Social Constructivism

[teekee]

Hi, I'm a Canadian interested in pursuing my PhD in political science in the States. I'm interested in IR, in particular social constructivism. Could anyone please recommend the best U.S. schools for social constructivism? I'm aware of Northwestern, WashU, and Minnesota, but was wondering if there are any other schools out there that I might have missed.

Thanks!

[natofone]

http://www.gwu.edu/~elliott/faculty/finnemore.cfm

[teekee]

Thanks, natofone!

Are there any other recommendations? And are there any social constructivists on grad cafe attending a university not listed in my initial post?

[ordinonuovo]

Deudney at Johns Hopkins, Nexon at Georgetown, Katzenstein at Cornell,

Onuf at Florida International University all fall under the broad constructivist

umbrella. Kratochwil and Ruggie, I believe, do not advise students anymore.

There aren't many in the US.

[polisciphd]

You might want to think about continental Europe to do constructivism, although everyone has to read Wendt here in the states, not many people actually drink the cool aid.

[teekee]

Thanks, ordinonuovo!

[teekee]

You might want to think about continental Europe to do constructivism, although everyone has to read Wendt here in the states, not many people actually drink the cool aid.

Yeah, I realize it's an uphill battle pursuing social constructivism in the U.S. since realism and quant-based analysis is de rigueur.

I initially considered Europe and in particular, looked at Aberystwyth in Wales, but they provide no funding. That, in addition to being told that a lot of key faculty have left or are leaving (as well as hearing some horror stories about the lack of academic resources, sub-par facilities, and advising), has given me pause.

I could remain in Canada and continue at U of T, which is conducive to constructivist studies, has excellent resources, and provides full funding, but I received my BA and MA there (albeit from a different field), and have been warned about being a triple threat, i.e. having all my degrees from the same institution. Hence looking south of the 49th parallel.

If you or anyone else happens to know of other universities in the UK or continental Europe that provide funding, I'd appreciate hearing about them, as I am feeling 'meh' about my limited choice of schools in the U.S. Otherwise, thanks for the responses so far.

[spark25]

Yeah, I realize it's an uphill battle pursuing social constructivism in the U.S. since realism and quant-based analysis is de rigueur.

I initially considered Europe and in particular, looked at Aberystwyth in Wales, but they provide no funding. That, in addition to being told that a lot of key faculty have left or are leaving (as well as hearing some horror stories about the lack of academic resources, sub-par facilities, and advising), has given me pause.

I could remain in Canada and continue at U of T, which is conducive to constructivist studies, has excellent resources, and provides full funding, but I received my BA and MA there (albeit from a different field), and have been warned about being a triple threat, i.e. having all my degrees from the same institution. Hence looking south of the 49th parallel.

If you or anyone else happens to know of other universities in the UK or continental Europe that provide funding, I'd appreciate hearing about them, as I am feeling 'meh' about my limited choice of schools in the U.S. Otherwise, thanks for the responses so far.

As someone who did his MSc in Aber, I can point out that funding situation and facilities aren't as bad as you might think. First, they have the E. H. Carr scholarships that you can apply for. I also believe they have smaller grants. Second, they recently built a separate building for International Politics so I am sure they have adequate facilities for their students. Advising might be different, but like all other places, partial responsibility falls on the student as well. My adviser was superb and we had a great working relationship. I don't know about faculty leaving, and it is also understandable considering that Aber is in a remote place, but they do have the prestige and resources to bring in new faculty as well. I have to admit though, Aber is probably better known for its focus on critical and post-modern approaches. As evident from their MSc degree schemes, I don't think their primary focus is on mainstream constructivism as in the US. Thus, I think you should be aware of that. If you have any further questions about Aber please PM me.

[teekee]

Thanks, Spark25. I sent a PM.