Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV

i Please note:  

To view the current calendar, go to

Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV Calendar | Spring 2015

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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Brian Thomas
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey
D901 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Surrey
D902 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Surrey
D903 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Mon, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Surrey
Serdar Kaya
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Sat, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Vancouver
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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Distance Education
Eline de Rooij
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby

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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
David Laycock
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Mon, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Mon, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby

and one of

BUEC 232 - Data and Decisions I (4)

An introduction to business statistics with a heavy emphasis on applications and the use of EXCEL. Students will be required to use statistical applications to solve business problems. STAT 270, Introduction to Probability and Statistics, will be accepted in lieu of BUEC 232. Prerequisite: MATH 157 and 15 units. MATH 157 may be taken concurrently with BUEC 232. Students with credit for STAT 270 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, Thu, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Surrey
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, Thu, 5:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby
OP01 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
OP02 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
OP03 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
OP04 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
OP08 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Surrey
OP09 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Surrey
OP10 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Mon, 6:30–9:20 p.m.
Burnaby
OP11 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
OP12 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Thu, 7:30–10:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Thu, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Thu, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Mark Pickup
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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. Prerequisite: Recommended: a research methods course such as SA 255, CRIM 220, POL 213 or equivalent is recommended prior to taking STAT 203. Students with credit for any of STAT 101, 201, 270, ARCH 376 or BUEC 232 may not subsequently receive credit for this course. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Distance Education
Derek Bingham
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
OP01 TBD

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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Andrew Heard
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Brenda Lyshaug
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Wed, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
Surrey
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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Remi Leger
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Thu, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby

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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Patrick Smith
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Mon, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Mon, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Mon, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Mon, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Aude-Claire Fourot
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Sherri Brown
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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.

Section Day/Time Location
Distance Education
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 Students may count only one POL 497 towards meeting their upper division political science requirements.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Remi Leger
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Thu, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
TBD
POL 499 - Honours Essay (5)

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

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
TBD

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

GEOG 381 - Political Geography (4)

Theoretical approaches to problems of the interactions of political decisions and power structures with territorial organization. Prerequisite: GEOG 241. Students with credit for GEOG 381W may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Mon, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
E101 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Mon, 6:30–8:20 p.m.
Burnaby
E102 Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
or GEOG 381W - Political Geography (4)

Theoretical approaches to problems of the interactions of political decisions and power structures with territorial organization. Prerequisite: GEOG 241. Students with credit for GEOG 381 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

GSWS 350 - Public Policy for Women (4)

Examines issues where ideas about males and females either explicitly or implicitly influence policy makers. Focuses on current public policies and their relationship to women on topics such as sexuality and violence, economic security, race and inequality, and climate change. Prerequisite: 30 units. Students with credit for POL 350 or GSWS 320 (or WS 320) under this topic may not take this course for further credit.

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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Thu, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
Vancouver
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.

IS 315 - Introduction to Middle East Politics (4)

Introduces the political, economic, and ideological dynamics of contemporary Middle Eastern states. Examines the legacy of colonialism, state formation, central ideological trends such as Arab nationalism and political Islam, the dynamics of state-society contention, and the challenges of economic development. Prerequisite: IS 200, 210, or 220, and 45 units. Students with credit for IS 419 under this topic may not take this course for further credit.

LBST 310 - The Politics of Labour in Canada (3)

The politics of the working class and union movement in the context of neoliberal economic and public policy, recurring economic crises, the changing nature of work, and declining membership. Central to the course will be the question of electoral politics and organized labour's relationship to political parties. Prerequisite: Strongly recommended: Labour Studies 101 and 30 credit hours.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Stephen Elliott-Buckley
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Thu, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
Burnaby
SA 302W - Global Problems and the Culture of Capitalism (SA) (4)

An introduction to the political economy and culture of capitalism in relation to global problems. Case studies may focus on issues of population, famine, disease, poverty, environmental destruction, social inequality, and nation-state violence. Resistance, rebellion and social movements in response to these problems also will be addressed. Students who took SA 294 in 03-1, 04-1 and 04-2 may not take SA 302 for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Social Sci.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Agnes MacDonald
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Sat, 12:30–4:20 p.m.
Surrey

All ISPO 300 division courses

All POL 300 division courses

400 division courses

IS 410 - Politics, Institutions and Development (4)

The quality of institutions' exercises a crucial influence on the prospects for development. Aims are to interrogate this claim through analysis of different paths of economic growth and change across the developing world. Examination of the ways in which politics influences economic growth and distribution; the relationships between political systems and patterns of development; and the politics of institutions and state formation. Prerequisite: IS 210 or IS 220, 90 units and permission of department.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Thu, 8:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Vancouver
IS 412 - Central Asia, the Transcaucasus and Russia: Democracy, Development and Conflicts (4)

Examines the new states of post-Soviet Central Asia, the Transcaucasus and Russia, with particular reference to the relationship among democratization, development, autocracy and conflict, and the role of external actors in transnational security issues in the region. Prerequisite: IS 200 or 210, and 45 units.

IS 414 - Current Regional Issues in Southeast Asia (4)

Reviews important current regional issues in Southeast Asia with particular attention to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Prerequisite: IS 303 or 314.

IS 415 - Islamist Trend in Middle East Politics (4)

Focuses upon the political Islamist movements that have swept much of the Middle East and North Africa since the mid-1970s. Examines a broad range of movements, from liberal to militant trends, drawing on the experiences of countries throughout the region. Prerequisite: IS 315 or HIST 151, and 45 units. Students with credit for IS 419 under this topic may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
Vancouver

All ISPO 400 division courses

All POL 400 division courses

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Program Requirements

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

  • at least 60 units that must be completed at Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV
  • at least 45 upper division units, of which at least 30 upper division units must be completed at Ά‘ΟγΤ°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 Ά‘ΟγΤ°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 Ά‘ΟγΤ°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)

Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas.

Back to Top

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.