Department of Political Science
B640 Loeb
613-520-2777
http://carleton.ca/polisci
- M.A. Political Science
- M.A. Political Science with Specialization in African Studies
- Ph.D. Political Science
- Ph.D. Political Science with Specialization in Political Economy
M.A. Political Science
About the Program
The Department of Political Science offers a 5.0 credit MA program. Most students complete this program in two years. The MA in Political Science emphasizes the development of theoretical competence and rigorous analytical skills in the study of politics. The program can be completed through coursework only, or through a combination of coursework and a thesis or major research paper. While there are no formal specializations within the degree program, students may choose courses from a wide variety of fields, including Political Theory, International Relations, Comparative Politics, Canadian Politics, Gender and Politics and Public Policy. All of these fields are well represented by internationally-recognized faculty members who are available for thesis and research essay supervision.
Academic Regulations
See the General Regulations section of this Calendar.
All master's candidates must obtain a B standing or better (GPA 8.0). One grade of C+ may be allowed.
Admission Requirements
The normal requirement for admission to the master's program is B.A.(Honours) (or the equivalent) in Political Science, with at least high honours standing.
The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research requires applicants whose native language is not English to be tested for proficiency in English. Applicants to the Political Science graduate program must submit a CAEL Assessment score of a minimum of 70 or a TOEFL score of a minimum of 237 (computer-based) or 580 (regular).
Honours graduates in fields other than political science will be considered on the basis of their academic background and standing, and will be judged on a case-by-case basis. Those with only minor deficiencies may be required to take certain specified courses, while others whose degrees are less closely related to political science may be required to register in the qualifying year, at the discretion of the Department. Graduates of three-year programs in political science will be required either to complete the fourth year of an honours degree and reapply, or register in the qualifying year, depending on work completed to date and academic standing. The qualifying year is intended only for those students (with at least an 8.0 grade point average) whose universities do not offer an Honours degree or for graduates in other fields who did not major in political science. The qualifying year program is not intended to be a method for improving a student's undergraduate record. Admission to the qualifying-year program does not imply automatic admission to the master’s program.
Program Requirements
M.A. Political Science
Details on all program requirements are provided in the departmental Guidelines for M.A. Candidates.
All master's candidates will fulfill a 5.0-credit program requiring departmental approval. A maximum of 1.0 credit may be taken at the 4000-level. The student may choose to take a maximum of 1.0 credit outside the Department of Political Science.
| M.A. Political Science - Coursework option (5.0 credits) | ||
| 1. 5.0 credits in approved courses | 5.0 | |
| Total Credits | 5.0 | |
| M.A. Political Science - Research Essay option (5.0 credits) | ||
| 1. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
PSCI 5908 [1.0] | M.A. Research Essay | |
| 2. 4.0 credits in approved courses | 4.0 | |
| Total Credits | 5.0 | |
| M.A. Political Science - Thesis option (5.0 credits) | ||
| 1. 2.0 credits in: | 2.0 | |
PSCI 5909 [2.0] | M.A. Thesis | |
| 2. 3.0 credits in approved courses | 3.0 | |
| Total Credits | 5.0 | |
M.A. Political Science with Specialization in African Studies
| M.A. Political Science with Specialization in African Studies - Coursework option (5.0 credits) | ||
| 1. 0.5 credit in: | 0.5 | |
AFRI 5000 [0.5] | African Studies as a Discipline: Historical and Current Perspectives | |
| 2. 0.0 credit in: | 0.0 | |
AFRI 5800 [0.0] | Scholarly Preparation in African Studies | |
| 3. 0.5 credit from: | 0.5 | |
PSCI 5107 [0.5] | Globalization, Adjustment and Democracy in Africa | |
PSCI 5203 [0.5] | Southern Africa After Apartheid | |
PSCI 5801 [0.5] | Foreign Policies of African States | |
| 4. 0.5 credit in course designated as having sufficient African Studies content, approved by both the Graduate Supervisor in Political Science and the Graduate Coordinator of the Institute of African Studies | 0.5 | |
| 5. 3.5 credits in approved courses | 3.5 | |
| Total Credits | 5.0 | |
| M.A. Political Science with Specialization in African Studies - Research Essay option (5.0 credits) | ||
| 1. 0.5 credit in: | 0.5 | |
AFRI 5000 [0.5] | African Studies as a Discipline: Historical and Current Perspectives | |
| 2. 0.0 credit in: | 0.0 | |
AFRI 5800 [0.0] | Scholarly Preparation in African Studies | |
| 3. 0.5 credit from: | 0.5 | |
PSCI 5107 [0.5] | Globalization, Adjustment and Democracy in Africa | |
PSCI 5203 [0.5] | Southern Africa After Apartheid | |
PSCI 5801 [0.5] | Foreign Policies of African States | |
| 4. 0.5 credit in course designated as having sufficient African Studies content, approved by both the Graduate Supervisor in Political Science and the Graduate Coordinator of the Institute of African Studies | 0.5 | |
| 5. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
PSCI 5908 [1.0] | M.A. Research Essay | |
| 6. 2.5 credits in approved courses | 2.5 | |
| Total Credits | 5.0 | |
| M.A. Political Science with Specialization in African Studies - Thesis option (5.0 credits) | ||
| 1. 0.5 credit in: | 0.5 | |
AFRI 5000 [0.5] | African Studies as a Discipline: Historical and Current Perspectives | |
| 2. 0.0 credit in: | 0.0 | |
AFRI 5800 [0.0] | Scholarly Preparation in African Studies | |
| 3. 0.5 credit from: | 0.5 | |
PSCI 5107 [0.5] | Globalization, Adjustment and Democracy in Africa | |
PSCI 5203 [0.5] | Southern Africa After Apartheid | |
PSCI 5801 [0.5] | Foreign Policies of African States | |
| 4. 0.5 credit in course designated as having sufficient African Studies content, approved by both the Graduate Supervisor in Political Science and the Graduate Coordinator of the Institute of African Studies | 0.5 | |
| 5. 2.0 credits in: | 2.0 | |
PSCI 5908 [1.0] | M.A. Research Essay | |
| 6. 1.5 credits in approved courses | 1.5 | |
| Total Credits | 5.0 | |
It is anticipated that candidates will enter having taken some political theory at the undergraduate level. Those who have not will be required to take PSCI 2301 and PSCI 2302, 1.0 credit over and above the normal M.A. program requirements.
It is anticipated that candidates will enter having taken a methods course at the undergraduate level. Those who have not will be required to take PSCI 5700, a 0.5-credit course which can be included as part of the 5.0-credit requirement. Another methods course, such as PSCI 5304, PSCI 5701 , PSCI 5702 or PSCI 5705 may be substituted for PSCI 5700.
Defences
In the case of the student choosing a thesis, the thesis will be evaluated by three people: the student's thesis supervisor from the Department, a second reader from the Department, and an external third reader who is generally from another Carleton Department but may sometimes come from outside the University. A thesis must be defended orally before the three evaluators. No letter grade is assigned, but notations of Pass with Distinction, Satisfactory, and Unsatisfactory are assigned.
In the case of the student choosing a research essay, that essay will be evaluated by two of the Department's faculty members including the supervisor and a second reader, and a letter grade will be assigned. An oral defence of the essay is not required but may be requested by the supervisor or second reader.
Co-op Option
A co-op option is available to full-time students in the M.A. program. Students are eligible to apply for co-op after passing or receiving advanced standing for five half credits (2.5 credits) or equivalent, and completing one academic term of full-time studies in the Political Science program.Students admitted to this option must satisfactorily complete two work terms in order to graduate with a co-op designation on their transcripts. These work terms are four months in duration and locate students in government departments or other organizations in order to work at a junior officer level. Students register in PSCI 5913 for each Co-operative Work Term; however the coordination of the work terms is done by the University's Co-op office.
Washington Center Internship Program
The Washington Center Internship Program is open to full time master's students who have completed at least two terms of study at Carleton. Admission is open to students with at least a 9.5 GPA in Political Science graduate courses. Successful completion of the program satisfies the requirements for one term of full-time study (1.5 credits). Students spend one term (fall, winter or summer) in Washington, D.C. They serve four days a week as an intern in Washington, D.C. and also take two seminar courses offered by faculty of The Washington Center. The normal 1.5 credit course load for participants in the program is:
| PSCI 5904 [0.5] | Washington Center Internship | |
| PSCI 5905 [0.5] | Washington Center Seminar I | |
| PSCI 5906 [0.5] | Washington Center Seminar II |
Full information on the program and application forms can be obtained from the Department of Political Science.
Course Selection
Within the scope of the regulations, the 4000-level undergraduate courses (fully described in the Undergraduate Calendar) may be taken by M.A. students.
Please note that not all of these courses are offered every year. Students should consult the timetable published each year in early June.
Students are also encouraged to look for courses at Carleton in the Departments of Economics, Geography, History, Law, Philosophy, and Sociology and Anthropology; the Schools of Business, Journalism and Communication, Public Administration, and the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs; and in the Institutes of European and Russian Studies, and Political Economy. Students may also look for courses in the Graduate School of Public Policy and International Affairs and the Department of Philosophy at the University of Ottawa.
All courses selected will be subject to the approval of the Department, on grounds of appropriateness to the program of study and the avoidance of excessive overlap between courses.
Ph.D. Political Science
About the Program
The Department of Political Science offers a 10.0 credit Ph.D. program. The Ph.D. program offers rigorous, focused study in two fields of Political Science. It includes coursework in two fields, comprehensive examinations in these fields, training in methodology, and the doctoral dissertation. Students choose two of the following fields:
- Political Theory
- International Relations
- Comparative Politics
- Canadian Politics
- Public Affairs and Policy Analysis
- Gender and Diversity
All of these fields are well represented by internationally-recognized faculty members who are available for research supervision. The Ph.D. in Political Science emphasizes the development of theoretical competence and rigorous analytical skills in the study of politics. Doctoral students are also eligible to apply for the Collaborative Ph.D. in Political Economy.
Academic Regulations
See the General Regulations section of this Calendar.
Admission Requirements
The Ph.D. program in political science normally will be undertaken on a full-time basis. However, in cases of exceptional merit, the Department may accept a few candidates for the degree on a part-time basis.
The normal requirement for admission to the Ph.D. program is a master's degree (or its equivalent) in political science with high honours standing or better.
The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research requires applicants whose native language is not English to be tested for proficiency in English. Applicants to the Political Science graduate program must submit a CAEL Assessment score of a minimum of 70 or a TOEFL score of a minimum of 237 (computer-based) or 580 (regular).
Program Requirements
Details on all program requirements are provided in the departmental Guidelines for Ph.D. Candidates.
The normal program requirements for Ph.D. candidates are outlined in the General Regulations section of this Calendar.
It is anticipated that Ph.D. candidates will enter having taken some political theory at the undergraduate level, regardless of their desired field of specialization. Those who have not will be required to take PSCI 2301 [0.5] and PSCI 2302 [0.5] in addition to the normal Ph.D. requirements.
All Ph.D. candidates will fulfill a 10.0-credit program requiring departmental approval. The student may choose to take a maximum of 1.0 credit outside the Department of Political Science.
The requirements are:
| Ph.D. Political Science (10.0 credits) | ||
| 1. 2.0 credits in courses at the 6000 level in each of the candidate's two major fields of study. A GPA of 9.0 or higher must be obtained in these courses for students to be allowed to proceed to the comprehensive examinations. | 2.0 | |
| 2. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
PSCI 6900 [0.5] | Ph.D. Field Examination I | |
PSCI 6905 [0.5] | Ph.D. Field Examination II | |
| Field examinations normally take place once per year, in August. At the discretion of the Deparment, candidates may be required to take an oral examination following the written examination. Full-time students are normally required to complete the comprehensive examinations within 24 months of entering the program. | ||
| 3. Proficiency in a research skill, as outlined below under Research Skill Requirement | ||
| 4. 1.0 credit in electives at the graduate level, normally be taken during the first or second year of the program, in fields allied to the major topics of the thesis. This credit will normally be fulfilled through regular course work rather than tutorials. A maximum of 1.0 credits can be fulfilled by tutorials. | 1.0 | |
| 5. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
PSCI 6907 [0.5] | Research Methods and Design | |
PSCI 6908 [0.5] | Thesis Proposal Workshop | |
| 6. A public defence of a written dissertation proposal. Full-time students must normally complete the public defence of the proposal, preceded by its formal acceptance by the supervisory committee, in the third year of their doctoral program. | ||
| 7. 5.0 credits in: | 5.0 | |
PSCI 6909 [5.0] | Ph.D. Thesis | |
| Total Credits | 10.0 | |
| Ph.D. Political Science with Specialization in Political Economy (10.0 credits) | ||
| 1. 2.0 credits in courses at the 6000 level in each of the candidate's two major fields of study | 2.0 | |
| 2. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
PSCI 6900 [0.5] | Ph.D. Field Examination I | |
PSCI 6905 [0.5] | Ph.D. Field Examination II | |
Field examinations normally take place once per year, in August. At the discretion of the Deparment, candidates may be required to take an oral examination following the written examination. Full-time students are normally required to complete the comprehensive examinations within 24 months of entering the program. | ||
| 3. Proficiency in a research skill, as outlined below under Research Skill Requirement | ||
| 4. 0.5 credit in: | 0.5 | |
PECO 6000 [0.5] | Political Economy: Core Concepts | |
| 5. 0.5 credit in: | 0.5 | |
A relevant political economy course from the approved list | ||
| 6. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
PSCI 6907 [0.5] | Research Methods and Design | |
PSCI 6908 [0.5] | Thesis Proposal Workshop | |
| 7. A public defence of a written dissertation proposal. Full-time students must normally complete the public defence of the proposal, preceded by its formal acceptance by the supervisory committee, in the third year of their doctoral program. | ||
| 8. 5.0 credits in: | 5.0 | |
PSCI 6909 [5.0] | Ph.D. Thesis | |
| Total Credits | 10.0 | |
Selection of Courses - Political Economy
In addition to the graduate courses offered by, or associated with, the Institute of Political Economy, the courses listed below are relevant to students of political economy and would, with the prior approval of the Institute, be used to design a coherent and internally complementary set of courses to fulfill degree requirements. The list is not exclusive and is subject to change. Moreover, students in the Master's program may select 1.0 credit in political economy that is offered at the 4000-level.
Note: the number of spaces in graduate courses offered by other departments may be limited, and registration may be conditional upon obtaining the prior approval of the department concerned. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that permission is obtained from the appropriate department prior to registering in any of the following courses.
The Institute expects to attract high quality graduate students who will be likely to continue to a second post-graduate degree. Master's students will be directed to consult with the department where they might wish to pursue doctoral studies so that they may select courses that will prepare them for this next stage.
| Anthropology | ||
| ANTH 5106 [0.5] | North American Indigenous Peoples | |
| ANTH 5107 [0.5] | Issues in North American Ethnohistory | |
| ANTH 5109 [0.5] | Development, Dependency and Gender | |
| ANTH 5202 [0.5] | The Anthropology of Underdevelopment | |
| ANTH 5208 [0.5] | Anthropology of Indigeneity | |
| ANTH 5210 [0.5] | Special Topics in Indigenous Studies | |
| ANTH 5704 [0.5] | Anthropology of the Body, Health, Illness and Healing | |
| ANTH 5808 [0.5] | Selected Topics in North American Native Studies | |
| ANTH 5809 [0.5] | Selected Topics in the Anthropology of Development and Underdevelopment | |
| Canadian Studies | ||
| CDNS 5101 [0.5] | Indigenous Peoples, Canada and the North | |
| CDNS 5102 [0.5] | Indigenous Politics and Resurgence in Canada | |
| CDNS 5201 [0.5] | Critical Perspectives on Canadian Feminism | |
| CDNS 5202 [0.5] | Gendering Canada: Selected Contemporary Debates | |
| CDNS 5501 [0.5] | Decolonizing Canada: Cultural Politics and Collective Identities | |
| CDNS 5601 [0.5] | Constructing Canada: The Politics of National Identity | |
| Economics | ||
| ECON 5403 [0.5] | Topics in the Theory of Public Economics | |
| ECON 5500 [0.5] | Theory of Economic Development | |
| ECON 5504 [0.5] | Economic Development: Domestic Aspects | |
| ECON 5505 [0.5] | Economic Development: International Aspects | |
| ECON 5507 [0.5] | Environmental Aspects of Economic Development | |
| Geography | ||
| GEOG 5005 [0.5] | Global Environmental Change: Human Implications | |
| GEOG 5400 [0.5] | Territory and Territoriality | |
| GEOG 5500 [0.5] | Special Topics in the Study of Cities and Urbanization | |
| History | ||
| HIST 5508 [1.0] | Seminar in British History | |
| HIST 5509 [1.0] | Seminar on Women and Gender | |
| HIST 5800 [1.0] | International History | |
| International Affairs | ||
| INAF 5007 [0.5] | Theories of Development and Underdevelopment | |
| INAF 5101 [0.5] | The Politics and Institutions of International Trade | |
| INAF 5300 [0.5] | Political Economy of Multinational Enterprises | |
| INAF 5501 [0.5] | Global Political Economy | |
| INAF 5502 [0.5] | State Sovereignty and Globalization | |
| INAF 5601 [0.5] | Social Theory and International Development | |
| Law | ||
| LAWS 4001 [0.5] | Law, Family and Gender | |
| LAWS 4002 [0.5] | Feminist Theories of Law | |
| LAWS 5002 [0.5] | Law and Gender Relations | |
| LAWS 5003 [0.5] | Law, Economy and Society | |
| LAWS 5004 [0.5] | Law, Crime and Social Order | |
| LAWS 5005 [0.5] | Law, State and Politics | |
| LAWS 5006 [0.5] | Historical Perspectives on Law and Society | |
| LAWS 5007 [0.5] | Race, Ethnicity and the Law | |
| LAWS 5200 [0.5] | International Economic Law: Regulation of Trade and Investment | |
| LAWS 5302 [0.5] | Feminism, Law and Social Transformation | |
| LAWS 5306 [0.5] | Police and Capital | |
| Political Science | ||
| PSCI 4009 [0.5] | Quebec Politics | |
| PSCI 4103 [0.5] | The Modern State | |
| PSCI 4104 [0.5] | Theory and Practice of Development in the Global South | |
| PSCI 4105 [0.5] | Selected Problems in Development in the Global South | |
| PSCI 4500 [0.5] | Gender and Globalization | |
| PSCI 4505 [0.5] | Transitions to Democracy | |
| PSCI 4603 [0.5] | Analysis of International Political Economy | |
| PSCI 4604 [0.5] | Selected Problems in International Political Economy | |
| PSCI 5003 [0.5] | Political Parties in Canada | |
| PSCI 5008 [0.5] | The Politics of Climate Change | |
| PSCI 5101 [0.5] | Canadian Federalism | |
| PSCI 5105 [0.5] | Post-Communist Politics in East Central Europe | |
| PSCI 5107 [0.5] | Globalization, Adjustment and Democracy in Africa | |
| PSCI 5202 [0.5] | Development Theory and Issues | |
| PSCI 5501 [0.5] | Selected Issues in Political Economy I | |
| PSCI 5502 [0.5] | Selected Issues in Political Economy II | |
| PSCI 5507 [0.5] | Social Movements and Civil Society in Comparative Perspective | |
| PSCI 5509 [0.5] | Governing in the Global Economy | |
| PSCI 5607 [0.5] | Politics of North America | |
| Public Administration | ||
| PADM 5115 [0.5] | Introduction to State and Society | |
| PADM 5213 [0.5] | Gender and Public Policy | |
| PADM 5220 [0.5] | Regulation and Public Policy | |
| PADM 5224 [0.5] | Aboriginal Policy | |
| PADM 5228 [0.5] | Social Policy | |
| PADM 5702 [0.5] | Policy Seminars | |
| PADM 5811 [0.5] | The International Policy Framework | |
| PADM 5813 [0.5] | The Evolution of World Bank/IMF Policy Conditionality | |
| PADM 5814 [0.5] | Program and Project Management | |
| Social Work | ||
| SOWK 4102 [0.5] | Aboriginal Peoples and Social Policy | |
| SOWK 4103 [0.5] | Practice and Policy in Immigration | |
| SOWK 5102 [0.5] | Political Economy of Health | |
| SOWK 5105 [0.5] | Poverty and Income Security | |
| SOWK 5106 [0.5] | Women and Social Policy | |
| SOWK 5301 [0.5] | Women, Male Violence and Social Change | |
| SOWK 5805 [0.5] | Social Development in the International Context | |
| Sociology | ||
| SOCI 5000 [0.5] | Classical Sociological Theory | |
| SOCI 5002 [0.5] | Contemporary Sociological Theory | |
| SOCI 5007 [0.5] | Social Change and Economic Development | |
| SOCI 5204 [0.5] | Consuming Passions: The Regulation of Consumption, Appearance and Sexuality | |
| SOCI 5205 [1.0] | Canadian Society | |
| SOCI 5209 [0.5] | Sociology of Science and Technology | |
| SOCI 5308 [0.5] | Feminist Analyses | |
| SOCI 5400 [0.5] | Political Sociology | |
| SOCI 5404 [0.5] | Race, Ethnicity and Class in Contemporary Societies | |
| SOCI 5405 [0.5] | Power and Stratification | |
| SOCI 5408 [0.5] | Feminism and Materialism | |
| SOCI 5409 [0.5] | The Politics of Social Movements and the State | |
| SOCI 5504 [0.5] | Selected Problems in Political Economy I | |
| SOCI 5607 [0.5] | Contemporary Theories of Crime and Social Regulation | |
| SOCI 5804 [0.5] | Modern Marxist Theory | |
| SOCI 5806 [0.5] | Selected Topics in Sociology | |
Upon entry to the program, each Ph.D. candidate will be assigned a faculty member to advise them on their studies. Students' programs, including the choice of supervisor and the thesis committee, must be approved by the Department. The thesis supervisor will normally be chosen from among faculty members in the Department of Political Science. Upon approval of the thesis supervisor and the Department, committee members may be chosen from elsewhere within the University.
Research Skill Requirement
Ph.D. candidates must demonstrate the ability to use a research skill appropriate to their program. The research skill requirement will normally be satisfied before the defence of the thesis proposal, and will take one of the following forms:
- An ability to read and translate French or another language appropriate to their course of study; or the ability to speak a language other than English sufficient to conduct interviews in that language. The other language must be one which is incorporated into the final thesis and has the approval and acknowledgement of the supervisor; or
- An approved graduate level social science methods course equivalent to 0.5 credit. This may be any one of the following courses (or an approved alternative):
-
PSCI 5700 [0.5] Basic Research Methods PSCI 5701 [0.5] Intermediate Polimetrics for Micro Data PSCI 5702 [0.5] Intermediate Research Methods for Applied Political Science PSCI 5705 [0.5] Approaches to the Study of Political Theory
Political Parties in Canada
A seminar on political parties and party systems in Canadian federal politics, including an examination of patterns of historical development, party organization and finance, relationships with social movements, and the impact of Canadian federalism.
Legislatures and Representation in Canada
The role of Parliament and of the individual M.P. in terms of policy making, party discipline, and differing conceptions of representation.
The Politics of Climate Change
The politics and policy of climate change. Development of the climate change issues, international negotiations and agreements, national response strategies, perspectives on social and technological change, and the Canadian policy approach.
Canadian Political Economy
A seminar on political economy as a traditional and contemporary approach to the study of Canadian politics and the Canadian state. Canada's economic development, social relations (including gender and race relations), and position in the international political economy is explored.
Executive Power in Canadian Politics
Consideration of prime ministers, premiers, cabinet ministers and senior public service leadership in Canadian politics and government.
Indigenous Politics of North America
Issues of governance regarding the original peoples of Canada, Mexico and the United States before and since the European invasion, including: movement for restoration of cultural, socio-economic, political, land and self-government rights.
Canadian Federalism
A study of the evolution and contemporary operation of the Canadian federal system, noting particularly the specific social, political, economic, and structural features which underlie its operational performance, its resilience in crisis, and its potential for adaptation.
Statebuilding, State Capacity, and Reconstruction
Comparative politics of institutional reform and political reconstruction, focusing on selected transitional states.
Canada-EU Relations
Relations between Canada and Europe in the context of European integration, with attention to policy issues affecting the relationship and/or areas of common policy challenges.
Precludes additional credit for PSCI 5609 and EURR 5106 if taken in the summer of 2004-05 or 2005-06. (.
Prerequisite(s): previous course in European integration or permission of the instructor.
Post-Communist Politics in East Central Europe
A comparative examination of the emergence of post-communist political systems in East Central Europe.
The Politics of Post-Soviet Successor States
A seminar on selected problems of nation-building in Russia, Ukraine, and other Soviet successor states.
Globalization, Adjustment and Democracy in Africa
The nature of global pressures in Africa as states go through a "second wind" of political and economic change.
Comparative Public Policy
A review of approaches to the study of policy, of the impact of political factors on policy, and of the substance of policy choices in such domestic fields as communications, social security, health, industrial and rural development policies in selected countries.
Post-Soviet States and Societies
The relationship between social forces and state structures at both the national and local levels in the USSA and the post-soviet states.
The European Union and its Eastern Neighbours
The EU's European Neighbourhood Policy and Eastern partnership policy, the Russia-EU “strategic partnership”. Policies and reactions of non-EU East European countries toward the EU. The interaction of Member state policies and EU policies. May include attention to historical legacies, cultural factors, public opinion, energy security.
Nationalism
A seminar on the historical and comparative study of nationalism, with emphasis on its role in the promotion of political change.
Politics in Plural Societies
A seminar on politics in multicultural societies and multi-national states, including settler and post-colonial societies. Topics may include: conflict relating to race, religion, language, regionalism, intra-state nationalism, multicultural policies and theories of pluralism.
Development Theory and Issues
A seminar on historical and current debates in development theory, including the origins, nature, and critiques of development processes in the Global South.
Southern Africa After Apartheid
An exploration of he pathology of apartheid, the reasons for its end, and prospects for democratization and development in southern Africa in the era of globalization.
Elections
The conduct and meaning of elections in contemporary states. Attention to the connection of elections to concepts of representation, policy mandates, and political parties, and to electoral systems and referenda.
Problems in American Government I
A research seminar on topics such as the distribution of power, decision-making processes, the impact of technology, strains in intergovernmental relations, civil-military relations, governmental news management and secrecy; executive accountability, and impediments to reform of Congress and the presidency.
International Political Sociology
A seminar exploring classical and contemporary social and political thought in relation to international, transnational, and global practices and institutions. Topics may include borders, capitalism, citizenship, civil society, constitutionalization, empire, governance, power, public spheres, risk, security, sovereignty, and world society.
Global Social Policy
The seminar explores global initiatives in poverty reduction, inequality, development assistance and internationalization of the provision of social services. The seminar considers theoretical, institutional and policy implications of debates about global justice, policy transfer and global government of social policies.
Migration and Global Politics
A seminar that critically examines the relationship between different aspects of human migration (including labor migration, forced migration or refugees) and debates within global politics. Topics may include: borders, global governance, political agency, sovereignty, security, and transnationalism.
Politics and Popular Culture
A critical examination of the increasingly important intersections of politics and popular culture. Theoretical approaches such as structuralism, semiotics, political economy, feminism, and postmodernism explore such core themes as political power, dissent, globalization, (post)colonialism, gender, race, class, and sexuality in various media.
The Political in Non-Western Texts
'The political' in the works of both pre-modern and modern masters in non-western traditions, including the Persian, Indian, Chinese, and Arab.
Democratic Theories
Analysis of various theories of democracy and community, from classical to modern.
Governmentality and Politics
Examination of Foucault's concept of governmentality and work which has developed this idea, especially the relevance of governmentality for global political studies. Topics may include: sovereignty, biopolitics, technopolitics, neoliberalism and citizenship.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as PSCI 4303, for which additional credit is precluded.
Political Inquiry
This seminar focuses on the major approaches to research in political areas as discussed in contemporary philosophy of the social sciences, exploring the variety of explanatory strategies in use in the contemporary study of politics.
Political Thought in the Modern Muslim Middle East
Contemporary political thought in the Muslim Middle East. Secular and religious responses to the challenges of modernity. Readings may include writings of Arab, Turkish, and Iranian intellectuals.
North American Political Traditions
A seminar on interpretations of political traditions and thought that may include American, Mexican, anglo-Canadian and franco-Canadian examples.
Concepts of Political Community I
A critical survey of concepts of political community, including the common good, justice, citizenship, statesmanship, democracy, and legitimacy, from ancient, modern, and contemporary political theory.
Concepts of Political Community II
A continued critical survey of concepts of political community, including the common good, justice, citizenship, statesmanship, democracy, and legitimacy, from ancient, modern, and contemporary political theory.
Politics of Diversity in Public Affairs
An examination of the implications of diversity in public affairs including gender, race, sexual orientation and disability. Their impact on public policy creation and its implementation in public administration.
Gender and Global Politics
Analysis of the gender dimensions of global politics. Topics may include: gender in the global political economy; feminist analysis of security; women's human rights; gender, migration and citizenship; women's movements in the global context, and the gendered dimensions of global governance.
Public Administration in Developing Countries
A seminar on the literature and characteristics of development administration; comparison by region, country, and topic.
Reproductive Rights Policy in North America
The interaction between social movements, legislatures and courts in formulating reproductive rights policy in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as PSCI 4403, for which additional credit is precluded.
Research Seminar in Public Administration
The content of this seminar will vary from year to year according to faculty research interests and student demand.
Postcolonial Theories and Practices
This seminar familiarizes students with different approaches to postcolonial theory, discussing issues like the decolonization of knowledge and development and examining colonial practices of states and responses by indigenous movements.
Selected Issues in Political Economy I
A research seminar exploring a selected topic of current research having a political economy perspective, such as power and stratification; dynamics of state action; contrasting views on administration as an instrument of political economy; culture, ideology, and social relations; and the labour process.
Selected Issues in Political Economy II
A research seminar exploring a selected topic of current research having a political economy perspective, such as power and stratification; dynamics of state action; contrasting views on administration as an instrument of political economy; culture, ideology, and social relations; and the labour process.
Topics in European Politics
A research seminar dealing with a central theme of current research in European politics.
Gender and Politics
Selected gender dimensions of politics in comparative perspective. Topics may include: gendered nature of authority, gender regimes and state forms, feminist accounts of citizenship, representation, power and democracy, women's movements and anti-feminist movements, identity politics, gendered accounts of nationalism and multiculturalism.
Social Movements and Civil Society in Comparative Perspective
Major theoretical approaches to social movements and civil societies in different countries. Specific movements to be examined may include the women's movement, the environmental movement, and the anti-globalization movement.
Governing in the Global Economy
The course examines how national states respond to challenges of governing in an increasingly interdependent global economy. The course will be comparative in its focus, emphasizing advanced industrial societies primarily in western Europe and Canada.
Analysis of Canadian Foreign Policy
A research seminar on contemporary Canadian external policies, with emphasis on the analysis of cases and issues, and comparisons with other national actors.
Ethics in International Relations
Historical and contemporary approaches to normative theory and ethics in international relations, including Kantian, Hegelian, Marxist, postmodern and feminist ethics. Issues may include poverty and justice, human rights and humanitarian intervention.
Politics of North America
Continentalism in Canadian foreign policy during the twentieth century, charting regional, economic, political, and defence relations in North America.
European Integration and European Security
A seminar focusing on issues related to the formation of supra-national decision-making structures in Europe.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as PSCI 4608, for which additional credit is precluded.
Selected Topics in European Integration Studies
A seminar focusing on selected topics related to European integration in the post-World War II period.
Basic Research Methods
A course in applied research design and methodology, with emphasis on empirical research strategies that are amenable to quantification. Master's students who have not completed PSCI 2700 (or its equivalent) with high honours or better standing may be required to take this course.
Intermediate Polimetrics for Micro Data
Intermediate research designs and statistical techniques primarily used in analyzing survey data. Selected topics may vary from year to year. Students intending to do research based on micro data are advised to take this course.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as PSCI 4701, for which additional credit is precluded.
Intermediate Research Methods for Applied Political Science
Applied methods for policy, politics and public affairs. Primarily quantitative but may have qualitative elements.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as PSCI 4702, for which additional credit is precluded.
The Discipline of Political Science
This course familiarizes students with the discipline of Political Science. Students will gain an understanding of the field’s evolution as a precursor to understanding its contemporary configuration, including major debates, main points of contention, and epistemological and methodological divides.
Approaches to the Study of Political Theory
This course explores different methodological approaches to the study of texts in political theory. It examines the essential methodological considerations that are involved in designing and conducting a study in political theory.
Foreign Policies of African States
The foreign policy determinants and international behaviour of African states. Each year, the seminar focuses on a particular issue area.
Political Economy of Global Finance
An exploration of the organization of the global financial system. Issues include the relationship between global finance and the state and problems associated with governing global finance.
Transatlantic Security Issues
NATO as a political and military alliance. NATO and 21st-century threats. Security roles for the European Union. Broader transatlantic security issues.
Foreign Policy Analysis
A research seminar dealing with selected problems in the study of foreign policy formulations and outcomes.
Strategic Thought and Issues in International Security
A research seminar on the evolution of classical and contemporary strategic thought, and on current issues in international security.
Analysis of International Organizations
A research seminar on process and change in contemporary forms of international organization.
International Political Economy
A seminar on the changing international division of labour, and its consequences for world politics. Topics include differing patterns of industrialization, colonial relations, the role of the state, and current issues in international political economy.
Approaches to Environmental Politics
Theoretical and methodological approaches to research in the field of environmental politics, including but not limited to public policy research. A variety of institutionalist, political economy, political ecology, and post-modern approaches will be examined.
Tutorial in a Selected Field
Tutorials or reading courses on selected topics may be arranged with the permission of the Department. Students cannot accumulate more than 1.0 credit in tutorials towards their degree requirements.
Tutorial in a Selected Field
Tutorials or reading courses on selected topics may be arranged with the permission of the Department. Students cannot accumulate more than 1.0 credit in tutorials towards their degree requirements.
Washington Center Internship
A one-term internship in the NAFTA Leaders Program of The Washington Center, offered in Washington D.C.
Washington Center Seminar I
A seminar offered by The Washington Center.
Washington Center Seminar II
A seminar offered by The Washington Center.
M.A. Research Essay
Tutorial for students who write a research essay rather than a thesis.
M.A. Thesis
Co-operative Work Term
Students may register in the co-op option according to the guidelines listed under Co-op Option in the Calendar of Graduate Studies.
Special Topics in Political Science
A seminar on a selected topic in political science, to be determined by faculty research and teaching interests.
The Political Process in Canada I
An analytical study of the democratic political process, with particular reference to political parties and elections, pressure groups, and political leadership in Canada.
The Political Process in Canada II
An analytical study of the democratic political process, with particular reference to political parties and elections, pressure groups, and political leadership in Canada.
Comparative Politics I
A research seminar dealing with theories, methods, and problems of comparison.
Comparative Politics II
A research seminar dealing with particular themes.
Theorizing Gender and Diversity
This course will provide students with the theoretical and methodological approaches necessary to study gender and diversity in the context of politics. The course will include feminist political theories, critical race theory, postcolonial theory, theories from sexuality studies and political economy.
Gender and Diversity: Comparative and International Politics
Topics may include: representation and electoral politics; reproductive rights; social policy and welfare regimes; governance, resistance and transition; citizenship and migration; health and environment; security and violence (including sexual violence), and analysis of reproductive, informal and formal labour.
Political Theory I
An intensive examination of the major questions in classical, medieval, modern, and contemporary political philosophy. This course is historically comprehensive in scope and thematically oriented in depth.
Political Theory II
An intensive examination of the major questions in classical, medieval, modern, and contemporary political philosophy. This course is historically comprehensive in scope and thematically oriented in depth.
Public Policy: Theory and Analysis
Introduction to major theoretical approaches in the study and analysis of public policy and to current topics and debates in the field.
Public Affairs Management and Analysis
A seminar on theories and practice in the management of public affairs, including the environment and administration of the public sector, public opinion, and public communications.
Theory and Research in International Politics I
An examination of the principal problems in contemporary international relations theory and research, emphasizing the state of the field and current directions in it.
Theory and Research in International Politics II
An examination of the principal problems in contemporary international relations theory and research, emphasizing the state of the field and current directions in it.
Ph.D. Field Examination I
Ph.D. preparation for the major field examination I. The grade to be awarded will be that obtained on the field examination.
Ph.D. Field Examination II
Ph.D. preparation for the major field examination II. The grade to be awarded will be that obtained on the field examination.
Research Methods and Design
A survey of research methods and approaches to research design designed to assist in the preparation of thesis proposals. Coordinated by one instructor, but faculty from other fields will also participate. The grade for this course will be Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Thesis Proposal Workshop
Student-led workshop focused on the preparation, presentation, and discussion of drafts of students' thesis proposals. The final assignment for the course will be the presentation of a full written draft of the thesis proposal. Graded Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Ph.D. Thesis
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