Our Department
Chair's Message
As Chair, I welcome you to the Department of Political Science at the
University of
Alberta. As you explore this website you will see some of the ways our Department is distinct, and the excellent research that is emerging from our faculty members.
Faculty in the Department have diverse and rich research programs, and a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate teaching. In our research and teaching this Department balances tradition and innovation. Long-standing areas of focus in the discipline of political science in Canada and internationally—the core fields of Canadian politics, political theory, international relations and comparative politics—are embraced along with multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary questions, insights and approaches. This Department has been at the forefront in contributing to such newer areas of political science inquiry as gender and politics, as well as race, ethnicity, indigenous peoples and politics. With award-winning teachers, and cutting-edge publishing in such areas of research strength as citizenship, climate change, globalization and governance, North American politics, European Union studies, China Politics, Contemporary Islamic studies, foreign and public policies, peace and post-conflict studies, and the politics of gender and indigeneity, the Department of Political Science offers a very vibrant and exciting academic milieu.
The study of politics involves special attention to power, and the methods and approaches of the discipline aid in understanding the processes, ideas, and institutions through which power is structured and manifested, and how power affects our lives. From Canadian elections to the political economy of the global South, from environmental preservation to peace and security, and from the ethics of war and post-conflict management to theories of justice and citizenship, political scientists in this Department engage the pressing issues that shape our world. The relevance of what we study, in combination with our dedication to an intensive high-quality educational experience for our students, has ensured our programs are not only current, but in high demand.
At the undergraduate level, there are typically over 600 students majoring in Political Science, and 35 enrolled in the Honours program . With opportunities for scholarships designed for Political Science students, lots of support with internship and study programs abroad, small class sizes, and a stress on innovations in teaching, this is a great place to consider undergraduate education. Our graduate programs are very popular, too, featuring close to 40 MA and 40 Ph.D. Canadian and international students. Small class sizes, collegiality, and a strong commitment to building the research, teaching and professional skills and ethics of students make this a great place to consider graduate education at the masters or doctoral levels. Our Ph.D. program features a theory and methods course designed for all doctoral students, specialized courses and supervision through an innovative comprehensive exam process, and support for all aspects of career development.
The Department of Political Science has a long tradition of welcoming recent Ph.D. graduates as well as visiting scholars from other universities on sabbaticals or exchanges (like the Canada-US Fulbright Program). If you are a recent Ph.D., the Department has postdoctoral opportunities. Potential visiting scholars from other Canadian or international universities may direct inquiries to the Chair of the Department.
W. Andy Knight
Chair
W. Andy Knight
10-19 HM Tory Building
Phone: (780) 492-0533
Email: andy.knight@ualberta.ca
Associate Chair, Graduate
Lori Thorlakson
10-10 HM Tory Building
Phone: (780) 492-0535
Email: lori.thorlakson@ualberta.ca
Associate Chair, Undergraduate
Jim Lightbody
11-22 HM Tory Building
Phone: (780) 492-5815
Email: jim.lightbody@ualberta.ca
Assistant Chair
Tara Mish
10-12 HM Tory Building
Phone: (780) 492-3771
Email: tara.mish@ualberta.ca