Last updated: March 10, 2022 @ 01:16PM
Political Science
Master of Arts in Political Science
Field(s) of Specialization
Public Policy
International Relations
Canadian Politics
Comparative Politics
Political Theory - Please note: the Political Theory specialization will not be offered in the 2022-23 academic year.
Dean
Ingrid Makus
Faculty of Social Sciences
Associate Dean
Dawn Zinga
Faculty of Social Sciences
Core Faculty
Professors
Leah Bradshaw (Political Science), Charles Conteh (Political Science), Hevina S. Dashwood (Political Science), Pierre Lizée (Political Science)
Associate Professors
Stefan Dolgert (Political Science), Nicole Goodman (Political Science), Blayne Haggart (Political Science), Paul Hamilton (Political Science), Timothy Heinmiller (Political Science), Matthew Hennigar (Political Science), Ingrid Makus (Political Science), Livianna Tossutti (Political Science)
Assistant Professors
Joanne Heritz, Pascal Lupien, Liam Midzain-Gobin
Academic Advisor / Seminar Coordinator
Diane Leon
Graduate Program Director
Blayne Haggart
bhaggart@brocku.ca
Administrative Assistant
Claire Gallop
Program Description
However uncertain we are about the human good, it is clear, as Aristotle observed, that the pursuit of that good is the work of politics and the understanding of that good the aim of political science. Whether we regard politics as the pursuit of justice, the uses of power, or the securing of "peace, order, and good government," its study appeals to students interested in government, law, and international affairs, and to those who want to understand the shaping of our political world. At Brock, the MA program in political science usually entails specialization in one of five fields of study: Canadian politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory or philosophy, and public policy. Our faculty and our students are joined in the common endeavour to see how their diverse interests can contribute to the political understanding of ourselves and our world. This aim is at the heart of our curriculum: It is reflected in the program requirements and in the design of our Core Seminars. Graduates of the program have proceeded to successful careers in government, politics, and business; many have pursued further study to become scholars and teachers.
Admission Requirements
Successful completion of an Honours Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in Political Science with a minimum major average of 78% and an overall average of not less than 75%, during the last two years of undergraduate study. Students who do not have undergraduate degrees in Political Science may be asked to complete a minimum of seven half-credit undergraduate courses (typically, one semester) in the discipline before applying to the program.
The Graduate Admissions Committee will review all applications and recommend admission for a limited number of suitable candidates.
Part-time study is available.
Graduate Courses/Degree Requirements
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 are restricted to graduate students. These include POLI 5P80, POLI 5P81, POLI 5P82, POLI 5P83, 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 and POLI 5P81 are 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.
A thesis or major research paper is also a part of all courses of study. In addition to the major research paper, students in the major research paper stream must complete six half credit courses including POLI 5P80, POLI 5P81, and two core seminars.
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 POLI 5P81 and at least one other core seminar.
Students are required to consult with the Graduate Program Director, who will assist students in choosing among the various program options.
For full-time students the program is normally a three term or one year program.
Field(s) of Specialization
Students may opt for a general Political Science MA or for an MA with a designated specialization in one of the subfields of political science as listed below.
Canadian Politics
Several areas of Canadian politics are of particular concern to Brock faculty, including advocacy groups and social movements, the constitution and judicial review, digital politics, elections and voting behaviour, Indigenous politics, municipal politics, and the politics of immigration and diversity. Canadian phenomena can also be studied within the field of public policy, and the two fields work closely together at Brock.
Thesis Stream: Four half-credit courses including POLI 5P80, POLI 5P81, POLI 5P82, one POLI half-credit course selected from the course offerings in Canadian politics and POLI 5F99 a thesis in Canadian politics.
Major Research Paper Stream: six half-credit courses including POLI 5P80, POLI 5P81, POLI 5P82, and one of POLI 5P83, POLI 5P84, 5P85 and 5P86, two POLI half-credit courses selected from the course offerings in Canadian politics (and Public Policy provided all Canadian politics options have been exhausted) and POLI 5F90 a major essay in Canadian politics.
Comparative Politics
North America, South America, Europe, 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, judiciaries and constitutional law, civil society and development, global Indigenous politics, and the impact of multilateral political and economic organizations on domestic political institutions.
Thesis Stream: Four half-credit courses including POLI 5P80, POLI 5P81, POLI 5P85, and one POLI half-credit course selected from the course offerings in comparative politics and POLI 5F99 a thesis in Comparative politics.
Major Research Paper Stream: six half-credit courses including POLI 5P80, POLI 5P81, POLI 5P85, one half-credit selected from POLI 5P82, POLI 5P83, POLI 5P84 or POLI 5P86, and one or two POLI half-credits selected from the course offerings in comparative politics, with any remaining POLI credit selected from its offerings in international relations and POLI 5F90 a major essay in comparative politics.
International Relations
The specialization 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 political-economic relations, global digital economy, international theory, problems of global economic and political governance among multiple actors, international Indigenous relations, and issues pertaining to international ethics.
Thesis Stream: Four half-credit courses including POLI 5P80, POLI 5P81, POLI 5P86, one POLI half-credit selected from the course offerings in international relations and POLI 5F99 a thesis in international relations.
Major Research Paper Stream: six half-credit courses including POLI 5P80, POLI 5P81, POLI 5P86, and one half-credit selected from POLI 5P82, POLI 5P83, POLI 5P84 or POLI 5P85, one or two POLI half-credits selected from the course offerings in international relations; and any remaining POLI credit selected from its offerings in comparative politics and POLI 5F90 a major essay in international relations.
Political Theory: Please note this specialization will not be offered in the 2022-23 academic year.
Political theory 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 theory, 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, POLI 5P81, POLI 5P83, with the remaining POLI course selected from the course offerings in political theory and POLI 5F99 a thesis in political theory.
Major Research Paper Stream: six half-credit courses including POLI 5P80, POLI 5P81, POLI 5P83, and at least one POLI half-credit selected from POLI 5P82, 5P84, 5P85, and 5P86, with the remaining POLI courses selected from the course offerings in political theory and POLI 5F90 a major essay in political theory.
Public Policy
This specialization provides a distinctive blend of the political, legal and administrative dimensions of public policy at the federal, provincial and local levels. Special areas of focus are business-government relations, public policy theory and policy making.
Thesis Stream: Four half-credit courses including POLI 5P80, POLI 5P81, and 5P84, with the remaining POLI credit selected from the course offerings in public policy and POLI 5F99 a thesis in public policy.
Major Research Paper Stream: six half-credit courses including POLI 5P80, POLI 5P81, POLI 5P84, and one of POLI 5P82, POLI 5P83, 5P85 and 5P86, with the remaining POLI credits selected from the course offerings in public policy (and Canadian politics provided all public policy options have been exhausted) and POLI 5F90 a major essay in public policy.
Course Descriptions
Note that not all courses are offered in every session. Refer to the applicable timetable for details.
Students must ensure that prerequisites are met. Students may be deregistered, at the request of the instructor, from any course for which prerequisites and/or restrictions have not been met.
POLI 5F90
MA Major Research Paper
A major research paper written under guidance of a supervisor and approved by a supervisory committee of the supervisor and a second reader.
POLI 5F99
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.
Political Theory: Please note this specialization will not be offered in the 2022-23 academic year.
Students must ensure that prerequisites are met. Students may be deregistered, at the request of the instructor, from any course for which prerequisites and/or restrictions have not been met.
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
Explores the political theory of the ancient world, spanning texts from the Near East, Greece, Rome, or China. Possible themes include democracy, justice, power, tragedy, gender, and ecology.
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 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.
Canadian Politics
Students must ensure that prerequisites are met. Students may be deregistered, at the request of the instructor, from any course for which prerequisites and/or restrictions have not been met.
POLI 5P10
Issues in Local Government
Policy making and service delivery in local government in such areas as economic development, fire, parks, policing, public health, recreation, and social services.
Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P10.
POLI 5P12
Citizen Politics
Citizen engagement in Canadian political parties, social movements, advocacy groups and voluntary organizations, and the impact of civic activism on public discourse, policies and laws.
Note: Combines seminars with a mandatory service learning component. 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 5P16
Global Migration: Canada in a Comparative Context
Global migration patterns, immigrant and refugee admission and integration policies, the trafficking of persons and smuggling, and the relationship between migration and development.
Note: Combines seminars with a mandatory experiential learning component. Taught in conjunction with POLI 4P16. May be offered online.
POLI 5P17
Canadian Politics in the Digital Age
The impact of digital technology and innovation on political institutions in Canada and the opportunities and challenges it is creating for actors and groups. Critically assesses the implications of these changes for democracy in Canada.
Note: Combines seminars with a mandatory experiential learning component. Taught in conjunction with POLI 4P17.
POLI 5P19
The Canadian Judicial Process
The structure, functions, and political dimensions of the judiciary in Canada. Topics may include judicial decision-making, appointment and independence; the policy impact of judicial rulings; the criminal process; the influence of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms on the judicial system; and the players in the judicial process, including judges, interest groups and governments.
Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P19.
International Relations
Students must ensure that prerequisites are met. Students may be deregistered, at the request of the instructor, from any course for which prerequisites and/or restrictions have not been met.
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 Digital Political Economy
Examines the intersection between economics and politics with an emphasis on understanding how issues such as data governance, intellectual property and internet governance are shaping global economic governance, trade, and development.
Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P21.
POLI 5P22
Canada and International Development
Canada's policies and practices in addressing global inequalities in wealth and power. Topics may include Canada's international assistance policies directed to lower and middle-income countries, ethical considerations, and international cooperation to address the differential impacts of global developments.
Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P22.
POLI 5P24
Private Global Governance
Interactions between global corporations, voluntary standards associations, non-governmental organizations, states and industry associations and the influences that drive global private governance arrangements and global standard setting.
Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P24.
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
International relations theory emphasizing 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
Students must ensure that prerequisites are met. Students may be deregistered, at the request of the instructor, from any course for which prerequisites and/or restrictions have not been met.
POLI 5P34
Comparative Judicial Systems
Global expansion of judicial power and the role of courts in democratization, rights protection, political centralization, and resolving societal conflict. Domestic as well as supranational courts from around the world are considered, representing both common law and civil law systems. Topics include the success and failure of the "rights revolutions," the judicialization of politics, court reform, and justifications for judicial review.
Note: Taught in conjunction with POLI 4P34.
POLI 5P36
Comparative Democratization in a Global Age: Reform, Revolution and Reversal
Analysis of the origins, processes, and outcomes of democratization and de-democratization in countries around the world.
Note: taught in conjunction with POLI 4P36.
Students completing this course will forfeit credit in POLI 5V36.
POLI 5P37
Indigenous-Settler Relations in Canada and Beyond
In-depth focus on Indigenous-settler relations and reconciliation in Canada and other Anglo settler states, including Australia and New Zealand. Topics and themes include historic and contemporary forms of settler colonialism, the Indigenous-settler relationship on both collective and individual levels, the politics of recognition, constitutional rights, truth commissions, and Indigenous articulations of a shared future.
Note: This course can also be counted toward a sub-field specialization in Canadian Politics. Taught in conjunction with POLI/CANA 4P37.
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.
Public Policy
Students must ensure that prerequisites are met. Students may be deregistered, at the request of the instructor, from any course for which prerequisites and/or restrictions have not been met.
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 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 5P67
Comparative Public Policy
Major concepts, theoretical approaches and issues in Comparative Public Policy, assessing the various frameworks used for understanding and addressing public policy issues in different countries and regions. Cases will be drawn from Canada, the United States, Europe, and the developing world.
Note: This course can also be counted toward a sub-field specialization in Comparative Politics. Taught in conjunction with POLI 4P67.
POLI 5P68
Social Movements and Globalization
Restructuring of social movements from around the world in new alliances for global justice. Topics may include: relationship between local and global scales; cross-cultural collaboration; tensions between unity and diversity; conflicts and unequal power relations in networks; North-South inequalities. Movements may include: indigenous movements; transnational feminism; the anti-corporate globalization movement; environmentalism.
Note: taught in conjunction with POLI/SOCI 4P68.
Core Seminar Courses
Students must ensure that prerequisites are met. Students may be deregistered, at the request of the instructor, from any course for which prerequisites and/or restrictions have not been met.
POLI 5P80
Great Works in Politics
A critical examination of some of the most significant writings in political science. Core seminar.
POLI 5P81
Research and Research Methods
An exploration of theories and approaches to research in Political Science. Issues and problems in research design will be assessed with a view to helping students develop the research skills and acquire the tools necessary for the successful completion of a thesis or major paper. 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 5P83
Graduate Seminar in Political Theory
(also offered as SCLA 5P83)
Explores ethical, ontological, aesthetic and literary interpretations of major texts or issues in political theory
POLI 5P84
Graduate Seminar in Public Policy
An examination of significant writings and issues in public policy and policy development. 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.
Variable Topics Courses
Students must ensure that prerequisites are met. Students may be deregistered, at the request of the instructor, from any course for which prerequisites and/or restrictions have not been met.
POLI 5V00-5V09
Selected Topics in Political Theory
A particular writer, work or theoretical problem in political theory is examined.
POLI 5V10-5V19
Selected Topics in Canadian Politics
A selected aspect of Canadian government and politics or an issue of contemporary concern.
POLI 5V20-5V29
Selected Topics 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(s): permission of the Graduate Program Director and faculty supervisor.