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Last revision: October 18, 2001 (Section IX December 01, 2001; format revision November 20, 2001).
© 2001 Office of Registrarial Services, University of Guelph
2001-2002 Undergraduate Calendar
Department of Political Science.
For courses without semester designations, please check with the department. Advance schedules are available in the department.
The department works in cooperation with the department of Political Science at the University of Waterloo to offer courses via the video link classroom. These courses are identified by the designation LINK in their course description. Further information can be obtained from the department.
POLS*1150 Understanding Politics F,W(3-1). [0.50].
This is the recommended introductory course for students intending to pursue a specialization in Political Science. An introduction to the basic concepts of politics, such as liberty, equality, social justice, constitutionalism, sovereignty, federalism, parliamentary versus presidential government. The course will emphasize the meaning and use of these terms within Canada in the context of other political systems.
Exclusions: POLS*1000, POLS*1300
POLS*1400 Public Management and Administration F(3-1). [0.50].
This course examines the changes in the organization and function of government in Canada with particular attention to selected public policy issues. The content will be adapted to meet the specialized needs of students from other disciplines. Weekly seminars are required. (Also offered through distance education format.)
POLS*1500 World Politics S,F(3-0). [0.50].
An examination of the fundamental patterns of international politics, focusing especially on the major issues and contemporary events at the root of international conflict. As well, the reality of globalization and interdependence is assessed in terms of the alternative patterns of international cooperation in the contemporary world. (Offered also through distance education format.)
POLS*2000 Political Theory W(3-0). [0.50].
A study of the philosophic and ideological developments which have led to the emergence of the modern state and contemporary politics.
POLS*2010 The Art of Politics W(3-0). [0.50].
An examination of the presentation of politics in film, television, classical music, plays, novels, cartoons, painting and other media.
POLS*2080 Development and Underdevelopment F(3-0). [0.50].
An examination of the politics of development, distribution and conflict in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas from a comparative and international perspective.
POLS*2100 The State in Comparative Perspective W(3-0). [0.50].
The objective of this course is to analyze in a systematic way the evolution, purposes, structures and functions of the state in relation to the economy and civil society.
POLS*2200 International Relations W(3-0). [0.50].
An introduction to basic theories and concepts in the study of international relations, including an analysis of power, national interest, security, survival, nationalism, sovereignty, decision-making, interdependence, integration, and transnationalism.
POLS*2250 Public Administration W(3-0). [0.50].
This course examines a variety of theoretical approaches to the study of organizations. It then applies these theories to the structure and operation of the government of Canada. It examines the changing role of bureaucracy in government and critically evaluates issues such as financial and administrative responsibility and accountability. (Also offered through distance education format.)
POLS*2300 Canadian Government S,F(3-0). [0.50].
Parliamentary government and federal-provincial relations lie at the heart of the Canadian government system. This course provides a detailed examination of the structure, functions, and performance of these central institutions of Canadian government in a comparative context. (Also available through distance education format.)
POLS*3000 Politics of Africa W. (3-0). [0.50].
Africa in the 20th Century has been the scene of rapid political and economic change. This course analyzes African politics in the light of contemporary problems of development and modernization.
Prerequisites: POLS*2080 or POLS*2100
POLS*3021/2 History of Political Thought F(3-0)/W(3-0). [1.00].
A study of selected writers in the history of political thought from antiquity to the beginning of the twentieth century. This is a two-semester course. When you select it you will be assigned to in the Fall semester and in the Winter semester. A grade will not be assigned to POLS*3021 until POLS*3022 has been completed. (Offered in alternate years.)
Prerequisites: POLS*2000
Exclusions: no more than one of POLS*3010, POLS*3030, POLS*3040
POLS*3050 Canadian Political Parties, Elections and Pressure Groups W(3-0). [0.50].
The course emphasizes political process rather than governmental structures. Topics to be explored include the role of political parties, pressure groups, the electoral system and voting and their impact on the nature of Canada as a democratic state.
Prerequisite: POLS*2300
POLS*3060 Politics of the Middle East and North Africa (3-0). [0.50].
Students will examine the political dynamics of selected states and societies (e.g. Eqypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Israel, Jordan and Algeria) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Issues to be covered: the impact of early Middle Eastern/North African history upon today's politics; class structures in the MENA countries and their impact on politics; the rise of Arab nationalism; Zionism; the politics of oil; the status of women; the political impact of economic restructuring; Islamic movements; state-building; and political liberalization and democratization in the Middle East and North Africa.
Prerequisite: POLS*2080, POLS*2100
POLS*3080 Politics of Latin America W(3-0). [0.50].
An exploration of Latin American politics from a multidimensional perspective. It analyzes the interaction among contemporary political structures, ideologies and processes in the context of socio-economic change.
Prerequisites: POLS*2080 or POLS*2100
POLS*3110 Politics of Ontario F (3-0). [0.50].
This course provides an overview of the political history of Ontario, the character and development of the political parties and institutions, as well as an intensive examination of selected policy issues in contemporary Ontario politics.
POLS*3170 The Politics of the Western Provinces (3-0). [0.50].
An examination of the political evolution of the Western Provinces of Canada - their political philosophies, parties, institutions and past and present problems including those related to the Constitution and national unity. (Not offered in 2000-2001.)
POLS*3180 Political Inquiry and Analysis F(3-0). [0.50].
Social scientists say a great many things about politics, the economy and society, but how can their claims to knowledge be evaluated? In this course the student will be introduced to a critical examination of the kinds of knowledge offered by contemporary political science, and will in the process come to a greater awareness of the methods lying behind his/her own work.
POLS*3210 The Constitution and Canadian Federalism W (3-0). [0.50].
Canada's constitution and its federal system lie at the heart of the ongoing crisis facing the Canadian Confederation. This course examines the major features of our constitutional development, how the current system of intergovernmental relations has evolved, and the challenges posed by Canada's cultural diversity, pressures for decentralisation, and the maintenance of national sovereignty.
POLS*3250 Public Policy: Challenges and Prospects F (3-0). [0.50].
This course covers the dominant theories that explain the origins and character of public policy in Canada, and other countries. The focus will be on both governmental and nongovernmental actors.
Prerequisites: POLS*1400 or POLS*2250
POLS*3270 Local Government in Ontario W(3-0). [0.50].
Municipal governments are major spenders of public funds in Canada, and are also the level of government closest to the people. In this course, students will examine the major problems confronting urban government in Ontario. (Not offered in 2000-2001.)
POLS*3280 Modern Political Ideologies F. (3-0). [0.50].
An examination of contemporary political ideologies-liberalism and conservatism and imperialism; socialism, communism and fascism - in terms of their evolution and current political significance.
Prerequisites: 5.00 credits
POLS*3330 Politics and Trade Liberalization in the Americas W(3-0). [0.50].
This course examines the politics of trade in the three NAFTA countries - Canada, the US and Mexico. It examines how trade policy is made in each country and how the NAFTA has influenced domestic politics. Topics covered include trade in goods and services, investment and intellectual property.
Prerequisites: 1 of POLS*2100, POLS*2250, POLS*2300
POLS*3370 Environmental Policy Formation and Administration S,F(3-0). [0.50].
This course surveys both the federal and provincial governmental policies and programs relating to the management of natural resources and the control of pollution by examining the political, legal and administrative mechanisms, monitoring surveillances, and enforcement problems. (Also offered through distance education format.)
POLS*3390 Comparative Democratic Institutions F(3-0). [0.50].
This course will analyse power in democratic political institutions. It will include an examination of executive and legislative powers and the role of political parties and elections in the exercise of these powers. Presidential and parliamentary systems are examined as well as models of majoritarian and consensual democracy. (Not offered in 2000-2001.)
Prerequisites: POLS*2100 or POLS*2300
POLS*3410 Politics and Government in the United States F(3-0). [0.50].
This course involves a treatment of the basic principles and institutions of national government and politics in the United States as well as the making and execution of public policy at the national and state levels. LINK
Prerequisites: POLS*2100
POLS*3440 Corruption, Scandal and Political Ethics W(3-0). [0.50].
This course will introduce students to the phenomenon of political corruption and the study of its incidence. Attention will be paid to historical examples, contemporary scandals, and analytical articles, dealing with the nature, causes and effects, and proposed cures of political corruption, and the ethical dilemmas inherent in political life.
POLS*3450 European Governments and Politics F(3-0). [0.50].
Europe has forged a new form of political organization, the European Union, in addition to its variety of national democratic forms. This course offers a comparative examination of selected national governments, as well as an exploration of this new supra-national organization.
Prerequisites: POLS*2100 or POLS*2200
POLS*3460 Communism and Post-Communism W (3-0). [0.50].
This course focuses on selected issues in the transition from Communism to Post-Communism, viewed in a country, regional or theoretical context. Topics include the rise and demise of the Soviet Union, the new political economic and social structures which are emerging among successor states and in Central and East Europe, as well as their relation with the world at large. LINK
Prerequisites: 1 of HIST*2390, POLS*2100, POLS*2200
POLS*3470 Business-Government Relations in Canada (3-0). [0.50].
The public and private sectors in Canada have become more and more interrelated in recent years as evidenced by tax and expenditure policies, the role of regulation and public enterprise, and the increasing emphasis on consultation and co-ordination. This course examines the evolving relationship between governments and the private sector in Canada, including business (both large and small), organized labour, specific sectors such as agriculture and consumer affairs and voluntary organizations.
Prerequisites: POLS*1400 or POLS*2250
POLS*3650 The Systematic Study of Politics W(3-1). [0.50].
A treatment of empirical methods and techniques in political science, with an emphasis elementary and associational statistics. This course will enable students to confront with a trained, critical eye, the quantitative information and analysis that increasingly characterizes the discipline.
Prerequisites: 7.50 credits in any subject at the University
POLS*3670 Comparative Public Policy and Administration W(3-0). [0.50].
This course examines the role of the bureaucracy in national development in various economic, social and political environments. The focus of the course is the interplay between bureaucracy, democracy and development in a comparative perspective.
Prerequisites: 1 of POLS*2080, POLS*2100, POLS*2250, ISS*2010
POLS*3710 Politics and Sexuality F(3-0). [0.50].
Sexuality is treated as a subject for political theory from a number of critical and interdisciplinary perspectives. The course examines the relationship between sexuality and politics by analyzing the dynamics of power in the context of sexuality.
Prerequisites: POLS*2000 or PHIL*2060
POLS*3730 The Americas W(3-0). [0.50].
Despite varying political systems and different historical experiences, the Americas are cohering more and more as a political, economic and social unit. This course will examine evolving political systems and processes in Canada, the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean from a comparative and theoretical perspective. Special emphasis will be placed on hemispheric and regional issues.
Prerequisites: POLS*2080 or POLS*2100
POLS*3790 The Political Economy of International Relations W(3-0). [0.50].
This course examines major features of the contemporary international political economy, treating major theories and concepts within this approach to international relations (hegemony, globalization , interdependence, world systems theory, etc.) and focusing on the operation of key international institutions and regimes (i.e. communications, trade and transport policy).
Prerequisites: 1 of POLS*2080, POLS*2100, POLS*2200, ISS*2010
POLS*3890 Government and Politics of India (3-0). [0.50].
The course is designed to provide a survey of the history, society, culture, politics, government, bureaucracy and foreign relations of India.
Prerequisites: 1 of POLS*2080, POLS*2100, POLS*2200
POLS*3920 Modern China F(3-0). [0.50].
This course is a detailed study of the political history of modern China and its current politics. The main objective is to assess the extent to which the Chinese Communist Party has fulfilled its mandate, which is to build a sovereign and united China as well as to modernize the country within a socialist framework.
Prerequisites: 1 of POLS*2080, POLS*2100, POLS*2200
POLS*3930 Politics of the Agri-Food System F(3-0). [0.50].
Although the production and distribution of food is usually not primarily a function of government, in the 20th century government has been significantly involved in these areas. Questions about the proper role and scope of government involvement have been subject to constant debate, and the extent of this involvement has varied greatly depending on time and place. This course looks at how the state deals with the agricultural sector in different countries. (Also offered through distance education format.) (Not offered in 2001-2002.)
Prerequisites: POLS*1400, (POLS*2250 or a comparable background in a related discipline)
POLS*3940 Goverance and Accountability in Canada (3-0). [0.50].
This course examines the role of accountability within the Canadian government. With an emphasis on fiscal policy at the federal level, the course uses an investigative framework to trace the linkages from policies and decisions to outcomes, and explores the factors that inhibit or facilitate the assignment of responsibility in a complex modern democracy. The roles of various "actors" (corporations, citizens, lobbyists, bureaucrats, politicians) within Canadian politics are explored, as are such issues as fiscal accountability, government spending, social programming, and economic dependency. (This is a multi-media course requiring on-line access to Netscape 4.0 or equivalent, as well as a video cassette recorder and television.) (Offered through distance education format only.)
Prerequisites: 5.00 credits
POLS*3960 Selected Topics in Political Science S,F,W(3-0). [0.50].
Readings and research in selected areas of the discipline not covered by regular course offerings. Students present a proposal and seek approval from a member of the department in the semester previous to enrolment in this course. The method of course presentation, emphasis, and evaluation are at the discretion of the instructor.
Prerequisites: 1.50 credits at the 3000 level in Political Science or equivalent
POLS*4030 Contemporary Political Theory W(3-0). [0.50].
An analysis of selected theories and political issues discussed by prominent 20th-Century thinkers. These contemporary works will be examined as part of the long tradition of political discourse dating back to the classical period.
Prerequisites: POLS*2000 and at least 1.00 credit at the 3000 level in Political Theory
POLS*4140 Canada in the Twenty-First Century W. (3-0). [0.50].
An in-depth examination of selected issues concerning Canadian political institutions and process.
Prerequisites: POLS*2300 and 1.00 credit at the 3000 level in Canadian Government and Politics
POLS*4250 Problems in Public Administration and Public Policy W(3-0). [0.50].
An analysis of financial and personnel management problems in government, with particular reference to federal governmental practices or to particular public policy issues.
Prerequisites: POLS*2250 and 1.00 credit at the 3000 level in the Canadian and/or Comparative stream
POLS*4750 Theories and Problems in Comparative/International Politics F,W (3-0). [0.50].
A study of selected theories and problems in comparative politics and government, including such matters as the role of bureaucracy in development, comparative transitions to a market economy or changing trends in Anglo-American democracies. Variations in the course will reflect the interests of the particular instructor.
Prerequisites: (1 of POLS*2080, POLS*2100, POLS*2200) and 1.00 credit at the 3000 level in comparative/international politics
POLS*4930 Selected Topics in Political Science II S,F,W(3-0). [0.50].
Readings and research in selected areas of the discipline not covered by regular course offerings. Students present a proposal and seek approval from a member of the department in the semester previous to enrolment in this course. The method of course presentation, emphasis, and evaluation are at the discretion of the instructor.
Prerequisites: 1.50 credit at the 3000 level in Political Science or equivalent
POLS*4970 Honours Political Science Research I S,F,W(3-0). [0.50].
This is Part I of the Honours Essay. Students complete the necessary reading and research for their Honours Essay under the supervision of a department advisor. A research proposal is expected by the end of the semester. Major honours political science students must register in this course in their 7th semester. Student selection of an approved subject area and instructor must be completed in the semester previous to enrolment in this course.
Prerequisite: instructor's written consent
POLS*4980 Honours Political Science Research II S,F,W(3-0). [0.50].
This is Part II of the Honours Essay. Students organize and write their essays under the supervision of their advisor. Major honours political science students must register in this course in their 8th semester.
Prerequisite: POLS*4970