Courses listed in the calendar are not necessarily offered every year. For this year's course offerings, please click here.
Political Science Courses
Note: The listing of a course in the Calendar is not a guarantee that the course is offered every year.
Note: Students must obtain a grade of at least C- in all courses used to fulfill prerequisite requirements. Otherwise, written permission of the appropriate Department Head or Program Co-ordinator must be obtained.
POLS 1001 (3.00)
Foundations of Politics
Exclusion: POLS 1000
This course is an introduction to the foundations of politics through the
medium of political theory, Canadian politics, comparative politics, or
international politics. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
POLS 1991 (3.00)
Special Topic in Political Science
This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings
in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that
is being considered for inclusion in the regular program. (Format: Variable)
[Note 1: Prerequisite set by Department/Program when the topic and level
are announced. Note 2: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course
under this designation, it must submit course information, normally at least
three months in advance, to the Dean. Note 3: Students may register for
POLS 1991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.]
POLS 2001 (3.00)
Democratic Thought
Prereq: POLS 1000 or 1001; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: Any version of POLS 2001 previously offered with a different
title
This course examines democratic thought from its origins in the ancient
polis through to its modern incarnation in the writings of Rousseau, Tocqueville,
John Stuart Mill and selected contemporary theorists. It places particular
emphasis on the conflict between participatory and elite models of democratic
citizenship. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
POLS 2101 (3.00)
Canadian Government and Politics
Prereq: POLS 1000 or 1001; or permission of the Department
This course is a study of the political process in Canada. It presents an
overview of the constitution, institutions, and political actors that represent
the essential components of Canada's political culture and government. (Format:
Lecture 3 Hours)
POLS 2211 (3.00)
Canada and the World
Prereq: POLS 1001 or 1000; or permission of the Department
This course is a critical analysis of Canada's place in a rapidly evolving
global order. It places particular emphasis on media technology. (Format:
Lecture 3 Hours)
POLS 2221 (3.00)
Introduction to Comparative Politics
Prereq: POLS 1001; or permission of the Department
This course introduces the comparative methods and the importance of theory
in this sub-field. It examines several country case studies selected from
diverse geographical regions throughout the world. Its topics may include
contemporary issues such as terrorism, social movements, civil conflict,
and democratic transitions. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
POLS 2301 (3.00)
Topics in International Relations
Prereq: POLS 1000 or 1001; or permission of the Department
This course is a study of the major issues and themes in international relations,
including the nature of war and the conditions of peace. (Format: Lecture
3 Hours) [Note 1: This course is cross-listed as INLR 2301 and may count
as 3 credits in either discipline.]
POLS 2991 (3.00)
Special Topic in Political Science
This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings
in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that
is being considered for inclusion in the regular program. (Format: Variable)
[Note 1: Prerequisite set by Department/Program when the topic and level
are announced. Note 2: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course
under this designation, it must submit course information, normally at least
three months in advance, to the Dean. Note 3: Students may register for
POLS 2991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.]
POLS 3001 (3.00)
Ancient Political Thought
Prereq: Six credits in Political Science at the 2000 level; or permission
of the Department
Exclusion: Any version of POLS 3001 previously offered with a different
title
This course examines the ancient tradition of political thought from Plato,
Aristotle, and Augustine through to its eclipse in Machiavelli. It emphasizes
the enduring themes of nature, virtue, citizenship, property, religion and
the best regime. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
POLS 3011 (3.00)
Modern Political Thought
Prereq: Six credits in Political Science at the 2000 level; or permission
of the Department
Exclusion: Any version of POLS 3011 previously offered with a different
title
This course examines the modern tradition of political thought from its
origins in Hobbes and Locke to its zenith in Rousseau and Marx. It emphasizes
the defining problems of freedom, history, property, revolution, and the
state. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
POLS 3031 (3.00)
Women and Politics
Prereq: Six credits in Political Science at the 2000 level; or permission
of the Department
This course examines the relationship between women and politics. Its topics
may include the historical and conceptual roots of the problem of citizenship
for women, patterns of women's participation in politics and government,
the politics of the women's movement, and women's effects on public policy.
(Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
POLS 3101 (3.00)
Political Leadership in Canada
Prereq: Six credits in Political Science at the 2000 level; or permission
of the Department
This course studies the various public offices in Canada and the individuals
who fill them, including the Prime Minister, Provincial premiers, members
of parliament, mayors and judges. It emphasizes the opportunities and challenges
that each faces in providing political leadership in Canada. (Format: Lecture
3 Hours)
POLS 3111 (3.00)
Canadian Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations
Prereq: Six credits in Political Science at the 2000 level; or permission
of the Department
Exclusion: Any version of POLS 3111 previously offered with a different
title
This course is an examination of the evolution and operation of the Canadian
federal system. Its topics may include the concept and meaning of federalism,
constitutional reform, fiscal federalism and intergovernmental relations.
(Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
POLS 3121 (3.00)
Canadian Electoral Studies
Prereq: Six credits in Political Science at the 2000 level; or permission
of the Department
This course is a study of Canadian elections and the Canadian electoral
system. Its topics include an examination of how rules shape electoral competition;
the role of the media in election campaigns; obstacles facing women candidates;
and whether elections provide governments with mandates. (Format: Lecture
3 Hours)
POLS 3200 (6.00)
European Politics
Prereq: Six credits in Political Science at the 2000 level; or permission
of the Department
This course is a comparative analysis of government and politics with particular
emphasis on Europe's role in a changing geopolitical order. (Format: Lecture
3 Hours)
POLS 3211 (3.00)
American Government and Politics
Prereq: Six credits in Political Science at the 2000 level; or permission
of the Department
Exclusion: POLS 2201
This course examines the political process in the United States. It presents
an overview of the constitution, institutions, and political actors that
represent the essential components of American political culture and government.
It may also focus on one or more important policy areas. (Format: Lecture
3 Hours)
POLS 3221 (3.00)
African Politics
Prereq: Six credits in Political Science at the 2000 level; or permission
of the Department
This course introduces the study of African politics and development. It
examines a number of country case studies and important contemporary issues.
Its topics may include critical analysis of colonial and pre-colonial historical
contexts, the nature of the post-colonial state in Africa, and the manner
in which Africa is integrated into the global economy. (Format: Lecture
3 Hours)
POLS 3310 (6.00)
Strategic Studies
Prereq: Six credits in Political Science at the 2000 level; or permission
of the Department
This course is an analysis of strategic thought in the nineteenth and twentieth
centuries, with particular reference to the ideas of Karl von Clausewitz
and their relevance to the nuclear era. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
POLS 3991 (3.00)
Special Topic in Political Science
This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings
in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that
is being considered for inclusion in the regular program. (Format: Variable)
[Note 1: Prerequisite set by Department/Program when the topic and level
are announced. Note 2: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course
under this designation, it must submit course information, normally at least
three months in advance, to the Dean. Note 3: Students may register for
POLS 3991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.]
POLS 4000 (6.00)
Problems in the History of Political Thought
Prereq: Three credits from POLS 3001, 3011; or permission of the Department
Exclusion: Any version of POLS 4000 previously offered with a different
titile
This course examines a selected problem in the history of political thought.
(Format: Seminar 3 Hours)
POLS 4001 (3.00)
Feminist Political Thought
Prereq: Three credits from POLS 3011, 3011 or 3031; or permission of the
Department
This course examines contemporary feminist political thought with particular
emphasis on feminist critiques and reconstructions of traditional concepts
such as politics, citizenship, equality, justice, and freedom. (Format:
Seminar 3 Hours)
POLS 4011 (3.00)
Liberal Democracy and Its Discontents
Prereq: Three credits from POLS 3001 or POLS 3011; or permission of the
Department
This course examines the critical theories of the culture and politics of
liberal democracy which have shaped the main currents of modern political
thought from the nineteenth century to the present. (Format: Seminar 3 Hours)
POLS 4131 (3.00)
Canadian Political Parties
Prereq: Three credits from POLS 3101, 3111, 3121 or POLS 3100; or permission
of the Department
Exclusion: POLS 4100
This course is an examination of political parties primarily from a Canadian
perspective. Its topics include the principal models of political parties,
the organization, character and functions of parties, and the development
of party systems. (Format: Seminar 3 Hours)
POLS 4141 (3.00)
Interest Groups and Social Movements In Canada
Prereq: Three credits from POLS 3101, 3111, and 3121 or POLS 3100; or permission
of the Department
Exclusion: POLS 4100
This course is an examination of interest groups and social movements primarily
from a Canadian perspective. It studies the development and role of interest
groups and social movements both in the past and present. (Format: Seminar
3 Hours)
POLS 4151 (3.00)
Digital Politics
Prereq: Three credits from POLS 3101, 3111 and 3121 or POLS 3100; or permission
of the Department
This course provides an analysis of the use of digital technologies, especially
the Internet, in politics. It explores the ways in which the Internet is
changing politics, both theoretically and in current political practice,
and examines how individuals and institutions in Canada and internationally
employ digital technologies as part of political practice. (Format: Seminar
3 Hours)
POLS 4200 (6.00)
Political and Cultural Change: a Comparative Analysis of North America
And Europe
Prereq: Three credits in Political Science at the 2000 or 3000 level ; or
permission of the Department
A comparative analysis of the impact of political change on the broader
culture, as expressed in literature, cinema, architecture and communications
media. Examples will be taken from North American and European experience.
(Format: Lecture/Seminar 3 Hours)
POLS 4211 (3.00)
Politics and Literature
Prereq: Three credits in Political Science at the 2000 or 3000 level ; or
permission of the Department
An analysis of the relationship between literature and social change. Selected
works of a number of recent Latin American and Central European writers
will be examined. (Format: Lecture/Seminar 3 Hours)
POLS 4300 (6.00)
Canadian Foreign Policy
Prereq: POLS 3310; or permission of the Department
A study of the major themes and issues in post-1945 Canadian Foreign policy,
with a focus on the concept of internationalism as the foundation for Canada's
post-war approaches to international order and security. (Format: Lecture
3 Hours)
POLS 4310 (6.00)
International Relations Theory
Prereq: POLS/INLR 2301 and three credits in Political Science at the 3000
level; or permission of the Department
This course provides an advanced analysis of major theories of International
Relations. Theories covered in the course may include realism, liberalism,
constructivism, Marxism, feminism, poststructuralism, and postcolonialism.
(Format: Seminar 3 Hours)
POLS 4950 (6.00)
Independent Study in Political Science
This course permits senior students, under the direction of faculty members,
to pursue their interest in areas not covered, or not covered in depth,
by other courses through a program of independent study. (Format: Independent
Study) [Note 1: Permission of the Department/Program Advisor. Students must
obtain consent of an instructor who is willing to be a supervisor and must
register for the course prior to the last day for change of registration
in the term during which the course is being taken. Note 2: A program on
Independent Study cannot duplicate subject matter covered through regular
course offerings. Note 3: Students may register for POLS 4950/51 more than
once, provided the subject matter differs.]
POLS 4951 (3.00)
Independent Study in Political Science
This course permits senior students, under the direction of faculty members,
to pursue their interest in areas not covered, or not covered in depth,
by other courses through a program of independent study. (Format: Independent
Study) [Note 1: Permission of the Department/Program Advisor. Students must
obtain consent of an instructor who is willing to be a supervisor and must
register for the course prior to the last day for change of registration
in the term during which the course is being taken. Note 2: A program on
Independent Study cannot duplicate subject matter covered through regular
course offerings. Note 3: Students may register for POLS 4950/51 more than
once, provided the subject matter differs.]
POLS 4991 (3.00)
Special Topic in Political Science
This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings
in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that
is being considered for inclusion in the regular program. (Format: Variable)
[Note 1: Prerequisite set by Department/Program when the topic and level
are announced. Note 2: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course
under this designation, it must submit course information, normally at least
three months in advance, to the Dean. Note 3: Students may register for
POLS 4991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.]
International Relations Courses
INLR/POLS 2301 (3CR)
TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
A study of the major issues and themes in international relations, including
the nature of war and the conditions of peace.
Prereq: POLS
1001 or POLS 1000; or permission of the Department
INLR 3001 (3CR)
GENDER AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
This course sensitizes students to the highly gendered nature of international
relations. Topics include the seeming invisibility of women in the study
of international affairs and within international decision-making, the existence
of differential international "packages of expectations" concerning
the roles of men and women, competing dominant and subordinate masculinities
and femininities, the struggle for women's empowerment, and the gendered
impact of globalization processes.
Prereq: INLR/POLS
2301; or permission of the instructor
INLR 3101 (3CR)
GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
Format: lecture/group projects 3 hours
Prereq: INLR/POLS 2301; or permission of the instructor
This course examines the role of international organizations in International
Relations with a focus on the United Nations. It addresses the challenges
of multilateral diplomacy in the age of globalization and U.S. supremacy.
INLR 3201 (3CR)
PROBLEMS IN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Format: lecture/group projects 3 hours
Prereq: INLR/POLS 2301, or permission of the instructor
This course focuses on leading issues in international development from
an international relations perspective. The themes covered may vary from
year to year.
INLR 3301 (3CR)
LATIN AMERICAN POLITICS AND SOCIETY
Format: lecture/group projects 3 hours
Prereq: INLR/POLS 2301; or permission of the instructor
This course provides students with a critical, interdisciplinary introduction
to the study of the social, political, economic, and cultural problems of
Latin America and the Caribbean. It begins with an overview of the region's
history and the contending paradigms used to analyze its development. The
course then turns to a series of case studies of enduring developmental
problems in the region.
INLR 3401 (3CR)
INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY
Format: lecture/group projects 3 hours
Prereq: INLR/POLS 2301; or permission of the instructor
This course is a survey of the critical International Political Economy
(IPE) tradition in the study of International Relations, from Marx and Polanyi
to Cox and Strange. As a critique of realism and liberalism, IPE posits
the inseparability of the domestic and international realms, of the political
and economic spheres, as well as state and society. The course examines
the impact of globalization and environmental change on states in the global
order.
INLR 4101 (3CR)
GLOBAL GOVERNANCE SIMULATION
Format: lecture/simulation 3 hours
Prereq: INLR/POLS 2301, INLR 3101; enrolment is restricted to Honours students
or by permission of the instructor
This course engages students in an innovative and intensive semester-long
simulation of an international conflict or crisis in order to highlight
the challenges of international decision-making in multilateral forums.
Case studies are drawn from the United Nations, other international organizations,
or disputes among states and non-state actors.
INLR 4301 (3CR)
THE INTER-AMERICAN SYSTEM
Format: seminar 3 hours
Prereq: INLR/POLS 2301, INLR 3301; or permission of the instructor
This interdisciplinary seminar focuses on contemporary problems in the Inter-American
System. It looks at the intersection of international diplomacy and the
internal social, political, and economic dynamics of the countries that
make up the Americas. As a continuation of INLR 3301, it examines the inter-actions
of governments, non-state actors, and intergovernmental actors like the
Organization of American States.
INLR 4950/4951 (6/3CR)
INDEPENDENT STUDY IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Format: Independent Study
Prereq: Permission of the Department/Program Advisor. Students must obtain
consent of an instructor who is willing to be a supervisor and must register
for the course prior to the last day for change of registration in the term
during which the course is being taken.
Note: A program on Independent Study cannot duplicate subject matter covered
through regular course offerings.
Note: Students may register for INLR 4950/51 more than once, provided the
subject matter differs.
This course permits senior students, under the direction faculty members,
to pursue their interest in areas not covered, or not covered in depth,
by other courses through a program of independent study.