Political Science
Graduate Students' Handbook

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 the politically ambitious 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. But 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.

Governance and Administration of the Graduate Program

Graduate Faculty:

Professors: Daniel Madar, David T. Siegel, Garth Stevenson
Associate Professors: Leah Bradshaw, Charles Burton, Terrance G. Carroll, Hevina S. Dashwood, Juris Dreifelds, Paul Hamilton, Matthew Hennigar, Pierre Lizée, Ingrid Makus, William Mathie, Livianna Tossutti
Assistant Professors: Tim Heinmiller, Larry Savage

Faculty of Graduate Studies Web site

Meeting Schedule of Brock University Graduate Council

Meeting Schedule and Meeting Minutes of the Brock University Senate's Graduate Studies Committee

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 essay is also a part of all courses of study. For more information about thesis requirements, visit the Thesis Regulations section of the Faculty of Graduate Studies Web site. In addition to the major essay, students in the essay 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.