Political Studies, M.A.
Political Studies
Acting Head: Tami Jacoby
Chair: Andrea Charron
Campus Address/General Office: 532 Fletcher Argue
Telephone: 204-474-9733
Fax: 204-474-7585
Email Address: Political.Studies@umanitoba.ca
Website: umanitoba.ca/arts/political-studies
Academic Staff: Please refer to the Political Studies website for staff information.
Political Studies Program Information
The Department of Political Studies offers a Pre-Master’s year, a Master of Arts degree program, as well as a Masters in Public Administration program jointly offered with the University of Winnipeg.
Admission Information
Admission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies
Application and Admission Procedures are found in the Academic Guide.
Admission requirements for Master’s students are found in the Master’s Degrees General Regulations section of the Guide.
Political Studies M.A. Admission Requirements
Normally, to be considered for admission to the M.A program in Political Studies, applicants must have successfully completed either the Department’s Pre-M.A program, as outlined below, or a B.A (Honours) Program in Political Studies. To be considered for admission, applicants holding a B.A (Honours) degree are expected to have maintained a grade point average of 3.5 (B+) in their last two years of study and to have completed a course in Political Theory. Other applicants will be considered for admission to the M.A program in Political Studies if they hold a B.A (Advanced) Wirth a major in Political Studies, and have a course selection pattern and performance in those courses that is comparable in quality to that of a B.A (Honours) student. Applicants possessing a B.A (Honours) degree in another discipline with an overall grade point average of 3.5 (B+) will also be considered for direct entry into the program primarily on the basis of their completion of Political Studies or directly related courses
Pre-Master's Option
This unit offers a Pre-Master’s program of study. The Pre-Master’s program of study is intended to bring a student’s background up to the equivalent of the required 4-year degree in the major department/unit, and to provide the student with any necessary prerequisites for courses to be taken in the Master’s program. Completing the Pre-Master’s program does not guarantee acceptance to the Master’s program.
The Pre-Master’s year is designed for students who do not meet the requirements for admission to the Master’s program. To be eligible for Pre-Master’s study, applicants will normally possess a general Bachelor’s degree with a major in Political Studies (30 credit hours including one course in Political Theory), with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (B). Applicants possessing a general B.A. in another discipline with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 (B+) will also be considered for direct entry into the Pre-Master’s program, primarily on the basis of their completion of Political Studies or directly related courses.
Application Information
Students should complete and submit their online application with supporting documentation by the date indicated on the Political Studies M.A. program of study page.
Degree Requirements
The M.A. program consists of two independent streams of study: the major research paper stream, and the thesis stream. In consultation with the Graduate Chair/their advisor, students are expected to select either the major research paper or thesis stream by December of their first year of study. The main purpose of the major research paper stream is to enhance the student’s understanding of the discipline of Political Science and their chosen sub-fields. The thesis-based stream is to provide students with a deep understanding of Political Science and to develop their research skills to a level that allows them to explore a chosen topic in depth.
The thesis stream of the M.A in Political Studies consists of course work, a thesis, and an oral examination. Students in the thesis stream must complete a minimum of 15 credit hours, 12 credit hours must be at the 7000 level in Political Studies. In some cases, and with written permission from the Department’s Graduate Committee, students may substitute three (3) credit hours of coursework at the 4000/7000 level in a related discipline. Three (3) credit hours includes Research Methods, and three (3) credit hours includes The Study of Politics. Thesis is normally between 20,000 and 25,000 (80,100 pages) but no more than 30,000 words (120 pages). A waiver of the length requirement may be granted by the Graduate Committee, up request and with support from the Advisor.
The major research paper stream of the M.A in Political Studies consists of course work and a research paper. Students in the major research paper stream must complete a minimum of 18 credit hours at the 7000 level in Political Studies. In some cases, and with written permission from the Department’s Graduate Committee, students may substitute six (6) credit hours of course work at the 7000 level in a related discipline or may be permitted to take six (6) credit hours at the 4000 level in Political Studies. Includes 3 credits of Research Methods, and 3 credits in The Study of Politics. The Major Research Paper (MRP) normally is 6,000-8,000 words in length (25-30 pages; max 40). Final paper is assessed by the MRP advisor and a second reader. Must achieve a minimum grade of B to pass.
Expected Time to Graduate: 2 years (Thesis-based) 1 year (Course-based).
Progression Chart
Thesis STREAM
| Year 1 | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| GRAD 7300 | Research Integrity Tutorial | 0 |
| GRAD 7500 | Academic Integrity Tutorial | 0 |
| POLS 7100 | The Study of Politics | 3 |
| POLS 7300 | Directed Readings in Public Administration | 3 |
| POLS 7XXX | Courses designated POLS 7000 or above | 9 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| GRAD 7000 | Master's Thesis | 0 |
| Hours | 0 | |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Notes:
- Students must demonstrate their mastery of the field and that they are fully conversant with the relevant literature through their thesis/practicum.
- The M.A. thesis proposal must include a literature review, description of the proposed work, and a schedule for completion. The proposal should normally be completed within 10 months following the start of the program and must be approved by the student’s advisor.
Major Research Paper STREAM
| Year 1 | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| GRAD 7300 | Research Integrity Tutorial | 0 |
| GRAD 7500 | Academic Integrity Tutorial | 0 |
| POLS 7100 | The Study of Politics | 3 |
| POLS 7300 | Directed Readings in Public Administration | 3 |
| POLS 7XXX | Courses designated POLS 7000 or above | 12 |
| Hours | 18 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| POLS 7110 | Major Research Paper | 0 |
| Hours | 0 | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Registration Information
Students should familiarize themselves with the Faculty of Graduate Studies ‘GRAD’ courses applicable to their program. If you have questions about which GRAD course(s) to register in, please consult your home department/unit.
All new and returning students are required to meet with the Graduate Chair/Designate to have their re/registration pre-approved. Except under extenuating circumstances, these re/registration meetings will normally be held by July 1 of the academic year.
Students may need to register for POLS 6010 Manitoba Legislative Internship.
Regulations
Students must meet the requirements as outlined in both Supplementary Regulation and BFAR documents as approved by Senate.
Supplementary Regulations
Individual units may require specific requirements above and beyond those of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, and students should consult unit supplementary regulations for these specific regulations.
Bona Fide Academic Requirements (BFAR)
Bona Fide Academic Requirements (BFAR) represent the core academic requirements a graduate student must acquire in order to gain, and demonstrate acquisition of, essential knowledge and skills.
All students must successfully complete:
- GRAD 7300 prior to applying to any ethics boards which are appropriate to the student’s research or within the student’s first year, whichever comes first; and
- GRAD 7500 within the first term of registration;
unless these courses have been completed previously, as per Mandatory Academic Integrity Course and Mandatory Research Integrity Online Course.
Students must also meet additional BFAR requirements that may be specified for their program.
General Regulations
All students must:
- maintain a minimum degree grade point average of 3.0 with no grade below C+,
- meet the minimum and not exceed the maximum course requirements, and
- meet the minimum and not exceed the maximum time requirements (in terms of time in program and lapse or expiration of credit of courses).
Courses
Political Studies
This credit is granted to six individuals who annually complete the assignment as Legislative Interns within the Manitoba Legislative Assembly.
This course introduces students to the academic discipline of Political Science via an exploration of its origins, evolutions, and challenges. Particular emphasis is placed on contemporary issues and debates. Course graded pass/fail.
The Major Research Paper (or MRP) is designed for M.A. students in Political Studies who are doing the course-based stream. Students in this course will pursue individual research projects in an area of interest to them, once they have completed the majority of other program coursework. This course is evaluated on a pass/fail basis.
Integrating theory and practice helps to better understand the challenges facing public administration. Topics covered include changing approaches to management, human resource and financial management, reporting, accountability, citizen engagement, and network governance. Restricted to MPA students.
An introduction to the idea of policy analysis, including key foundational concepts and significant theories, models, and approaches; how and why the policy process operates as it does (empirical) and how and why some think it should (normative); and specific policy issues. Restricted to MPA students.
Communication coupled with an understanding of qualitative research approaches are key to success in public administration. Topics include research design, policy research, referencing, evaluating writing and research, and presenting for results. Restricted to MPA students.
An introduction to theories of organization and bureaucracy linked to administrative practices in the public sector. Governance models (Traditional Public Administration, New Public Management, Multi-level Governance) in the Canadian, provincial, and local context will be explored. Restricted to MPA students.
An introduction to quantitative methods, including research design, data collection techniques, basic statistical analysis, statistical significance, contingency tables, multiple regression; with an emphasis on reading tables and graphs and understanding statistical assumptions. Restricted to MPA students.
An introduction to basic economic theories and tools used in public sector economics, which may include the economics/politics of taxing policies, externalities, theories of intergovernmental grants, major Canadian government spending programs, and new developments. Restricted to MPA students.
A course on a selected topic in the discipline of Public Administration. The content of this course will vary. Please contact department for a course description. Students can earn multiple credits for this course only when the topic subtitle is different.
An introduction to the field of comparative politics through an examination of the key political issues facing advanced industrial states and how different political systems fare in dealing with them. Students may not hold credit for both POLS 7230 and the former POLS 7720.
Mutually Exclusive: POLS 7720
A course on a selected topic in the discipline of Political Science. The content of this course will vary. Please contact department for a course description. Students can earn multiple credits for this course only when the topic subtitle is different.
An independent reading and/or research course on a selected topic in political studies, undertaken and arranged in consultation with the prospective instructor, upon the approval of the Graduate Committee. The course content may vary. Students can earn multiple credits for this course only when the topic subtitle is different.
An independent reading and/or research course on a selected topic undertaken and arranged in consultation with the prospective instructor, upon approval of the Graduate Committee. The course content may vary. Students can earn multiple credits for this course only when the topic subtitle is different.
An independent reading and/or research course on a selected topic undertaken and arranged in consultation with the prospective instructor, upon approval of the Graduate Committee. The course content may vary. Students can earn multiple credits for this course only when the topic subtitle is different.
An examination of how the state relates to civil society actors, notably the voluntary sector in Canada. Students will critically assess the role voluntary organizations play - and should play - in governing process.
Examines the core institutions of Canadian Government and politics including parliamentary government, federalism, the Constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Examines the core institutions and processes of Canadian democracy including political parties, elections, voting, social movements, interest groups and public opinion.
The intent of this course is to provide insight into the exigencies of actual public administration. The course will be conducted on a topical basis within the framework of certain trends facing Canadian governments today. (The course will attempt to utilize, to the fullest extent possible, the particular expertise of students in the program, faculty members, and of both elected and appointed public officials.)
A systematic examination of empirical research in the area of political socialization and political culture.
A study of the human resource management functions, including planning, staffing, training, performance management, compensation and labour relations, in ways that optimize organizational performance. This course will also address contemporary challenges including recruitment and retention, managing change, demographic shifts, and information technology.
A thorough study of selected works with special attention to methodology, historical content, theoretical position and universal significance.
An examination of the systematic study of international political economy. Particular attention is paid to the foreign economic policies of advanced industrialized states and the various issues surrounding the redistribution of wealth and influence in the contemporary international system.
A seminar series examining a contemporary debate in Canadian politics and government. The specific topic will vary from year to year depending on faculty interest and specialization.
An examination of recent theoretical perspectives on contemporary political institutions, problems and values.
An advanced study of liberalism and various theoretical challenges to its ethical and political claims.
A critical assessment of basic theories and models used in International Relations, emphasizing theoretical approaches and research.
This work term enables MPA students to gain experience in public or non-profit sector employment. Work terms are normally paid positions offered by employers in the public or non-profit sectors for a minimum of 13 weeks. Learning objectives are established by the employer, in conjunction with the student and Co-op Course Director. Students with significant public or non-profit sector work experience may apply to have this course requirement waived. Course graded pass/fail.
This work term enables MPA students to gain experience in public or non-profit sector employment. Work terms are normally paid positions offered by employers in the public or non-profit sectors for a minimum of 13 weeks. Learning objectives are established by the employer, in conjunction with the student and Co-op Course Director. Students with significant public or non-profit sector work experience may apply to have this course requirement waived. Course graded pass/fail.
An advanced course in strategic studies. The evolution of strategic thought in the modern period will be examined, and particular emphasis will be placed on the role of armed force in relation to the problem of international security.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: POLS 4730 or consent of instructor.
Introduction to the theory and application of multivariate regression models in political analysis.
Students will build employment-related skills such as interpersonal communications, presentation, leadership, career development, and software-related skills. They will bridge theory and practice through participation and reflection in community events and workshops. Restricted to MPA students. Course graded Pass/Fail.
Students pursue individual supervised projects that allow them to integrate theory and practice in an original topic in public administration and/or public policy, drawing on their skills and knowledge gained through the program. These projects will be presented in a semester-end colloquium. Restricted to MPA students.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.