Degree Requirements

The M.A. degree requires the writing and successful defense of a Master's thesis and the completion of two and one half course credits:
(1) Seminar in Theory, Culture and Politics (T500);
(2) two core half courses, selected from a list of available special topic courses within the Program's areas of emphasis;
(3) and one half course elective. 

Full-time students are expected to complete all degree requirements within two years of admission (although, under special circumstances, a third year may be allowed). Full-time students normally complete the course requirements and gain approval of a thesis proposal in the first year, then finish and defend the thesis in the second year. Part-time students are expected to complete the degree within four years, and the timing of the completion of specific requirements is by individual arrangement. 

There is no fixed language requirement, but students are expected to demonstrate competence in such foreign languages (and other technical skills) as are necessary for the research project they propose. Subject to the availability of appropriate supervisors, and with Program approval, theses may be written in French. 

Required Course Work

1. T500 Seminar 
An exploration of current conceptual issues in the humanities and social sciences. Each year's sessions are organized around a broadly common theme, designed to generate discussion among, and about, a multiplicity of differing perspectives. Formal presentations by visiting speakers and Trent faculty before an open audience alternate with workshops for those taking the seminar for credit. Students are required to write and present a thesis proposal as part of the second term requirements of T500. 

Here you will find Information on our current and past speakers.

Additional Course Work

2. Two Core Half Courses 
The core half-year courses involve intensive readings of key thinkers and texts, covering such areas as (post)modern philosophy, cultural and social theory, gender theory, and political philosophy. The specific list of (three or four) half courses from which to choose varies from year to year. 

See Courses

3.  One Half Course Elective
The elective is intended to provide background and support for the thesis. The particular choice is worked out in consultation with the Director and the student's Supervisory Committee. There are four options: (1) a graduate course offered at Trent; (2) a graduate reading course (TCPS590) arranged with a member of the Program faculty; (3) a specially tailored version of an upper year undergraduate course; and (4) under special circumstances, an appropriate course given at another university. 

Thesis and Thesis Supervision
Students are required to write a Master's thesis of 25,000 to 30,000 words. Theses are supervised, from the proposal stage to completion, by a Supervisory Committee, which consists of a Supervisor (or two Co-supervisors) plus one or two additional faculty. The Committee is established during the first term of study, following consultation between the student, the Program Director and appropriate faculty. At the time of final reading and oral defense, the Supervisory Committee is supplemented by an External Examiner. 
Students are invited to choose either a substantive topic (i.e., the critically reflexive examination of a particular cultural phenomenon or problem) or a theoretical one (with reference to particular thinkers and works).