University of Guelph

1996-97 Undergraduate Calendar

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XII--Course Descriptions


Political Studies

Department of Political Studies

Note

78-115 Understanding Politics F,W(3-0)

This is the normal introductory course for students intending to pursue a specialization in Political Studies. 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 a Canadian context, but will also introduce students to the different meanings in the context of other political systems.

Exclusions: 78-100, 78-130.

78-140 Government and Administration W(3-0)

This course examines the growth, organization and function of government in Canada with particular attention to selected public policy issues. The content will be adapted to meet the specialized needs of students from other disciplines. Also offered through distance education format.

78-150 World Politics F,W(3-0)

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 global interdependence is assessed in terms of the alternative patterns of international cooperation in the contemporary world.

78-200 Political Theory F(3-0)

A study of the philosophic and ideological developments which have led to the emergence of the modern state and contemporary politics.

78-208 Development and Underdevelopment F(3-0)

An examination of the politics of modernization, distribution and conflict in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas from a comparative and internation perspective.

78-210 Comparative Politics: The Contemporary State W(3-0)

The objective of this course is to analyze in a systematic way the evolution, purposes, structures and functions of the state in relation to the economy and civil society.

78-220 International Relations W(3-0)

An introduction to basic concepts in the study of international relations, including an analysis of power, national interest, security, survival, nationalism, sovereignty, decision-making, interdependence, integration, and transnationalism.

78-225 Public Administration F(3-0)

This course examines a variety of theoretical approaches to the study of organization. It then applies these theories to the structure and operation of the government of Canada. It examines the growing role of bureaucracy in government and critically evaluates issues such as financial and administrative responsibility and accountability. Also offered through distance education format.

78-230 Canadian Government F(3-0)

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 offered through distance education format.

78-253 Public Policy Formation in Canada

This course deals with public policy-making and administration with regard to selected areas of public policy. Offered through distance education format only.

Prerequisites: 78-140 is recommended.

78-300 Politics of Africa (3-0)

Africa in the 20th Century has been the scene of rapid political and economic change. This course analyzes African politics in the light of contemporary problems of development and modernization.

Prerequisites: 78-208 or 78-210,

78-3021/2 History of Political Thought F(3-0)/W(3-0)

A study of selected writers in the history of political thought from antiquity to the beginning of the twentieth century. This is a two-semester course. When you select it you will be assigned to in the Fall semester and in the Winter semester. A grade will not be assigned to 78-3021 until 78-3022 has been completed.

Prerequisites: 78-200.
Exclusions: no more than one of 78-301, 78-303, 78-304.

78-305 The Canadian Political Process (formerly: ) (3-0)

This course explores the role of political parties, pressure groups, the electoral system and voting and their impact on the nature of Canada as a democratic state. Also offered through distance education format.

Prerequisites: 78-230.

78-308 Politics of Latin America F(3-0)

An exploration of Latin American politics from multidimensional perspectives. It analyzes the interaction amongst contemporary political structures, ideologies and processes of socio-economic change in the region from the standpoint of the dynamics of under-development. Emphasis will be placed on the understanding of how Latin American society, economy and culture relate to the region's political systems, and especially how this relation is affected by both the current structure and this historical process of dependence.

Prerequisites: 78-208 or 78-210.

78-311 Politics of Ontario F(3-0)

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 Ontario politics. Also offered through distance education format.

Prerequisites: 78-230.

78-317 The Politics of the Western Provinces (3-0)

An examination of the political evolution of the Western Provinces of Canada - their political philosophies, parties, institutions and past and present problems including those related to the Constitution and national unity.

Prerequisites: 78-230.

78-318 Political Inquiry and Analysis F(3-0)

Social scientists say a great many things about politics, the economy and society, but how can their claims to knowledge be evaluated? In this course the student will be introduced to a critical examination of the kinds of knowledge offered by contemporary political science, and will in the process come to a greater awareness of the methods lying behind his/her own work.

78-319 Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations in Canada W(3-0)

Canada's federal system has changed dramatically since 1867 and is at the heart of the contemporary crisis of Confederation. This course explores the historical evolution of Canadian federalism, its present-day character and operation and the persistent problems of cultural duality, regional diversity and national sovereignty facing the federal system.

Prerequisites: 78-230.

78-321 Canadian Constitutional Law (3-0)

In our parliamentary and federal system, the courts play a key role in defining the jurisdictions of the federal and provincial governments, and over our history, they have substantially changed Macdonald's original scheme. This course involves a study of the impact of the judiciary on Canadian political life, especially the Supreme Court of Canada under the Charter of Rights.

Prerequisites: 78-130 or 78-230.

78-325 Canadian Public Administration F(3-0)

A survey of federal, provincial and local practices and methods in the Canadian public services. Also offered through distance education format.

Prerequisites: 78-140 or 78-225.

78-327 Municipal Government and Politics in Canada W(3-0)

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.

Prerequisites: 78-230.

78-328 Modern Political Ideologies (formerly: ) F(3-0)

An examination of contemporary political ideologies-liberalism and conservatism's nationalism and imperialism; socialism, communism and fascism - in terms of their evolution and current political significance. Also offered through distance education format.

Prerequisites: 78-20078-210.

78-333 Issues in Canadian Public Policy F(3-0)

While contemporary issues in Canadian public policy may constantly change, analysis of the ideas, structures and processes which underlie them does not. This course examines public policy making in Canada and selected issues in Canadian public policy, either individually or comparatively, including, for example, such issues as the communications revolution, agriculture or energy policy.

Prerequisites: 78-140 or 78-225.

78-337 Environmental Policy Formation and Administration F(3-0)

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.

78-339 Comparative Democratic Institutions W(3-0)

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.

Prerequisites: 78-210 or 78-230.

78-341 The Political Process in the United States (formerly: 78-240) (3-0)

This course involves a treatment of the basic principles and institutions of national government and politics in the United States as well as the making and execution of public policy at the national and state levels.

Prerequisites: 78-210 or 78-230.

78-344 Political Ethics and Corruption (3-0)

This course will introduce students to the phenomena 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. The material covered will be comparative, drawing on the work of scholars from a number of countries. (Offered in odd-numbered years.)

Prerequisites: 78-210 or 78-230.

78-345 European Governments and Politics F(3-0)

Europe has forged a new form of political organization, the European Union, in addition to its variety of national democratic forms. This course offers a comparative examination of national governments, as well as an exploration of this new supra-national organization.

Prerequisites: 78-210 or 78-220.

78-346 Communism and Post-Communism W(3-0)

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 relation with the world at large.

Prerequisites: 78-210 or 78-220.

78-347 Public Sector Relations in Canada W(3-0)

The public and private sectors in Canada have become more and more interrelated in recent years as evidenced by tax and expenditure policies, the role of regulation and public enterprise, and the increasing emphasis on consultation and co-ordination. This course examines the evolving relationship between governments and the private sector in Canada, including business (both large and small), organized labour, specific sectors such as agriculture and consumer affairs and voluntary organizations.

Prerequisites: 78-14078-225.

78-365 The Systematic Study of Politics (formerly: 78-263) (3-0)

A treatment of empirical methods and techniques in political science, with an emphasis on elementary and associational statistics. This course will enale student to confront with a trained, critical eye, the quantitative information and analysis that increasingly characterized the discipline.

78-367 Comparative Public Policy and Administration (3-0)

This course examines the role of the bureaucracy in national development in various economic, social and political environments. the focus of the course is the interplay between bureaucracy, democracy and development in a comparative perspective. Offered through distance education format only.

Prerequisites: 78-208 or 78-225.

78-369 Politics of Asia (3-0)

This course will study the political institutions and the political process of countries such as China and India.

Prerequisites: 78-208 or 78-210.

78-371 Politics and Sexuality (3-0)

Sexuality is treated as a subject for political theory from a number of critical perspectives. The dynamics of power will be addressed in the context of sexuality. The question of whether or not sexuality is an integral element in politics is central to the course.

Prerequisites: 78-200 or 74-206 .

78-373 The Americas (3-0)

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 institutions and processes in Canada, the United States, Latin America and the caribbean from a comparative and theoretical perspective.

Prerequisites: (78-208 or 78-210) 78-230.

78-379 The Political Economy of International Relations W(3-0)

An examination of the contemporary international political economy, treating major theories and concepts within this approach to international relations (world systems, hegemony, interdependence, international regimes, etc.) and applying them particularly to matters of international trade and global communications.

Prerequisites: 78-208 or 78-210 or 78-220.

78-382 International System F(3-0)

An analysis of the development and fundamental issues of modern international relations, in the context of the ideological, economic, institutional and military patterns of the era. Particular attention will be given to the evolution and operation of international organizations in the areas of trade, financial, organizations in the areas of trade, financial development and to the patterns of cooperation and competition engendered among states and private actors.

Prerequisites: 78-210 or 78-220.

78-396 Selected Topics in Political Studies S,F,W(3-0)

Readings and research in selected areas of the discipline directed by members of the department. The method of course presentation, emphasis, and evaluation are at the discretion of the instructor. Student selection of an approved subject area and instructor must be completed in the semester previous to enrolment in this course.

Prerequisites: three 300-level course credits in political studies or equivalent.

78-403 Contemporary Political Theory (formerly: ) F(3-0)

An analysis of selected theories and political issues raised by prominent 20th-Century thinkers. These contemporary works will be examined as part of the long tradition of political discourse dating back to the classical period.

Prerequisites: 78-200 and at least two 300-level courses in Political Theory.

78-414 Contemporary Issues in Canadian Government and Politics F-0)

An in-depth examination of selected issues concerning Canadian political institutions and process.

Prerequisites: 78-230 and two 300-level course credits in Canadian Government and Politics.

78-425 Problems in Public Administration/Public Works W(3-0)

An analysis of financial and personnel management problems in government, with particular reference to federal governmental practices or to particular public policy issues. Also offered through distance education format,

Prerequisites: 78-225 and two 300-level course credits in Public Administration and/or Public Policy.

78-465 Specialized Studies in International Relations W(3-0)

Studies of state and non-state behaviour in the international system including such matters as transnational organizations and their role in international politics, global transformation of foreign policy interrelations. Variations in the course content will reflect the interests of the particular instructor.

Prerequisites: 78-210 or 78-220 and two 300-level course credits in International Relations.

78-475 Theories and Problems in Comparative Politics F(3-0)

A study of selected theories and problems in comparative politics and government, including such matters as the role of bureaucracy in development, comparative transitions to a market economy or changing trends in Anglo-American democracies. Variations in the course will reflect the interests of the particular instructor.

Prerequisites: 78-208 or 78-210 and two 300-level course credits in comparative politics.

78-493 Selected Topics in Political Studies II F,W3-0)

Readings and research in selected areas of the discipline directed by members of the department. The method of course presentation, emphasis, and evaluation are at the discretion of the instructor. Student selection of an approved subject area and instructor must be completed in the semester previous to enrolment in this course.

Prerequisites: three 300-level course credits in political studies or equivalent.

78-497 Honours Political Studies Research I S,F,W(3-0)

Readings and research in selected areas of the discipline directed by members of the department. Major honours political studies students must register in this course in their 7th semester.Therefore, in semester 6 they must complete their selection of an approved area and supervisor.

78-498 Honours Political Studies Research II S,F,W(3-0)

Required for all major honours political studies students. Supervision by members of the department. Major honours political studies students must register in this course in their 8th semester.


1996-97 Undergraduate Calendar
XII--Course Descriptions

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Last revised: August 28, 1996. Contact: ccrenna@registrar.uoguelph.ca.