XII. Course Descriptions
Political Science
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.
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POLS*1150 Understanding Politics F,W (3-1) [0.50]
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| 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. |
| Restriction(s): |
POLS*1000, POLS*1300
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POLS*1400 Issues in Canadian Politics F (3-1) [0.50]
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| Through the lens of contemporary political issues, this course will examine the pillars of the Canadian political system - Parliamentary government, federalism and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms - and how they reflect and affect the distinctly Canadian societal cleavages: linguistic, regional, ethnic, national, and sexual. Students will develop an awareness and understanding of these concepts, institutions and processes, which will enhance their ability to interpret current political events and provide a foundation upon which to explore Canadian politics, identity, public policy and governance in upper level political science courses. (Also offered through distance education format.) |
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POLS*1500 World Politics F (3-0) [0.50]
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| 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. (Also offered through distance education format.) |
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POLS*2150 Gender and Politics W (3-0) [0.50]
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| This course introduces students to competing approaches to gender and politics. Students will examine the interrelationship of gender, politics and the state, focusing on its implications for political mobilization, representation and participation, public policy, global gender issues in international relations, and cultural and regional differences in gender politics. The course provides the student with the conceptual and analytical tools for upper-year courses on politics in general and on gender, sexuality and politics in particular. |
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POLS*2200 International Relations F (3-0) [0.50]
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| 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. |
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POLS*2250 Public Administration W (3-0) [0.50]
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| 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.) |
| Prerequisite(s): |
POLS*1150 orPOLS*1400
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POLS*2300 Canadian Government F,W (3-0) [0.50]
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| 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.) |
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POLS*3060 Politics of the Middle East and North Africa U (3-0) [0.50]
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| Students will examine the political dynamics of selected states and societies (e.g. Egypt, 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(s): |
POLS*2080 or POLS*2100
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POLS*3110 Politics of Ontario U (3-0) [0.50]
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| 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. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
7.50 credits |
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POLS*3130 Law, Politics and Judicial Process U (3-0) [0.50]
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| This course emphasizes the study of the judicial system as a branch of government and highlights the interaction between the judiciary, law, the political process and public policy. Issues such as judicial selection and Charter of Rights decisions by courts will be explored. Comparisons with the judicial process in other countries will supplement the focus on the Canadian judicial process. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
1 of POLS*1400, POLS*2250, POLS*2300
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POLS*3180 Research Methods I: Political Inquiry and Methods F (2-1) [0.50]
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| Students will be introduced to some of the major paradigms of political science research that shape inquiry into political and social phenomena. Students will learn how to: define research problems and construct questions for political inquiry; develop theory to explain, predict or interpret the political world; and formulate research designs. A variety of quantitative and qualitative methods will be explored. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
5.00 credits including (2 of POLS*2080, POLS*2100, POLS*2200, POLS*2250) |
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POLS*3210 The Constitution and Canadian Federalism W (3-0) [0.50]
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| 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. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
POLS*2300
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POLS*3220 Classical Political Thought F (3-0) [0.50]
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| This course is an exploration of the concepts of justice and reason in the ancient and medieval worlds. The theme will be explored in the writings of philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas and Sir Thomas More. The exact selection of thinkers will vary from year to year and students are advised to check the course outline. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
POLS*2000 or POLS*3280
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| Restriction(s): |
POLS*3021
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POLS*3230 Modern Political Thought W (3-0) [0.50]
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| This course explores the impact of modern science and technology, and its impact on the western tradition of justice from the seventeenth century to the twentieth century. It will explore this theme in writers such as Thomas Hobbes, Jonathan Swift, J-J Rousseau, Edmund Burke, Friedrich Nietzsche and George Grant. The exact selection of thinkers will vary from year to year and students are advised to check the course outline. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
POLS*2000 or POLS*3280
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| Restriction(s): |
POLS*3021
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POLS*3270 Local Government in Ontario U (3-0) [0.50]
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| 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. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
7.50 credits |
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POLS*3280 Modern Political Ideologies F (3-0) [0.50]
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| An examination of contemporary political ideologies-liberalism and conservatism and imperialism; socialism, communism and fascism - in terms of their evolution and current political significance. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
5.00 credits |
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POLS*3300 Governing Criminal Justice U (3-0) [0.50]
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| The course provides an overview of the policy process and outcomes of the Canadian criminal justice system. Particular emphasis is placed on examining, using various public policy and public management perspectives, the practices and interactions of governmental agencies within the system, such as police agencies and boards, departments of Justice, Solicitor-General, corrections and parole agencies, courts and the legal profession. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
POLS*2250 or POLS*2300
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POLS*3320 Politics of Aid & Development F (3-0) [0.50]
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| This course examines the motivations and mechanisms by which industrialized states have designed and implemented foreign aid programs and policy, primarily since the end of the Second World War. Particular emphasis will be placed on the role of multilateral, bilateral and nongovernmental organizations in the delivery of development assistance and humanitarian relief. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
POLS*2080
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POLS*3370 Environmental Policy Formation and Administration S,F (3-0) [0.50]
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| 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.) |
| Prerequisite(s): |
7.50 credits |
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POLS*3390 Comparative Democratic Institutions U (3-0) [0.50]
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| 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. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
POLS*2100 or POLS*2300
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POLS*3440 Corruption, Scandal and Political Ethics U (3-0) [0.50]
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| 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. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
5.00 credits |
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POLS*3460 Communism and Post-Communism U (3-0) [0.50]
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| 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 |
| Prerequisite(s): |
1 of HIST*2390, POLS*2100, POLS*2200
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POLS*3470 Business-Government Relations in Canada U (3-0) [0.50]
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| 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. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
POLS*1400 or POLS*2250
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POLS*3490 Conflict and Conflict Resolution F (3-0) [0.50]
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| This course will examine the growing body of literature which considers violent conflict and its management. Materials are organized to reflect the trajectory of many contemporary conflicts: from explanations for violence, to identifying conditions and means to resolve conflict and, finally, to post-conflict governance. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
POLS*1500 or POLS*2200
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POLS*3650 Research Methods II: Quantitative Methods W (2-1) [0.50]
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| This course examines quantitative research methods used in political science, primarily sampling and surveying techniques, in combination with elementary statistical analysis. Students learn how to apply basic descriptive and inferential statistical procedures to research political problems and test hypotheses. In lab, students will acquire the skills to perform data analysis |
| Prerequisite(s): |
POLS*3180
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| Restriction(s): |
Registration in Criminal Justice & Public Policy or Political Science (major, minor or area of concentration) or International Development (major only). |
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POLS*3710 Politics and Sexuality U (3-0) [0.50]
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| 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. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
POLS*2000 or PHIL*2060
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POLS*3730 The Americas U (3-0) [0.50]
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| 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. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
POLS*2080 or POLS*2100
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POLS*3920 Modern China F (3-0) [0.50]
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| 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. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
1 of POLS*2080, POLS*2100, POLS*2200
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POLS*3930 Politics of the Agri-Food System U (3-0) [0.50]
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| 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.) |
| Prerequisite(s): |
POLS*1400, (POLS*2250 or a comparable background in a related discipline) |
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POLS*3940 Accountability and Canadian Government U (3-0) [0.50]
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| 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.) |
| Prerequisite(s): |
5.00 credits |
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POLS*3960 Selected Topics in Political Science S,F,W (3-0) [0.50]
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| 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. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
1.50 credits at the 3000 level in Political Science or equivalent |
| Restriction(s): |
Instructor consent required. |
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POLS*4030 Contemporary Political Theory U (3-0) [0.50]
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| 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. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
POLS*2000 and at least 1.00 credits at the 3000 level in Political Theory and Analysis |
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POLS*4100 Women, Justice and Public Policy U (3-0) [0.50]
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| This course will use gender-based analysis in examining a series of justice and public policy issues affecting the lives of women, including equality rights, pay and employment equity, domestic violence, sexual assault, family policy, health care policy, and pornography. How do current policies that developed out of neoliberalism influence the lives of women in different ways than men? How can/should they be changed to recognize the different life experiences of women as distinguished from men? The primary focus of the topics covered in this course will be Canadian, although the experiences in other countries will be covered, particularly as it relates to "best practices," where appropriate. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
2 of POLS*2250, POLS*2300, POLS*3250 and 1.00 credits in Public Policy and Administration or Canada and the Americas |
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POLS*4120 Civil Rights and Civil Liberties in Canada and the U.S. F (3-0) [0.50]
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| The course examines changing conceptions of civil liberties and rights over time in Canada and the U.S., mechanisms for their protection and promotion, and what happens when civil liberties and rights clash with one another. In particular, the course will focus on civil rights and civil liberties decisions by the Supreme Courts in both countries. This focus will include seeking explanations for why and how the decisions were made by the Courts and what impact the decisions have had on public policy and society. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
POLS*3130 or POLS*3210 and at least 1.00 credits at the 3000 level in Public Policy and Administration |
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POLS*4140 Conceptions of Canada W (3-0) [0.50]
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| This course will explore evolving conceptions of Canadian identity and nationalism through consideration of political culture, institutions and constitutional arrangements. Possible topics include: multiculturalism, Aboriginal identity and community, Quebec nationalism, social citizenship, rights and representation, as well as Canada’s global role and significance. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
POLS*2300 and 1.00 credits at the 3000 level in Canada and the Americas |
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POLS*4160 Multi-Level Governance in Canada U (3-0) [0.50]
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| This course considers the evolving relationship among levels of government in Canada. The growth of cities, the growth of policy responsibilities of provinces, the influence of international organizations, and the development of First Nations government in Canada all challenge the conventional study of federal-provincial relations in Canada. From year to year, this course examines one or several of these contemporary dynamics. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
POLS*2300 and 1.00 credits at the 3000 level in the Canada and the Americas stream. |
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POLS*4200 International Political Economy U (3-0) [0.50]
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| The course relies on theoretical approaches in IPE to examine relationships between politics and economics across national and regional levels. The evolution of the global political economy and its governance structures is explored, as well as contemporary debates about globalization and state and non-state actors’ responses. Issue-areas may include: money and power, technology, trade, development and the environment. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
(1 of POLS*2080, POLS*2100, POLS*2200); and at least 1.00 credits at the 3000 level in Comparative/International Development |
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POLS*4250 Topics in Public Management W (3-0) [0.50]
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| This course will examine various topics related to governance, such as public management reform, public sector leadership, third sector organizations or budgeting and human resources. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
POLS*2250 and 1.00 credits at the 3000 level in Public Policy and Administration or Canada and the Americas |
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POLS*4300 Human Rights, Ethics, and Development W (3-0) [0.50]
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| This course is intended to address the ethical issues that arise from development processes and studies by focusing on human rights. The subject is explored from a range of philosophical, religious, and cultural perspectives, including both Western and non-Western. Related themes include global and social justice; nationalism, cosmopolitanism, and multiculturalism. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
POLS*2000 and 1.00 credits in Political Theory or Comparative/International Development |
| Restriction(s): |
POLS*3120
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POLS*4710 Topics in Comparative Politics U (3-0) [0.50]
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| This course considers theories and problems in comparative politics and government in developing and industrialized countries. The geographical and theoretical focus of the course will reflect the interests of the instructor. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
(POLS*2080 or POLS*2100), 1.00 credits at the 3000 level in the Comparative/International Development stream. |
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POLS*4720 Topics in International Relations U (3-0) [0.50]
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| This course considers theories and problems in the field of International Relations. The theoretical and/or geographical focus of the course will reflect the interests of the instructor. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
POLS*2200 and 1.00 credits at the 3000 level in the Comparative/International Development stream. |
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POLS*4930 Selected Topics in Political Science II S,F,W (3-0) [0.50]
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| 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. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
1.50 credits at the 3000 level in Political Science or equivalent |
| Restriction(s): |
Instructor consent required. |
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POLS*4970 Honours Political Science Research I S,F,W (3-0) [0.50]
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| 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. Political science majors who wish to pursue an honours thesis 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(s): |
70% average in all POLS courses. Recommendation: Students with less than a 75% average are advised not to take this course. |
| Restriction(s): |
Instructor consent required. |
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