Note: This is the 2020–2021 eCalendar. Update the year in your browser's URL bar for the most recent version of this page, or .
Program Requirements
Candidates with an M.A. degree will be admitted at the Ph.D. 2 level, thereby gaining credit for one year of resident study. When admitted at Ph.D. 2 level, two years of residence are required for the doctoral degree.
The graduate option in Gender and Women's Studies is an interdisciplinary program for students who meet the degree requirements in Communication Studies who wish to earn 9 credits of approved coursework focusing on gender and women's studies, and issues in feminist research and methods. The student's doctoral thesis must be on a topic centrally relating to issues of gender and/or women's studies.
Thesis
A thesis for the doctoral degree must constitute original scholarship and must be a distinct contribution to knowledge. It must show familiarity with previous work in the field and must demonstrate ability to plan and carry out research, organize results, and defend the approach and conclusions in a scholarly manner. The research presented must meet current standards of the discipline; as well, the thesis must clearly demonstrate how the research advances knowledge in the field. Finally, the thesis must be written in compliance with norms for academic and scholarly expression and for publication in the public domain.
Required Courses (9 credits)
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COMS 616 Staff-Student Colloquium 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Communication Studies : Pro-Seminar in Communications. A required course for all new M.A. and Ph.D. students. The Pro-Seminar is designed to explore theoretical and methodological issues in Communications through a series of presentations by the faculty and other McGill associates.
Terms: Fall 2020
Instructors: Burman, Jennifer C (Fall)
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COMS 702 Comprehensive Examination
Overview
Communication Studies : Comprehensive examination as per departmental procedure.
Terms: Fall 2020, Winter 2021
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2020-2021 academic year.
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COMS 703 Dissertation Proposal
Overview
Communication Studies : Compulsory examination for all doctoral candidates.
Terms: Fall 2020, Winter 2021, Summer 2021
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2020-2021 academic year.
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WMST 601 Feminist Theories and Methods (3 credits)
Overview
Women's Studies : Examination of feminist theories and research methods from a variety of disciplinary perspectives.
Terms: Fall 2020
Instructors: Ketchum, Alexandra (Fall)
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WMST 602 Feminist Research Symposium (3 credits)
Overview
Women's Studies : Discussion and development of participants' research in gender and women's studies.
Terms: Winter 2021
Instructors: Sandwell, Rachel (Winter)
Prerequisite: WMST 601.
Restriction: Must be enrolled in the Option in Gender and Women's Studies.
Complementary Courses (9 credits)
9 credits of 500-, 600-, or 700-level courses, which must include one 3-credit course on gender/women's issues at the graduate level (may be in the Department or outside).
Language Requirement
Ph.D. students must demonstrate proficiency in one or more languages other than English that is related to their dissertation research, as determined by their supervisor. Certain areas of study may require more extensive language training, which will be determined by individual supervisors. In cases where dissertation research does not require non-English proficiency, Ph.D. students must demonstrate proficiency in French.
