Table of Contents
The Politics and International Relations Department offers two degree programs: a B.A. in Political Science and a B.A. in International Relations.
The Political Science BA program is designed for students who are interested in the study of politics. The study of politics is concerned with the nature and workings of power, state, and government; the rights and duties of citizenship; the limits and possibilities of collective political action; and the social, economic, and cultural formations that shape the life of the political community. The scope of inquiry is local, national, and international; it includes the empirical analysis of individuals, groups, institutions, and processes as well as the investigation of long-standing philosophical questions concerning human nature, freedom, democracy, and justice.
The Political Science program is organized into four main subfields: Canadian Politics, Comparative Politics, International Politics, and Political Theory. The program offers students the opportunity to gain a strong foundation in all four subfields and to combine empirical, practical, and theoretical approaches in each year of study. In addition to the Canadian Politics subfield, students can take specialized area courses in Africa, the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. Political Science students who seek a more intensive concentration in one particular subfield can integrate courses from other programs in Canadian Studies, International Relations, History, and Philosophy.
The International Relations BA program is designed for students who are interested in an inter-disciplinary approach to international and global studies. International and global studies are concerned with the interconnections between state as well as non-state organizations and actors, the globalizing effects of economic, social, technological, environmental, military, and political processes, and with emerging issues of justice, responsibility, and human well-being that are international and global in scope.
The International Relations program operates as an inter- and multi-disciplinary degree program in which core as well as elective courses are drawn from a range of disciplines such as political science, history, modern languages and literatures, sociology, anthropology, economics, geography, environmental studies, and women's and gender studies. The program provides students with a broad range of intellectual and critical skills for analyzing the interactions between political and economic systems, cultural norms, environmental dynamics, and hierarchies of power. A university-level language requirement anchors the program. To supplement their coursework students are encouraged to gain international experience by studying or working abroad or by doing international work in Canada.
Political Science 1001: Foundations of Politics is the normal prerequisite for all second year Political Science courses and for the second year International Relations course. Students should consult their program advisor in Political Science or International Relations for additional information.
Core (42 credits as follows):
6 | from POLS 1001 and INLR/POLS 2301 |
3 | from POLS at the 2000 level |
3 | from the POLS 3300 series |
9 | from INLR at the 3000 or 4000 level |
6 | from ECON 1001, 1011 |
3 | from ECON 3301, 3501, 3801, 3901, 3921, 4531, 4551 |
12 | from FREN 1651, 1701, 1711, 2401, 2501, 2601, 3101, 3111, 3131; or from GERM 1001, 1011, 2001, 2011, 3001, 3401, 3501; or from JAPA 1001, 1011, 2001, 2011; or from SPAN 1101, 1111, 2101, 2111, 3101, 3111, 3060 |
Optional Streams (18 credits)
18 |
Choose 9 credits from each of two of the following streams:
|
Note:
Students are responsible for ensuring that they have prerequisites for third and fourth year courses in the elective streams.
A student may choose to include up to 6 credits at the 3/4000 level not explicitly included in any of the Elective Streams provided prior approval is granted by the Program Advisor.
Students may substitute university-level courses in another language approved by the International Relations Program Advisor.
Students who complete this Major may not complete a Minor in International Politics.
60 | credits as in the Major, plus |
6 | from the 4000 level in one of the elective streams chosen for the Major |
6 | from INLR at the 4000 level |
3 | from POLS 1001 |
6-12 | from Political Science at the 2000 level |
9-15 | from Political Science 3000/4000 level |
Note: At least 3 credits in the minor must be taken from two of the four sub-disciplines in Political Science corresponding with the series numbers for Political Theory (20/30/40), Canadian Politics (21/31/41), Comparative Politics (22/32/42) and International Politics (23/33/43)
3 | from POLS 1001 |
39 | from Political Science 2/3/4000 level, 6 to 9 of these credits may be taken at the 2000 level. At least three credits at the 3/4000 level must be taken from each of the four sub-disciplines in Political Science corresponding with the series numbers for Political Theory (30/40), Canadian Politics (31/41), Comparative Politics (32/42) and International Politics (33/43) |
18 | credits from complementary courses in Arts & Letters, Humanities and Social Sciences, chosen in consultation with the Program Advisor |
3 | from POLS 1001 |
57 | credits from Political Science 2/3/4000 level. At least six credits at the 3/4000 level must be taken from each of the four sub-fields in Political Science (corresponding with the series numbers for Political Theory (30/40), Canadian Politics (31/41) Comparative Politics (32/42), and International Politics (33/43) |
12 | credits from complementary courses in Arts & Letters, Humanities and Social Sciences, chosen in consultation with the Program Advisor |
3 | from POLS 1001 |
51 | credits from Political Science 2/3/4000 level. At least six credits at the 3/4000 level must be taken from each of the four sub-fields in Political Science (corresponding with the series numbers for Political Theory (30/40), Canadian Politics (31/41) Comparative Politics (32/42), and International Politics (33/43) |
6 | credits from Political Science 4990 |
12 | credits from complementary courses in Arts & Letters, Humanities and Social Sciences, chosen in consultation with the Program Advisor |
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.
Note: The following course can be used for the distribution requirement for the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees:
POLS 1001 |
INLR 1991 (3.00)
Special Topic in International Relations
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. [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 INLR 1991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.] (Format: Variable)
INLR 2301 (3.00)
Introduction to International Relations
Prereq: POLS 1001; or permission of the Department
This course introduces several of the major theories, structures, processes, and issues in international relations. After introducing the current theoretical approaches to the study of global politics, the course addresses a series of topics from among the following: systems of global governance; the concept 'terrorism'; non-state actors in global politics such as corporations, social movements, and non-governmental organizations; human rights and human security; gender and international politics; poverty, 'development', and inequality; and the environment. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed as POLS 2301 and may therefore count as 3 credits in either discipline.] (Format: Lecture 3 Hours) (Exclusion: Any version of INLR/POLS 2301 previously offered with a different title)
INLR 2991 (3.00)
Special Topic in International Relations
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. [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 INLR 2991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.] (Format: Variable)
INLR 3001 (3.00)
Gender and International Relations
Prereq: INLR/POLS 2301; or permission of the Department
This course examines 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. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
INLR 3201 (3.00)
Problems in International Development
Prereq: INLR/POLS 2301; or permission of the Department
This course focuses on leading issues in international development from an international relations perspective. Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
INLR 3301 (3.00)
Global Governance
Prereq: INLR/POLS 2301; or permission of the Department
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. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed as POLS 3301 and may therefore count as 3 credits in either discipline.] (Format: Lecture 3 Hours) (Exclusion: INLR 3101)
INLR 3311 (3.00)
International Political Economy
Prereq: INLR/POLS 2301; or permission of the Department
This course surveys 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 of state and society. It examines the impact of globalization and environmental change on states in the global order. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed as POLS 3311 and may therefore count as 3 credits in either discipline.] (Format: Lecture 3 Hours) (Exclusion: INLR 3401)
INLR 3351 (3.00)
Foreign Policy Analysis
Prereq: 6 credits from POLS at the 2000 level; or permission of the Department
This course introduces key theories in the study of foreign policy-making. It explores the role of individual decision-makers, interest-groups, economics, bureaucratic politics, and regime types. It also examines how constraints and opportunities in the international system shape foreign policy choices. It analyzes foreign policy in the context of both developed and developing states and considers a variety of different foreign policy issues. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed as POLS 3351 and may therefore count as 3 credits in either discipline.] (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
INLR 3991 (3.00)
Special Topic in International Relations
Prereq: INLR/POLS 2301; or permission of the Department
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. [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 INLR 3991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.] (Format: Variable)
INLR 4101 (3.00)
Global Governance Simulation
Prereq: INLR/POLS 2301; INLR/POLS 3301; enrolment is restricted to Honours students or by permission of the Department
This course engages students in an innovative and intensive simulation of an international conflict or crisis in order to highlight the challenges of international decision-making in multilateral forums. It draws case studies from the United Nations and other international organizations, or from disputes among states and non-state actors. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
INLR 4201 (3.00)
Canada, Globalization, and International Development
Prereq: INLR/POLS 2301; 3 credits from INLR at the 3000 level; or permission of the Department
This course critically evaluates the relationships between various Canadian actors and the so-called 'developing' world, historically and in the contemporary period. Through the use of country case studies this course investigates issues involving Canadian overseas development assistance, and the role played by Canadian corporations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in selected countries. (Format: Seminar 3 Hours) (Exclusion: Any version of INLR 4701 offered with a similar title)
INLR 4301 (3.00)
Global Civil Society
Prereq: INLR/POLS 2301; 3 credits from INLR at the 3000 level; or permission of the Department
This course engages students in an advanced analysis of the concept Global Civil Society. It begins by exploring various theoretical approaches to understanding and employing this concept and proceeds to analysis of several issues confronted by Global-Civil-Society actors. Such issues may include: the World Social Forum (WSF); the campaign to ban landmines; anti-capitalist organizing; and the question of violence in achieving social change. (Format: Seminar 3 Hours) (Exclusion: Any version of INLR 4701 offered with a similar title)
INLR 4310 (6.00)
International Relations Theory
Prereq: 3 credits from POLS or INLR at the 3000 level; or permission of the Department
This course provides an advanced analysis of major theories of International Relations. It may include theories of realism, liberalism, constructivism, Marxism, feminism, poststructuralism, and postcolonialism. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed as POLS 4310 and may therefore count as 3 credits in either discipline.] (Format: Seminar 3 Hours)
INLR 4321 (3.00)
Security and Development in the Global South
Prereq: 3 credits from POLS or INLR at the 3000 level; or permission of the Department
This course examines the relationship between political, economic, and social development and security. It studies the security environment of a developing world that faces a unique constellation of security threats created by the presence of weak states, divided societies, political and economic dependency, and the pressures of globalization. It uses the perspective of traditional theories that privilege the security of states and regimes as well as non-traditional theories that focus on human and environmental security. The course also examines potential strategies for coping with the various types of insecurity experienced by developing states and societies. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed as POLS 4321 and may therefore count as 3 credits in either discipline.] (Format: Seminar 3 Hours)
INLR 4401 (3.00)
Africa in a Global Context
Prereq: INLR/POLS 2301; 3 credits from INLR at the 3000 level; or permission of the Department
This course focuses on the manner in which the African continent is connected to various processes and structures of global politics. Topics may include: the integration of Africa into the global economy; the scramble for oil and gas on the continent; Africa and the 'War on Terror'; the rising role of the Chinese state in Africa; and the role of other major powers such as the United States and France on the continent. (Format: Seminar 3 Hours) (Exclusion: Any version of INLR 4701 offered with a similar title)
INLR 4950 (6.00)
Independent Study in International Relations
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. [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 INLR 4950/51 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.] (Format: Independent Study)
INLR 4951 (3.00)
Independent Study in International Relations
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. [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 INLR 4950/51 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.] (Format: Independent Study)
INLR 4990 (6.00)
Honours Thesis
This course comprises independent research and study under the direction of a supervisor approved by the Program Advisor. [Note 1: Permission of the IR Program Advisor and written confirmation from a thesis supervisor submitted to the Program Advisor before March 31 of the year before the thesis is to be undertaken.] (Format: Independent Study/Thesis)
INLR 4991 (3.00)
Special Topic in International Relations
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. [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 INLR 4991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.] (Format: Variable)
POLS 1001 (3.00)
Foundations of Politics
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) (Distribution: Social World-b) (Exclusion: POLS 1000)
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. [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.] (Format: Variable)
POLS 2001 (3.00)
Democratic Thought
Prereq: POLS 1001; or permission of the Department
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)(Exclusion: Any version of POLS 2001 previously offered with a different title)
POLS 2101 (3.00)
Canadian Government and Politics
Prereq: POLS 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 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)
Introduction to International Relations
Prereq: POLS 1001; or permission of the Department
This course introduces several of the major theories, structures, processes, and issues in international relations. After introducing the current theoretical approaches to the study of global politics, the course addresses a series of topics from among the following: systems of global governance; the concept 'terrorism'; non-state actors in global politics such as corporations, social movements, and non-governmental organizations; human rights and human security; gender and international politics; poverty,'development', and inequality; and the environment.[Note 1: This course is cross-listed as INLR 2301 and may therefore count as 3 credits in either discipline.] (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)(Exclusion: Any version of INLR/POLS 2301 previously offered with a different title)
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. [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.] (Format: Variable)
POLS 3001 (3.00)
Ancient Political Thought
Prereq: 6 credits from POLS at the 2000 level; or permission of the Department
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) (Exclusion: Any version of POLS 3001 previously offered with a different title)
POLS 3011 (3.00)
Modern Political Thought
Prereq: 6 credits from POLS at the 2000 level; or permission of the Department
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) (Exclusion: Any version of POLS 3011 previously offered with a different title)
POLS 3031 (3.00)
Women and Politics
Prereq: 6 credits from POLS 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: 6 credits from POLS 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: 6 credits from POLS at the 2000 level; or permission of the Department
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) (Exclusion: Any version of POLS 3111 previously offered with a different title)
POLS 3141 (3.00)
Canadian Public Policy
Prereq: 6 credits from POLS at the 2000 level; or permission of the Department
This course introduces students to theories of public policy-making and the policy- making process in Canada. It emphasizes decision-making, policy change, and implementation in exploring connections among actors, ideas, and institutions in various public policy fields including environmental, health, and social policy to reveal patterns of policy change. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
POLS 3151 (3.00)
Political Parties and Elections In Canada
Prereq: 6 credits from POLS at the 2000 level; or permission of the Department
This course examines how the structure of the Canadian electoral system conditions the role, organization, and development of political parties in Canada as vehicles for political representation. It includes an examination of the voting calculus and the role of the media in elections. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
POLS 3200 (6.00)
European Politics
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: 6 credits from POLS at the 2000 level; or permission of the Department
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) (Exclusion: POLS 2201)
POLS 3221 (3.00)
African Politics
Prereq: 6 credits from POLS 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 3231 (3.00)
Comparative Politics of the Middle East
Prereq: 6 credits from POLS at the 2000 level; or permission of the Department
This course examines the political dynamics of selected states and societies in the Middle East. It addresses such issues as post-colonial state formation and political development; the political economy of reform; petropolitics; gender; minorities; the effects of regional conflict on domestic politics; the growth of secular and religious opposition movements; and processes of political liberalization and de-liberalization. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours) (Exclusion: POLS 3991 Comparative Politics of the Middle East)
POLS 3301 (3.00)
Global Governance
Prereq: INLR/POLS 2301; or permission of the Department
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. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed as INLR 3301 and may therefore count as 3 credits in either discipline.] (Format: Lecture 3 Hours) (Exclusion: INLR 3101)
POLS 3311 (3.00)
International Political Economy
Prereq: INLR/POLS 2301; or permission of the Department
This course surveys 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 of state and society. It examines the impact of globalization and environmental change on states in the global order. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed as INLR 3311 and may therefore count as 3 credits in either discipline.] (Format: Lecture 3 Hours) (Exclusion: INLR 3401)
POLS 3321 (3.00)
International Politics of the Middle East
Prereq: 6 credits from POLS at the 2000 level; or permission of the Department
This course examines the factors shaping international politics in the Middle East. It considers issues such as war, conflict resolution, regional alliance behaviour, and the relationships between regional states and the great powers, examining them from the perspective of traditional theories of international relations that emphasize balance of power politics, as well non-traditional theories that emphasize political and economic underdevelopment and dependency. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)(Exclusion: POLS 3991 Middle East Politics; Any version of POLS 3321 previously offered with a different title)
POLS 3331 (3.00)
American Foreign Policy
Prereq: 6 credits from POLS at the 2000 level; or permission of the Department
This course examines American foreign policy during the post-World War II period. The first half of the course introduces key concepts and theories concerning the making of American foreign policy. The second half of the course considers the Post-Cold War security environment and the challenges facing US policy makers in the contemporary environment. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
POLS 3341 (3.00)
Security Studies
Prereq: 6 credits from POLS at the 2000 level; or permission of the Department
This course examines strategies for war and peace. The first half of the course focuses on basic military strategies, including attrition, blitzkrieg, and deterrence as well as asymmetric conflict. The second half of the course treats conflict resolution as well as strategies for maintaining peace once it has been achieved. These strategies include humanitarian intervention, balance of power politics, concerts of power, and international institutions. The course focuses on theory but uses case studies to illustrate specific arguments. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
POLS 3351 (3.00)
Foreign Policy Analysis
Prereq: 6 credits from POLS at the 2000 level; or permission of the Department
This course introduces key theories in the study of foreign policy-making. It explores the role of individual decision-makers, interest-groups, economics, bureaucratic politics, and regime types. It also examines how constraints and opportunities in the international system shape foreign policy choices. It analyzes foreign policy in the context of both developed and developing states and considers a variety of different foreign policy issues. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed as INLR 3351 and may therefore count as 3 credits in either discipline.] (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)
POLS 3991 (3.00)
Special Topic in Political Science
Prereq: POLS 1001; 6 credits from POLS at the 2000 level; or permission of the Department.
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. [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.] (Format: Variable)
POLS 4000 (6.00)
Problems in the History of Political Thought
Prereq: 3 credits from POLS 3001, 3011; or permission of the Department
This course examines a selected problem in the history of political thought. (Format: Seminar 3 Hours) (Exclusion: Any version of POLS 4000 previously offered with a different title)
POLS 4001 (3.00)
Feminist Political Thought
Prereq: 3 credits from POLS 3001, 3011, 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, 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 4121 (3.00)
Environmental Conflicts in Canada
Prereq: 3 credits from POLS 3101, 3111, 3141, 3151; or permission of the Department
This course examines transboundary environmental conflicts in Canada. It investigates conceptual and regulatory issues such as the scale and heterogeneity of conflicts, communities affected, collaboration and coordination, privatization, and government management. Topics may include: water scarcity and pollution, invasive species, climate change, wildlife management, energy development, and waste management. (Format: Seminar 3 Hours)
POLS 4141 (3.00)
Interest Groups and Social Movements In Canada
Prereq: 3 credits from POLS 3101, 3111, 3141, 3151; or permission of the Department
This course examines 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 4161 (3.00)
Disability Politics & Policy in Canada
Prereq: 3 credits from POLS 3101, 3111, 3141, 3151; or permission of the Department
This course examines the evolution of disability politics and policy in Canada. It emphasizes conceptualizations of disability, political participation, advocacy, and rights-based approaches to changes in public policy. (Format: Seminar 3 Hours) (Exclusion: POLS 3991 Disability Politics & Policy)
POLS 4200 (6.00)
Political and Cultural Change: a Comparative Analysis of North America And Europe
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: 3 credits from POLS at the 2/3000 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: 3 credits from POLS or INLR at the 3000 level; or permission of the Department
This course provides an advanced analysis of major theories of International Relations. It may include theories of realism, liberalism, constructivism, Marxism, feminism, poststructuralism, and postcolonialism. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed as INLR 4310 and may therefore count as 3 credits in either discipline.] (Format: Seminar 3 Hours)
POLS 4321 (3.00)
Security and Development in the Global South
Prereq: 3 credits from POLS or INLR at the 3000 level; or permission of the Department
This course examines the relationship between political, economic, and social development and security. It studies the security environment of a developing world that faces a unique constellation of security threats created by the presence of weak states, divided societies, political and economic dependency, and the pressures of globalization. It uses the perspective of traditional theories that privilege the security of states and regimes as well as non-traditional theories that focus on human and environmental security. The course also examines potential strategies for coping with the various types of insecurity experienced by developing states and societies. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed as INLR 4321 and may therefore count as 3 credits in either discipline.] (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. [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.] (Format: Independent Study)
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. [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.] (Format: Independent Study)
POLS 4990 (6.00)
Honours Thesis
The honours thesis involves independent research and study under the direction of a supervisor approved by the Department. [Note 1: Permission of the Program Advisor and written confirmation from a thesis supervisor submitted to the Program Advisor before March 31 of the year before the thesis is to be undertaken.] (Format: Independent Study/Thesis)
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. [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.] (Format: Variable)