SYLLABI & COURSES STRUCTURE- Go University- Ghana/Global

 

FAQ: Applying to Graduate School- Go University

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Q:What is the purpose of graduate school?

 

Undergraduate education gives students a broad, general education. Graduate education provides students with more advanced learning in a specialized discipline or sub-discipline. Graduate school gives an in-depth understanding such that the student becomes something of an expert in the topic of study. A good graduate program also teaches advanced skills in such areas as problem-solving, mathematics, writing, oral presentation, and technology, each as applied to the particular field of study.

 

Q:What is the different between M.A./M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs?

 

M.A./M.S. and Ph.D. students usually take the same courses, although Ph.D. students may be required to take more courses than M.A./M.Sc. students (sometimes the opposite is true).The major difference between these degrees is in the level of original thinking that is expected. Ph.D.’s are trained to be leaders of research and research groups, conceiving and promoting new ideas. M.A./M.Sc. students, on the other hand, are trained to participate as part of a team carrying out advanced work. They may or may not become team leaders.

 

Q:When should I go to graduate school?

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Graduate school is appropriate at any age and stage of life. Some students go to graduate school directly after finishing their undergraduate education. However, many others undertake graduate studies after having been out of school for some period of time. You should go to graduate school when you are ready to get the most out of the experience. The purpose of graduate schooling is to learn material that you expect to use professionally or want to know for personal satisfaction.

 

Q:Where should I apply to graduate school?

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You should apply to graduate programs that offer courses of study that you are interested in and that have faculty who are known for their expertise in your area of interest. Always remember one thing: if you are in doubt about whether or not you are qualified for a graduate program, apply to that program and let them make the decision about whether or not they want you. You may not be a good judge about which graduate programs will want you as a student and which will not want you. JUST APPLY TO US NOW AND LET US BE THE JUDGE.

 

Q:How important are my test scores and gentsrades for my graduate school application?

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Graduate applications are evaluated by the department to which you apply, and every department evaluates graduate applications different. Include your undergraduate or advanced diploma certificates. Mature students with higher education or specialist education with long term working experience may apply.

 

Q:What is a Curriculum Vitae (CV)?

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You must attach your CV to your application. A CV is a summary document listing all of your professional experience and publications or other products. You should list and briefly summarize each professional position you have had, state all professional affiliations in professional societies (and any offices held), mention any awards or scholarships you have received, patents acquired, and list all publications, both those pertinent to you work as well as other published material of note. Special items such as project reports, computer programs, conferences organized, etc., should also be mentioned. A CV should be concise but informative about all aspects of your professional work.

 

Q:How should I write a statement of purpose?

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A statement of purpose is used by the faculty evaluating graduate applications to determine how well an applicant will fit into their graduate program. A statement of purpose will also be used to help match up a graduate student with interested faculty. Be as specific as possible about your goals for graduate study and for your professional aspirations beyond graduate school. Also, give a concise summary of any relevant work or experience in your background that has prepared you for graduate work or has honed your professional interests. Also, be sure your statement of purpose is well written, since it may be the only writing sample upon which your

written skills can be evaluated directly.

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Q:How important are letters of recommendation for my graduate school application?

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Letters of recommendation from faculty members who have taught you or supervised a major piece of work (i.e., undergraduate thesis, summer research project, laboratory research assistant, etc.) are the most valuable if they substantiate your capabilities, especially the ability to do creative work with minimal supervision. Letters from persons outside academia are less useful, since they seldom can evaluate the potential for outstanding academic performance.

 

 

Q:What financial aid is available for graduate school?

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Financial aid can take the form of  from government and private agencies. Government

and private loans are also available. There are many sources of graduate school funding available, and so it is to your advantage to learn about them and apply for them.

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Steps for Admission

Explore

With nearly 50 fields of study, your critical first step in the

admission process is to identify the field  in with which

you wish to study.

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Prepare

At Go University, graduate admissions decisions are made

by Graduate committee in your proposed field of study. 

Although the Graduate School coordinates the

admission process and establishes minimum requirements

for admission, application deadlines and additional

requirements vary by field of study and degree program.

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Apply

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All application materials should be uploaded with your online application.  Please do not send unsolicited additional materials to your proposed field of study or the Graduate School. 

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Check your status

You may check the status of your application by mail. Please allow at least 7 days for your status to be updated.

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PhD / Doctorate in Political Science

Excel in the Field of  Political Science

 

Course Requirements

Successful applicants must fulfill the following criteria:

1. Master degree from an internationally recognized academic institution

2. Minimum 4 years of work experience in executive or senior management positions

3. Proficiency in English.

 

The PhD / Doctorate in Political Science is an extensive study of the political and diplomatic trends of today, requiring learned to have a solid background in the field both academically and professionally. The program consists of courses which provide a broad spectrum of political international problems from the perspective of different parties involved. The program targets individuals who wish to excel in this field of ever increasing importance and who wish to obtain an international perspective on their previous education and career experience. It also is aimed at individuals wishing to give their career an academic direction, developing skills of applied research, political consulting and lecturing in the field of diplomacy/political science.

 

 

Duration

2/3 years Fulltime/parttime

Credit Hours, Modular and Semester System

 

Credit Hours and Semester System

The unit of credit used is the semester hour. The University follows the semester system in which the academic year is divided into two instructional semesters with each having 20 weeks of instruction plus a final examination period. Additional instructional periods such as intersession, blocks, sessions, short, and extended class periods are offered. The amount of credit hours awarded for courses is based upon the instructional time and the type (lecture or lab) of course.

Students receives 2 lecture periods per day of 90 minutes per lecture or laboratory or presentation sessions.

=10 lectures per week x 90 minutes=900 minutes contact lectures per week

900 minutes x20 weeks in a semester=18000 lecture minutes=300 lecture hours per semester.

Laboratory and studio courses meet for the equivalent of 5 hours per week.  Courses which include both lecture and laboratory type meetings will utilize the appropriate combination of the above guidelines; as will all courses taken for credit, regardless of length.

College courses taught in a shorter period of time than regular semester courses described in this catalog shall meet the same number of hours for both lecture and laboratories as required if offered on a semester or summer session basis. Laboratory sessions and activity-type courses which are primarily characterized by hands-on, experimental, and skill-building activities shall be in session 30 clock hours for each hour of credit. Workshop courses may vary, depending on the situation. Some workshops fall into the hands-on, activity-type category while others are structured primarily as lecture classes taught in a more intensive, abbreviated format.

Some courses include "clinical" contact hours which represent the number of hours per week the course will meet in clinical experiences outside the classroom (i.e., nursing, physical therapy, etc.). Normally clinical hours will require three or more hours per week per hour of credit.

Courses with no standard lecture or laboratory contact hours indicate class time is spent outside the normal classroom environment (i.e., field study, internships, practicums, research, service learning, supervised teaching, thesis, etc.). The number of contact hours is determined by agreement between instructor and student.

 

 

 

Courses Overview Details

 

Core Stage

Research Methodology & Design I

This course introduces students to the field of research. It examines the research process in depth and introduces doctoral candidates to the various aspects of doing scientific research, providing practical advice and insight in the field. Topics covered include hypothesis formulation and theory construction, data collection techniques, ethical issues in research, and research design.

Upon completion, participants will be able to distinguish amongst the different types of research, be aware of the tools used and their relative roles and reliability. Participants review the steps to be undertaken in the research design, writing, and in publishing the results. This is a very practical course aimed to guide participants through the work that lies ahead.

 

 

Research Methodology & Design II

The Research Methodology and Design II course is divided in two parts, which will provide doctoral candidates with a solid foundation and valid framework to accomplish their research goals.

The first part of the course examines qualitative research and behavioral research. Topics covered include: criteria for valid and reliable research; advantages and disadvantages of different research strategies; electronic and paper tools for searching literature; research methods – observational, survey and experimental; general writing techniques and writing style; data analysis; and data presentation.

The second part of the course examines the fields of quantitative and econometric research. Topics covered include: scientific methods, cognitive guidelines, quantification and standardization in survey research and reconciling practical and scientific requirements for creating valid and unbiased surveys. It also examines research tools and applied econometrics. Topics include: regression analysis, estimation procedures, hypothesis testing, time series modeling, and forecasting.

The course permits learners to distinguish between the different methods of collecting data, analyzing data and the research techniques to be used for optimum results. A wide range of concepts and methods for observing, interviewing, recording and analyzing field data is covered, exposing the learner to quantitative and qualitative methods, and the ethical considerations in qualitative research practice. Furthermore the course provides a solid understanding of statistical tools used in empirical analysis enabling participants to develop solid analytical skills. Additional emphasis is placed on the process of rigorous formulation of research questions and design.

 

 

 

 

Specialization Stage

Advanced Political Economy

The module analyzes the nature of global capital today and its development trends. It discusses the role of government in the economy, the behaviour of the international sides involved, the structure of political–economic interests, the mediating effects of institutions, the conflict between classes and the distribution of wealth, inequality and globalization. Special attention will be given to the World Bank & the IMF and broader problems of global market governance

 

World and Comparative Politics

This course presents a comprehensive overview and comparison of politics on an international level, examining different systems, their philosophies, impacts on a country, and the global economic and political scene. Learners examine the empirical, theoretical and normative foundations for understanding contemporary global politics; parliamentary systems, multi-party systems, one-party dominant systems, communist party dominated systems, and systems seeking to establish themselves. The course also deals with issues of achieving political change, maintaining power, relationships between economy and political systems, and other issues of statehood. Discussions include decisions of using force, defining the levels of analysis in international relations, and describing the major methodologies employed in this field. The course deals with decision making processes of international politics and an analysis of current international crises

 

International Relations

The purpose of this course is to review and discuss, in depth, the field and concepts of International Relations, to organize what is known and theorized about International Relations, and to convey the key concepts used by political scientists to discuss relations amongst nations

 

 

 

 

Law and the State

This course conducts a critical analysis of the complexity of relations of the different legal systems, religions and traditions in the world and their relations to the state. Learners examine the different aspects of religion in education and family relations, as well as its roles within the state. Law is also examined from points of view of origination, perception of crime, and ethics.

 

Advanced Political Theory

This module is concerned with the many conceptual interdependencies of cultural evolution, economics, the law and social–philosophy. Emphasis is put on the leading thinkers, their main ideas and how their powerful insights led to different legal, political and economic ideals that continue to shape our culture. Not only the main controversial trains of thought that throughout history mutually influenced the legal framework and the economic actions of men: “the labor theory of value” and “the theory of subjective value” will be analyzed. An in–depth discussion of the controversial relationships between the various concepts of justice and freedom and the purpose of law, markets, public and private goods is also offered

 

 

Dissertation Stage

Dissertation

An original, academic written product is prepared by each student, presenting the systematic study of a significant problem, applying a coherent methodology, independent research, and comprehensive thinking. Recognized academic standards of organization and documentation also are elements of learning.. A Go University tutor/mentor is assigned to each student to provide an ongoing relationship of learning, dialog and challenge. They closely check students’ progress and academic responsibilities. Mentoring is a critical support strategy which positively impacts academic achievement

 

Dissertation Defense

Upon completion of the regular course work and Dissertation, students are required to pursue the obligatory Dissertation Defense. This oral performance review is structured as a hearing vis-à-vis the Academic Defense Committee. The Defense has the purpose to challenge aspects of the candidate’s research work, allowing him/her to prove its integrity by defending the underlying argumentation. The Defense is offered two or more times each year

 

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SEMINARS, READINGS AND WRITINGS ON POLITICAL SUBJECTS ON ELECTIVE BASIS to deepen political understanding

 

Number of literature readings, seminars and writings will be determined by supervising professor.

 

TOPICS-lectures/Readings/Seminars/Discussions

Note: All the terms of readings, seminars and discussion follows that of the syllabus.

 

1.  Select Themes: Political Theory 

Political Science: A seminar on a theme in contemporary political theory or in the history of political theory.

Political Science: Review of classical political thought.

Political Science: An introduction to the concepts underlying modern approaches to the study of politics. The scope of the discipline will be delineated and the foundations of empirical research, including the philosophy and methodology of science especially as these apply to social science, will be considered. Various alternatives and critiques will be presented and evaluated.

Political Science: An introduction to central normative issues in the study of politics. The seminar consists of lectures, oral presentations, and discussion and research papers.

Note: The field is Political Theory.

Political Science: An introduction to regression techniques common in political science, including applied multiple regression techniques, beginning with basic linear models and ending with models for binary or ordinal dependent variables. Methodological issues are taught using substantive issues and debates in the discipline.

 

 

2.  Immigrants/Refugees/Minorities

Political Science: A consideration of the different dimensions of politics associated with immigration and ethno racial diversity. The course will emphasize the Canadian case in comparative perspective.

There are no professors associated with this course for the 2015 academic year

 

3. Interpreting  your country Political Process

Political Science: Strategies for studying your country political process. Pluralist, Marxian and state autonomist approaches for analyzing the relative significance and inter-relationships of basic components of the political system. Although one purpose of the course is to survey the literature on individual topics, a broader purpose is to employ individual research strategies to develop conclusions about the nature, distribution, and exercise of power in Canada.

 

3. Judicl Politics & The Constitution

Political Science: A research-oriented introduction to selected theoretical and empirical works on your country or other constitutionalism and judicial politics. The substantive focus of the course concerns the politics of constitutional change and the political impact of constitutional decisions by courts.

4.  Comparative Politics

Political Science: An introduction for graduate students to the sub-discipline of comparative politics. The logic of comparative analysis as well as a number of alternative paradigms for analyzing and comparing political systems and processes.

5.  Topics in European Politics

Political Science: Examination of recent trends and current debates in the electoral politics, political economy and political sociology of Europe. The course will focus on developments at two levels: that of national political systems and that of the region as a whole, particularly as embodied in the European Union. Note: The field is Comparative Politics in Developed Areas.

 

6.  Comparative Federalism

Political Science: Theoretical underpinnings and empirical challenges of federal states from a comparative perspective on industrializing countries, with Canadian federalism providing an important example. Issues include federalism and ethnic conflict, fiscal federalism, and federalism and markets.

7.  Southeast Asian Politics

Political Science: An examination of the literature on Southeast Asian politics. Topics include: state structures, political regimes, political parties, political economy, nationalism, ethnicity, and religion. Emphasis on comparative analysis within the region and on the different analytical perspectives employed to study Southeast Asia.

8. Theories of U.S. Politics

Political Science: A critical examination of some of the major theoretical analyses of U.S. politics. The course will focus on several key issues in the study of American political life, including distribution of power, the policy process, state and society, and bargaining and coalition building. Note: The field is Comparative Politics in Developed Areas.

9.  Approches Theor: Politique Que

Political Science: Critical examination of some major approaches to the study of  your country or other politics and society, with particular emphasis on issues of nationalism, social and political movements, ethnicity, language and class conflicts, federal-provincial relations, as well as an analysis of the role of intellectuals and party politics in the deliberation process.

10. Politics of Developed Areas 3

Political Science: A specific problem area in the Comparative Politics of Developed Areas.

 

11. Middle East Politics

Political Science: Examination of political and socio-economic development in the Middle East, with particular emphasis on the Arab world. Topics to be addressed include state formation and consolidation; Arab nationalism; civil society and state-society relations; the politics of Islam; petro-politics; the political economy of economic liberalization; and future patterns of political change. The field is Comparative Politics in Developing Areas.

12. Change in South Asia

Political Science: This course examines major political and social changes in South Asia. Explores such topics as colonialism and nationalism; trends in mass mobilization and electoral politics; regime changes; economic policies and their impact; and conflicts over authority patterns, policy agendas, and national boundaries.

13. African Politics

Political Science: Selected problems in contemporary comparative African politics and political thought. The work of the seminar centers around research papers prepared and presented by participants.

Note: The field is Comparative Politics in Developing Areas.

Political Science: Theoretical approaches to the politics of identity with reference to experiences in different world regions. The politics of nationalism, ethnicity, religion, race and gender, and the relationship of such forms of identity politics to democracy, tolerance, pluralism, violence, socio-economic change and equality.

Note: The field is Comparative Politics in Developing Areas.

14. Politics of Developing Areas 1 3

Political Science: A specific problem area in the Comparative Politics of Developing Areas.

 

15. Development Political Economy

Political Science: Incorporation of subordinate groups into national systems in the developing countries of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Specific topics include state formation, the emergence of civil society, modernization and dependency theories, alternative development models, democracy, authoritarianism, sustainable development and gender.

Note: The field is Comparative Politics in Developing Area

 

16. Latin American Politics

Political Science: This course explores changing patterns of social, economic and political relations in Latin America, especially at the level of civil society. It examines such topics as state formation, institutional development, regime transformation and the insertion of Latin American countries in both the international capitalist economy and the inter-state system.  Note: The field is Comparative Politics in Developing Areas.

17. Seminar in Peacebuilding

Political Science: An examination of transitions from civil war to peace, and the role of external actors (international organizations, bilateral donors, non-governmental organizations) in support of such transitions. Topics will include the dilemmas of humanitarian relief, peacekeeping operations, refugees, the demobilization of ex-combatants, transitional elections, and the politics of socio-economic reconstruction.

Note: The field is Comparative Politics in Developing Areas and International Politics.

 

18. The EU & Political Integration

Political Science: Theories from both comparative and international politics will be drawn upon to analyze the development, politics, and institutions and polices of the EU. The internal political economy and external relations of the EU will be analyzed.  Note: The field is Comparative Politics in Developed Areas and International Politics.

19.  Interdisc Sem in European, US & African Study

Political Science: Interdisciplinary seminar on a theme relevant to the study of Europe US, Asia & African studies

 

20. Advanced Quantitative Methods

Political Science: Selected methods in the quantitative study of political science. Topics may include, for instance, time series, duration models, and/or panel data analysis. Statistical methods are applied, in a computer lab setting, to issues across a range of political science subfield.

 

21.  Adv Topics:Intl Relations

Political Science: A specific problem area in International Relations.

22.  International Relations Theory 3

Political Science: This course is designed to give students a thorough background in the basic theories and models used in International Relations. It emphasizes breadth, in order to ground students in the variety of approaches employed in the field of international politics.  Note: The field is International Politics.

 

23. Intl Political Economy

Political Science: For students in international and comparative politics, a course in IPE in two senses: 1) the use of the economic model of purposive behaviour to examine international phenomena; 2) the politics of global economic issues such as production, trade, finance, debt, technology transfer, economic coordination. Connections between domestic political economies and the IPE, alternative strategies of state adjustment to a changing IPE.

 

24. Sociological Issues in IR

Political Science: The main theories and issues in international political sociology as an approach to international relations. Focus is on the political constitution of international social artefacts such as institutions, norms, identities, practices and communities.

Prerequisites: No previous course work in psychology is required. In addition to political science graduate students who are specializing in international relations and, subject to limitations of class size, this seminar is open to other interested political science graduate students and third year honours undergraduates in political science, history and psychology.

Note: The field is International Politics.

25. Int'l Crisis, Conflict, War

Political Science: This seminar is designed to explore the literature on the concepts of international crisis, conflict and war. Discussions will focus on: research designs and methods; decision-making models; crisis/conflict management; bargaining in crisis; UN and superpower crisis intervention; deterrence and war prevention; theories of war; and polarity, war, crisis and stability.

 

26. Int.Sec:Conflict&Co-operation

Political Science: Covers theoretical and historical literature on international security, strategy, war, and cooperation. Includes systemic, societal and normative explanations or war, peace, security, and change. Note: The field is International Politics.

27. Issues in Contemp. Poli. Phil.  

Political Science: A research seminar on a philosophical debate which has developed around problems in contemporary political practice. Note: The field is Political Theory.

 

28. Res Sem in Can &Compar Politics

Political Science: This seminar provides doctoral and advanced masters' thesis students in comparative and Canadian politics with the opportunity to present and develop research proposals and papers in a collaborative setting.

The field is country Politics and Comparative Politics.

 

29. Res Seminar-Int\'lnternational Politics

 

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