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.
| 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.
|
| Restriction(s): |
POLS*1000, POLS*1300 |
| POLS*1400 Issues in Canadian Politics F (3-1) [0.50] |
| 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.)
|
| POLS*1500 World Politics 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. (Also offered through distance education
format.)
|
| POLS*2150 Gender and Politics W (3-0) [0.50] |
| 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.
|
| POLS*2200 International Relations F (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 and Governance W (3-0) [0.50] |
| The course explores, from both practical and theoretical perspectives, planning and implementation of programs and services
through government departments and agencies and “alternative” processes and structures, sometimes involving non-governmental
actors. The course critically evaluates the changing role of bureaucracy; financial and human resource management; and the
evolving concepts of responsibility and accountability. (Also offered through distance education format.)
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
POLS*1150 orPOLS*1400 |
| POLS*2300 Canadian Government and Politics F,W (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course explores the core institutions of Canadian government, including parliamentary government, federalism, the Charter
of Rights and Freedoms and electoral systems. How these institutions shape and are shaped by political parties and social
forces, as well as current issues like Quebec nationalism, identity politics and aboriginal governance, are covered. (Also
available through distance education format.)
|
| POLS*3060 Politics of the Middle East and North Africa U (3-0) [0.50] |
| 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 |
| POLS*3070 Comparative Politics of Asia Pacific F (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course provides a comparative overview of the history and politics of regions in Asia, such as Northeast, Southeast,
South or Pacific, depending on the interests of the instructor. It focuses on political dynamics and contemporary issues,
including the spectacular rise of some Asian economies and the immense variation of wealth, inequality, deprivation and poverty
found in Asia. The course also tackles such themes as colonialism, nationalism, imperialism, and communism.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
POLS*2080 or POLS*2100 |
| POLS*3110 Politics of Ontario U (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.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
7.50 credits |
| POLS*3130 Law, Politics and Judicial Process U (3-0) [0.50] |
| 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 |
| POLS*3180 Research Methods I: Political Inquiry and Methods F (2-1) [0.50] |
| 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)
|
| 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.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
POLS*2300 |
| POLS*3220 Classical Political Thought F (3-0) [0.50] |
| 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 |
| Restriction(s): |
POLS*3021 |
| POLS*3230 Modern Political Thought W (3-0) [0.50] |
| 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 |
| Restriction(s): |
POLS*3021 |
| POLS*3270 Local Government in Ontario U (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.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
7.50 credits |
| 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.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
5.00 credits |
| POLS*3300 Governing Criminal Justice U (3-0) [0.50] |
| 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 |
| Restriction(s): |
This is a Priority Access course. Enrolment may be restricted to particular programs or specializations or semester levels
during certain periods. Please see the departmental website for more information.
|
| POLS*3320 Politics of Aid & Development F (3-0) [0.50] |
| 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 |
| POLS*3370 Environmental Politics and Governance S,F (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course examines environmental politics and governance in Canada as well as in comparative and international contexts.
This is accomplished by surveying how various political, legal, administrative, and private-public actors and processes influence
the development and implementation of environmental policy. (Also offered through distance education format.)
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
7.50 credits |
| POLS*3390 Comparative Democratic Institutions U (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.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
POLS*2100 or POLS*2300 |
| POLS*3440 Corruption, Scandal and Political Ethics U (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.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
5.00 credits |
| POLS*3470 Business-Government Relations in Canada U (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.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
POLS*1400 or POLS*2250 |
| POLS*3490 Conflict and Conflict Resolution F (3-0) [0.50] |
| 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 |
| Restriction(s): |
This is a Priority Access course. Enrolment may be restricted to particular programs or specializations or semester levels
during certain periods. Please see the departmental website for more information.
|
| POLS*3650 Research Methods II: Quantitative Methods W (2-1) [0.50] |
| 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 or SOAN*2120 |
| Restriction(s): |
Registration in Criminal Justice & Public Policy or Political Science (major, minor or area of concentration) or International
Development (major only).
|
| POLS*3710 Politics and Sexuality U (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.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
POLS*2000 or PHIL*2060 |
| POLS*3850 Experiential Learning in Political Science U (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course allows students to reflect upon their involvement in some form of politically related activity, including simulations,
volunteer programs, or internship work with government or non-government organizations. The student must find a faculty member
from the Department of Political Science willing to act as a supervisor for the course. See the Political Science website
for the learning contract and other requirements that must be completed in advance of registering for this course.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
Minimum of 10.00 credits, 2.00 of which must be in Political Science. |
| Restriction(s): |
Approval of the experience and evaluation criteria by the Undergraduate Committee of the Department of Political Science;
Instructor consent required.
|
| 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.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
1 of POLS*2080, POLS*2100, POLS*2200 |
| POLS*3930 Politics of the Agri-Food System U (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.)
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
POLS*1400, (POLS*2250 or a comparable background in a related discipline)
|
| POLS*3940 Accountability and Canadian Government U (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.)
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
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.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
1.50 credits at the 3000 level in Political Science or equivalent |
| Restriction(s): |
Instructor consent required. |
| POLS*4030 Contemporary Political Theory U (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course provides 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 the Political Thought stream.
|
| Restriction(s): |
This is a Priority Access course. Enrolment may be restricted to particular programs or specializations or semester levels
during certain periods. Please see the departmental website for more information.
|
| POLS*4050 Advanced Topics in Law and Politics U (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course explores advanced topics in law and politics depending on the interests of the instructor. Potential topics include
investigating the law and politics of social change or analyzing debates about the political power of courts in Canada or
in comparative perspectives.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
1.00 credits at the 3000-level in the Law, Policy and Governance stream or the Comparative Politics stream. POLS*3130 recommended.
|
| Restriction(s): |
This is a Priority Access course. Enrolment may be restricted to particular programs or specializations or semester levels
during certain periods. Please see the departmental website for more information.
|
| POLS*4100 Women, Justice and Public Policy U (3-0) [0.50] |
| 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 the Public Policy, Governance and Law or Canadian Politics.
|
| Restriction(s): |
This is a Priority Access course. Enrolment may be restricted to particular programs or specializations or semester levels
during certain periods. Please see the departmental website for more information.
|
| POLS*4140 Conceptions of Canada W (3-0) [0.50] |
| 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 the Canadian Politics stream.
|
| Restriction(s): |
This is a Priority Access course. Enrolment may be restricted to particular programs or specializations or semester levels
during certain periods. Please see the departmental website for more information.
|
| POLS*4160 Multi-Level Governance in Canada U (3-0) [0.50] |
| 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 Canadian Politics stream.
|
| Restriction(s): |
This is a Priority Access course. Enrolment may be restricted to particular programs or specializations or semester levels
during certain periods. Please see the departmental website for more information.
|
| POLS*4200 International Political Economy U (3-0) [0.50] |
| 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 the International Relations and Global Studies stream.
|
| Restriction(s): |
This is a Priority Access course. Enrolment may be restricted to particular programs or specializations or semester levels
during certain periods. Please see the departmental website for more information.
|
| POLS*4250 Topics in Public Management W (3-0) [0.50] |
| 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 the Public Policy, Governance and Law stream or the Canadian Politics stream.
|
| Restriction(s): |
This is a Priority Access course. Enrolment may be restricted to particular programs or specializations or semester levels
during certain periods. Please see the departmental website for more information.
|
| POLS*4260 Topics in Public Policy U (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course will examine various public policy issues such as social policy or health care policy in a Canadian or comparative
context.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
(2 of POLS*2250, POLS*2300, POLS*3250), 1.00 credits in the Public Policy, Governance and Law stream or the Canadian Politics stream.
|
| Restriction(s): |
This is a Priority Access course. Enrolment may be restricted to particular programs or specializations or semester levels
during certain periods. Please see the departmental website for more information.
|
| POLS*4300 Human Rights, Ethics, and Development W (3-0) [0.50] |
| 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 the Political Thought stream) or (POLS*2000 and 0.50 credits in Political Thought stream and 0.50 credits in the Compartive Politics stream.)
|
| Restriction(s): |
This is a Priority Access course. Enrolment may be restricted to particular programs or specializations or semester levels
during certain periods. Please see the departmental website for more information.
|
| POLS*4340 Nationalism, State-building and Identity U (3-0) [0.50] |
| The course examines the role of nationalism in contemporary politics. Nationalism as such is understood as a major political
force in state-building. Its impact on both global and national politics is assessed in relation to other forms of identity-based
politics.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
(1 of POLS*2000, POLS*2100, POLS*2200), (1.0 credits at the 3000 level in the Comparative Politics stream or 1.00 credits at the 3000 level in the International
Relations and Global Studies stream).
|
| POLS*4710 Topics in Comparative Politics U (3-0) [0.50] |
| 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) and 1.00 credits at the 3000 level in the Comparative Politics stream.
|
| Restriction(s): |
This is a Priority Access course. Enrolment may be restricted to particular programs or specializations or semester levels
during certain periods. Please see the departmental website for more information.
|
| POLS*4720 Topics in International Relations U (3-0) [0.50] |
| 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 International Relations and Global Studies stream.
|
| Restriction(s): |
This is a Priority Access course. Enrolment may be restricted to particular programs or specializations or semester levels
during certain periods. Please see the departmental website for more information.
|
| POLS*4740 Advanced Topics in Rights and Liberties F (3-0) [0.50] |
| The course explores rights and liberties from various perspectives depending on the interests of the instructor. Potential
topics include exploring the political, social, and legal factors and theories that explain the development of rights and
liberties; rights and liberties in a comparative and international context; or the philosophical and policy debates surrounding
rights and liberties.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
(POLS*3130 or POLS*3210) and at least 1.00 credits at the 3000 level in the Public Policy, Governance and Law stream.
|
| Restriction(s): |
This is a Priority Access course. Enrolment may be restricted to particular programs or specializations or semester levels
during certain periods. Please see the departmental website for more information.
|
| POLS*4930 Selected Topics in Political Science II S,F,W (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course provides for independent reading and research in selected areas of the discipline not covered by regular course
offerings. Prior to enrollment in the course, approval must be obtained from a member of the department willing to supervise
the research. Students should approach potential supervisors with a proposal for readings and research, which may include
reflection and expansion on a subject matter addressed in previous course assignments.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
1.50 credits at the 3000 level in Political Science or equivalent |
| Restriction(s): |
Instructor consent required. |
| 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. 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. |
