MA
Candidates for the MA degree must satisfactorily complete the following studies, which may be completed in one academic year. Students will complete the coursework in the fall and winter terms, and the Major Research Paper (MRP) in the summer term. Upon completion of the MRP, the student will have an oral exam.
- 18 credits* of course work - (at least 12 credits must be Social & Political Thought courses)**
- In order to ensure interdisciplinary breadth, at least 3 credits must be taken in another SPT field other than the student’s primary SPT field ( there are 3 fields and fields are designated by course code) - The Major Research Paper
- An MA oral examination
* A full course is a 6 credit course and is usually offered over two terms.
A half course is a 3 credit course and is usually offered over one term
** a maximum of 6 credits may be taken as a directed reading course (Social & Political Thought 6001 6.0 or 6001 3.0). No more than 6 credits may be taken with one faculty member, with the exception of a directed reading course.
(Course requirements currently pending Senate approval - expected approval date: August 2016)
PhD
Students must successfully complete the PhD course requirements exactly as described below.
Take the equivalent of 24 credits as follows:
a) The core courses: SPTH 6106 3.0. (completed in the first year) and SPTH 6107 3.0 (completed in the third year); and
b) Take an additional 18 credits, including 12 credits of Social & Political Thought courses*
– In order to ensure interdisciplinary breadth, at least 3 credits must be taken in another SPT field other than the student’s primary SPT field ( there are 3 fields and fields are designated by course code)
*All PhD requirements are superseded by FGS policies
**A full course is a 6 credit course and is usually offered over two terms. A half course is a 3 credit course and is usually offered over one term
***a maximum of 6 credits may be taken as a directed reading course (Social & Political Thought 6001 6.0 or 6001 3.0). No more than 6 credits may be taken with one faculty member, with the exception of a directed reading course.
Demonstration of suitable comprehensive mastery over general areas of social and political thought relevant to the candidate’s program of study as determined by the candidate’s supervisory committee.
The comprehensive requirements are to be successfully completed prior to the submission of a dissertation proposal.
The dissertation proposal can only be submitted upon the completion of all coursework and the successful completion of the comprehensive examination. The dissertation proposal must be approved by both the Supervisory Committee, Graduate Program Director and the Faculty of Graduate Studies (in that order) at least six months prior to the PhD oral defence.
Submission of PhD Dissertation and successful defence of PhD dissertation
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The Graduate Program in Social & Political Thought at York is an exciting environment to pursue innovative, socially engaging, career-ready education. Contact our Graduate Program Assistant to learn more.