Political Science Department

This course provides a basic introduction to the study of politics by exploring key concepts, ideas and debates that are important for understanding political life. Topics covered include the nature of politics, varieties and dimensions of political power, political authority and the state. Students will be introduced to both traditional and contemporary political ideologies. Credit will be granted for only one of PSCI 101 or PSCI 100. Three credits.

International relations and national politics shape political life today. This course examines various forms of government and compares political systems and processes, electoral systems, and public policies. It introduces students to the international state system and relations among states, covering topics such as co-operation and conflict, alliances and international organizations, war and peace, the global economy and contemporary global issues. Credit will be granted for only one of PSCI 102 or PSCI 100. Three credits.

A critical textual analysis of ancient and medieval thinkers such as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas and Augustine, with emphasis on their political thought. This course will stress the continuing relevance of these thinkers to current politics and the search for the just society. Cross-listed as PHIL 201. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102. Three credits.

A critical textual analysis of modern thinkers such as Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Kant, Mill, and Marx, with emphasis on their political thought. This course will stress the continuing relevance of these thinkers to current politics and the search for the just society. Cross-listed as PHIL 202. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102, PSCI 201 recommended. Three credits.

An introduction to comparative politics and/or regional politics as a field of study that prepares students for upper level courses in the field. It will present the basic methodological and theoretical tools in the field and take a close look at countries whose political institutions, culture, and policies are similar or closely related to Canada’s. These countries may include Great Britain, France, Germany, Sweden, or Australia, among others. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102. Three credits.

This course covers comparative politics and/or regional politics as a field of study and prepares students for upper level courses in the field. It examines the evolution and diversity of governments in countries whose political institutions, culture, policies differ from Canada’s. These countries may include Russia, China, Brazil, Japan, Iran, India or Nigeria, among others. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102. Three credits.

This course covers the key political structures and institutions of the Canadian state (the Constitution, the political executive, parliament, federalism, intergovernmental relations, the public service and the courts) which constrain, shape and give impetus to Canadian politics, governance and decision-making. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102. Three credits.

This course will focus on the political, cultural, social, and regional context of how citizens interact with the Canadian state. Topics covered include political culture, parties and elections, interest groups, social movements, and the implications for the political process of key social divisions such as gender, language, and race. Multiculturalism and Indigenous peoples will receive attention. The course concludes with a discussion of Canada’s global affairs. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102. Three credits.

This course examines the historical roots and the current contours of the business-government relationship. While the focus is on Canada, conditions in other advanced capitalist states will be considered. Topics include the mechanisms of business power, the micro-politics of industries and case studies of corporate-state relations. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102. Three credits.

This course examines international relations as a field of study, offering a comprehensive survey of the conceptual, theoretical, and historical foundations of global politics. It provides students with a wide range of analytical and interpretive tools to make sense of global politics and prepare them for more advanced courses in international relations. Credit will be granted for only one of PSCI 251 or PSCI 250. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102. Three credits.

This course examines a set of contemporary problems and issues in global politics, focusing primarily on security-related questions, the politics of international economic relations, and transnationalism. Among the topics examined are: international security, nuclear deterrence and proliferation, humanitarian intervention, terrorism, economic globalization and its consequences, and transnational environmental challenges. Credit will be granted for only one of PSCI 252 or PSCI 250. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102. Three credits.

The state is a central concept within the social sciences and one of the most significant sources of power in the modern world. Despite this, states today appear increasingly in crisis, with their very legitimacy questioned. In this course, we will explore the development of the modern state to better understand our present. Cross-listed as SOCI 309. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 3 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (211 or 212 recommended). Three credits.

An examination of the impact of religion on politics and politics on religion. Students will consider the relationship between religion and politics in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia and North America. Case studies will demonstrate interactions between the state and Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, and other religions. Cross-listed as RELS 336. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 3 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (211 or 212 recommended). Three credits.

This course explores the role of the courts in politics, particularly in Canada. Possible Topics include recent constitutional developments; the impact of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms; the judicialization of politics; philosophy of law; and strategic litigation. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 3 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (221 or 222 recommended). Three credits.

An introduction to the study of women and politics, this course has three parts: feminist political thought and the women’s movement; political participation and representation; and public policy. Topics include feminist political thought; the evolution and politics of the women’s movement; political parties and legislatures; women and work; women and the welfare state. Cross-listed as WMGS 345. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 3 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (211 or 212 recommended). Three credits.

A study of the development and role of international organizations in global politics, examining the achievements and limits of institutionalized multilateral cooperation among states. Institutions examined include the UN, NATO, the WTO, the IMF, and the World Bank. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 3 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (251 or 252 recommended). Three credits.

This course introduces variance and causality, units of analysis, and strategies for case selection. Students will formulate research questions, generate research designs, discuss methodological approaches, and learn about research ethics. Cross-listed as PGOV 304. Credit will be granted for only one of PSCI 397 or PSCI 399 offered up until 2019-2020. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 3 credits of PSCI at the 200 level. Three credits.

This course introduces students to the use of quantitative analysis in political science. While studying the logic of statistical inference, students will learn practical skills, including survey questionnaire design, dataset management, and data presentation. By the end of the course students will be able to critically assess quantitative research and apply quantitative tools to pursue their own research questions. Cross-listed as PGOV 303 and SOCI 316. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 3 credits of PSCI at the 200 level. Three credits.

This seminar deals with the analysis of power in Canadian politics, through the study of selected institutions, policy fields, and governance challenges. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 3 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (221/222 recommended). Three credits.

This seminar discusses major issues in comparative politics and examines the advanced theories, methods, and concepts in the field. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 3 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (211/212 recommended). Three credits.

Restricted to students in the BA Honours program. Six credits.