilment of course requirements; or a 2.0
credit thesis.
Details of defences for the above M.A. options are outlined in the section
on defences.
Students who choose to specialize in Canadian government and politics must
demonstrate a reading knowledge of French, except where a degree of proficiency
in another language makes more sense in relation to the student’s program
of studies.
Students whose mother tongue is other than English and who do not intend
to specialize in Canadian politics, or students whose research interests
require another language or another research skill such as methods, may
obtain permission from the Department to substitute another language or
a research skill for French. Departmental language tests are administered
twice a year.
The language requirement may also be satisfied by passing an approved language
course with a grade of B– or higher.
Course Requirements
All master’s candidates are required to take an approved methods course.
Students who have not already taken a course in research design and methods
at the undergraduate level may be required, depending on the course pattern
chosen, to take Political Science 47.570. When appropriate and related
significantly to the program of study, another methods course, such as
Political Science 47.534, 47.571, 47.572, or 47.573, may be substituted.
Candidates will follow one of three program patterns:
-
5.0 credits in approved courses
-
Research Essay (1.0 credit) and 4.0 credits in courses
-
Thesis (2.0 credits) and 3.0 credits in courses
Students following one of the M.A. study themes will follow one of two
program patterns:
-
5.0 credits in approved courses
-
Research Essay (1.0 credit) and 4.0 credits in courses
All students will receive faculty assistance in building their programs.
General M.A. students will compose their own programs with the assistance
of their faculty adviser and the graduate supervisor. Students pursuing
a thematic option will choose a number of courses from among those listed
annually, posted by June each year. Students following themes of study
will receive approval for their plans of study from the faculty coordinator
for that theme and the graduate supervisor.
Master’s students are asked to note that the Department has considerable
strength in Canadian government and politics. Students opting to concentrate
on Canada will be given assistance to develop their own program of study
in this area.
Study Themes
Students pursuing a thematic option are required to meet the general program
requirements for the M.A. degree. The course requirements that characterize
each theme of study are listed below following the general theme description.
The balance between core and optional courses differs across themes. In
all cases where courses are taken outside the Department, students must
have the prerequisites or obtain permission of the instructor of the course
in question.
Public Affairs and Policy Analysis
This theme of study focuses on theoretical and practical analysis of the
policy process, including the design, management, communication, and analysis
of all aspects of policy, with particular emphasis on quantitative analysis
of public opinion, media impacts on policy, and policy outcomes.
Students must normally complete a total of 5.0 credits consisting of:
-
Approved methods course(s)
-
Political Science 47.647
-
Political Science 47.648
-
Research Essay (1.0 credit) on a topic appropriate to the theme; and/or
-
Approved course options
Political Theory: Modernity, Technology, and the Common Good
This theme explores ethical and analytical concepts for the evaluation
of contemporary political practice, including legitimacy, civic virtue,
and human rights. Its central topics include the critique of modernity;
global technology; the communitarian-liberalism debate; alternative understandings
of the common good; and the competing claims of charity and justice. Its
approaches include hermeneutics, phenomenology, postmodernism, critical
theory, democratic theory, and political culture and myth.
Students must normally complete a total of 5.0 credits consisting of:
-
Approved methods course(s)
-
Political Science 47.630 and 47.631
-
At least 1.0 credit from a list of courses approved annually for the core
-
Research Essay (1.0 credit) on a topic approporate to the theme; and/or
-
Approved course options
North American Government and Community Studies
This theme of study focuses on the politics and the integrative/disintegrative
forces operating among the countries of North America: the United States,
Canada, and Mexico. Students will explore issues relevant to the political
association of these states in the North American political community from
a variety of perspectives, including structures, political economy, the
domestic politics of the players, and the international relations within
the zone.
Students must normally complete a total of 5.0 credits consisting of:
-
Approved methods course(s)
-
At least 1.0 credit from a list of courses approved annually for the core
-
Research Essay (1.0 credit) on a topic appropriate to the theme; and/or
-
Approved course options
European Politics
The theme focuses on the end-of-century transitions of European politics,
encompassing political integration through the European Union and the transition
from communism in Eastern Europe, Central Europe, and Russia. These changes
have called into question conventional thinking about market reform, democratization,
and the role of the state. Because these shifts and transformations have
created an environment in which European political issues have become both
more continental in scope and more comparable, students opting for this
scheme can pursue a course of study encompassing both Western and Eastern
Europe.
Students must normally complete a total of 5.0 credits consisting of:
-
Approved methods course(s)
-
At least 1.5 credits from a list of courses approved annually for the core
-
Research Essay (1.0 credit) on a topic appropriate to the theme; and/or
-
Approved course options
Development Politics
This theme features topical, critical, and analytical approaches to development.
Students will explore the political economy of development and underdevelopment,
democratization and the elaboration of “civil society”, the politics of
aid-giving and receiving, and the role of non-governmental organizations.
Approved options include courses that focus on regions, including Africa,
Latin America, and the post-communist countries, as well as Canada.
Students must normally complete a total of 5.0 credits consisting of:
-
Approved methods course(a)
-
At least 1.5 credits from a list of courses approved annually for the core
-
Research Essay (1.0 credit) on a topic appropriate to the theme; and/or
-
Approved course options in area or regional studies
Global Politics and Society
This theme focuses on two related themes: the politics of global society,
and Canada and the world. Students will explore the ways in which the process
of globalization, conceived as the compression of the world and the intensification
of consciousness of the world as a whole, accelerated by the political
and economic collapse of the communist bloc and the integration of its
successor states into the world economy, has altered the international
economic and political orders. The second theme, Canada and the world, is
designed to enable students to explore the implications of this globalization
process for the future of Canada.
Students must normally complete a total of 5.0 credits consisting of:
-
Approved methods course(s)
-
At least 1.5 credits from a list of courses approved annually for the core
-
Research Essay (1.0 credit) on a topic appropriate to the theme; and/or
-
Approved course options
Government and Institutions
The “government” theme of study is concentrated upon state institutions,
taking up recent debates about the effectiveness of various kinds of regimes
and institutional and rule structures, the role that such structures play
in promoting or resisting change, and the changes in the reach and autonomy
of politics and the state itself amid fiscal crises and other challenges.
Within the theme, students can choose to centre their options on Canada,
or they may pursue comparative (area, regional) studies.
Students must normally complete a total of 5.0 credits consisting of:
-
Approved methods course(s)
-
At least 1.0 credit on state institutions, governance, and the issue of
how much room is left for politics in different economic environments,
from among courses approved annually for the core
-
At least 1.0 credit drawn from a list of courses approved annually whose
emphasis is on regime types and the configuration of representative institutions,
including the place of bureaucracy, and organizations
-
Research Essay (1.0 credit) on a topic appropriate to the theme; and/or
-
Approved course options
Defences
In the case of the student choosing a research essay, that essay will be
evaluated by two of the Department’s faculty members including the supervisor
and a second reader, and a letter grade will be assigned. An oral defence
of the essay is not required but may be requested by the supervisor or
second reader.
In the case of the student choosing a thesis, the thesis will be evaluated
by three people: the student’s thesis supervisor from the Department, a
second reader from the Department, and an external third reader who is
generally from another Carleton Department but may sometimes come from
outside the University. A thesis must be defended orally before the three
evaluators. No letter grade is assigned, but notations of Pass with Distinction,
Satisfactory, and Unsatisfactory are assigned.
Academic Standing
All master’s candidates must obtain at least B standing (grade point average
8.0). One grade of C+ may be allowed.
Doctor of Philosophy
The Ph.D. program in political science normally will be undertaken on a
full-time basis. However, in cases of exceptional merit, the Department
will accept a few candidates for the degree on a part-time basis.
Admission Requirements
The normal requirement for admission to the Ph.D. program is a master’s
degree (or its equivalent) in political science with high honours standing
or better. Applicants should note, however, that meeting the admission
requirement does not guarantee admission to the program. Review of the
department’s competitive selection process indicates that students with
a grade point average below 10.0 in the master’s program are generally
not recommended for admission to the doctoral program. Students applying
on the basis of a master’s degre from other disciplines will be considered
on a case-by-case basis, and may be required to take additional courses
as part of the program.
Program Requirements
The normal program requirements for Ph.D. candidates are outlined in the
General Regulations section of this Calendar.
It is anticipated that Ph.D. candidates will enter with a background in
political theory at the undergraduate level, regardless of their desired
field of specialization. Those who do not will be treated as special cases
and will have their programs arranged accordingly. If statistical proficiency
is needed for the preparation of the thesis, students will also be expected
to take a course in research methods. Candidates are also expected to demonstrate
proficiency in a second language or in research methods. All candidates
will, as part of their program, acquire a basic knowledge of the major
explanatory approaches in use in political science through the required
course 47.696, constituting a tutorial in political inquiry, followed by
the research design seminar and thesis proposal workshop.
The program requirements (10.0 credits unless additional course work is
required) for Ph.D. candidates in Political Science are the following:
-
At least 1.0 credit at the graduate level in each of the candidate’s two
major fields of study; a grade point average of 9.0 or better must be obtained
in these courses for students to be allowed to proceed to the comprehensive
examinations.
-
Satisfactory completion of Political Science 47.690 (1.0 credit), preparation
for a written comprehensive examination covering the two major fields.
The grade to be awarded will be that obtained on the field examinations,
normally written in two parts with one week between the parts, on two occasions
each year, April and August.
-
Proficiency in a research skill, as outlined under research skill requirement
-
At least 1.0 credit will normally be taken during the second year of the
program in fields allied to the major topics of the thesis. This credit
will normally be fulfilled through regular course work rather than tutorials.
-
Successful completion of Political Science 47.696 (1.0 credit) constituting
a political inquiry tutorial, a research design seminar, and a thesis proposal
workshop
-
A public defence, in English, of a written thesis proposal
-
A 5.0 credit thesis, written in English or French, which will be defended
in English at an oral examination.
Full-time students are required to complete the comprehensive examinations
within 12 months of entering the program, and must normally complete the
public defence of the thesis proposal, preceded by its formal acceptance
by the supervisory comittee, within 24 months of entering the doctoral
program.
Ph.D. candidates will each be assigned a faculty member to advise them
on their studies. Students’ programs, including the choice of supervisor
and the thesis committee, must be approved by the Department. The thesis
supervisor will normally be chosen from among faculty members in the Department
of Political Science. Upon approval of the thesis supervisor and the Department,
committee members may be chosen from elsewhere within the University.
Research Skill Requirement
Ph.D. candidates must demonstrate the ability to use a research skill appropriate
to their program. The research skill requirement will normally be satisfied
before the defence of the thesis proposal, and will take one of the following
forms:
-
An ability to read and translate French or another language appropriate
to their course of study; and/or the ability to speak a language other
than English sufficient to conduct interviews in that language
-
Credit work in an approved political science methods course, workshop,
or colloquium, equivalent to 1.0 credit; or any two of the following courses
(or an approved alternative): Political Science 47.570, 47.571, 47.572,
and 47.573. With the approval of the Department, a 0.5 credit from the
courses above may be substituted for the first half of Political Science
47.696.
Comprehensive Examinations
All Ph.D. candidates must successfully complete a written comprehensive
examination covering their two major fields. The examination is in the
form of two examination papers written one week apart. At the discretion
of the Department, candidates may be required to take an oral examination
following the written examination.
The fields of study for the Ph.D. comprehensive examination are to be chosen
from the following list:
Political Theory
A general knowledge of the main outlines and significant themes and problems
of political philosophy and thought.
Canadian Government and Politics
A general knowledge of Canadian political ideas, institutions, and processes.
Comparative Government and Politics
A general knowledge of the theories and methodology of comparative politics.
International Relations
A general knowledge of international theory, international organization,
and the development of the field of international relations.
Public Administration and Policy Analysis
A general knowledge of theories of bureaucracy, organization, and public
administration; and theory, practice, and methods of analysis in public
affairs and public policy within and outside Canada.
Thesis Proposal
All students must publicly defend a thesis proposal after completing their
comprehensive examinations. Full-time students must complete this requirement
within the first two years of registration in the program. Details on this
program requirement are provided in Departmental Guidelines for the Graduate
Program.
Selection of Courses
Within the scope of the regulations, the following undergraduate courses
(fully described in the Undergraduate Calendar) may be taken by graduate
students.
Please note that not all of these courses are offered every year. Students
should consult the timetable published each year in early June.
Political Science
47.400
Topics in Canadian Government and Politics
47.402
Policy Seminar: Problems of Northern Development
47.403
Politics and the Media
47.405
Federalism
47.406
Legislative Process in Canada
47.407
The Politics of Law Enforcement in Canada
47.408
National Security and Intelligence in the Modern State
47.409
Politics in Quebec
47.410
Canadian and Comparative Local Government and Politics
47.411
French-English Relations
47.412
Politics of Western Liberal Democracies
47.413
The State in Advanced Capitalist Societies
47.414
Theory and Practice in Third World Development
47.415
Selected Problems in Third World Development
47.416
Labour and the Canadian State
47.417
Political Participation in Canada
47.418
Canadian Provincial Government and Politics
47.419
The Politics of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
47.420
Policy Making in the United States
47.421
Politics of Influence in the United States
47.422
Constitutional Politics
47.431
Marxist Thought
47.432
Contemporary Marxism
47.435
Contemporary Political Theory
47.436
Concepts of Political Community I
47.437
Concepts of Political Community II
47.441
Business-Government Relations in Canada
47.448
Public Organizations: Theory and Practice
47.450
Feminist Political Analysis in Comparative Perspective
47.455
Transitions to Democracy
47.460
Analysis of International Politics
47.461
Foreign Policies of Soviet Successor States
47.463
Analysis of International Political Economy
47.464
Selected Problems in International Political Economy
47.466
American Foreign Policy
47.467
International Politics of North America
47.482
International Politics of Africa
47.483
Foreign Policies of Major East Asian Powers
47.484
International Relations of South and South-East Asia
Students are encouraged to look for courses within Carleton in the Departments
of Economics, Geography, History, Law, Philosophy, and Sociology and Anthropology;
the Schools of Business, Journalism and Communication, Public Administration,
and the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs; and in the Institutes
of Central/East European and Russian-Area Studies, and Political Economy.
They are equally strongly encouraged to look for courses in the Departments
of Political Science and Philosophy at the University of Ottawa.
All courses selected will be subject to the approval of the Department,
on grounds of appropriateness to the program of study and the avoidance
of excessive overlap between courses.
Graduate Courses*
The following is a complete list of all political science graduate-level
courses. Students should consult the timetable (published in early June)
for a list of courses which will be offered during 1997-1998. Enrolment
in graduate courses requires the permission of the Department, through
the supervisor of graduate studies.
Political Science 47.503F1 or W1
Political Parties in Canada
A seminar on political parties and party systems in Canadian federal politics,
including an examination of patterns of historical development, party organization
and finance, relationships with social movements, and the impact of Canadian
federalism.
Political Science 47.504F1 or W1
Policy Making in Canada
A study of the main policy-making actors, structures, and influences at
the federal level, such as the cabinet, the bureaucracy, the central and
advisory agencies, Parliament, parties, interest groups, élites, secrecy
and the press. Some attention is given to the provincial level and to the
process of federal-provincial bargaining.
Political Science 47.506F1 or W1
Problems of Canadian Government and Politics I
A research seminar on selected problems.
Political Science 47.507F1 or W1
Problems of Canadian Government and Politics II
A research seminar on selected problems.
Political Science 47.508F1 or W1
The Politics of Energy and the Environment
A research seminar focusing upon the substantive issues, the policy structures
and processes, and current Canadian governmental response in the area of
energy policy and environmental quality management.
Political Science 47.509F1 or W1
Canadian Political Economy
A seminar on political economy as a traditional and contemporary approach
to the study of Canadian politics and the Canadian state. Canada’s economic
development, social relations (including gender and race relations), and
position in the international political economy is explored.
Political Science 47.511F1 or W1
Canadian Federalism
A study of the evolution and contemporary operation of the Canadian federal
system, noting particularly the specific social, political, economic, and
structural features which underlie its operational performance, its resilience
in crisis, and its potential for adaptation.
Political Science 47.514F1 or W1
The Transition from Communism
An in-depth investigation of the problems of transition in post-communist
societies.
Political Science 47.515F1 or W1
Post-Communist Politics in East Central Europe
A comparative examination of the emergence of post-communist political
systems in East Central Europe.
Political Science 47.516F1 or W1
Selected Problems in the Politics of Soviet Successor States
A seminar on selected problems of nation-building in Russia, Ukraine, and
other Soviet successor states.
Political Science 47.517F1 or W1
Selected Problems in African Politics
A political economy approach will be taken in this seminar, stressing the
relationship of dependence, underdevelopment, participation, and class
formation to the decision-making process in selected countries.
Political Science 47.518F1 or W1
State, Revolution, and Reform in East Asia
Problems of state-building, political institutions, and policy making in
the sinitic world, including the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, Japan,
North and South Korea, and Vietnam.
Political Science 47.519F1 or W1
Comparative Public Policy
A review of approaches to the study of policy, of the impact of political
factors on policy, and of the substance of policy choices in such domestic
fields as communications, social security, health, industrial and rural
development policies in selected countries.
Political Science 47.520F1 or W1
Nationalism
A seminar on the historical and comparative study of nationalism, with
emphasis on its role in the promotion of political change.
Political Science 47.521F1 or W1
Politics in Plural Societies
A seminar on politics in multicultural societies, with emphasis on Canada
and other developed democracies.Topics include structural segmentation,
consociational processes, intergroup attitudes, and institutional adjustments
to pluralism.
Political Science 47.522F1 or W1
Politics of Third World Development
A seminar examining the politics of development and underdevelopment in
the Third World. Topics covered include theory, selected issues, and case
studies from Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Political Science 47.523F1 or W1
The Politics of Southern Africa
This course examines the roots of the contemporary political situation
in the countries of Southern Africa and competing explanations in the literature.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as
47.423, for which additional credit is precluded.
Political Science 47.525F1 or W1
Problems in American Government I
A research seminar on topics such as the distribution of power, decision-making
processes, the impact of technology, strains in intergovernmental relations,
civil-military relations, governmental news management and secrecy; executive
accountability, and impediments to reform of Congress and the presidency.
Political Science 47.526F1 or W1
Problems in American Government II
A research seminar on topics such as political violence and social change,
the roles of mass media, business élite roles, political corruption, civil
rights and minority politics, and the urban crisis.
Political Science 47.531F1 or W1
Modern Political Culture and Ideology
This seminar explores certain connections among image, symbol, myth, language,
and politics. Topics include the expressive and designative conceptions
of language; myth, metaphor and the foundations of civic life; rhetoric
and the sensus communis; romanticism and nationalism; myth in democratic
and totalitarian politics; and the structure of political culture.
Political Science 47.532F1 or W1
Democratic Theories
Analysis of various theories of democracy and community, from classical
to modern.
Political Science 47.534F1 or W1
Political Inquiry
This seminar, which constitutes the first half of 47.696, focuses on the
major approaches to research in political areas as discussed in contemporary
philosophy of the social sciences, exploring the variety of explanatory
strategies in use in the contemporary study of politics. Students who take
this course for credit must substitute another methods course in order
to complete the requirements for 47.696.
Precludes additional credit for 47.570.
Political Science 47.536F1 or W1
The Canadian and American Political Traditions I
A seminar on the interpretation of the American, English-Canadian, and
French-Canadian political traditions. The emphasis will be on English-Canadian
and French-Canadian political traditions.
Precludes additional credit for 47.535.
Political Science 47.537F1 or W1
The Canadian and American Political Traditions II
A seminar on the interpretation of the American, English-Canadian, and
French-Canadian political traditions. The emphasis will be on the American
political tradition.
Precludes additional credit for 47.535.
Political Science 47.538F1 or W1
Concepts of Political Community I
A critical survey of concepts of political community, including the common
good, justice, citizenship, statesmanship, democracy, and legitimacy, from
ancient, modern, and contemporary political theory.
Precludes additional credit for 47.436.
Political Science 47.539F1 or W1
Concepts of Political Community II
A continued critical survey of concepts of political community, including
the common good, justice, citizenship, statesmanship, democracy, and legitimacy,
from ancient, modern, and contemporary political theory.
Precludes additional credit for 47.437.
Prerequisite: Political Science 47.538 or permission of the Department.
Political Science 47.541F1 or W1
Canadian Public Administration and Policy Analysis
The theory and practice of public administration in Canada, with emphasis
on the federal level, including the role of the bureaucracy in policy making.
Political Science 47.544F1 or W1
Public Administration in Developed Western Countries
A seminar in comparative public administration, with emphasis on Commonwealth
countries, the United States, France, and West Germany.
Political Science 47.545F1 or W1
Public Administration in Developing Countries
A seminar on the literature and characteristics of development administration;
comparison by region, country, and topic.
Political Science 47.549F1 or W1
Research Seminar in Public Administration
The content of this seminar will vary from year to year according to faculty
research interests and student demand.
Political Science 47.551S1
Selected Issues in Political Economy I
A research seminar exploring a selected topic of current research having
a political economy perspective, such as power and stratification; dynamics
of state action; contrasting views on administration as an instrument of
political economy; culture, ideology, and social relations; and the labour
process.
(Also offered as Political Economy 44.551 and Sociology 53.544)
Political Science 47.552S1
Selected Issues in Political Economy II
A research seminar exploring a selected topic of current research having
a political economy perspective, such as power and stratification; dynamics
of state action; contrasting views on administration as an instrument of
political economy; culture, ideology, and social relations; and the labour
process.
(Also offered as Political Economy 44.552 and Sociology 53.555)
Political Science 47.553F1 or W1
Selected Problems in Western European Politics I
This course is designed to deal intensively with domestic politics in Britain,
France, Germany, Italy, and selected minor European powers.
Precludes additional credit for 47.550.
Political Science 47.554F1 or W1
Selected Problems in Western European Politics II
This course is designed to deal intensively with comparative and supra-national
issues concerning the European Community, NATO, and other Western European
institutions.
Precludes additional credit for 47.550.
Political Science 47.555F1 or W1
Selected Problems of Comparative Politics I
A research seminar dealing with a central theme of current research in
comparative politics, such as: the effects of state policy and expenditure;
technology and politics; political psychology; sex/gender and politics;
the military and politics; Marxism and politics; religion and politics;
studies in revolution; comparative parties and interest groups.
Political Science 47.556F1 or W1
Selected Problems in Comparative Politics II
A research seminar dealing with a central theme of current research in
comparative politics, such as: the effects of state policy and expenditure;
technology and politics; political psychology; sex/gender and politics;
the military and politics; Marxism and politics; religion and politics;
studies in revolution; comparative parties and interest groups.
Political Science 47.561F1 or W1
Analysis of Canadian Foreign Policy
A research seminar on contemporary Canadian external policies, with emphasis
on the analysis of cases and issues, and comparisons with other national
actors.
Political Science 47.567F1 or W1
International Politics of North America
An examination of continentalism in Canadian foreign policy during the
twentieth century that charts regional, economic, political, and defence
relations in North America.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as
47.467, for which additional credit is precluded.
Political Science 47.570F1 or W1
Basic Research Methods
A course in applied research design and methodology, with emphasis on empirical
research strategies that are amenable to quantification. Master’s students
who have not completed Political Science 47.270 (or its equivalent) with
high honours or better standing may be required to take this course.
Political Science 47.571F1 or W1
Intermediate Polimetrics for Micro Data
This course covers intermediate research designs and statistical techniques
primarily used in analyzing survey data. Selected topics may vary from
year to year. Students intending to do research based on micro data are
advised to take this course.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as
47.471, for which additional credit is precluded.
Prerequisite: Political Science 47.570 or permission of the Department.
Political Science 47.572F1 or W1
Intermediate Polimetrics for Macro Data
This course covers intermediate research designs and statistical techniques
primarily used in analyzing macro or aggregate data. Selected topics may
vary from year to year. Students intending to do research based on macro
data are advised to take this course.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as
47.472, for which additional credit is precluded.
Prerequisite: Political Science 47.570 or permission of the Department.
Political Science 47.573F1 or W1
Advanced Research Methods
A course in advanced techniques of analysis. The focus of this research
seminar is the use of various mathematical and statistical techniques in
the construction and analysis of political theory. The seminar may include
such topics as the translation of verbal theory into formal theory, the
use of statistical techniques beyond regression and correlational analysis
to examine political hypotheses, and index construction, including scaling
and validation techniques.
Prerequisite: Political Science 47.570 or permission of the Department.
Political Science 47.581F1 or W1
Foreign Policies of African States
The foreign policy determinants and international behaviour of African
states. Each year, the seminar focuses on a particular issue area.
Precludes additional credit for 47.582.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department.
Political Science 47.585F1 or W1
Foreign Policy Analysis
A research seminar dealing with selected problems in the study of foreign
policy formulations and outcomes.
Political Science 47.586F1 or W1
Strategic Thought and Issues in International Security
A research seminar on the evolution of classical and contemporary strategic
thought, as well as on current issues in international security.
Political Science 47.587F1 or W1
Analysis of International Organizations
A research seminar on process and change in contemporary forms of international
organization.
Political Science 47.588F1 or W1
International Political Economy
A seminar on the changing international division of labour, and its consequences
for world politics. Topics include differing patterns of industrialization,
colonial relations, the role of the state, and current issues in international
political economy.
Prerequisite: Work at a senior undergraduate level in at least two of the
following: international relations, development studies, international
trade, or political economy ; or permission of the Department.
(Also offered as International Affairs 46.588)
Political Science 47.589F1 or W1
Problems in International Politics
A workshop on significant issues in the study of international politics,
with emphasis on the state of the field (and subfields) and problems in
research.
Prerequisite: Political Science 47.560, or 47.660 and 47.661, or permission
of the Department.
Political Science 47.590T2
Tutorial in a Selected Field
Tutorials or reading courses on selected topics may be arranged with the
permission of the Department.
Political Science 47.591F1, W1, S1
Tutorial in a Selected Field
Tutorials or reading courses on selected topics may be arranged with the
permission of the Department.
Political Science 47.598F2, W2, S2
M.A. Research Essay
Tutorial for students who write a research essay rather than a thesis.
Political Science 47.599F4, W4, S4
M.A. Thesis
Please note that courses numbered 47.600 through 47.661 are open to both
M.A. and Ph.D. students.
Political Science 47.600F1
The Political Process in Canada I
An analytical study of the democratic political process, with particular
reference to political parties and elections, pressure groups, and political
leadership in Canada.
Precludes additional credit for 47.510.
Political Science 47.601W1
The Political Process in Canada II
An analytical study of the democratic political process, with particular
reference to political parties and elections, pressure groups, and political
leadership in Canada.
Precludes additional credit for 47.510.
Political Science 47.615F1
Comparative Politics I
A research seminar dealing with theories, methods, and problems of comparison.
Precludes additional credit for 47.505.
Political Science 47.616W1
Comparative Politics II
A research seminar dealing with particular themes.
Precludes additional credit for 47.505.
Political Science 47.630F1
Political Theory I
An intensive examination of the major questions in classical, medieval,
modern, and contemporary political philosophy. This political theory course
is both historically comprehensive in scope and thematically oriented in
depth.
Precludes additional credit for 47.530.
Political Science 47.631W1
Political Theory II
An intensive examination of the major questions in classical, medieval,
modern, and contemporary political philosophy. This political theory course
is both historically comprehensive in scope and thematically oriented in
depth.
Precludes additional credit for 47.530.
Political Science 47.646F1
Theories of Public Administration
A seminar on theories of bureaucracy, organization, and comparison.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as
47.446, for which additional credit is precluded.
Political Science 47.647W1
Public Policy: Content and Creation
This course provides an opportunity to examine and apply major perspectives
on the content and creation of public policy. The focus is on the explanation,
prediction and design of policy. Perspectives and examples are drawn from
a variety of frameworks and from both Canadian and non-Canadian contexts.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as
47.447, for which additional credit is precluded.
Political Science 47.648F1 or W1
Public Affairs Management and Analysis
This course examines how public and private sector organizations affect
the climate of opinion relating to public policy and how they seek to change
citizen behaviour. Topics include public affairs communication, political
persuasion, corporate political agency, social marketing, health information
campaigns, public affairs and electoral advertising, issue framing, polls,
citizen group mobilization, and alliance building.
Precludes additional credit for 47.448.
Political Science 47.660F1
Theory and Research in International Politics I
An examination of the principal problems in contemporary international
relations theory and research, emphasizing the state of the field and current
directions in it.
Precludes additional credit for 47.560.
Political Science 47.661W1
Theory and Research in International Politics II
An examination of the principal problems in contemporary international
relations theory and research, emphasizing the state of the field and current
directions in it.
Precludes additional credit for 47.560.
Political Science 47.690F3, W3, S3
Ph.D. Tutorials
Ph.D. tutorials specifically designed as intensive preparation for the
major field examinations, under the direction of one or more members of
the Department. The grade to be awarded will be that obtained on the field
examination.
Political Science 47.691F3, W3, S3
Ph.D. Tutorials
Ph.D. tutorials specifically designed as intensive preparation for the
minor field examinations, under the direction of one or more members of
the Department. The grade to be awarded will be that obtained on the field
examinations.
Political Science 47.692F3, W3, S3
Ph.D. Tutorials
Ph.D. tutorials specifically designed as intensive preparation for the
minor field examinations, under the direction of one or more members of
the Department. The grade to be awarded will be that obtained on the field
examinations.
Political Science 47.695F3, W3, S3
Ph.D. Tutorials
Ph.D. tutorials specifically designed as intensive preparation for the
major field examinations, under the direction of one or more members of
the Department. The grade to be awarded will be that obtained on the field
examination.
Political Science 47.696T2
Strategies of Explanation and Political Inquiry, and Proposal Workshop
Doctoral group tutorial in political inquiry, a research seminar and proposal
workshop for the cohort of doctoral candidates who have successfully completed
the comprehensive examinations. The first half of the seminar includes
participation in 47.534, or another methods seminar approved by the Department.
The proposal workshop constitutes the second half of the course. The seminar
and workshop are designed to allow candidates to master and then apply
the major explanatory approaches and styles to a problem of their choice,
to further assist the candidates to apply accepted methodological standards
to their own research designs, and to follow and comment upon the application
of other methodological strategies by their peers. The course will be coordinated
by one instructor, but a number of departmental faculty may attend chosen
seminars to explain the methodology used in their own major published works
and in their fields in general. The grade for this course is Satisfactory
or Unsatisfactory.
Political Science 47.699F10, W10, S10
Ph.D. Thesis