GRADUATE HANDBOOK - Illinois State University



GRADUATE HANDBOOK

DEPARTMENT OF POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT

ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY

(FOR STUDENTS ENTERING THE PROGRAM FALL 2008)

Graduate Study in Political Science at Illinois State University

The Department of Politics and Government at Illinois State University, fulfilling the missions of Illinois State University, the Graduate School, and the College of Arts and Sciences as described in the 2001-2006 Illinois State University Academic Plan, offers a Master’s degree in Political Science to promote human knowledge and skills in the areas of scholarship, teaching, and service in and about the political dimensions of social life. As part of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Politics and Government “promotes balanced and ethical examination of value conflicts, critical analysis of phenomena, and critical evaluation of modes of explanation” in cross-cultural, transnational, and institutional perspectives.

As part of the Graduate School, the Department’s graduate program seeks to provide “opportunities for all students, including those from under-represented groups, to learn advanced skills enabling them to generate knowledge through research and creative endeavors, to disseminate their scholarship, and to prepare for careers throughout the public and private sectors.” Together, these functions mean that the Department of Politics and Government at Illinois State University seeks to fulfill its mission to “provide premier graduate education in selected areas.”

The Department of Politics and Government fulfills this role by serving several types of students with a multi-track program. The Department offers courses and program options both to students who are planning to pursue further graduate education and to students who, for reasons of career enhancement or specialized training for employment, are seeking a Masters’ degree as their ultimate goal. The Department’s diverse program exposes students to the kinds of skills training, ethical and comparative experiences, and opportunities to critically develop and present their thinking, scholarship and creativity that are central to the missions of Illinois State University, the Graduate School, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Department’s faculty and staff.

The Graduate Program offers work leading to the M. S. and M. A. degrees in Political Science. Sequences are offered in Public Service, Global Politics and Cultures, and also in an interdisciplinary area, Applied Community Development, a program that includes previous or prospective Peace Corps Volunteers or others with comparable experience. Students may also take a more general curriculum, concentrating on these and other sub-fields. The program can be completed in one to two years of full-time study.

GRADUATE PROGRAM GOALS

• Graduates will be familiar with the breadth and diversity of models, approaches, and intellectual traditions within the discipline. 

• Graduates will be competent in research skills appropriate to his or her research endeavors. 

• Graduates will have the ability to read materials carefully and analyze them critically. 

• Graduates will be prepared for entrance into Ph.D. programs in Political Science; entrance into law schools; entrance into the public service; entrance into the nonprofit sector; or upgrading their credentials in the public service or nonprofit sector, including international service. 

• Graduates will be able to think critically and effectively express their views in written and oral communication. 

• Graduates will have been provided the opportunity to display and/or present their research at conferences. 

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

Admission to the Graduate Program in Political Science requires application through the Admissions Office, including submission of official transcripts from all previous college course work.

To be admitted to the Master's Degree program in Political Science, a student should have at least a 3.0 grade point average for the last 60 hours of undergraduate work (where "A" = 4.0). Also, one must have successfully completed at least 15 hours of Political Science courses, with a minimum 3.0 GPA in all Political Science courses.

Applicants are required to submit GRE scores in the verbal, quantitative, and writing areas. Although the Department does not require a minimum GRE for admission, it is recommended that students should have at least a combined 1,000 points in verbal and quantitative scores.

Students should also present a statement of purpose indicating how the program fits their academic and professional plans; three letters of recommendation, especially from academic sources; and a writing sample, preferably a graded paper from a Political Science upper-level undergraduate class. The statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and writing sample should be sent to the attention of the Graduate Director at the Department of Politics and Government.

If space is available, students whose undergraduate grades fall somewhat below this standard may be admitted on probation. Students who lack adequate background in Political Science may be required to take additional courses to remedy deficiencies. These courses may not count toward the required 32 hours for graduation.

Once admitted, students should consult with the Graduate Director regarding their courses, and which of several options for graduation they wish to pursue. This includes whether the student plans to complete a thesis, take comprehensive exams, or, if appropriate, complete the 39 hour option. When students near the completion of their required course work, they must complete a Plan of Study form and file it with the Graduate Director for approval. The Graduate School must also approve the Plan of Study before the student may proceed with preparing for comprehensive examinations, the master’s thesis, or the 39 hour capstone paper option.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

All students must complete at least 32 semester hours of graduate-level courses. At least 15 of those hours must be in graduate seminars in the Department of Politics and Government. Students may meet this seminar requirement by taking 15 hours of the following courses: POL 411, POL 417, POL 421, POL 431, POL 432, POL 433, POL 441, POL 451, POL 461, POL 470, and POL 497. [Stevenson Center fellows can also count POL 477 and POL 478, see “Applied Community and Economic Development Sequence”]. Up to 9 hours of the 32 hour total may be taken in relevant courses in other departments with the prior approval of the Graduate Director. At least one seminar (either POL 461 or POL 497) must be taken to satisfy the Department’s methodology requirement. Generally, topics courses and POL 400, 490, 495, 498, and 499 do not count toward meeting seminar requirements. However, with the prior approval of the Graduate Director, a student may substitute one three-credit Independent Study (POL 400) or Readings (POL 490) course for a seminar when (1) the student is taking an independent study or readings course in the summer; and (2) the instructor certifies in writing that the material covered in the summer course adequately substitutes for the material covered in a regular seminar. With prior approval of the Graduate Director, 300-level courses can also be counted towards the 32 semester hours, if the course specifies special requirements for graduate students.

Of the 32 hours required in graduate-level courses, no more than twelve (12) hours may be credited from any combination of POL 400, 490, 491, 495, and 498. According to Graduate School policies, no more than 20% of a student’s credit hours in any degree program may be derived from public service internship hours. Also, there are some other limitations on non-classroom credit hours; consult the Graduate Catalog.

In addition to the course requirements listed above, a student must either complete a master’s thesis or pass a series of comprehensive exams. Applied Community Development students have the option of completing 39 hours of course work including a capstone paper to complete their requirements for graduation. Comprehensive exams are not a graduation option for Applied Community Development students.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS

Graduate Assistants are an integral part of the classroom teaching and research program of the Department of Politics and Government. GAs are often involved with the instructional process in large classes, meeting with and counseling students, and assisting with grading and keeping records. Others may conduct research in support of faculty projects. Graduate Assistants (GAs) are paid a monthly stipend plus a full waiver of tuition. Full-time GAs are expected to work 20 hours per week; half-time GAs work approximately 10 hours per week.

The Department seeks to provide worthy students with the maximum support available. Normally, the Department can provide a full year's assistantship support, and can often provide extensions for an additional semester. However, none of this can be guaranteed. Reappointment as a graduate assistant is contingent on state funding, student performance as an assistant, and in one's course work (a 3.0 minimum grade average must be maintained). Students must also be full-time to receive an assistantship. Assistantship appointments are for one semester at a time.

To be eligible for an assistantship, a new graduate student must have at least a 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate work or a total score of 1000 on the Verbal and Quantitative portions of the GRE. Applicants who have already completed graduate course work at ISU must have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. Students interested in applying for a fall semester assistantship should submit an application by March 10, and for spring semester by October 15.

TUITION WAIVERS

The Department receives some funding to provide tuition waivers. Those interested in waiver-only awards should notify the Graduate Director in writing by the same deadline dates that govern assistantship applications. No work responsibility is attached to the receipt of these waivers. Additional tuition waivers are available for minority students; application for these is through the Graduate School.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

There are other opportunities for graduate assistantships elsewhere in the University, particularly as Resident Assistants. Students should apply for those through the Office of Residential Life, Campus Box 2600, 438-8611. Students who qualify for Work Study (most graduate students do) can receive Graduate Assistantships through that program, a process which will increase the probability of receiving an assistantship. Consult the Graduate Director for details.

INTERNSHIPS

The Department of Politics and Government offers a number of internship options in state and local government, as well as with agencies involved in international activities. Specific information regarding graduate internships may be obtained from the Department Internship Coordinator, Dr. Lori Riverstone-Newell at lrivers@ilstu.edu.

SEQUENCES

One of the great strengths of the graduate program in Political Science at Illinois State University is our sequences. Sequences allow students to examine an area in depth in preparation for employment, preparation for further graduate study, or interest in a specific area. The Department offers or participates in three sequences: Applied Community Development, Public Service, and Global Politics and Cultures.

NOTE: Students do NOT have to choose any of these concentrations. Students who plan to go on for a Ph.D. or to teach at either the community college or high school levels are encouraged to take courses from a variety of areas within Political Science. Students in Global Politics and Cultures may wish to supplement those courses with some in Public Administration, and those in Public Service may wish to take some courses in political development. One should work closely with the Graduate Director to determine which courses will best serve one's needs.

There is no guarantee that all courses will be offered during the tenure of a graduate student in the department. It is the graduate student’s responsibility to consult with the Graduate Director as to the current course availability.

I. APPLIED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SEQUENCE

This sequence is intended for Peace Corps Fellows who wish to continue to serve their communities in the United States, Master’s International students (i.e., students who are return Peace Corps volunteers or students preparing to enter the Peace Corps), and other students with extensive volunteer experience who wish to broaden their academic preparation as they serve society. Students interested in any of these concentrations must apply through the Stevenson Center for Community and Economic Development (Peace Corps Fellows Program, Applied Community and Economic Development Fellows, and Peace Corps Master’s International Students), Campus Box 4200, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-4200, (309) 438-7090.

REQUIRED COURSES FOR APPPLIED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SEQUENCE (hours):

NOTE: Students in the Applied Community Development sequence may major in Political Science, Sociology, or Economics. The curriculum described here applies only to students in Political Science.

"CORE" COURSES (Credit Hours)

POL 461* Seminar in Political Theory (3), or

POL 497* Introduction to Research Methodology (3)

POL/SOA 470* Seminar in Community Development (3)

POL 477* Community Project Design and Management (3)

ECO 490.04* Community and Economic Development (2)

ECO/POL/SOA 478*Topics in Administration and Planning (2)

SUGGESTED ELECTIVES (Credit Hours)

POL 411* Seminar in American Politics

POL 417* Political Cultures (3)

POL 431* Seminar in Public Administration (3)

POL 432* Seminar in Judicial Politics (3)

POL 441* Seminar in Comparative Politics (3)

POL 451* Seminar in International Relations (3)

*Fulfills degree requirement of five POL seminars.

Other electives may be selected with the approval of the Graduate Director.

As part of the 39 hours, a student must complete POL 495 Capstone: Graduate Research in Applied Community Development (3 credit hours). This is an academic paper relating to the student’s 498.12 Professional Practice experience, whether by a Peace Corp Fellow’s internship or a Master’s International student’s Peace Corps assignment. The guidelines for the 495 capstone paper are available from the Graduate Director.

Students electing the 39 hour option will present a proposal which must be approved by the faculty member they have chosen to direct the project and by the Graduate Director. Students are also expected to personally present the completed paper to a meeting of Applied Community Development students. (If this is impossible, a written copy may be distributed at the discretion of the faculty advisor and the Graduate Director).

It should also be noted that under the 39 hour option, students will be allowed to use 8 hours of credit from POL 498.12 Professional Practice, rather than the 6 permitted under the other options.

II. PUBLIC SERVICE SEQUENCE

This sequence is designed for Master’s degree candidates in Political Science who wish to prepare themselves for employment in the public sector, particularly at the state and local level. The Public Service Concentration includes course work relevant to the goal of working in governmental and not-for-profit agencies. This sequence differs in several ways from the typical Public Administration program offered by other Illinois universities. First, it is grounded in a comprehensive program of Political Science as a whole, rather than being a narrow, vocationally-oriented course of study. Second, it includes a focus on the relationships between different levels and sectors of government.

REQUIRED COURSES FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE SEQUENCE (hours):

POL 411 Seminar in American Politics (3)

POL 431 Seminar in Public Administration (3)

Students must also fulfill the general requirements of the Master’s degree in Political Science including at least 15 credit hours in departmental 400 level seminars including POL 497 or POL 461.

This sequence may be completed by either the thesis or comprehensive examination option, both of which require 32 hours.

III. GLOBAL POLITICS AND CULTURES SEQUENCE

This sequence is intended to provide a global perspective which will strengthen student’s abilities to function effectively in an increasingly interconnected world. Students choosing this sequence may select courses from a variety of sub-fields within Political Science, but will generally concentrate on those in the International Relations and Comparative Politics areas. It provides students with courses in regional and area studies, development, and international relations. It is of particular value to those students interested in working in other nations or in international agencies and business.

REQUIRED COURSES FOR THE GLOBAL POLITICS AND CULTURES SEQUENCE (hours):

POL 417: Political Cultures (3)

POL 441: Seminar in Comparative Politics (3)

POL 451: Seminar in International Relations (3)

Students must also fulfill the general requirements of the Master’s degree in Political Science including at least 15 credit hours in departmental 400 level seminars, including POL 497 or POL 461.

This sequence may be completed by either the thesis or comprehensive examination option, both of which require 32 hours.

THE MASTER’S THESIS

The Master's thesis provides one of two means for completing the requirements for the Master's degree. Those choosing this option will be expected to produce a substantial research work, which serves to integrate a meaningful range of literature and topics in the study of politics.

Students may plan for a thesis from the beginning of their graduate work. They may begin work with a chosen Coordinator as early as the first semester of their studies, and conduct tentative investigations leading to the choice of a researchable topic.

A student may count up to 6 hours of thesis work toward the 32-hour graduation requirement. Students writing a thesis must register for a minimum of four hours of POL 499. Before being permitted to register for thesis hours, the student must: a) complete at least 26 hours of approved coursework, including removal of all Incomplete grades on his/her record; b) complete and file a Plan of Study that has been approved by the Graduate Director and the Dean of the Graduate School; and c) complete and file a "Proposal for Research" form signed by his/her thesis committee and the Graduate Director. The thesis committee will ordinarily consist of a committee chairperson and two other faculty members; the chair and at least one other committee member will be members of the Department of Politics and Government faculty. The major Coordinator will be chairperson of the three-person committee. Committee members should all be members of the Graduate Faculty. The student will form the thesis committee in consultation with the Graduate Director.

Prior to researching and writing a Master's thesis, the student must draft a thesis proposal. (The thesis proposal is separate and distinct from the "Proposal for Research" form which must also be completed and filed, see below.) A thesis proposal is usually 10-12 pages in length, and sets out on paper a number of key elements in the whole process. These elements include: (a) the proposed thesis topic and research question(s), (b) a substantial statement explaining why the topic/research question(s) are important and necessary to explore, (c) a review of the relevant academic literature, (d) key concepts to be employed in the course of the research, (e) the research design, including data sources, how you propose to define and measure relevant variables and/or concepts, and any statistical techniques you propose to employ, and (f) an initial bibliography of sources. Note: The more coherent, specific, and complete you make your thesis proposal, the easier your tasks will be in researching, drafting, and defending your thesis.

Before students engage in the process of writing the thesis, the Thesis Proposal must be formally approved by the thesis committee following a public defense. Public defense of the Thesis Proposal must be scheduled in the week before the beginning or the first week of the Fall or Spring semester and must occur at least a semester before the Thesis Defense.  Only after approval of the Thesis Proposal by the thesis committee can students register for thesis hours.

The "Proposal for Research" form also must be completed before one can undertake thesis research. On the form, one must provide a tentative thesis title, the name and signature of the thesis committee chairperson, and the names and signatures of the other committee members. Once the "Proposal" form is approved by the student's committee, it must be submitted to the Graduate Director and Graduate School. It should be submitted early in the semester in which completion of the master's degree is expected, according to deadlines published by the Graduate School.

The thesis should be submitted to the three readers in a timely manner, to permit an adequate review, and allow suitable opportunities for needed revisions. The student should expect to make appropriate revisions in the thesis draft, chapter by chapter, in accordance with the suggestions made by thesis committee members. The student should also expect to comply with the procedural guidelines set out by the committee chairperson, to facilitate the process of researching, writing, revising, and defending the thesis.

Once the thesis has been tentatively approved by the committee, the thesis will then be submitted to the thesis examiner of the Graduate School. The examiner will check the thesis to determine whether it is compatible with the selected thesis style and the Guide for Writers of Theses and Dissertations published by the Graduate School.

Following approval by the examiner, the student should file two unbound examination copies of the thesis in the Department of Politics and Government Office. The student's thesis Coordinator should notify members of the Department that the thesis is available for review, and of the time and place for the thesis defense. (The thesis defense should be no sooner than seven days after the examination copies are deposited in the Department Office.)

Following the defense, the student should file the original and a copy of the approved thesis in the Graduate School. The copies should be unbound, and should list any corrections suggested by the committee. The thesis will be accepted by the Graduate School once the suggested corrections are made.

The student must deposit the thesis in the Graduate School Office at least 10 days before the end of the semester to graduate in that particular semester.

Occasional waivers for the procedural rules noted here are possible, by prior approval of the Graduate Director. Appeals from the Coordinator's decisions may be taken to the Department of Politics and Government for consideration.

Students are required to follow the APSA style manual as they prepare their theses.

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION OPTION

Comprehensive examinations provide the other of the two means for most students to complete the requirements for the Masters degree. Students wishing to pursue the comprehensive exam option should notify the Graduate Director and set down a tentative Plan of Study which indicates courses likely to be taken to meet the sub-field requirements.

Assuming they have completed a "Plan of Study" approved by the Department and the Graduate School, and also have no incomplete grades from previous terms, students may take these exams during the semester they are completing the required 32 hours but not in the semester when the student is taking one of the core seminars of the subfield except with approval of the Graduate Director.

Copies of previous exams for each sub-field are available to aid students in preparing for their comprehensive exams.

Students choosing to take comprehensive exams must successfully complete six graduate courses, three in one subfield, and three in a second subfield from the four subfields listed below. The list of 6 courses must include the core seminars of the subfield, namely: POL 461 and POL 497 (for Political Theory and Methodology), POL 411 (for American Politics subfield), POL 441 and POL 451 (for Comparative Politics and International Relations), and POL 421 and POL 431 (for Public Administration and State and Local Politics).

a) Political Theory and Methodology (POL 417, 461, 497, 361, 363)

b) American Politics (POL 411, 412, 432, 310, 312, 317, 324, 325, 326, 327, 336, 338, 339)

c) Comparative Politics and International Relations (POL 441, 442, 451, 452, 340, 341, 344, 345, 349, 351, 352, 353, 358)

d) Public Administration (POL 421, 422, 431, 433, 318, 329, 330, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 337, 338)

There is no guarantee that all courses will be offered during the tenure of a graduate student in the department. It is the graduate student’s responsibility to consult with the Graduate Director as to the current course availability.

Administration of the comprehensive exams

(a) After completing 18 hours of graduate work, a student should confer with the Graduate Director regarding his/her intention to take comprehensive exams.

(b) Sub-field committees will prepare and evaluate the respective comprehensive exams.

(c) All comprehensive exams will be administered once per semester during the second week before final exams in the fall or spring. In summer, students will take comprehensive exams the week following the first session.

(d) Students must receive grades of “B” or better to pass the comprehensive exam. A student, who receives uniformly high grades, will be awarded “pass with distinction.”

(e) A student who receives a grade lower than a “B” on one or two of the exams, may retake that exam or exams on the next scheduled date.

(f) A student may retake exams only once.

To graduate, a student must pass both comprehensive exams. Failing twice any of the comprehensive exams will result in the termination of the student from the master’s program.

GRADUATE READINGS COURSES

The Readings course (POL 490) provides a means for students to develop independent research projects for one to six hours of academic credit. Readings courses are made available to meet special areas of interest not covered during regular courses. Readings courses completed during the summer term may be counted as a seminar, for use in meeting the five-seminar requirement for all graduate students. A student must obtain the prior approval of the Graduate Director in this instance; however, approval is not automatic. Students interested in signing up for POL 490 should first consult with a faculty member, and obtain approval for the course. The student and faculty member should then complete the Department's POL 490 registration form, indicating which books are to be read, and what other work will be required for completing the course. The student must then prepare a bibliography, with approximately 1,000 pages of reading expected for every hour of credit to be received. A substantial research paper will normally be expected, along with regular meetings to discuss the student's progress. An average assignment for a three-hour readings course would be 3,000 pages of reading, a series of meetings with the faculty member to discuss readings in progress, and a 20- to 25-page research paper based on the readings. Faculty members are, of course, free to make adjustments where they feel exceptions are appropriate. Shorter (or longer) assignments may be made, depending on the nature of the material. Paper assignments may be adjusted to allow for more short papers, perhaps to be used as part of the periodic discussions held on the reading assignments.

The completed form is then sent to the Graduate Director and the Department Chairperson for approval, and for inclusion in the student's file.

Once approval is granted, the student can then register formally for the Readings course.

Students have the right to seek waivers from these regulations, through an appeal to the Graduate Director. However, it is the intent of the Department of Politics and Government that Readings courses be made at least as rigorous as regular courses, and that (except for the summer term) they not be counted toward the five-seminar requirement for graduation. (In any event, only one Readings or Independent Study course may be counted toward the five-seminar requirement.)

These rules are also meant to apply, to the extent possible, to the University-wide "independent study" course (POL 400), particularly when the work involves the completion of a written research paper. Where students are involved with campaign projects, or in the design and implementation of questionnaires, and the like, final decisions on appropriate work levels will be considered by the faculty member in charge.

GRADUATE DIRECTOR

The Graduate Director is the advisor for all Political Science graduate students. The Graduate Director can be reached through the department office at 309-438 8638.

You are encouraged to consult with the Graduate Director concerning your course scheduling, Plan of Study, decision to select the thesis or comprehensive examination option, graduate assistantships, or any other matter concerning your graduate career.

KEEPING INFORMED

The Department of Politics and Government and the Graduate Director wish to keep you all well informed and up to date about events, schedule changes, and opportunities, but to do this your help is needed. Therefore, please assist as follows:

1. Current Address and Phone: In addition to notifying the University of any changes, please notify the Politics and Government Department Office (438-8638) immediately.

2. E-mail Address: Please notify the Politics and Government office of your current E-mail address(es), especially if you wish to be contacted at an address other than the ULID (University Log-on ID) assigned to you for the ISU system . E-Mail will be used to notify all graduate students of information which requires a quick response, including employment, internship, and graduate assistantship opportunities.

OTHER MEANS OF COMMUNICATION Created by Illinois State University

Internet: Access the department’s web page at

Political Science Graduate Student Association: All graduate students are encouraged to become members of this organization and participate in its activities.

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download