Faculty Support

[Sichselbstoffenbaren]

I am applying to programs in political theory this season and felt I have a fairly 'quirky' project that would need a specific set of circumstances to fit. With that in mind, I sent an intro email to relevant professors at the appropriate programs and attached a fairly complete draft of my SOP. I traveled to meet with most and had calls with all of the others and professors from 3 institutions in the group said they would 'support my application' and one DGS at a fourth program said the same. I take that as positive but don't construe it as a guarantee but remain curious as to what it means mechanically with respect to the application process. Any guidance would be much appreciated.

[Aunuwyn]

I mean this in the nicest sort of way that I can, do not apply for political theory. It is a dead end and there are no theory jobs to speak of. The discipline is moving away from normative theory more and more every year, and if you want proof pick up any of the top 5 journals in the discipline and look at what is published.

[Zahar Berkut]

I mean this in the nicest sort of way that I can, do not apply for political theory. It is a dead end and there are no theory jobs to speak of. The discipline is moving away from normative theory more and more every year, and if you want proof pick up any of the top 5 journals in the discipline and look at what is published.

Most theory candidates know it's the subfield with the hardest job market. But I don't expect it to die entirely, and with the way the discipline changes every so often, a revival can never be ruled out. Besides, "normative theory" is only one thing theorists do. History of ideas and teaching canon remain staples, and I (without much evidence I admit) doubt that will die. And interest in non-Western political thought, especially Islamic and Eastern, may grow.

So it's enough to know that you're subjecting yourself to some torture, and to plan ahead for an abysmal job market. Also bear in mind when dissertation comes around what your potential employers might want to see in an application.

[Aunuwyn]

What you say is possible, but foundational normative theory is moving to philosophy departments in schools. If you don't go to a top 3 pol theory school you are never going to be a tenured political science professor. I hope you can prove me wrong though because I have a soft heart for normative theorists.

[Sichselbstoffenbaren]

What you say is possible, but foundational normative theory is moving to philosophy departments in schools. If you don't go to a top 3 pol theory school you are never going to be a tenured political science professor. I hope you can prove me wrong though because I have a soft heart for normative theorists.

I've got to say I think we have veered off on a patch of intellectual black ice, though perhaps we are taking the long way around to question.! I appreciate the admonitions regarding the thin job market but I am approaching this effort with a career as a naval intelligence officer and National Security Agency employee over the last 20 years so I probably won't be pursuing the same opportunities as others (plus the MA in IR from a top 5 program). Although even if I am, the guys over on the MBA/Econ forums would tell you that the time to enter a field is when demand is at its lowest and others are flocking to busier markets. The conventional wisdom probably runs a bit like this: It is fairly unlikely that universities will cease to study political theory. It is also a fairly solid assumption that the current professors, though immersed in the mysteries of ideas have likely not discovered eternal life so they are likely to retire, die etc. So, with those two fairly unassailable starting points, the next question is where might the replacements for these individuals be located? I will bet that they will probably come from the universe of PhDs who have done solid work at well known institutions. Which is the goal of my application (attending one of these institutions) and the point of my initial question which spoke to the mechanical reality of faculty/DGS 'support' for a candidate's application.

[Aunuwyn]

To answer your actual question, no one here can answer that. The reason is every department is different, and the person you emailed may or may not have power to lobby for admissions. Additionally, the person could have meant it as being an acceptable topic to study in the program, but not as any sort of signal that you would be selected.

Coming from a similar background as yourself, what is your career goal in getting the PhD? I don't think normative theorists will be in demand at think tanks or other agencies, this wouldn't of course make a difference in the State Department however.

[Sichselbstoffenbaren]

To answer your actual question, no one here can answer that. The reason is every department is different, and the person you emailed may or may not have power to lobby for admissions. Additionally, the person could have meant it as being an acceptable topic to study in the program, but not as any sort of signal that you would be selected.

Coming from a similar background as yourself, what is your career goal in getting the PhD? I don't think normative theorists will be in demand at think tanks or other agencies, this wouldn't of course make a difference in the State Department however.

Thanks. I'd like to teach at a small liberal arts college or go back to my service academy alma mater to be a professor and have time to write. I do quite a bit of consulting now and can't imagine how it would go away if I were more educated so I will continue that as well. You?

[Aunuwyn]

SLACs are possible avenues to teach political theory as they emphasize mostly on teaching. Torn between consulting and academia, best of luck to you.

[Zahar Berkut]

Thanks. I'd like to teach at a small liberal arts college or go back to my service academy alma mater to be a professor and have time to write. I do quite a bit of consulting now and can't imagine how it would go away if I were more educated so I will continue that as well. You?

Teaching at a service academy sounds like a pretty good setup. I've talked to some prof's about the job market, and while in principle it's true that academic job vacancies fluctuate and come in waves, it's very hard to predict when these things might come around. There are also fewer theory spots across the board, and the competition will likely be fierce even with a relatively large number of openings. So fingers crossed that this is indeed a good time to start.

You've got me very curious about your research interests (theory/IR is a big part of mine). Feel free to PM me.