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Chair Garth Stevenson Professors Emeriti Victor M. Fic, W.H.N. Hull, William A. Matheson, J. Patrick Sewell Professors Carl Baar (on leave), Gerald E. Dirks (on leave), W. D. Kenneth Kernaghan, Daniel Madar, David T. Siegel, Garth Stevenson Associate Professors Leah Bradshaw, Charles Burton, Terrance G. Carroll, Juris Dreifelds, Pierre Lizee, Ingrid Makus, William Mathie Assistant Professors Hevina Dashwood, Paul Hamilton, Matt Hennigar, Livianna Tossutti, Mark Yaniszewski Lecturers Jennifer Bernacki, Rosalind Warner, David Whorley Seminar Coordinator Jacqueline Dix |
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Administrative Assistant Chris Schacht 905-688-5550, extension 3476 Taro Hall 468 http://www.brocku.ca/politics/ The MA program in Political Science began in 1973 and admits 12 to 15 new full-time students each year. Generous fellowships and other forms of assistance are awarded on the basis of merit and need. The program is small enough to allow students to be treated as individuals and to have close contact with faculty, yet large enough to provide diversity and an active intellectual community. Students come from across Canada, as well as from Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States. Courses of study and research are designed to meet the needs and interests of each student. The Department of Political Science can provide for a wide range of specific interests, including political philosophy, Canadian politics, comparative politics, international relations and public administration. Faculty expertise and library resources support each area of concentration. The program provides a sound basis for those wishing to proceed elsewhere to PhD or professional programs or for those seeking creative careers with government, international organizations, the courts, schools and public service groups. |
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Admission normally requires at least a high secondclass average and an honours degree. Full-time candidates are required to complete at least three terms of study. The program is designed so that students can fulfil degree requirements within twelve months of admission. Government policy requires that full-time MA candidates who do not complete their program within twelve months shall continue to pay full fees on a termbyterm basis until all course work has been completed and the first draft of their thesis or major essay has been approved by their adviser and department Chair. Graduate Courses There are three types of courses in the Political Science MA program and all are one term in length. First, there are core courses, which are taught as seminars and which are reserved for graduate students. These include POLI 5P80, 5P82, 5P84, 5P85 and 5P86 and, for students in Scheme B only, 5P91. These core seminars provide an opportunity for critical examination of some of the most significant writings in the various subfields of the discipline and constitute a key component in the Brock MA program. POLI 5P80 is normally required for all students and it is expected that one or two additional core courses will be included in each program of study. Four of the five core seminars listed above will normally be offered each year, but other courses may also be offered as core seminars in some years. Second, there are specialized courses, most of which are taught in conjunction with 4(alpha)00 level honours courses. These are also seminar courses with small class sizes. Students in the graduate course have assignments and responsibilities different from those students in the 4(alpha)00 level honours course when the two meet as a combined class. Third, there are tutorial courses. These are individualized reading courses approved for students who want to pursue a topic not covered in the graduate curriculum. The precise requirements and topics are a matter of agreement between instructor and student, subject to general departmental regulations. A thesis or major essay is also a part of all courses of study. In designing their programs in consultation with the graduate officer, graduate students follow either scheme A or scheme B. Scheme A consists of four half credit courses, normally including POLI 5P80 and one other core seminar, and a thesis. The thesis is a major piece of research and writing, equivalent to three full credits. Scheme A is intended for students who are prepared to do advanced research on a specialized topic. Scheme B consists of seven half credit courses, normally including POLI 5P80 and two other core seminars, POLI 5P91 and a major essay. The major essay is equivalent to one and a half credits. Scheme B is for students who will benefit from a broader range of courses. In some cases, courses in other departments may also be appropriate parts of an MA program in Political Science. Honours courses in business administration and graduate courses in philosophy are examples. It is also possible to arrange to take graduate courses at other Ontario universities. |
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Programs of study are developed with the needs and interests of individual students in mind and these are often quite specialized for example, modern political philosophy, Canadian political economy and Third World development. What follows are some of the typical patterns of course selection in the most common general areas of concentration. It should be noted that students need not specialize in a single area of concentration and that those who do opt for a specific concentration may often benefit by including courses from other areas within their programs of study. Individual courses and concentrations cannot be guaranteed every year. A student who is interested in a particular professor's courses or a particular concentration should indicate this when applying to the MA program. The department will advise the student whether or not these opportunities will be available in the coming year. Canadian Politics Several areas of Canadian politics are of particular concern to Brock faculty, including communications and mass media, federalism, law and politics, and political economy. A study of Canada is also an important part of many of the other concentrations. Scheme A: Four half credit courses including POLI 5P80; normally at least onehalf credit from POLI 5P82 (strongly recommended), 5P84, 5P85 and 5P86; with the remaining courses selected from POLI 5P14, 5P15, 5P19, 5P50, 5P52, 5P54 and 5V10 5V19; a thesis in Canadian politics. Scheme B: Seven half credit courses including POLI 5P80 and POLI 5P91; normally at least two half credits from POLI 5P82 (strongly recommended), 5P84, 5P85 and 5P86; with as many as three half credits selected from POLI 5P14, 5P15, 5P19, 5P50, 5P52, 5P54 and 5V10 5V19; a major essay in Canadian politics. Comparative Politics The Asia-Pacific region, Europe, the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa are areas of focus for members of the department. Subjects of special interest are federalism, nationalism, the integration and disintegration of political communities, elites and mass media, and civil society and development. Scheme A: Four half credit courses including POLI 5P80; normally at least onehalf credit from POLI 5P82, 5P84, 5P85 (strongly recommended) and 5P86; with the remaining courses selected from POLI 5P32, 5P34, 5P36, 5P38, 5P39, 5P46, 5P47 and 5V30 5V39; a thesis in comparative politics. Scheme B: Seven half credit courses including POLI 5P80 and POLI 5P91; normally at least two half credits from POLI 5P82, 5P84, 5P85 (strongly recommended) and 5P86; with as many as three half credits selected from POLI 5P32, 5P34, 5P36, 5P38, 5P39, 5P46, 5P47 and 5V30 5V39; a major essay in comparative politics. International Relations Brock's concentration in international relations provides the diverse viewpoints necessary to understand today's world of threat and opportunity. Several faculty members specialize in international relations and offer courses which reflect actororiented and systemoriented perspectives and which address problems of effective action as well as intellectual comprehension. Scheme A: Four half credit courses including POLI 5P80; normally at least onehalf credit from POLI 5P82, 5P84, 5P85 and 5P86 (strongly recommended); with the remaining courses selected from POLI 5P20, 5P22, 5P26, 5P27, 5P46 and 5V20 5V29; a thesis in international relations. Scheme B: Seven half credit courses including POLI 5P80 and POLI 5P91; normally at least two half credits from POLI 5P82, 5P84, 5P85 and 5P86 (strongly recommended); with as many as three half credits selected from POLI 5P20, 5P22, 5P26, 5P27, 5P46 and 5V20 5V29; a major essay in international relations. Political Philosophy Political philosophy addresses the perennial questions posed by conflicting accounts of how the political community should be organized and by the tension between the requirements of political life and the pursuit of truth. This concentration pays particular attention to the distinctive features of ancient and modern political philosophy, to such themes as justice, law and the theory of rights and to a close study of major political philosophers. Scheme A: Four half credit courses including POLI 5P80; normally at least onehalf credit from POLI 5P82, 5P84, 5P85 and 5P86; with the remaining courses selected from POLI 5P01, 5P02, 5P04, 5P05, 5P06 and 5V00 5V09; a thesis in political philosophy. Scheme B: Seven half credit courses including POLI 5P80 and POLI 5P91; normally at least two half credits from POLI 5P82, 5P84, 5P85, and 5P86; with as many as three half credits selected from POLI 5P01, 5P02, 5P04, 5P05, 5P06 and 5V00 5V09; a major essay in political philosophy. Public Administration This concentration provides a distinctive blend of the political, legal and administrative dimensions of public administration at the federal, provincial and local levels. Special areas of focus are businessgovernment relations, public administration theory and policy making. Scheme A: Four half credit courses including POLI 5P80; normally at least onehalf credit from POLI 5P82, 5P84 (strongly recommended), 5P85, and 5P86; with the remaining courses selected from POLI 5P50, 5P51, 5P52, 5P54 and 5V50 5V59; a thesis in public administration. Scheme B: Seven half credit courses including POLI 5P80 and POLI 5P91; normally at least two half credits from POLI 5P82, 5P84 (strongly recommended), 5P85 and 5P86; with as many as three half credits selected from POLI 5P50, 5P51, 5P52, 5P54, 5P59 and 5V50-5V59; a major essay in public administration. Further Information For further information about the MA program, specific concentrations and fellowships, contact the Graduate Admissions Officer, Department of Political Science. |
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All course selections require the permission of the Graduate Adviser. Students who wish to arrange tutorial courses must first consult the Graduate Adviser. MA Major Essay A major essay required of students following Scheme B, presented for discussion in a departmental forum. MA Research and Thesis A research project involving the preparation and defence of a thesis which shall demonstrate a capacity for independent work. The research shall be carried out under the supervision of a faculty member and shall be defended at an oral examination. The Philosophy of Law Traditional and contemporary accounts of law and their implications for issues of contemporary concern. Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P01. Ancient Political Theory Premodern political philosophy examined in the works of Plato and Aristotle, emphasizing those features distinguishing ancient political science and philosophy from that of modernity. Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P02. Modern Political Theory Modern political theory examined in selected texts. May focus on a theme such as historicism, consent, progress, equality or on a selected author, such as Rousseau, Kant, Hegel. Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P03. Philosophy, Politics and the Family An examination of the relations that comprise the family and the significance of these for the political community as both have been treated by ancient and modern political philosophers and by contemporary feminists and their critics. Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P06. Postmodern Political Theory Perspectives on the postmodern condition in the works of selected 20th century thinkers. Topics may include notions of the self, aesthetics and politics, reason and power, the construction of meaning. Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P07. Federalism in Canada Aspects of the Canadian federal systems. Topics may include social diversity and federal institutions; the role of courts; federalprovincial financial relations; federalism and the policy process; the evolving role of provincial authorities; and intergovernmental relations. Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P14. Canadian Political Economy The political economy tradition in Canada, from the writing of Innis, Mackintosh and Creighton to contemporary neoMarxist and dependency theorists. Topics may include foreign investments, regional development, the labour movement, resources and Canada's place in the new international economic order. Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P15. The Canadian Judicial Process Procedures and processes of courts in civil and criminal cases and the impact of the procedures and practices on the administration of justice. Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P19. Globalization and Global Governance Factors explaining the globalization of national politics and the reconstruction of politics at a global level. Topics may include policy problems linked to the effectiveness of international and national institutions; theoretical considerations on new concepts of politics and democracy in the globalized world. Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P20. The Global Political Economy Mechanisms and practices which shape the emerging global political economy. Topics may include theories of political economy; the role of international economic institutions (World Bank, IMF, WTO, G8); policy making and global economics; Canadian involvement in the global economy. Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P21. Theories of International Relations Examination of international relations theory with emphasis on the nature of the international system and its relationship to the choices and actions of individual states. Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P27. Comparative Mass Media Selected problems concerning the mass media and the political process in Canada and other states. Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P32. Comparative Judicial Systems The nature of judicial power and legal processes throughout the world. Topics may include common law systems in the first world and Third World in such countries as Australia, England, India and Singapore; civil law systems in the first world and third world in selected countries in Europe and Latin America; communist and post communist judicial systems in countries such as Cuba and Russia; evolution and change in legal systems. Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P34. Revolution or Reform? Political Change in the Modern World Comparative study of patterns of transformation and transition of totalitarian, authoritarian and paternalistic systems towards political pluralism and democracy. Democratization in selected regimes communist, nationalist and religious in different parts of the world are drawn upon to examine the dynamics of political and social change. Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P36. Students completing this course will forfeit credit in POLI 5V36. Nationalism and Ethnic Politics A combination of theory and specific case studies examining the causes and consequences of nationalism. The origins and resolution of national conflict, the mobilization of ethnic groups and the role of international forces in what have been viewed traditionally as domestic conflicts. Case studies situate Canada's ethnic tensions within a broader comparative perspective. Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P38. Elites and Power The bases of power and of the degree of power concentration in government, industry, bureaucracy and media in Canada, United States and other selected countries and an analysis of characteristics, life styles, interrelationships and actions of the individuals in senior positions of power. Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P39. Arab Politics Topics include religion, panArab nationalism and political culture; problems of economic development; the Palestinian factor in Arab politics; the Gulf War and its aftermath and a comparative analysis of ways in which political processes and institutions have influenced and responded to these forces. Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P47. Machinery of Government The structures and processes of federal and provincial government in Canada. Emphasis on the operation of government departments, central agencies, regulatory agencies and crown corporations. Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P50. Managing the New Public Organization Political and managerial dimensions of new developments in government organizations. Topics include administrative reform, innovation, collective bargaining, human resource issues, budgeting and comparisons with business organizations. Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P52. BusinessGovernment Relations The politics and management of relations between business organizations and governments in Canada, with particular emphasis on current research and issues. Topics include theories of businessgovernment relations, the legislative and regulatory environment of business, public enterprise and privatization, lobbying and interaction among government, business, the media and labour. Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P54. Electronic Government The politics and management of information and information technology. Prospects for electronic democracy in such areas as citizen participation, electronic voting, lobbying and political campaigns. Implications of electronic government in such areas as service delivery, government reorganization, privacy, security, equity and accountability. Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P59. Directed Reading A reading course for students preparing for the major essay, POLI 5F90. Problems in Political Theory A particular writer, work or theoretical problem in political theory is examined. Issues in Canadian Politics A selected aspect of Canadian government and politics or an issue of contemporary concern. Selected Problems in International Relations Selected problems and issues drawn from both the system and nationstate levels of international politics. Selected Topics in Comparative Politics A comparative study of selected political institutions, processes or policies in various states. Selected Topics in Public Administration Selected problems and issues in public administration drawn from the federal, provincial and/or municipal levels. Selected Topics in Canadian Public Policy A field or topic in Canadian public policy, including the analysis of policy making and policy outcomes. |
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2003-2004 Graduate Calendar
Last updated: November 4, 2003 @ 02:46PM