Political Science
The Department of Political Science offers MA and PhD programs in the following fields:
- Rights, Justice, Citizenship, and Identity (MA)
- Canadian Politics (PhD)
- Comparative Politics (PhD)
- Gender, Race, Indigeneity, and Sexuality (PhD)
- International Relations (PhD)
- Law and Politics (PhD)
- Public Policy and Governance (PhD)
Administrative Staff
Chair
Troy Riddell (513 MacKinnon, Ext. 56503)
riddell@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Program Coordinator
Edward Koning (509 MacKinnon, Ext. 58939)
ekoning@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Program Assistant
Renee Tavascia (527 MacKinnon, Ext. 56973)
rtavasci@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Faculty
This list may include Regular Graduate Faculty, Associated Graduate Faculty and/or Graduate Faculty from other universities.
Dennis Baker
BA McMaster, LLB Toronto, PhD Calgary - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Ryan C. Briggs
BSS Ottawa, PhD American - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Carol L. Dauda
BA McMaster, MA Guelph, PhD Toronto - College Professor Emeritus
Minh Do
BA Victoria, MA Waterloo, PhD Toronto - Assistant Professor
Graduate Faculty
Jordi Díez
BA Toronto, MA Essex, PhD Toronto - Professor
Graduate Faculty
Mark Harding
BA St. Thomas (Fredericton), MA, PhD Calgary - Assistant Professor
Graduate Faculty
Carmen Ho
BA Western, M.Sc. London, PhD Toronto - Assistant Professor
Graduate Faculty
Candace Johnson
BA Toronto, MA, PhD Dalhousie - Professor
Graduate Faculty
Craig A. Johnson
BA Queen's, MA Toronto, PhD School of Economics London - Professor
Graduate Faculty
Edward Koning
BA, MA Leiden, PhD Queen's - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Theresa M. L. Lee
BA Toronto, MA, PhD Princeton - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Leah Levac
BA Acadia, MA, PhD New Brunswick - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
David MacDonald
BA Carleton, MA Ottawa, PhD School of Business London - Professor
Graduate Faculty
Tim A. Mau
BA, MA Guelph, PhD Oxford - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Andrea Paras
BA British Columbia, MA, PhD Toronto - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Kate Puddister
BA, MA Guelph, PhD McGill - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Troy Riddell
BA, MA Calgary, PhD McGill - Associate Professor and Chair
Graduate Faculty
Byron M. Sheldrick
BA Carleton, LLB Toronto, MA, PhD York - Associate Professor and Dean, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
Graduate Faculty
Julie M. Simmons
BA British Columbia, MA, PhD Toronto - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Tamara Small
BA Guelph, MA Calgary, PhD Queen's - Professor
Graduate Faculty
Adam Sneyd
BA Queen's, MA York, PhD McMaster - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Dave Snow
BA St. Thomas (Fredericton), MA, PhD Calgary - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Ian S. Spears
BA Toronto, MA Queen's, PhD McGill - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Deborah Stienstra
BA Alberta, MA, PhD York - Professor
Graduate Faculty
MA Program
The MA program revolves around the field of Rights, Justice, Citizenship, and Identity while allowing flexibility for students to pursue their various interests. Within the broader framework of Rights, Justice, Citizenship and Identity, the Department has particular strengths in Public Policy and Administration and Global Justice and Politics and offers a number of courses related to those topics.
Our broad range of course offerings and routes to complete the degree allow students to tailor their experience towards their future employment or academic goals. Graduates of the program are engaged in a wide range of careers with academic institutions, government and public sector agencies, non-governmental organizations, and industry.
Admission Requirements
The department requires an Honours BA degree (4 years) in political science (or its equivalent) with at least a 'B+' average for consideration for admission to the program. A methodology course equivalent to The Systematic Study of Politics, POLS*3650 Quantitative Methods of Data Analysis, in the Department of Political Science undergraduate program, is necessary for admission to the graduate program. Students not satisfying this requirement may be admitted with the provision that it be satisfied by completing the requisite extra course.
Application Procedure
Program offices should be consulted for admission deadlines and required documents https://www.uoguelph.ca/polisci/masters/how-apply/. Complete application submission instructions can be found at http://www.uoguelph.ca/graduatestudies/apply/.
Graduate students are admitted each Fall semester.
Program Requirements
Students enroll in one of three study options:
- course work only,
- course work and major research paper or
- course work and thesis.
Thesis
In order to satisfy the degree requirements, the student will complete three courses plus POLS*6900 Communications, POLS*6940 Research Design and Methods and complete a Thesis.
Three courses with at least two of them from the following core courses:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POLS*6050 | The Politics of Identity | 0.50 |
| POLS*6130 | Rights and Public Policy | 0.50 |
| POLS*6150 | Constitutionalism and Judicial Politics | 0.50 |
| POLS*6400 | Citizenship and Social Policy | 0.50 |
| POLS*6510 | Political Participation and Engagement | 0.50 |
| POLS*6730 | Development and Global Justice | 0.50 |
Plus:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POLS*6900 | Communications | 0.25 |
| POLS*6940 | Research Design and Methods | 0.75 |
| Or an approved equivalent from another department | ||
| Thesis 1 | ||
- 1
A thesis of approximately 10,000 to 15,000 words (approximately 80 to 100 double-spaced pages). The written thesis is defended in an oral examination.
Course Work and Major Research Paper
In order to satisfy the degree requirements, the student will complete four courses plus POLS*6940 Research Design and Methods, POLS*6900 Communications, for a total of six courses and complete POLS*6970 Major Paper.
Four courses with at least two of them from the following core courses:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POLS*6050 | The Politics of Identity | 0.50 |
| POLS*6130 | Rights and Public Policy | 0.50 |
| POLS*6150 | Constitutionalism and Judicial Politics | 0.50 |
| POLS*6400 | Citizenship and Social Policy | 0.50 |
| POLS*6510 | Political Participation and Engagement | 0.50 |
| POLS*6730 | Development and Global Justice | 0.50 |
Plus:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POLS*6900 | Communications | 0.25 |
| POLS*6940 | Research Design and Methods | 0.75 |
| Or an approved equivalent from another department | ||
| POLS*6970 | Major Paper 2 | 1.00 |
- 2
The research paper is approximately 10,000 to 12,500 words (approximately 40 to 50 double-spaced pages).
Course Work
In order to satisfy the degree requirements, the student will complete POLS*6940 Research Design and Methods and POLS*6900 Communications, plus five additional courses.
Five courses with at least three of them from the following core courses:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POLS*6050 | The Politics of Identity | 0.50 |
| POLS*6130 | Rights and Public Policy | 0.50 |
| POLS*6150 | Constitutionalism and Judicial Politics | 0.50 |
| POLS*6400 | Citizenship and Social Policy | 0.50 |
| POLS*6510 | Political Participation and Engagement | 0.50 |
| POLS*6730 | Development and Global Justice | 0.50 |
Plus:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POLS*6940 | Research Design and Methods | 0.75 |
| Or an approved equivalent from another department | ||
| POLS*6900 | Communications | 0.25 |
PhD Program
Admission Requirements
Students are expected to have a completed an MA in Political Science with at least an A- average for consideration for admission to the program. Students with a MA in a Social Science other than Political Science, are encouraged to apply on the condition that they take additional courses upon their entry into the program.
Application Procedure
Graduate students are admitted each Fall semester. Program offices should be consulted for admission deadlines and required documents https://www.uoguelph.ca/polisci/masters/how-apply/. All applications must be submitted on-line. Complete application submission instructions can be found at http://www.uoguelph.ca/graduatestudies/apply/.
Program Requirements
Students are required to major in one field and minor in the other. The Department has wide-ranging and various expertise in each of the fields—please consult the Department’s website for more information.
The PhD program is designed both for students interested in pursuing academic positions and also for students interested in working in research capacities in the public, non-profit or private sectors.
Students are required to successfully complete a minimum of six graduate courses:
- Two PhD field courses, one course in the student’s major field and one course in the minor field (selected in consultation with the student’s Advisor)
- Two research methods courses:
- Two elective courses
- A written qualifying exam and an oral qualifying exam.
The qualifying examination will take the form of a written take-home examination followed by an oral examination and will be based on the reading lists for the core courses in the major and minor field. Normally the examination will involve three questions based on the major field of study and two questions from the minor field. - A thesis
Each candidate will be required to write and submit a thesis on the research carried out by the candidate on a topic approved by the Advisory Committee. The thesis is expected to be a significant contribution to knowledge in its field and the candidate must indicate in what ways it is a contribution. A thesis is expected to be no less than 200 double-spaced pages in length. The thesis must demonstrate mature scholarship and critical judgement on the part of the candidate, and it must indicate an ability to express oneself in a satisfactory literary style. Approval of the thesis is taken to imply that it is judged to be sufficiently meritorious to warrant publication in reputable scholarly media in the field.
Collaborative Specializations
International Development Studies
The Department of Political Science participates in the MA in International Development Studies (IDS) collaborative specialization. Please consult the International Development Studies listing for a detailed description of the MA collaborative specialization including the special additional requirements for each of the participating departments.
IDS graduates hold positions in government in Canada and abroad with NGOs, international organizations and private consultancies. Many also enter PhD programs.
The Department of Political Science also participates in the PhD collaborative specialization in International Development Studies (IDS), which provides an opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary study of international development issues. Applications are part of the general PhD application, and go directly to the Political Science Department. In addition to the Political Science PhD requirements, IDS applicants are expected to have a strong background in the social sciences, a demonstrable track record of experience in the course-based study of development issues, development research and/or development practice and a stated research interest relating to international development. The IDS designation also requires two core courses in international development theory and research methods. Please consult the International Development Studies listing for more information about the requirements and expectations of the PhD collaborative specialization in IDS.
One Health
The Department of Political Science participates in the collaborative specialization in One Health. Master’s and Doctoral students wishing to undertake thesis research or their major research paper/project with an emphasis on one health are eligible to apply to register concurrently in Political Science and the collaborative specialization. Students should consult the One Health listing for more information.
Sexualities, Genders and Bodies
The Political Science program participates in the collaborative specialization in Sexualities, Genders and Bodies. MA and PhD students wishing to undertake thesis research or write their major research paper in the area of sexualities, genders and bodies are eligible to apply to register concurrently in Political Science and the collaborative specialization. Students should consult the Sexualities, Genders and Bodies listing for more information.
Courses
A number of graduate courses are cross-listed with intensive, senior undergraduate seminars. In these cross-listed offerings, which are identified as such in the course descriptions, course and grading expectations will be tailored to graduate students.
Students should also consult the fourth year undergraduate course selection. Graduate students, with the approval of the instructor and the Graduate Program Coordinator, may take a fourth year undergraduate course in the Political Science Department. This course is taken as POLS*6950 Specialized Topics in Political Studies. Course requirements are modified so that they are comparable to other courses offered at the graduate level.
This course engages theoretical approaches of identity and identity politics in the global north and/or south. Topics may include contestation over indigenous, racial, ethnic, cultural, sexual, gender, and women's rights.
This course examines Western and non-Western theories of international relations, such as realism, liberalism, and constructivism, as well as Marxist, critical, indigenous and gender approaches. It will engage with established and emerging theories, exploring contestation and debates within the discipline.
Students will study how individual rights can be restricted, protected or expanded through public policy, and how rights considerations and discourse may shape policy and the policy process.
This course investigates how the constitution and the judiciary affect political processes and decision-making, and how politics shape constitutions and judicial process. Canadian or comparative examples will be examined.
This course considers the evolving relationship among levels of government in Canada. The growth of cities, the growth of policy responsibilities of provinces, the influence of international organizations, and the development of Indigenous governments in Canada all challenge the conventional study of federal-provincial relations in Canada. From year to year, this course examines one or several of these contemporary dynamics. Offered in conjunction with POLS*4160. Extra work is required for graduate students.
The course critically examines the complex relationship between the judiciary and representative institutions. By comparing the treatment of current political controversies (assisted suicide, prostitution, drug treatment), students will better appreciate the often-subtle exchanges between the two institutions and further enhance their research abilities in regards to both legal and legislative processes. Offered in conjunction with POLS*4070. Extra work is required for graduate students.
This course will use gender-based analysis in examining a series of justice and public policy issues affecting the lives of women, including equality rights, pay and employment equity, domestic violence, sexual assault, family policy, health care policy, and pornography. Offered in conjunction with POLS*4100. Extra work is required for graduate students.
This course explores advanced topics in law and politics depending on the interests of the instructor. Potential topics include investigating the law and politics of social change or analyzing debates about the political power of courts in Canada or in comparative perspectives. Offered in conjunction with POLS*4050. Extra work is required for graduate students.
This course will explore evolving conceptions of Canadian identity and nationalism through consideration of political culture, institutions and constitutional arrangements. Possible topics include: multiculturalism, aboriginal identity and community, Quebec nationalism, social citizenship, rights and representation, as well as Canada's global role and significance.
Students will explore theories of states, regimes, state-building, regime change, and democratization. The course critically engages dominant debates and reviews empirical examples.
This course examines domestic, international and global dimensions of environmental governance and resource conflict, as well as stakeholder perspectives on resource politics. Topics may include climate change; the resource curse; commodity production, trade and consumption; food and human security; political ecology and extractive industries.
Students will study citizenship and the allocation of social goods through social policies. Normative debates, theoretical frameworks, and empirical perspectives in a range of social policy fields - such as health care, pensions, childcare, education, and housing - may be examined.
This course introduces both qualitative and quantitative methods of data analysis. Students will engage theoretical material on the subject and develop data analysis skills through practice.
Students will study how individual citizens engage in the political process. Informal channels such as social movements or more formal organizations such as interest groups and political parties may be examined.
The course relies on theoretical approaches in IPE to examine relationships between politics and economics across national and regional levels. The evolution of the global political economy and its governance structures is explored, as well as contemporary debates about globalization and state and non-state actors' responses. Issue-areas may include: money and power, technology, trade, development and the environment. Offered in conjunction with POLS*4200. Extra work is required for graduate students.
This course will examine the political and ethical consequences of adopting a human rights framework in national and international contexts by both state and non-state actors. This subject will be explored from a range of historical, theoretical and practical perspectives. Offered in conjunction with POLS*4300. Extra work is required for graduate students.
This course considers theories and problems in comparative politics and government in developing and industrialized countries. The geographical and theoretical focus of the course will reflect the interests of the instructor. Offered in conjunction with POLS*4710. Extra work is required for graduate students.
This course will examine various topics related to governance, such as public management reform, public sector leadership, third sector organizations or budgeting and human resources. Offered in conjunction with POLS*4250. Extra work is required for graduate students.
This course will examine various public policy issues such as social policy or health care policy in a Canadian or comparative context. Offered in conjunction with POLS*4260. Extra work is required for graduate students.
This course is designed as an advanced introduction to the international relations of the Middle East. The course focuses on theories of international relations and their applicability to specific case studies of Middle Eastern politics. The course provides a critical examination of conflicts in the region, and contextualizes those conflicts within both realist and neo-realist theories of international relations. Offered in conjunction with POLS*4730. Extra work is required for graduate students.
This course considers theories and problems in the field of International Relations. The theoretical and/or geographical focus of the course will reflect the interests of the instructor. Offered in conjunction with POLS*4720. Extra work is required for graduate students.
The course explores rights and liberties from various perspectives depending on the interests of the instructor. Potential topics include exploring the political, social, and legal factors and theories that explain the development of rights and liberties; rights and liberties in a comparative and international context; or the philosophical and policy debates surrounding rights and liberties. Offered in conjunction with POLS*4740. Extra work is required for graduate students.
This course introduces students to the main theoretical approaches utilized in understanding public policy making and outcomes. Throughout the course, particular attention is paid to varying conceptions of institutions, ideas and interest and the role of these conceptions in various explanations of policy change and stasis.
This course examines the growth of the administrative state in Canada, especially in the post World War II period. It critically reviews issues such as the concept of public sector management, the delegation of authority, personnel management, accountability and the ethics of ministers and officials to Parliament and the public.
Students will study Western and non-Western theoretical perspectives on the politics of development and global justice. Topics may include human rights and development, global inequality, environmental justice, indigenous politics, humanitarian ethics, intercultural competency, and faith-based development.
Students will help to identify and critically engage with key scholarship in the field of Canadian Politics. The course will provide a breadth of understanding of the field, but a portion of the Canadian reading list can be tailored to the student's particular interests.
Students will help to identify and critically engage with key scholarship in the field of Comparative Politics. The course will provide a breadth of understanding of the field, but a portion of the reading list can be tailored to the student's particular interests.
Students will help to identify and critically engage with key scholarship relating to Gender, Race, Indigeneity and Sexuality. The course will provide a breadth of understanding of the field, but a portion of the reading list can be tailored to the student's particular interests.
Students will help to identify and critically engage with key scholarship relating to International Relations. The course will provide a breadth of understanding of the field, but a portion of the reading list can be tailored to the student's particular interests.
Students will help to identify and critically engage with key scholarship relating to Law and Politics. The course will provide a breadth of understanding of the field, but a portion of the reading list can be tailored to the student's particular interests.
Students will help to identify and critically engage with key scholarship relating to Public Policy and Governance. The course will provide a breadth of understanding of the field, but a portion of the reading list can be tailored to the student's particular interests.
This course trains students in crucial academic skills, in particular writing and presentation skills. Some course elements may be offered through workshops in conjunction with other units, such as the Learning Commons.
This course focuses on the elements of designing and writing a research question and proposal. It examines the principles of research design and research ethics, and surveys the strengths and weaknesses of a variety of methods of data collection.
This course is intended to be an elective course for students wishing to pursue an area of investigation not covered in the other courses offered by the department. This course may also be chosen by students who want to further pursue a subject area to which they were introduced in a previous course.
This is an elective course for students wishing to pursue an area of investigation not covered in other courses offered by the department. This course may also be chosen by students who want to further pursue a subject area to which they were introduced in a previous course.
The major paper is an extensive research paper for those who do not elect to complete a thesis. It may be taken over two semesters. The length of the major paper is not to exceed 10,000 words.