間眅埶AV

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Political Science Major

Bachelor of Arts

Program Requirements

Students complete 120 units, as specified below.

Lower Division Requirements

Students complete a total of 18 units, including one of

POL 100 - Introduction to Politics and Government (3)

A comprehensive introduction to the study of politics and government for both political science majors and students specializing in other disciplines. The course will explore the major concepts, methods, approaches and issues in political science, as well as the primary components of government structure and the political process. POL 101W is the Writing certified version of POL 100 and students cannot receive credit for both courses. Breadth-Social Sciences.

POL 101W - Introduction to Politics and Government (3)

A comprehensive introduction to the study of politics and government for both political science majors and students specializing in other disciplines. Explores the major concepts, methods, approaches and issues in political science, as well as the primary components of government structure and the political process. This course is identical to POL 100 and students may not take both courses for credit. Writing/Breadth-Social Sci.

and

POL 210 - Introduction to Political Philosophy (3)

An examination of concepts presented by the major political thinkers of the western world. The course surveys those ideas which remain at the root of our political institutions, practices and ideals against a background of the periods in which they were expressed. Prerequisite: POL 100 or 101W or permission of department. Breadth-Social Sciences.

and one of

IS 240 - Research Methods in International Studies (3) *

Provides an introduction to the research enterprise in international studies with a particular focus on quantitative methods. Prerequisite: IS 101 and 12 units. Students who have taken POL 201 may not take IS 240 for further credit. Quantitative.

POL 201 - Research Methods in Political Science (3) *

An introduction to quantitative research techniques in political science. Prerequisite: POL 100 or 101W or 151 or permission of department. Students with credit for IS 240 may not take POL 201 for further credit. Quantitative.

STAT 203 - Introduction to Statistics for the Social Sciences (3)

Descriptive and inferential statistics aimed at students in the social sciences. Scales of measurement. Descriptive statistics. Measures of association. Hypothesis tests and confidence intervals. Students in Sociology and Anthropology are expected to take SA 255 before this course. Intended to be particularly accessible to students who are not specializing in Statistics. Students with credit for STAT 101, 102, 103, 201, 270, ARCH 376 or, BUEC 232 (formerly 332), may not subsequently receive credit for this course. Recommended: a research methods course such as SA 255, CRIM 120, POL 213 or equivalent is recommended prior to taking STAT 203. Quantitative. Prerequisite: REQ-Students in Sociology and Anthropology are expected to take SA255 before this crs. Students with credit for STAT101, 102, 103, 201, 270, ARCH376 or, BUEC232 (formerly 332), may not receive further credit. Recommended: SA255, CRIM120, POL213 or equiv. Equivalent Courses: STAT102 STAT103 STAT201 STAT270 STAT301. Quantitative.

If students plan to complete both POL 201 and STAT 203, POL 201 should be completed before STAT 203.

and two of

POL 221 - Introduction to Canadian Government (3)

An introduction to the institutional order and political structure of the Canadian state. The course will include topics such as the constitution, parliament, cabinet, judiciary, public service and federal-provincial relations. Prerequisite: POL 100 or 101W or 151 or permission of department.

POL 231 - Comparative Politics (3)

An introduction to political processes and structures in comparative perspective. Prerequisite: POL 100 or 101W or permission of department. Breadth-Social Sciences.

POL 241 - Introduction to International Politics (3)

Theory and practice of international politics, diplomacy, hot war, cold war, alliances and the role of leaders. Prerequisite: POL 100 or 101W or permission of department. Breadth-Social Sciences.

POL 251 - Introduction to Canadian Public Administration (3)

An introduction to the basic elements of public administration in the government of Canada, including the organization of the public service, planning and financial administration, personnel administration, collective bargaining and administrative regulation. Prerequisite: POL 100 or 101W or 151 or permission of department.

and one of

POL 151 - The Administration of Justice (3)

The development of laws and their application to the citizen and social groups. Special consideration will be given to civil liberties. Breadth-Social Sciences.

POL 202 - Research Design (3)

Approaches to political science research design methods. Covers causality, conceptualization and analysis; literature reviews; and the logic behind different choices of methodology. Prerequisite: POL 100 or 101W.

POL 211 - Politics and Ethics (3)

An examination of selected contemporary political controversies that raise fundamental ethical issues. Discussion will be informed by contending perspectives in modern political philosophy. Prerequisite: POL 100 or 101W or permission of department. Breadth-Social Sciences.

POL 222 - Introduction to Canadian Politics (3)

An introduction to the social and participatory basis of Canadian politics, covering topics such as political culture, regionalism and other political divisions, political parties, elections, interest groups and new social movements. Prerequisite: POL 100 or 101W or 151 or permission of department.

POL 223 - Canadian Political Economy (3)

An introductory study of Canada's political economy, stressing the interrelated nature of Canada's economic and political life. The course focuses on current economic problems and policies, taking into account the geographical, historical and political environments. Topics include the resource and industrial structures, research and development, the public sector, fiscal and monetary policy, the role of the state, trade and foreign ownership, energy, regional disparity, corporate concentration and the political economy of federalism. Recommended: POL 100 or 101W. This course is identical to CNS 280 and students cannot take both courses for credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.

POL 232 - US Politics (3)

An examination of the American political system, including the presidency, the congress, the courts, the bureaucracy and the party system. Prerequisite: POL 100 or 101W or permission of the department. Students with credit for POL 332 may not complete this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.

POL 252 - Local Democracy and Governance (3)

The political process in the urban municipality from a comparative perspective. Prerequisite: POL 100 or 101W or 151 or permission of department. Breadth-Social Sciences.

POL 253 - Introduction to the Public Policy Process (3)

Explores the political dimensions of public policy making in Canada. Reviews theories and techniques in policy analysis, and focuses on the contemporary dynamics of public policy in various economic and social sectors from the point of view of political ideas, interests, institutions, and decision-making. Prerequisite: POL 100 or POL 101W or permission of the department. Students with credit for POL 351 may not take this course for further credit.

* students may not complete both of IS 240 and POL 201 for credit

Upper Division Requirements

Students cannot complete upper division courses until lower division prerequisites are complete. Specified prerequisites or department permission is required for course entry.

Students who fulfil the requirements may also complete

POL 497 - Directed Practice in Political Science (4)

This courses involves interpretation of, and expansion on, practical experience in political life, under the supervision of a single faculty member. Students enrolling in the course must have their program of practical experience and academic writing assignments approved by both the supervisor and the department's undergraduate committee prior to enrolment. Prerequisite: Permission of the department; CGPA of 3.0; upper division GPA of 3.33. Students may count only one POL 497 towards meeting their upper division political science requirements. This course is available only for POL majors.

POL 498 - Directed Readings in Political Science (4)

Directed readings in a selected field of study under the direction of a single faculty member. A paper will be required. Students enrolling in this course must have their program of readings approved (by the supervising instructor and the undergraduate studies committee) prior to enrolment. Prerequisite: Permission of the department. Students may count only one readings course as credit towards their upper division political science requirements.

POL 499 - Honors Essay (5)

Prerequisite: Permission of the department (see regulations listed in the Department of Political Science section).

Students complete a total of 32 upper division POL units.  Eight of these 32 units must be at the 400 division.

Students who wish to concentrate on a particular field or combination of fields should consult with a faculty advisor to arrange their programs.

300 division courses

IS 302 - Introduction to Humanitarian Intervention (4)

Investigates complex emergencies and the outcomes of conflict, specifically forced migration by refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs). Prerequisite: IS 200 and 45 units.

IS 303 - Ethnic Minorities, Identity Politics, and Conflict in Southeast Asia (4)

Surveys the ethnic minorities of Southeast Asia, focusing on their relations with other ethnic groups, especially majority populations, and governments. Examines the treatment of ethnic minorities and the responses of the minorities, including ethnic-based secession movements. Reviews cross-border and broader international issues relating to minorities, such as their status as refugees and cross-border support for insurgencies. Prerequisite: IS 200 and 45 units.

IS 304 - Russian Foreign Policies and Security Policies (4)

Introduces the Russian Federation's foreign and security policies. Reviews key actors, institutions, and stages in the development of Russian foreign policy development as well as the gap between rhetoric and realities in Russian foreign policy. Prerequisite: IS 200 and 45 units.

IS 313W - Nationalism, Democracy and Development in Modern India (4)

An examination of the differing narratives of nation and modernity in the struggle for independence from colonial rule in India, and their implications for the post-colonial state, for politics and for India's economic development. Prerequisite: IS 210 or 220, and 45 units. Writing.

IS 314 - National, Regional, and International Politics in Southeast Asia (4)

Provides an overview of national and political issues in Southeast Asia. Surveying politics in individual countries and regional political institutions, focus is given to particular themes such as democratization and civil society, communism and other forms of authoritarianism, the role of the military, decentralization, religion and politics, the impact of China on the region, and security concerns. Prerequisite: IS 210 and 45 units.

All ISPO 300 division courses

All POL 300 division courses

400 division courses

IS 409 - Special Topics I (4)

Specific details of courses to be offered will be published prior to enrolment each term. Prerequisite: IS 200 and 45 units.

All ISPO 400 division courses

All POL 400 division courses

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Major Requirements

For all bachelor of arts (BA) programs (except the honours program), students complete 120 units, which includes

  • at least 60 units that must be completed at 間眅埶AV
  • at least 45 upper division units, of which at least 30 upper division units must be completed at 間眅埶AV
  • at least 65 units (including 21 upper division units) in Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences courses
  • satisfaction of the writing, quantitative, and breadth requirements
  • an overall cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and upper division CGPA of at least 2.0, and a program (major, joint major, extended minor, minor) CGPA and upper division CGPA of at least 2.0

Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements

Students admitted to 間眅埶AV beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See for university-wide information.

WQB Graduation Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit

Requirement

Units

Notes
W - Writing

6

Must include at least one upper division course, taken at 間眅埶AV within the student’s major subject
Q - Quantitative

6

Q courses may be lower or upper division
B - Breadth

18

Designated Breadth Must be outside the student’s major subject, and may be lower or upper division
6 units Social Sciences: B-Soc
6 units Humanities: B-Hum
6 units Sciences: B-Sci

6

Additional Breadth 6 units outside the student’s major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements)

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Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit

The University’s residency requirement stipulates that, in most cases, total transfer and course challenge credit may not exceed 60 units, and may not include more than 15 as upper division work.

Elective Courses

In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.

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