Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science - Political Theory

McMaster University

Political theory is the study of the philosophical foundations of political ideas, norms, practices, and institutions. It examines the nature of such concepts as power, the state, justice, equality, government, and civil society, and considers – from a critical standpoint – the ethical grounds of contemporary social and political life.Our faculty have particular expertise in critical theory, decolonial, postcolonial and anticolonial political thought, theories of nationalism and collective identity, political founding and constituent power, political theories of race, gender and empire, and critical theories of cosmopolitanism and international relations. We are happy to supervise doctoral projects in these and related areas.We provide students with a strong foundation in historical and contemporary scholarship in political theory and focus on the development of core skills (critical thinking, analytical reasoning, writing, oral expression) and academic professionalization. We encourage collaboration with other subfields within and beyond Political Science and are supportive of interdisciplinary projects.