Clayton H. Riddell Graduate Program in Political Management
Arthur Kroeger College of Public Affairs
D199 Loeb Building
613-520-7560
http://carleton.ca/politicalmanagement
Master of Political Management
About the Program
Housed administratively within the Arthur Kroeger College of Public Affairs, the Clayton H. Riddell Graduate Program in Political Management offers courses leading to the degree of Master of Political Management.
The M.P.M. program provides an intensive professional education that prepares its graduates for positions of responsibility and authority in electoral, legislative, and advocacy politics: as political staff to cabinet ministers and elected representatives; strategists and tacticians for political parties; campaign managers and communication advisers; and spokespersons for civil society organizations and grassroots movements.
The degree comprises 5.0 credits and has been designed so as to be completed in 10 months of full-time study.
Academic Regulations
See the General Regulations section of this Calendar.
A standing of B- or better must be obtained in each course or component counted towards the degree.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must:
- hold an honours baccalaureate or equivalent with at least high honours standing; and
- demonstrate a commitment to and aptitude for political management through prior involvement in party or campus politics, grassroots organization, political advocacy, or similar experience.
Although there is no formal second language requirement for the degree, individuals preparing for political professions in Canada should have or develop a facility in French.
Applicants whose first language is not English, or who have not completed a previous degree at an English-language university must demonstrate fluency in English via any one of the criteria outlined in the general regulations of the Graduate calendar.
Program Requirements
Students must complete:
| 1. 3.0 credits in core courses: | 3.0 | |
POLM 5001 [0.5] | Institutions and Governance I | |
POLM 5002 [0.5] | Institutions and Governance II | |
POLM 5003 [0.5] | Strategic Communications I | |
POLM 5004 [0.5] | Strategic Communications II | |
POLM 5005 [0.5] | Foundations of Political Management I | |
POLM 5006 [0.5] | Foundations of Political Management II | |
| 2. 1.0 credit in practicum placement arranged through the program, combined with an integrative analytical research essay: | 1.0 | |
POLM 5098 [1.0] | Practicum Placement | |
| 3. 1.0 credit in electives from: | 1.0 | |
POLM 5010 [0.5] | Polling and Opinion Research | |
POLM 5011 [0.5] | Political Campaigns | |
POLM 5012 [0.5] | Political Advocacy | |
POLM 5013 [0.5] | Political Management and the Media | |
POLM 5014 [0.5] | Political Marketing | |
POLM 5015 [0.5] | Political Policy Landscape | |
| Other courses as approved by the Graduate Supervisor | ||
| Total Credits | 5.0 | |
Political Management (POLM) Courses
Institutions and Governance I
A critical introduction to the development of public policy and the exercise of political power in Canada, concentrating on political management in the context of Parliament and political parties.
Institutions and Governance II
An examination of how public policy originates, and how its development is managed within the executive branch, with particular emphasis on the Cabinet process and the relationship between political actors and the public service.
Strategic Communications I
An introduction to the range of issues involved in formulating and implementing a political strategic communications strategy, with an emphasis on using public opinion research, developing messages, and drafting speeches and policy papers.
Strategic Communications II
An exploration of how to understand an issue environment, develop positive and productive social media and mainstream media approaches, create a crisis communications strategy, and ensure a strong reputation management capacity.
Foundations of Political Management I
A critical introduction to the theory and practice of political management in Canada, ranging from the legislative framework in which political staff operate to relations with public servants, legislators and stakeholders, as well as the practical challenges of administering a political office.
Foundations of Political Management II
This course further examines theory and practice in the governance of political staff through historical and international comparisons and analysis. The course also explores critical issues in Cabinet relationships, political-bureaucratic interactions, ethics and decision-making.
Polling and Opinion Research
The different elements of opinion research such as opinion measurement, questionnaire design, interviewing, data analysis and interpretation, and how this helps understand the process by which citizens make decisions about political issues.
Political Campaigns
The latest trends and innovations in political campaigns: use of new technology and social media, campaign organization, fundraising, development of messages, GOTV efforts and how they are used in leadership, local, issue and national campaigns.
Political Advocacy
An exploration of the knowledge and skills necessary in political advocacy and public affairs: public policy knowledge, in-depth knowledge of the political system, strategic communications skills and particularly the ability to explain complex problems and solutions clearly and concisely.
Political Management and the Media
An examination of the organization and practices of major media. Coverage of public officials, public policy issues and legislative battles, paying particular attention to the current and seismic changes in the media as agencies of public address, and the consequences for politics and governance.
Political Marketing
Using case studies and simulation exercises, the course will provide students with an understanding of political marketing strategy, market intelligence, consultation and participation, political product development and branding, and marketing practices in government.
Political Policy Landscape
The course will introduce students to the basic frameworks and concepts used in applied policy analysis and build capacity to monitor and analyze future policy trends and options. The seminar will include briefings on selected current issues in Canadian policy from key experts.
Practicum Placement
Supervised work experience over 10 weeks in an appropriate placement approved by the graduate supervisor. It culminates in a 30-page (or equivalent) analytical work graded by the academic supervisor and one other member of the Carleton University faculty.
Directed Study
A program of supervised reading and preparation of written work in an area not covered by an existing graduate seminar may be arranged with permission of the Department.
Special Topics in Political Management
Topics vary from year to year. Students should check with the Department regarding the topic offered.
Summer session: some of the courses listed in this Calendar are offered during the summer. Hours and scheduling for summer session courses will differ significantly from those reported in the fall/winter Calendar. To determine the scheduling and hours for summer session classes, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca
Not all courses listed are offered in a given year. For an up-to-date statement of course offerings for the current session and to determine the term of offering, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca