University of Guelph 1998-99 Undergraduate Calendar

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.

78-115 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. This is a CADRILL based course with required weekly seminars.

Exclusions: 78-100, 78-130.
Course Profile

78-140 Public Management and Administration W(3-1) [0.50]

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. Weekly seminars are required.

Course Profile

78-150 World Politics S,F(3-0) [0.50]

An examination of the fundamental patterns of international politics, focusing especially on the major issues and contemporary events at the root of international conflict. As well, the reality of global interdependence is assessed in terms of the alternative patterns of international cooperation in the contemporary world. (Offered also in distance education format.)

Course Profile

78-200 Political Theory W(3-0) [0.50]

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

Course Profile

78-201 The Art of Politics W(3-0) [0.50]

An examination of the presentation of politics in film, television, classical music, plays, novels, cartoons, painting and other media.

Course Profile

78-208 Development and Underdevelopment F(3-0) [0.50]

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

Course Profile

78-210 The State in Comparative Perspective W(3-0) [0.50]

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

Course Profile

78-220 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.

Course Profile

78-225 Public Administration F(3-0) [0.50]

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.

Course Profile

78-230 Canadian Government F(3-0) [0.50]

Parliamentary government and federal-provincial relations lie at the heart of the Canadian government system. This course provides a detailed examination of the structure, functions, and performance of these central institutions of Canadian government in a comparative context.

Course Profile

78-300 Politics of Africa (3-0) [0.50]

Africa in the 20th Century has been the scene of rapid political and economic change. This course analyzes African politics in the light of contemporary problems of development and modernization. (Not offered in 1998/99.)

Prerequisites: 78-208 or 78-210.
Course Profile

78-3021/2 History of Political Thought F(3-0)/W(3-0) [1.00]

A study of selected writers in the history of political thought from antiquity to the beginning of the twentieth century. This is a two-semester course. When you select it you will be assigned to in the Fall semester and in the Winter semester. A grade will not be assigned to 78-3021 until 78-3022 has been completed. (Not offered in 1998/99.) (Offered in alternate years.)

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

78-305 Canadian Political Parties, Elections and Pressure Groups (3-0) [0.50]

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.

Exclusion: 78-211.
Course Profile

78-308 Politics of Latin America F(3-0) [0.50]

An exploration of Latin American politics from a multidimensional perspective. It analyzes the interaction among contemporary political structures, ideologies and processes in the context of socio-economic change. (Not offered in 1998/99.)

Prerequisites: 78-208 or 78-210.
Course Profile

78-311 Politics of Ontario F(3-0) [0.50]

This course provides an overview of the political history of Ontario, the character and development of the political parties and institutions, as well as an intensive examination of selected policy issues in contemporary Ontario politics.

Course Profile

78-317 The Politics of the Western Provinces (3-0) [0.50]

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

Prerequisites: 78-230.
Course Profile

78-318 Political Inquiry and Analysis F(3-0) [0.50]

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

Course Profile

78-321 The Constitution and Canadian Federalism (3-0) [0.50]

Canada's constitution and its federal system lie at the heart of the current crisis facing the Canadian Confederation. This course examines the major features of our constitutional development, how the current system of intergovernmental relations works, and the challenges posed by Canada's cultural diversity, pressures for decentralisation, and the maintenance of national sovereignty.

Prerequisites: 78-230.
Course Profile

78-325 Public Policy: Challenges and Prospects F(3-0) [0.50]

This course covers the dominant theories that attempt to explain the origins and character of public policy in Canada, and elsewhere. The focus will be on both governmental and nongovernmental actors. (Not offered in 1998/99.)

Prerequisites: 78-140 or 78-225.
Course Profile

78-327 Local Government in Ontario W(3-0) [0.50]

Municipal governments are major spenders of public funds in Canada, and are also the level of government closest to the people. In this course, students will examine the major problems confronting urban government in Ontario.

Course Profile

78-328 Modern Political Ideologies (3-0) [0.50]

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.

Prerequisites: [5.00] credits.
Exclusion: 78-206.
Course Profile

78-333 Politics and Trade Liberalization in the Americas F(3-0) [0.50]

This course examines the politics of trade in the three NAFTA countries - Canada, the US and Mexico. It examines how trade policy is made in each country and how the NAFTA has influenced domestic politics. Topics covered include trade in goods and services, investment and intellectual property.

Prerequisites: 78-210 or 78-225 or 78-230.
Course Profile

78-337 Environmental Policy Formation and Administration S,W(3-0) [0.50]

This course surveys both the federal and provincial governmental policies and programs relating to the management of natural resources and the control of pollution by examining the political, legal and administrative mechanisms, monitoring surveillances, and enforcement problems. (Offered only through distance education format.)

Course Profile

78-339 Comparative Democratic Institutions F(3-0) [0.50]

This course will analyse power in democratic political institutions. It will include an examination of executive and legislative powers and the role of political parties and elections in the exercise of these powers. Presidential and parliamentary systems are examined as well as models of majoritarian and consensual democracy. (Not offered in 1998/99.)

Prerequisites: 78-210 or 78-230.
Course Profile

78-341 Politics and Government in the United States (3-0) [0.50]

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

Prerequisites: 78-210.
Exclusions: 78-240
Course Profile

78-344 Corruption, Scandal and Political Ethics (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.

Prerequisites: [5.00] credits
Course Profile

78-345 European Governments and Politics W(3-0) [0.50]

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

Prerequisites: 78-210 or 78-220.
Course Profile

78-346 Communism and Post-Communism F(3-0) [0.50]

This course focuses on selected issues in the transition from Communism to Post-Communism, viewed in a country, regional or theoretical context. Topics include the rise and demise of the Soviet Union, the new political economic and social structures which are emerging among successor states and in Central and East Europe, as well as relation with the world at large.

Prerequisites: 78-210 or 78-220.
Course Profile

78-347 Business-Government Relations in Canada W(3-0) [0.50]

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

Prerequisites: 78-140 or 78-225.
Course Profile

78-365 The Systematic Study of Politics W(3-1) [0.50]

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

Exclusions: 78-263.
Prerequisites: [7.50]credits in any subject at the University.
Course Profile

78-367 Comparative Public Policy and Administration (3-0) [0.50]

This course examines the role of the bureaucracy in national development in various economic, social and political environments. the focus of the course is the interplay between bureaucracy, democracy and development in a comparative perspective. (Not offered in 1998/99.)

Prerequisites: 78-208 or 78-210 or 78-225.
Course Profile

78-371 Politics and Sexuality (3-0) [0.50]

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 .
Course Profile

78-373 The Americas (3-0) [0.50]

Despite varying political systems and different historical experiences, the Americas are cohering more and more as a political economic and social unit. This course will examine evolving political systems and processes in Canada, the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean from a comparative and theoretical perspective. Special emphasis will be placed on hemispheric and regional issues. (Not offered in 1998/99.)

Prerequisites: 78-208 or 78-210.
Course Profile

78-379 The Political Economy of International Relations W(3-0) [0.50]

This course examines major features of the contemporary international political economy, treating major theories and concepts within this approach to international relations (hegemony, globalization , interdependence, world systems theory, etc.) and focusing on the operation of key international institutions and regimes (i.e. communications, trade and transport policy).

Prerequisites: (78-208, 78-210, 78-220) or (78-208, 85-201).
Course Profile

78-389 Government and Politics of India (3-0) [0.50]

The course is designed to provide a survey of the history, society, culture, politics, government, bureaucracy and foreign relations of India.

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

78-392 Modern China F(3-0) [0.50]

This course is a detailed study of the political history of Modern China and its current politics. The main objective is to assess the extent to which the Chinese Communist Party has fulfilled its mandate, which is to build a sovereign and united China as well as to modernize the country within a socialist framework.

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

78-393 Politics of the Agri-Food System F(3-0) [0.50]

Although the production and distribution of food is usually not primarily a function of government, in the 20th century government has been significantly involved in these areas. Questions about the proper role and scope of government involvement have been subject to constant debate, and the extent of this involvement has varied greatly depending on time and place. This course looks at how the state deals with the agricultural sector in different countries. It also explores the characteristics of different political, economic and societal models and their impact on the formulation of policies dealing with agriculture and food. (Offered in even-numbered years.)

Prerequisites: 78-140 or semester 5 standing.
Course Profile

78-396 Selected Topics in Political Science S,F,W(3-0) [0.50]

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: [1.50] credits at the 300 level course in political science or equivalent.
Course Profile

78-403 Contemporary Political Theory W(3-0) [0.50]

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

Prerequisites: 78-200 and at least [1.0] credit at the 300 level in Political Theory.
Course Profile

78-414 Canada in the Twenty-First Century F-0) [0.50]

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

Prerequisites: 78-230 and [1.00] credit at the 300 level in Canadian Government and Politics.
Course Profile

78-425 Problems in Public Administration and Public Policy W(3-0) [0.50]

An analysis of financial and personnel management problems in government, with particular reference to federal governmental practices or to particular public policy issues.

Prerequisites: 78-225 and [1.0] credit at the 300 level in the Canadian and/or Comparative stream.
Course Profile

78-475 Theories and Problems in Comparative/International Politics F,W(3-0) [0.50]

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

Prerequisites: (78-208 or 78-210 or 78-220) and [1.00] credit at the 300 level in comparative/international politics.
Course Profile

78-493 Selected Topics in Political Science II S,F,W3-0) [0.50]

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: [1.50] credits at the 300 level in political science or equivalent.
Course Profile

78-497 Honours Political Science Research I S,F,W(3-0) [0.50]

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

Course Profile

78-498 Honours Political Science Research II S,F,W(3-0) [0.50]

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

Course Profile


1998-99 Undergraduate Calendar
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For general calendar inquiries contact: sdorr@registrar.uoguelph.ca

For Admission inquiries contact: jphippen@registrar.uoguelph.ca
Last revised: March 16 1998.