Note: This is the 2023–2024 eCalendar. Update the year in your browser's URL bar for the most recent version of this page, or .
Program Requirements
The Ph.D. in Political Science focuses on the following political science subfields: international relations, comparative politics, Canadian politics, and political theory. Broad training is provided in the discipline and specialization in two major fields of choice is required. Comprehensive exams in two fields are taken in the first and/or second year of study, in consultation with supervisors, field coordinators, and the Graduate Program Director
Thesis
A thesis for the doctoral degree must constitute original scholarship and must be a distinct contribution to knowledge. It must show familiarity with previous work in the field and must demonstrate ability to plan and carry out research, organize results, and defend the approach and conclusions in a scholarly manner. The research presented must meet current standards of the discipline; as well, the thesis must clearly demonstrate how the research advances knowledge in the field. Finally, the thesis must be written in compliance with norms for academic and scholarly expression and for publication in the public domain.
Required Courses
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POLI 700 PhD Research Seminar
Overview
Political Science : Departmental-wide research seminar, mandatory for all PhD students resident in Montreal who have completed their comprehensive exams. Students present their current research and receive critical feedback.
Terms: Fall 2023, Winter 2024
Instructors: Pouliot, Vincent; Stolle, Dietlind (Fall) Pouliot, Vincent; Stolle, Dietlind (Winter)
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POLI 701 Ph.D. General Written Examination First Field
Overview
Political Science : One of two comprehensive examinations that must be passed by all doctoral candidates in order to continue in the doctoral program. Remove prerequisite, as this course never existed as spanned.
Terms: Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Summer 2024
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
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POLI 702 Ph.D. General Written Examination Second Field
Overview
Political Science : One of two comprehensive examinations that must be passed by all doctoral candidates in order to continue in the doctoral program.
Terms: Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Summer 2024
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
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POLI 799 Ph.D. Oral Comprehensive Examination
Overview
Political Science : An examination that must be passed by all doctoral candidates in order to continue in the doctoral program.
Terms: Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Summer 2024
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Complementary Courses (39 credits)
39 credits at the 500 or 600 level, chosen as follows:
Major Fields
12 credits chosen in first major field of which 3 credits must be the core course in the field.
9 credits chosen in second major field of which 3 credits must be the core course in the field.
Political Theory
3 credits in political theory at the 500 or 600 level.
Methods
3 credits from the following:
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POLI 612 Research Methods in Political Science (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : This seminar offers an overview of the fundamental principles of political science research. Emphasis is placed on acquainting students with the methods and techniques most commonly used by political scientists. Topics include research project design, procedures for carrying out research, as well as both qualitatively- and quantitatively-oriented methods of data collection, processing, and analysis.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Givens, Terri (Fall)
or another suitable Advanced Methods course.
Remaining Courses
12 credits of which at least 3 credits must be outside the student’s major fields. For students that choose the advanced methods courses as part of the Advanced Research Tools, 6 of these 12 credits must be the advanced methods courses.
Advanced Research Tools
Language Requirement: Students must pass an advanced-level translation test from a language other than English. If the student's research will involve field work in a country where English is not widely spoken, the test will include an oral component. In selecting a language to fulfil this requirement, the student must demonstrate in writing how the chosen language is related to his or her research.
OR
Advanced Methods: To fulfil this requirement, students must complete 9 advanced methods credits (600 or 700 level) in qualitative and quantitative methods, selected in consultation with the student adviser, the Graduate program Director, and the methods coordinator.
Faculty of Arts—2023-2024 (last updated Aug. 31, 2023) (disclaimer)
