Last updated: January 21, 2014 @ 09:14AM
Masters of Arts in Canadian-American Studies
Dean
J. Douglas Kneale
Faculty of Humanities
Associate Dean
Carol U. Merriam
Faculty of Humanities
Core Faculty
Professors
Thomas Dunk (Sociology), Jane Helleiner (Sociology), Jane Koustas (Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures), Michael Manley-Casimir (Education), Michael Ripmeester (Geography), Marilyn Rose (English Language and Literature)
Associate Professors
Nick Baxter-Moore (Communication, Popular Culture and Film), Gregory Betts (English Language and Literature), Jeff Boggs (Geography), Marian Bredin (Canadian Studies/Communication, Popular Culture and Film), J. Keri Cronin (Visual Arts), Hevina Dashwood (Political Science), Tim Heinmiller (Political Science), Matthew Hennigar (Political Science), Kevin Kee (History/Digital Humanities), Carole Stewart (English Language and Literature), Livianna Tossutti (Political Science)
Graduate Program Directors
Gregory Betts, Brock University
gbetts@brocku.ca
D. Munroe Eagles, University at Buffalo (SUNY)
eagles@buffalo.edu
Administrative Assistant
Sylvia Barlow
sbarlow@BrockU.CA
Program Description
The Joint Interdisciplinary MA in Canadian-American Studies is an interdisciplinary, interfaculty, and international program jointly offered by Brock University and the State University of New York at Buffalo campus. While taking courses on both campuses, students will have the opportunity to consider the interplay between discipline-specific topics and broader issues salient to the Canadian, American, or North American landscape and, in particular, to explore their field of research from both American and Canadian perspectives. Courses and instruction in theory and research methods will equip students to approach their field from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Admission Requirements
Successful completion of an Honours Bachelors degree or equivalent, in a relevant discipline or interdisciplinary program, with an average of 75%.
The Graduate Program Committee will review all applications and recommend the admission of a limited number of suitable candidates.
Please note: It is the student's responsibility to obtain all necessary permissions/documentation to allow them to attend classes at both campuses (Brock and SUNY-Buffalo) and to arrange their own transportation to both Brock and SUNY-Buffalo (carpooling is encouraged).
Degree Requirements
While the program offers both thesis and major research paper options, students are strongly encouraged to pursue the major research paper option, as the additional coursework provides more opportunity for comparative analysis across disciplines and nations. All students must consult with the Graduate Program Director when planning their programs of study. For full-time students the program (both options) is normally completed in three terms.
Major Research Paper Option
Students pursuing the major research paper option are required to take six half-credits including three core seminars (CDAM 5P00, 5P01 or 5P02) and complete a Major Research Paper. Normally, half of these courses will be taken on each campus.
Thesis Option
Students choosing the thesis option will take four half-credits including two core seminars (CDAM 5P00 and one of CDAM 5P01 or 5P02). In addition to the courses, each student must complete a thesis and defend it at a public oral examination.
Students in both options will also register in CDAM 5F96 Supervised Teaching at SUNY-UB (for both the Fall and Winter semesters). Students, in consultation with the Graduate Program Director, may under special circumstances substitute two half-credits for this requirement.
Elective Courses
Beyond the three half-credit core courses, students are also required to take three half-credit electives selected from either the Brock or SUNY-UB graduate course banks. Students must have the permission of the Graduate Program Director, the instructor, and the home department of the course in order to register in each elective credit. Please consult the program website for a list of suitable courses. For courses at SUNY-UB, students will consult with Co-Director Munroe Eagles. A Sampling of SUNY-UB elective credits is available at http://www.canadianstudies.buffalo.edu/courses/affiliated/
Course Descriptions
CDAM 5F90
MA Thesis
An extended research project involving the preparation and defence of a thesis that shall demonstrate capacity for independent work and original research and thought.
CDAM 5F91
Major Research Paper
A research paper on a selected topic involving independent work and original research and thought.
CDAM 5F96
Supervised Teaching
Supervised training in Canadian Studies pedagogical methods.
Note: Offered at SUNY-UB.
CDAM 5P00
Interdisciplinary Methods and Field Research in the Binational Niagara Region
Field seminar focused on a binational comparison of some aspect of the cross-border region, providing the necessary theoretical and methodological skills to undertake original fieldwork in the Niagara borderlands region.
Note: Jointly offered at Brock and SUNY-UB
CDAM 5P01
An Overview of Canadian Studies (Brock)
A multidisciplinary introduction to the study of Canada for graduate students emphasizing interdependence of geography, economy, society, history, and culture and the tension between regional and national identities.
Note: Offered at Brock.
CDAM 5P02
Cultures of U.S. Empire
Interdisciplinary approaches to the study of “culture” in relations between the United States and other nations.
Note: Offered at SUNY-UB.
CDAM 5P10
Canadian-American Relations
Examination of issues in Canadian-American relations, with special focus on how these play out in the context of the border and surrounding areas. Topics may include popular perceptions of the ‘other’ held by Canadians and Americans, developments associated with the NAFTA and Canada’s future in the new North America.
Note: Offered at SUNY-UB.
CDAM 5P15
Borderlands – Understanding the Binational Niagara Region
Developments of distinctive identity and shared interests, with particular reference to cross-border regions along the Canadian-American border, comparing the experience of our local binational region with those of others along the Canadian-American border.
Note: Offered at SUNY-UB.
CDAM 5P28
The Political Economy of North America
(also offered as POLI 5P28)
Examines the intertwined political and economic relations of Canada, Mexico and the United States from a regional perspective, including specific emphasis on labour and economic production, security and the environment, and policymaking in a continent dominated by the world's only superpower.
Note: Offered at SUNY-UB.
CDAM 5P50
Abolitionist Movements and the Underground Railroad
A study of the status of Canada as myth, symbol of possibility or “New Canaan,” in literary and historical works from abolitionists, former slaves, historians, and contemporary critics on American cross-border relations and transnationality.
Note: Offered at Brock.
CDAM 5P70
Writing Across Borders
Poetry, drama, and fiction written by Canadian and American authors set in the other country, including such authors as Michael Ondaatje, James Houston, Jack London, and Margaret Atwood.
Note: Offered at Brock.
CDAM 5P80
Directed Reading
Directed individual or group reading in a specified area to be chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor.
Restriction: permission of the Graduate Program Director.
CDAM 5P82
Canadian Politics
(also offered as POLI 5P82)
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.
Note: Jointly offered at SUNY-UB and Brock.