Last updated: September 20, 2005 @ 02:21PM
Political Science
Master of Arts in Political Science
Dean
David Siegel
Faculty of Social Sciences
Associate Dean
David DiBattista
Faculty of Social Sciences
Participating Faculty
Professors
W. D. Kenneth Kernaghan (Political Science), Daniel Madar (Political Science), David T. Siegel (Political Science), Garth Stevenson (Political Science)
Associate Professors
Leah Bradshaw (Political Science), Charles Burton (Political Science), Terrance G. Carroll (Political Science), Hevina S. Dashwood (Political Science), Juris Dreifelds (Political Science), Pierre Lizée (Political Science), Ingrid Makus (Political Science), William Mathie (Political Science), Livianna Tossutti (Political Science)
Assistant Professors
Paul Hamilton (Political Science), Tim Heinmiller, Matt Hennigar (Political Science)
Lecturer
Jennifer Berardi (Political Science)
Seminar Coordinator
Diane Leon
Graduate Officer
Pierre Lizee
plizee@brocku.ca
Administrative Assistant
Chris Schacht
905-688-5550, extension 3476
Taro Hall 468
Graduate Office Assistant
Darlene Berg
905-688-5550, extension 5006
Taro Hall 431
http://www.brocku.ca/politicalscience
The MA program in Political Science began in 1973 and normally admits 15 to 18 new full-time students each year. 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. Graduates of the program have proceeded to successful careers in government, politics, and business; many have pursued further study to become scholars and teachers.
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.
Admission Requirements
Successful completion of an honours degree with major in political science or equivalent with at least a high second class average is required for admission. The program is designed so that students can fulfil degree requirements within twelve months of admission. Full-time M.A. candidates who have not completed course work and have not submitted a completed draft of the major paper or thesis within twelve months must continue to pay full fees on a term-by-term basis until course work is 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 restricted to graduate students. These include POLI 5P80, POLI 5P82, POLI 5P84, POLI 5P85 and POLI 5P86. 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 required in all programs in conjunction with one or two additional core courses, as specified below.
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. For students preparing a major research essay only, POLI 5P91, a special reading course linked to the topic of the student's essay, is provided.
A thesis or major essay is also a part of all courses of study.
In addition to the major essay, students in the essay stream must complete seven half credit courses including POLI 5P80, two core seminars, and POLI 5P91.
Acceptance into the thesis stream requires explicit departmental agreement that the candidate is prepared to pursue advanced scholarly research, and the preparation of an acceptable thesis proposal. In addition to the thesis, students in this stream must complete four half credit courses including POLI 5P80 and at least one other core seminar.
Students are required to consult with the Department's graduate adviser, who will assist students in choosing among the various program options.
Areas of Concentration
Students may opt for a general Political Science M.A. or for an M.A. with a designated concentration in one of the subfields of political science as listed below. The course requirements for a degree with concentration designation are more stringent than for the general degree.
Canadian Politics
Several areas of Canadian politics are of particular concern to Brock faculty. Specific areas of concentration include Canadian political economy, the constitution and judicial review, elections and voting behaviour, federal-provincial relations, Quebec nationalism, and the politics of diversity. Canadian phenomena can also be studied within the field of public administration. The two fields work closely together at Brock.
Thesis Stream: Four half credit courses including POLI 5P80, POLI 5P82, and two half - credit courses selected from the course offerings in Canadian politics; a thesis in Canadian politics.
Major Essay Stream: Seven half-credit courses including POLI 5P80, POLI 5P82, POLI 5P91, and one of POLI 5P84, 5P85 and 5P86, three half-credit courses selected from the course offerings in Canadian politics (and Public Administration provided all Canadian politics options have been exhausted); 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, civil society and development, and the impact of multilateral political and economic organizations on domestic political institutions.
Thesis Stream: Four half-credit courses including POLI 5P80, POLI 5P85, and one or two half credits selected from the Department's offerings in comparative politics, with any remaining half credit selected from its offerings in international relations; a thesis in comparative politics.
Major Essay Stream: Seven half credit courses including POLI 5P80, POLI 5P85, POLI 5P91, one half credit selected from POLI 5P82, POLI 5P84 or POLI 5P86, and one to three half credits selected from the Department's offerings in comparative politics, with any remaining credits selected from its offerings in international relations; a major essay in comparative politics.
International Relations
The concentration in international relations encompasses the diversity of conceptual insights and theoretical perspectives that reflect the complexity of global relations today. Subjects of special interest include traditional and new sources of threats to security, global economic relations, international theory, problems of global economic and political governance, and issues pertaining to international ethics.
Thesis Stream: Four half-credit courses including POLI 5P80, POLI 5P86, one or two half credits selected from the Department's offerings in international relations and any remaining half credit selected from its offerings in comparative politics; a thesis in international relations.
Major Essay Stream: Seven half credit courses including POLI 5P80, POLI 5P86, POLI 5P91, and one half credit selected from POLI 5P82, POLI 5P84 or POLI 5P85, one to three half credits selected from the Department's offerings in international relations; and any remaining credits from its offerings in comparative politics; 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 the close study of major political philosophers.
Thesis Stream: Four half credit courses including POLI 5P80, and at least one half credit selected from POLI 5P82, 5P84, 5P85 and 5P86, with the remaining courses selected from the department's offerings in political philosophy; a thesis in political philosophy.
Major Essay Stream: Seven half credit courses including POLI 5P80, POLI 5P91, and at least one half credit selected from POLI 5P82, 5P84, 5P85, and 5P86, with the remaining courses selected from the department's offerings in political philosophy; 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 business-government relations, public administration theory and policy making.
Thesis Stream: Four half credit courses including POLI 5P80 and 5P84, with the remaining credits selected from the department's offerings in public administration; a thesis in public administration.
Major Essay Stream: Seven half credit courses including POLI 5P80, POLI 5P84, POLI 5P91, and one of POLI 5P82, 5P85 and 5P86, with the remaining credits selected from the department's offerings in public administration (and Canadian politics provided all public administration options have been exhausted); 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.
Course Descriptions
All course selections require the permission of the Graduate Adviser. Students who wish to arrange tutorial courses must first consult the Graduate Adviser.
POLI 5F90
MA Major Essay
A major essay required of students following Scheme B, presented for discussion in a departmental forum.
POLI 5F99
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.
Theory
POLI 5P01
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.
POLI 5P02
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.
POLI 5P03
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.
POLI 5P04
Politics and Tyranny
Comparative accounts of ancient and modern tyranny are examined with a view to assessing whether political domination has varied significantly in the western tradition.
Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P04.
POLI 5P05
Shakespeare's Politics
Issues of justice; politics, law and morality; republican, monarchical and tyrannical government as explored in selected Shakespearean comedies, tragedies, and histories.
Note: Taught in conjunction with POLI 4P05.
POLI 5P06
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.
POLI 5P07
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.
POLI 5P08
Politics of Consent and Coercion
An exploration of important texts in the history of political thought that seeks to clarify the concepts of consent, obligation, coercion and their relationship to justice. Application of these concepts to contemporary debates about consent and the law, including sexual consent and medical ethics.
Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P08.
Canadian Politics
POLI 5P12
Canadian Civil Society, Institutions and Political Culture
This course examines the membership bases of political parties, interest groups and other non-governmental actors (i.e. professional associations, volunteer organizations, community and grassroots groups), and the respective roles they have played in setting the issue agenda, developing public policy and/or delivering government programs.
Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P12.
POLI 5P14
Federalism in Canada
Canadian concepts of federalism, judicial interpretation of the constitutional distribution of powers, the social, economic and cultural factors that influence federal-provincial relations, issues in federal-provincial relations, the impact of federalism on public policy, and the politics of constitutional change.
Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P14.
POLI 5P15
Canadian Political Economy
The political economy tradition in Canada, from the writing of Innis, Mackintosh and Creighton to contemporary neo-Marxist 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.
POLI 5P19
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.
International Relations
POLI 5P20
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.
POLI 5P21
The Global Political Economy
Examination of the international trade and monetary systems from the perspective of economic theory. Focus on the policy choices facing governments.
Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P21.
POLI 5P22
Canada and the Developing World
Canada's role in addressing global inequality in a comparative context. Topics may include the political economy of Canadian policies towards the developing world; international ethics; international cooperation on issues of vital interest to the developing world.
Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P22.
POLI 5P26
International Politics and National Security
Conditions affecting the use of force in the post-Cold War international system, with emphasis on the basis of state security and the effects of the security dilemma.
Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P26.
POLI 5P27
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 Politics
POLI 5P32
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.
POLI 5P34
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.
POLI 5P36
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.
POLI 5P38
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.
POLI 5P39
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.
POLI 5P47
Arab Politics
Topics include religion, pan-Arab 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.
Public Administration
POLI 5P50
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.
POLI 5P52
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.
POLI 5P54
Business-Government 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 business-government 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.
POLI 5P59
Electronic Government and Democracy
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.
Core Courses
POLI 5P80
Great Works in Politics
A critical examination of some of the most significant writings in political science.
Core seminar.
POLI 5P82
Graduate Seminar in Canadian Politics
An examination of major aspects of Canadian government and politics and of different approaches to the study of Canadian politics through the discussion and analysis of significant books in the field.
Core seminar.
POLI 5P84
Graduate Seminar in Public Administration
An examination of significant writings and issues in public administration and bureaucracy.
Core seminar.
POLI 5P85
Graduate Seminar in Comparative Politics
A critical examination of significant writings and issues in comparative politics.
Core seminar.
POLI 5P86
Graduate Seminar in International Relations
A critical examination of significant writings and issues in international relations and foreign policy.
Core seminar.
Additional Courses
POLI 5P91
Directed Reading
A reading course for students preparing for the major essay, POLI 5F90.
POLI 5V00-5V09
Problems in Political Theory
A particular writer, work or theoretical problem in political theory is examined.
POLI 5V10-5V19
Issues in Canadian Politics
A selected aspect of Canadian government and politics or an issue of contemporary concern.
POLI 5V20-5V29
Selected Problems in International Relations
Selected problems and issues drawn from both the system and nation-state levels of international politics.
POLI 5V30-5V39
Selected Topics in Comparative Politics
A comparative study of selected political institutions, processes or policies in various states.
POLI 5V50-5V59
Selected Topics in Public Administration
Selected problems and issues in public administration drawn from the federal, provincial and/or municipal levels.
POLI 5V60-5V69
Selected Topics in Canadian Public Policy
A field or topic in Canadian public policy, including the analysis of policy making and policy outcomes.
POLI 5V70-5V79
Political Science Tutorial
Guided readings on a particular topic which is not covered in the department's regular course offerings. Topics must be chosen in consultation with a faculty member willing to supervise the tutorial.
Prerequisite: permission of the graduate adviser and faculty supervisor.