POLS 1100
Government and Politics in the 21st Century: An Introduction
1.0 unit
An introduction to the central concepts and ideas which shape our political world. Focussing on current public controversies, it examines the vital democratic and constitutional principles that are the basis of liberal democratic society, and the various institutions and actors that organize political life in Canada and the United States, including the challenges posed by globalization. (Also listed under Canadian Studies)
POLS 2201
Law, Government and Politics in Canada
0.5 unit
An introduction to the values, structures and processes which are the foundation of Canadian legal and governmental institutions. Topics may include the roles of the Prime Minister, the Cabinet and individual MPs, the constitutional division of powers and Quebec's demands for change, and the basic principles of our legal system. Note: Students who have received credit for POLS 2204 may not take this course for credit. (Also listed under Canadian Studies)
POLS 2202
People, Power and Politics in Canada
0.5 unit
An introduction to core liberal democratic values at the heart of Canadian society and the chief links between citizens and their governments. Such topics as Canadian political culture, political participation, the role of the mass media, political parties and interest groups in shaping decision-making are addressed, and alternatives for change are assessed. Note: Students who have received credit for POLS 2204 may not take this course forcredit. (Also listed under Canadian Studies)
POLS 2203
Introduction to Public Policy and the Public Interest
0.5 unit
An introduction to the theoretical, philosophical and ethical foundations of public policy formulation in modern societies. Students will consider issues relating to the nature of democracy, civil society and the public interest in examining the social logic of public policy formation.
POLS 2205
Atlantic Canada: Society and Politics
0.5 unit
An examination of contemporary issues in the Atlantic provinces, and the social and economic forces influencing their development. Topics may include regional political culture, strategies for economic development, the place of Atlantic Canada in the Canadian federation, Maritime Union and other contemporary issues. (Also listed under Canadian Studies)
POLS 2207
Quebec Politics
0.5 unit
An examination of contemporary politics in Quebec, with a special focus on the social and economic bases of political conflict. Topics will include the development of nationalism, the language controversy, sovereignty association, political parties and elections, and other contemporary issues. (Also listed under Canadian Studies)
POLS 2210/PHIL 2210
Theories of Human Nature
0.5 unit
An examination of competing views of what being human fundamentally is, with consideration of their implications both for individuals and life in society. Discussion will include relevant ideas from Confucianism, Buddhism, and Christianity, from the writings of Plato, Marx, and Sartre, and also from scientific perspectives such as evolutionary psychology.
POLS 2213/PHIL 2213
Classical Political Thought
0.5 unit
An introduction to the important political ideas and issues addressed from Plato to modern Western European thought. The course explores the relationships between individual and community, the tensions between morality and politics, the justification of warfare, the nature of political justice and the ideal society, among other timeless themes.
POLS 2214/PHIL 2214
Social and Political Justice
0.5 unit
An exploration of the major currents of political thought in the twentieth century. The course focuses on critical debates concerning distributive justice in such areas as social inequality, property rights, individual freedom and limits to state authority with particular attention to the important challenges to the prevailing liberal perspectives posed by communitarian, libertarian and feminist perspectives.
POLS 2218/HIST 2218
Canadian-American Relations: Continental Nations
0.5 unit
A study of themes and policies in the modern Canadian-American relationship. Topics covered include policy making and bilateral relations in a variety of agencies, such as NATO and the UN, and complementary and conflicting national interests in political, military, economic, social and cultural issues in the modern era. (Also listed under Canadian Studies)
POLS 2219/HIST 2219
Canadian Foreign Policy
0.5 unit
An examination of Canada's role in the global order and Canada's attempt to regulate that order. Topics will include the principal institutions and actors in the foreign-policy making process, international institutions and organizations through which Canada works, and critical assessment of the contemporary challenges facing Canada's traditional commitments, including trade and defence policy, peacekeeping and international development. (Also listed under Canadian Studies)
POLS 2223/WOMS 2223
Women and Politics
0.5 unit
An examination of the role of women in politics, especially in Canada. Topics to be treated may include: the status of women in traditional political thought and the feminist response, the political involvement of women as citizens and legislators, and women’s access to power in different societies. (Also listed under Canadian Studies)
POLS 2224
War, Peace and Technology
0.5 unit
An analysis of the nature and roots of war preparations including American, Russian, and Middle East foreign policies and political cultures, plus the extent and consequences of arms production and sales. Topics include the peace movement and UN strategies and alternatives to war and regional arms buildup.
POLS 2227
Contemporary North American Politics
0.5 unit
An examination and comparison of the social and political life of Canada, the United States and Mexico using various perspectives. National and regional political cultures and comparative federalism are major areas of attention and may be added to by environmental, energy, high technology, defence and foreign policies. (Also listed under Canadian Studies)
POLS 2244
Contemporary World Events and Issues
0.5 unit
A consideration of current events and issues in world politics and the roles of governmental and non-governmental agencies, transnational corporations and interest groups. Such issues as international human rights, political inequalities, human and national security, and the challenges of globalization to state sovereignty are examined.
POLS 3303
Contemporary Issues in Canadian Public Policy
0.5 unit
Prerequisite: 1.0 unit in political studies or permission of the instructor
An examination of policy development and implementation, the choice of policy instruments and the environment of policy-making. The character of business-government relations, policy communities and lobbying, and the impact of various social, economic and political factors on the policy process are examined in relation to current policy problems. (Also listed under Canadian Studies)
POLS 3304
Policy Analysis
0.5 unit
Prerequisite: 0.5 unit in political studies or permission of the instructor
An examination of the research strategies and techniques relevant to policy analysis and evaluation. Using a variety of approaches, students will consider alternative tools for managing policy action and policy evaluation.
POLS 3306/BUSI 3306
Government Administration and Policy Making
0.5 unit
An examination of the place of bureaucracy in government and modern society and the interplay of political, economic and social forces in policy-making. Particular attention will be given to such topics as the nature of bureaucracy, the evolution of the Canadian public service, issues in budgetary and regulatory processes, and policy formulation in selected fields. (Also listed under Canadian Studies)
POLS 3307/SOAN 3307
Politics and Society
0.5 unit
Prerequisite: SOAN 1101 or 1.0 unit of political studies or permission of the instructor
An examination of the social basis of political institutions and practices and of the impact of these institutions and practices on society. Topics normally covered will include grass-roots and social movement activism, political participation, and the roots of power and authority.
POLS 3308/LING 3308
Language and Politics
0.5 unit
Prerequisite: 0.5 unit in either linguistics or political studies or permission of the instructor
Examines the causes and consequences of language conflict in Canada and other countries to explain the distinctive persistence and intensity of such disputes. Particular attention is devoted to the constitutional protection afforded languages and the socio-economic foundations of language conflict as well as the role of symbolism in such disputes. (Also listed under Canadian Studies)
POLS 3309
Selected Topics in Political Studies
0.5 unit
Prerequisite: 1.0 unit in political studies or permission of the instructor
An opportunity for students to explore selected areas of interest at an advanced level.
POLS 3310
Selected Topics in Political Studies
0.5 unit
Prerequisite: 1.0 unit in political studies or permission of the instructor
An opportunity for students to explore selected areas of interest at an advanced level.
POLS 3312/PHIL 3312
Human Rights: Theory and Practice
0.5 unit
Prerequisite: 1.0 unit in political studies or philosophy or permission of the instructor
A critical examination of interpretations of the idea of human rights. Issues explored are the evolution from ideas of natural rights to the concept of human rights, as well as the character of political, social and cultural rights, and contemporary disputes about their status as universal moral norms which may govern relations among nations, and the debate about equal concern for recognizing individual responsibilities.
POLS 3314/PHIL 3314
Democracy and Civil Society
0.5 unit
Prerequisite: 0.5 unit in Political Studies or permission of the instructor
A study of contemporary debates about democracy as practised in liberal democratic societies and new initiatives for reform. The course will examine attempts to develop participatory democracy in everyday life, the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and the role of civil society in enhancing democracy.
POLS 3315
Directed Study
0.5 unit
A study of one or two major political thinkers or subjects for which the members of the department can offer qualified directed study, with the aim of providing class participants a choice of guided reading and study of important sources of political thinking of interest to individual students.
POLS 3316
Directed Study
0.5 unit
A study of one or more contemporary political thinkers or subjects, with the aim of providing each class participant an individual choice of guided reading and study of one or two major sources of contemporary political thinking.
POLS 3317
Directed Study
1.0 unit
A study of one or two major political thinkers or subjects for which the members of the department can offer qualified directed study, with the aim of providing class participants a choice of guided reading and study of important sources of political thinking of interest to individual students. (Also listed under Women's Studies)
POLS 3324
New Perspectives on Peace and Conflict:Patterns of Conflict, Paths to Peace
0.5 unit
Prerequisite: 0.5 unit in political studies or permission of the department
This course explores the nature of conflict and the patterns which it takes as well as the strategies for approaching and/or overcoming antagonistic relationships in a variety of arenas: interpersonal and familial, political, economic and international. Contemporary issues may be considered in the light of history, religious traditions and an appreciation of social, cultural, political and economic forces which have shaped them. The course is characterized by an interdisciplinary approach to lectures and discussions and a group enquiry approach to learning.
POLS 3325
Contrasting Political Environments
0.5 unit
Prerequisite: 0.5 unit in political studies or permission of the department
The political cultures and ideologies of a number of countries representing liberal-democratic, authoritarian and developing societies are examined. Foreign policy orientations and instruments which shape or are shaped by the political cultures such as dominant economic practices, educational structures, propaganda, revolution and religion, are all considered.
POLS 3334
Globalization and the Nation State
0.5 unit
Prerequisite: 0.5 unit in political studies or economics or permission of the instructor
The course will examine the ongoing processes of neo-liberal globalization from post WWII to the present day. It will consider critical political and economic perspectives concerning the impact of globalization on domestic policy formation and national sovereignty.
POLS 3344
The United Nations and Global Governance
0.5 unit
Prerequisite: 0.5 unit in political studies or economics or permission of the instructor
The course will examine the role of international institutions in creating a measure of order and stability among states. Particular attention will be given to the role of the United Nations in the international system, as well as the role of non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations.
POLS 3361/WOMS 3361
Women, Social Policy and The Welfare State
0.5 unit
Prerequisites: WOMS 1100 and 0.5 unit in another women’s studies or departmental women-emphasis course at the 2000 level or above or one unit of political studies or permission of the instructor
An examination of social policies and issues of particular importance for women, including the history of the welfare state, women’s caring role in the family, the feminization of poverty, homelessness, and the impact of race and class on women’s experiences of the welfare state.
POLS 3391/WOMS 3391
Gender and International Relations
0.5 unit
Prerequisites: WOMS 1100 and 0.5 unit in another women’s studies or departmental women-emphasis course at the 2000 level or above or 1.0 unit of political studies or permission of the instructor
An exploration of the relationships between gender, international relations theory and international organizations, from a feminist perspective. Topics will include the historical role of women in the United Nations and other international organizations; feminist analysis of international relations and development theory; and the global women’s movement.
POLS 3399
Internship 1.0 unit
Prerequisites: completion of 10 units in the Public Policy program, and written permission of the co-ordinator of the program
This internship involves a term placement with a government or non-governmental organization. Students will be required to set learning objectives, submit a work term report and participate in a return-to-campus/debriefing session.
POLS 4405
Seminar on Canadian Politics
0.5 unit
Prerequisite: 1.0 unit of 2000 or 3000 political studies or permission of the instructor
An opportunity for students to examine in-depth selected topics pertaining to Canadian government and politics. Seminar format will be used; students will be expected to work on their own and contribute significantly to discussions. Precise topics covered will vary with the interests of participants and changing political realities in Canada. (Also listed under Canadian Studies)
POLS 4406
Public Affairs and Policy Management
0.5 unit
Prerequisite: POLS 3304 and 6.0 units from POLS and/or ECON or permission of the instructor
An advanced seminar which explores contemporary theoretical approaches and research in the area. The particular topics and discussions will be determined by the professor and students in the seminar. Students will do in-depth work on selected topics in the area.
POLS 4413
Seminar on Political Ideas: Current Controversies
0.5 unit
Prerequisite: 1.0 unit of 2000 or 3000 political studies or permission of the instructor
An opportunity for students to examine in-depth selected topics in political thought in an engaging seminar format. Topics will vary with the interests of participants and emerging debates in contemporary society.
POLS 4444/ECON 4444
Global Issues Seminar
0.5 unit
Prerequisite: 1.0 unit of political studies or economics at the 2000-level or above or permission of the instructor
An advanced seminar which explores contemporary theoretical approaches and research in the area. The particular topics and discussions will be determined by the professor and students in the seminar. Students will do in-depth work on selected topics in the area.