Political Science Courses
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.
POL 121 - Political Engagement: From the Streets to the Ballot Box (3)
An introduction to political action and behaviour. Politics involves the struggle for power and influence. Nowhere is this more evident than when individuals mobilize and engage in political action, whether in a revolution to overthrow an authoritarian regime, protesting on the street against the government, or voting on Election Day. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.
POL 131 - Politics of Prosperity and Inequality (3)
Introduces how politics shapes economic inequality and development. Focuses on how government policy and the struggle for power offer solutions to major social and economic problems. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.
POL 132 - From Dictatorship to Democracy: Political Regimes in the 21st Century (3)
A firm consensus - at least in the West - has developed in favour of democracy as a means to emancipate ordinary people from the mayhem, conflict, and poor quality of life associated with autocratic rule. Introduces the concepts and tools needed to measure and analyze democratization around the world. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.
POL 141 - War, International Cooperation and Development (3)
Explores causes and consequences of international political conflict, including war, terrorism, protectionism, nationalism, economic disparity, migration, and humanitarian crises. Evaluates how states and non-state actors navigate and influence these conflicts and the role of international law, diplomacy, and organizational cooperation. Analyzes worldviews on war, peace, human rights, and world order. Students who have taken POL 241 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.
POL 150 - Science, Policy, and Innovation (3)
Explores how science and technology intersect with public policy. From debates about climate change to the proper boundaries of security and privacy in the Information Age, the politicization of science is an inescapable reality that has far-reaching consequences for scientific advances innovation, and human quality of life. Breadth-Hum/Social Sci/Science.
POL 151 - Justice and Law (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 200 - Investigating Politics: Research Design and Qualitative Methods (3)
Introduces different aspects of research design in political science, as well as different qualitative research techniques and the epistemological perspectives that inform them. Introduces important analytical and conceptual skills necessary to understand and evaluate political science research. Students with credit for POL 202 may not take this course for further credit.
POL 201 - Introductory Quantitative Methods in Political Science (3)
Introduces quantitative research techniques in political science. Introduces important analytical and conceptual skills necessary to understand and evaluate quantitative political science research. Prerequisite: POL 200 or permission of department. Students with credit for IS 240 may not take POL 201 for further credit. Quantitative.
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-Humanities/Social Sciences.
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 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 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 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 244 - Canada in the World (3)
Explores Canada's identity, role and status in the world in a comparative perspective. Examines the main internal and external constraints that shape Canadian politics and policies, taking as illustrations a number of key issues and concerns.
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.
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 Public Policy (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. Breadth-Social Sciences.
POL 300 - Selected Topics: Comparative Politics (4)
Prerequisite: Six lower division units in Political Science or permission of the department.
POL 310 - Identity Politics (4)
Examines the impact of identity politics on the dynamics and organization of political systems. Topics include the impact of ethnic, racial and/or religious diversity on modes of political representation, the formation of public policy, and the quest for political stability and national identity. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department. Student with credit for POL 481 may not take this course for further credit.
POL 311 - Contemporary Perspectives on Ancient Political Thought (4)
Central texts in the ancient political thought of the west, as well as important and controversial contemporary perspectives on these texts. In addition to texts by Plato and Aristotle, students will examine commentaries by Allan Bloom, Jacques Derrida, Susan Moller Okin, and Martha Nussbaum. Prerequisite: POL 210 and three additional lower division political science units or permission of the department. Students who have taken Selected Topics course POL 319 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.
POL 312 - Modern and Contemporary Political Thought (4)
An exploration of selected political theories of justice. Prerequisite: POL 210 or equivalent, or permission of the department.
POL 313 - Political Ideologies (4)
Discussion of the major political ideologies in western political systems: liberalism, conservatism, the new right, socialism and social democracy, feminism and environmentalism. Emphasis is placed on their conceptual foundations and contemporary expressions. Prerequisite: POL 210 or 312 or permission of the department.
POL 314 - Theory and Explanation in Political Science (4)
A discussion of issues in the philosophy of the social sciences which are relevant to the study of politics and a critical evaluation of contemporary approaches to political inquiry, including empirical theory, rational choice theory and hermeneutics. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department. Quantitative.
POL 315 - Intermediate Quantitative Methods (4)
Introduces intermediate quantitative methods and data analysis. Teaches students how to build statistical models and apply them to social and political research. Also covers the fundamentals of probability, sampling, and causal inference; students will learns how to conduct their own data-driven research. Prerequisite: POL 201 or permission of instructor. Quantitative.
POL 316 - Sex, Love, and Politics (4)
Explores the political dimensions of sex, sexuality, and love. Students will read academic materials on eros and philia, repressive hypothesis, compulsory heterosexuality, and power and patriarchy, and focus on contemporary policy debates, including same sex marriages, gender expression, polygamy, pornography, prostitution, and sexual violence (especially on university campuses). Prerequisite: POL 210 or permission of the department. Students with credit for POL 419 Selected Topics in Political Theory II under the title Sex, Love, and Politics may not take this course for further credit.
POL 317 - Migration, Identity, and Citizenship (4)
Migration is on the rise around the globe, presenting challenges for many countries: Who shall be admitted? What should be the conditions of integration? How will 'we' maintain our identity in the face of growing diversity? Explores how and why liberal democracies offer varying responses to these questions. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in Political Science or permission of the department. Students who have taken Selected Topics course POL 319 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.
POL 318 - Fake News and Alt-Facts: Navigating Post-Truths Politics (4)
Explores the emergence of post-truth politics; the rejection of expert and scientific opinion; and the emergence of "alternative facts" and "fake news" in political discourse on current issues such as climate change, immigration and the economy. Also explores corresponding increase in the ideological polarization in the US, Canada, and the UK and other European nations. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in Political Science or permission of the department. Students with credit for POL 339 Selected Topics in Comparative Government and Politics under the title Navigating the Post-Truth World may not take this course for further credit.
POL 319 - Selected Topics in Political Theory (4)
Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 321 - The Canadian Federal System (4)
Development of the federal system including topics such as the division of powers, parties, federal-provincial relations and theories of federalism. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 322 - Canadian Political Parties (4)
Development of the Canadian party system. Party ideologies, organization, campaigns and elections. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 324 - The Canadian Constitution (4)
An analysis of the Canadian constitution from a theoretical and comparative perspective. Amendment, entrenchment, civil rights. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 325 - Language and Politics (4)
Explores the relationship between language and politics, including the relations of power that shape the choice of state language(s), the origins and effects of language regimes, the politics of linguistic minorities and concerns relating to linguistic justice and equality. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department. Students with credit for POL 329 Selected Topics in Canadian Government and Politics under the title Language and Politics may not take this course for further credit.
POL 327 - Globalization and the Canadian State (4)
In an era of globalization, what scope remains for national politics? Does globalization lead to a deficit of democracy? This course examines the challenge that globalization poses for the Canadian political system. Emphasis is placed on globalization's impact on the organization, activities and role of Canadian State. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 329 - Selected Topics in Canadian Government and Politics (4)
Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 330 - Protecting Human Rights: Courts, Constitutions and Legislatures (4)
How can we best protect human rights? How do we define what is a human right and what is not? We examine these questions within countries and at the international level. We will look at the courts-based approach versus systems that give politicians the final say. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department. Students with credit for POL 339 Selected Topics in Comparative Government and Politics under the title Protecting Human Rights may not take this course for further credit.
POL 332 - Separatist Movements: Conflict and Accomomodation (4)
Examines separatist movements across countries and throughout history, focusing on how people come to self-identify as a nation and seek self-government. We will examine case studies of countries that have split apart and study the political activities of separatist movements in electoral campaigns and policy debates. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department. Students with credit for POL 339 Selected Topics in Comparative Government and Politics under the title Separatist Movements may not take this course for further credit.
POL 339 - Selected Topics in Comparative Government and Politics (4)
Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 342 - Developing Countries in Global Politics (4)
Problems arising from the disparities in power and wealth between the highly industrialized countries of Europe and North America, and the under-industrialized countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 343 - Global Political Economy (4)
An introduction to the study of the international political economy, with an emphasis on the interaction between the state and markets, and the basic political-institutional relationships of trade, money and finance, international investment, foreign debt and foreign aid. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 344 - International Law (4)
Sovereignty, nationality, jurisdiction, arbitration. Examination of selected cases exemplifying present trends in the international legal order. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 346 - International Organization (4)
An examination of the structures and processes and the main substantive decisions of the United Nations and related international organizations. Based upon in-depth study of the UN Charter, the Security Council, General Assembly, Secretary-general and Secretariat and their constitutional and political interactions since 1945, with special attention to the theory and practice of international organization advanced by the principal Western countries, the Soviet Union and Soviet bloc, the People's Republic of China and leading Third World countries. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 347 - Canadian Foreign Policy (4)
An overview of Canadian foreign policy post World War II. Various perspectives are discussed including realism, economic nationalism, liberal internationalism and political economy/dependency analysis. A variety of analytical perspectives are used to examine issue-areas such as foreign trade including the role of NAFTA, defence policy and alliance relations, foreign investment, foreign aid, immigration policy, energy policy and the role of domestic political factors in foreign policy decision-making. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 348 - Theories of War, Peace and Conflict Resolution (4)
Examines the origins and causes of several major conflicts during the last century. This course reviews various theories on the causes of conflict and war in the international system. It also examines the techniques of preventive diplomacy, peacekeeping, crisis management and coercive diplomacy as they have been used to try to forestall open warfare and maximize the opportunities for peaceful change and the negotiated resolution of international disputes. Both documentary and feature films will be used to illustrate many types of conflict and warfare in the international system. Course simulations, when employed, will concentrate on the problems and risks that are involved in international efforts to contain and reverse the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 349 - Selected Topics in International Relations (4)
Prerequisite: Six lower division units in Political Science or permission of the department.
POL 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 who have taken this topic under GSWS 320 (or WS 320) may not take this course for further credit.
POL 351 - Immigration, Integration, and Public Policy in Canada (4)
Explores the governance challenges related to immigration and integration in Canada using a public policy approach. The course deals with topics concerning immigrant selection (including immigration categories, temporary/permanent Immigration, intergovernmental agreements, etc.) and focuses on immigrant's integration into society (such as nation-building strategies, integration Indicators and discrimination). Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department. Students who have taken Selected Topics course POL 359 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.
POL 354 - Comparative Metropolitan Governance (4)
A comparative analysis of regional metropolitan governance in Canada and selected other jurisdictions (such as the USA, UK, etc.). The course involves an examination of major policy dilemmas in urban development, and of the local, regional and senior intergovernmental relations within which much of the public policy making in metropolitan settings takes place. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 357 - Selected Topics in Urban and Local Government (4)
Prerequisite: Six lower division units in Political Science or permission of the department.
POL 358 - Selected Topics in Public Policy (4)
Prerequisite: Six lower division units in Political Science or permission of the department.
POL 359 - Selected Topics in Governance (4)
Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 373 - Human Security (4)
Explores what is involved in shifting the focus in the security realm from 'national interest' to the safety and needs of humans. Addresses several contemporary issues of human insecurity such as genocide, terrorism, civil wars and other complex emergencies; the political economy of conflict (small arms, "blood" diamonds); 'new' inequalities (economic, gender, class, ethnicity); and new health risks (e.g. HIV/AIDS, SARS, ecological degradation). Considers recent initiatives and trends that have emerged to deal with these issues (e.g. humanitarian intervention, International Criminal Court, new coalitions of state and non-state actors such as the Ottawa Process on anti-personnel mines). Prerequisite: Six lower division units in Political Science or permission of the department. Students with credit for POL 349 'Special Topics' for credit under this title may not take this course for further credit.
POL 374 - Africa in the Global Political Economy (4)
Considers Africa in the historical development of the modern global political economy, from the transatlantic slave trade to the present. Examines contemporary issues associated with Africa in the neo-liberal world order and the politics of resistance and alternative pathways or models of development. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 381 - Japanese Politics (4)
The political system of Japan, including an analysis of political culture, political institutions, political behavior and both formal and informal political processes. Emphasis will be placed on the pre-World War II political development of Japan. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department. Students with credit for POL 381W may not take this course for further credit.
POL 405 - Interpretation, Conflict, and Controversy in Public Policy (4)
Examines the role of values, conflict, and controversy in public policy. Competing normative values and narratives are fundamental to policy formulation. We study how these values are articulated, understood by other actors, and resolved in the policy-making process through an interpretive methods and analysis lens. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department. Students with credit for POL 405W may not take this course for further credit.
POL 405W - Interpretation, Conflict, and Controversy in Public Policy (4)
Examines the role of values, conflict, and controversy in public policy. Competing normative values and narratives are fundamental to policy formulation. We study how these values are articulated, understood by other actors, and resolved in the policy-making process through an interpretive methods and analysis lens. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department. Students with credit for POL 405 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
POL 411 - Normative Political Theory (4)
Advanced seminar examining selected themes, debates and texts in recent normative political philosophy, with an emphasis on contemporary democratic theory. Prerequisite: POL 210 or 312 or 313; or permission of the department.
POL 415 - The Liberal Tradition and Its Critics (4)
A critical examination of the development of liberalism from classical liberalism (e.g. John Locke) to contemporary conflict between revisionist and neo-classical or libertarian currents. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 416 - Feminist Social and Political Thought (4)
This course will examine the works of major feminist thinkers and the problems of developing feminist theory. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department. Students with credit for POL 416W may not take this course for further credit.
POL 416W - Feminist Social and Political Thought (4)
This course will examine the works of major feminist thinkers and the problems of developing feminist theory. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department. Students with credit for POL 416 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
POL 417 - Human Rights Theories (4)
This course introduces students to the problems involved in the assertion of universal moral standards across political and cultural divides. These issues will be explored at a theoretical level, and in the context of specific human rights controversies. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department. Recommended: PHIL 220 or 320.
POL 418 - Selected Topics in Political Theory (4)
Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 419 - Selected Topics in Political Theory II (4)
Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 421 - Rights, Equality, and the Charter (4)
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms has been part of the Canadian constitution for over 35 years. We assess the Charter's effectiveness in protecting human rights and equality within Canada and its effect on the wider political system. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department. Students with credit for POL 428 Selected Topics in Canadian Government and Politics I under the title The Charter of Rights may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for POL 421W may not take this course for further credit.
POL 421W - Rights, Equality, and the Charter (4)
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms has been part of the Canadian constitution for over 35 years. We assess the Charter's effectiveness in protecting human rights and equality within Canada and its effect on the wider political system. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department. Students with credit for POL 428 Selected Topics in Canadian Government and Politics I under the title The Charter of Rights may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for POL 421 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
POL 422 - Canadian International Security Relations (4)
The course traces the evolution of Canadian thinking on national international security issues through an examination of pre-World War II isolationism, elite attitudes during the Cold War, the formative period of NATO, as well as Canadian involvement in the Korean and Indochina conflicts. More recent policies concerning ALCM testings, NORAD, and nuclear non-proliferation will also be explored in detail. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 423 - BC Government and Politics (4)
The legislature, political parties, pressure groups, relations with other governments, and other aspects of the policy process. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 426W - Political Behavior (4)
The study of political attitudes and behavior in Canada, the United States and other democratic states. Topics will include political culture, public opinion, elections and voting behavior. Prerequisite: POL 222, and eight upper division units in Political Science or the permission of the department. Writing/Quantitative.
POL 428 - Selected Topics in Canadian Government and Politics I (4)
Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 429 - Selected Topics in Canadian Government and Politics II (4)
Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 430W - Democracy in a Global World (4)
What is democracy and how can we measure it? Does democracy perform better than other regime types? How can we explain processes of democratization and de-democratization? The course explores these questions in a theoretically guided fashion making use of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department. Students with credit for POL 438 Selected Topics in Comparative Government and Politics I under the title Democracy in a Global World may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
POL 433 - Comparative Development (4)
A comparison of theories and models of development, exploring issues of economic growth and decline, governance, social cohesion and cleavages in selected countries and regions of the world. Prerequisite: eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in Political Science or permission of the department.
POL 434W - Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict (4)
Nationalist movements and intrastate ethnic conflict around the globe. Begins with an overview of nationalism, including its historical emergence, its roots, and different types. Moves on to ethnic conflict, focusing on its sources and potential solutions to this problem. Prerequisite: POL 201 and eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department. Students with credit for POL 338W may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Quantitative.
POL 436 - Elections, Parties and Governments in Comparative Perspectives (4)
An examination of the processes by which governments are created, maintained, and destroyed in democratic systems. The effects of different regime types, electoral arrangements, and party systems will be highlighted. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 438 - Selected Topics in Comparative Government and Politics I (4)
Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 439 - Selected Topics in Comparative Government and Politics II (4)
Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 443 - Nuclear Strategy, Arms Control, and International Security (4)
Provides an overview of the evolution of US and Soviet strategic policies since World War II. The political and doctrinal bases of national strategic debates are closely examined, as are the various obstacles to a more stable international arms control regime for nuclear weapons. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in Political Science or permission of the department.
POL 445W - American Foreign Policy (4)
Examines US foreign policy in the post World War II era. Topics to be covered will include the formation of foreign policy, 20th century American security issues, alliance relations, crisis management and international economic relations. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in Political Science or permission of the department. Writing.
POL 446W - International Relations in East Asia (4)
An overview and analysis of international relations in East Asia. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department. Writing.
POL 447 - Theories of Global Political Economy (4)
An examination of the major theories of international political economy, and their application to such issues as the politics of trade, aid, monetary relations, and transnational corporations. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 448 - Selected Topics in International Relations (4)
Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 449 - Selected Topics in International Relations II (4)
Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in Political Science or permission of the department .
POL 451 - Public Policy Analysis (4)
Examines the conceptual, philosophical and practical aspects of public policy analysis as it is conducted in government, universities, interest groups and policy research institutes. Specific attention is paid to the question of the role of policy research in the process of public policy making and the design of government programs and services. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department. Students with credit for POL 451W may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
POL 451W - Public Policy Analysis (4)
Examines the conceptual, philosophical and practical aspects of public policy analysis as it is conducted in government, universities, interest groups and policy research institutes. Specific attention is paid to the question of the role of policy research in the process of public policy making and the design of government programs and services. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department. Students with credit for POL 451 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Quantitative.
POL 452W - Energy Policy (4)
Examines the politics and policies of energy, including historical and technical perspectives. Topics include alternative energy, climate change, regulatory policy, and the economics of energy, as well as practical case studies. Students who have completed POL 459 in 2009 and 2010 may not complete this course for further credit. Writing.
POL 454 - Urban Public Policy Making (4)
This course will link differing theoretical perspectives and concepts currently used in public policy studies to an understanding of public policy making in urban governance. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 455 - States and Markets (4)
Survey of the concepts and theoretical approaches, from Adam Smith's political economy to contemporary paradigms, used to understand the role and place of state institutions In a market economy and of the criteria that are used to design and implement economic and social policies. Particular attention is paid to the philosophical and normative questions that are raised by such an analysis. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 456 - Governing Instruments (4)
Examines and compares the various means at the disposal of government for implementing policy options, including regulation, the creation or privatization of public enterprises, the delivery or contracting out of services, taxation and tax expenditures, and any other administrative or legislative processes that governments in Canada and/or in similar countries have used to manage the economy or effect social change. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department. Students with credit for POL 355 prior to September 2008 may not take this course for further credit.
POL 457W - Technology and Innovation Policy (4)
This course is intended to offer students an opportunity to reflect upon the challenges posed by the development of new technologies, the emergence of new movements and the uncertainties attendant to social and political conflicts associated with policy issues about which experts differ in significant ways. Prerequisite: eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department. Students with credit for POL 457 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
POL 458 - Selected Topics in Local and Urban Governance (4)
Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 459 - Selected Topics in Governance (4)
Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 460 - Selected Topics in Public Policy (4)
Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 463 - Diversity in Cities (4)
Explores diversity in cities. It examines how different social and identity markers (ethnicity, religion, race, gender, class, sexuality, handicap or language) shape cities and how diversity is in turn shaped by public policies. The primary focus is Canada but we also look at these issues outside Canada. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department. Students who have taken Selected Topics course POL 458 with the topic "Canadian DiverCities" may not take this course for further credit.
POL 470 - African Social and Political Thought (4)
Covers African social and political thought (including that of the Diaspora) since the nineteenth century. Includes approaches such as 'traditional' philosophy, the writing of history, and the specific problems of understanding the history of political thought in the context of a 'post-colonial' society. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 472 - Diplomacy and Global Governance (4)
Examines diplomacy and its role in global governance. Introduces students to the theory and practice of diplomacy, both bilaterally and multilaterally, with particular emphasis on how interactions between state actors and non-state actors contribute to the resolution of global problems. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 484 - NATO Field School, Simulation and Experiential Learning Program (12)
Intensive summer field school focused on NATO, international security, and defence policy. Students learn from military leaders, diplomats, and other experts in Canada and Europe, while engaging in active simulation exercises in multilateral negotiation, strategic communication and crisis management. Includes four weeks onsite in Europe (Brussels, Rome, Bucharest, and Riga). Prerequisite: Completed minimum 30 units of University courses and GPA of 2.50.
POL 490 - Honours Seminar (5)
Preparation for the honours research project, including developing research topic and question, conducting the literature review, data collection, and ethics approval (if necessary). First of two required courses needed to complete the Honours degree. Prerequisite: Permission of the department.
POL 496 - Political Science Extra Essay Option (1)
Students may write an additional major term paper for a class with intensive instruction and feedback from the instructor to receive extra credit. May only be taken twice. Prerequisite: 90 units. By application to the undergraduate chair.
POL 497 - Experiential Learning in Political Science (4)
Involves interpretation of, and expansion on, practical experience in political science. Under the supervision of a faculty member, students will undertake a political science research project, involving the participation of local community organizations. Prerequisite: Permission of the department. Students may count only one POL 497 towards meeting their upper division political science requirements.
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 - Honours Essay (5)
Prerequisite: Permission of the department (see regulations listed in the Department of Political Science section).
POL 800 - Research Design in Political Science (5)
This course provides an introduction to designing research in political science. It aims to provide graduate students with the basic knowledge of how to set up their own research project, with an overview of the different ways in which they might do so and with the tools to critically assess existing research.
POL 801 - Epistemological and Theoretical Perspectives in Political Science (5)
Students with credit for POL 813 may not take this course for further credit.
POL 802 - Quantitative Research Methods in Political Science (5)
A survey of the principles and techniques of quantitative research design, methods, and data collection tools needed to conduct systematic quantitative political science research.
POL 803 - Qualitative Research Methods in Political Science (5)
A survey of the principles and techniques of qualitative research design, methods, and data collection tools needed to conduct systematic qualitative political science research.
POL 804 - Topics in Advanced Political Research Design and Methodology (5)
The specific topics will vary from year to year but they will all focus on approaches (quantitative and/or qualitative) to research design, data collection and analysis in political science. Prerequisite: POL 800.
POL 812 - Seminar in Modern Political Theory (5)
POL 814 - Normative Political Theory (5)
POL 816 - Feminist Social and Political Thought (5)
This course will explore the development of feminist social and political thought as well as feminist agendas for social change. The objectives of this course are to enable students to gain a nuanced understanding of feminism(s) and feminist perspectives and aims. As importantly, they are to provide students with tools for feminist analyses of politics, political institutions, and public policies toward achieving greater gender equality and justice locally and globally. Students who have credit for POL 416 may not take this course for further credit.
POL 821 - Canadian Government and Politics (5)
POL 825 - Canadian Political Economy (5)
POL 826 - Parties and Ideologies in Canada (5)
POL 827 - Issues in Canadian Government and Politics (5)
POL 829 - Internship (5)
Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
POL 830 - Political Opinion, Electoral Behaviour and Democratic Legitimacy (5)
Surveys major approaches in the field of political behaviour. It focuses on understanding political beliefs and actions, and the implications of individual choices for collective outcomes. Topics may include: political socialization, public opinion and ideology, voting behaviour, protest, political knowledge, social and media influence, prejudice and tolerance, and political inequality.
POL 837 - Issues in Comparative Politics (5)
POL 838 - Designing Democracy: Institutions and Power (5)
Examines the major institutions of democratic government: how they distribute power in society, how they relate to democratic values, such as liberty, equality, and self-governance, and how they matter for the provision of public goods. Topics may include: constitutions, conflict resolution, federalism, electoral systems, party systems, legislatures, judiciaries, and executives.
POL 839 - Comparative Democratization in a Global Age (5)
Democratization is a central area of comparative politics scholarship. This course surveys the literature explaining regime change, including democratization, the formation and durability of ‘hybrid’ regimes, de-democratization, and authoritarian persistence. We will apply these theories to important case studies and analyze the prospects for political transformation.
POL 840 - Issues in International Relations, Foreign Policy, and Security (5)
The objective of this course is to survey specific issues in international relations, foreign policy, and security so that students can both expand and develop their knowledge of this subfield.
POL 841 - International Relations (5)
POL 842 - International Law and Organizations (5)
POL 843 - Canadian Foreign Policy (5)
POL 844 - International Political Economy (5)
POL 845 - Foreign Policy Analysis (5)
POL 846 - International Security Studies (5)
POL 851 - Public Policy in Canada (5)
POL 852 - Urban Government and Politics (5)
POL 853 - Public Administration (5)
POL 854 - Conflict and Controversy in Public Policy (5)
This course provides students an opportunity to examine the complex role of ideas/ideals in the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of public policy. Too often, fundamental contention that characterizes many policy processes goes unexamined. The substance of this contention is usually normative, having to do with political, social, economic, and environmental values. How are these conflicts and controversies articulated? How are they resolved? How are they best understood? How are they best analyzed? The overarching objectives of this course include enabling students to understand the disciplinary issues, and address the practical concerns, that are associated with research in and analysis of public policy characterized by conflict and controversy.
POL 855 - Science, Technology and Public Policy (5)
POL 856 - Issues in Social and Economic Policy (5)
POL 880 - NATO Field School, Simulation, and Experiential Learning Program (6)
Intensive international security and defence policy engagement program with over 240 hours of contact learning. Observation and interaction with military, diplomats, and experts in Canada and Europe (Riga, Brussels, Rome, Bucharest). Visiting Expert sessions and multiple simulation training. NATO, EU, UN multilateral negotiation simulation, strategic communication and crisis management. Prerequisite: Admitted graduate student in Canadian University Political Science Program.
POL 890 - PhD Seminar
Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
POL 891 - Master's Seminar
Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
POL 892 - Research Project (6)
Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
POL 893 - Readings in Political Sciences (5)
POL 894 - Readings in Political Science II (5)
POL 895 - Extended Essays (6)
POL 896 - PhD Comprehensive Exam (6)
POL 897 - Field Exam in Major Areas of MA Concentration (6)
POL 898 - MA Thesis (6)
POL 899 - PhD Thesis Research (6)