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*2000 Political Theory F (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.
POLS*2080 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.
POLS*2100 Comparative Politics W (3-0) [0.50]
An examination of the evolution, purposes, structures and functions of the state in relation to the economy and civil society.
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 or POLS*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 offered through Distance Education format.)
POLS*3000 Politics of Africa U (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.
Prerequisite(s): POLS*2080 or POLS*2100
POLS*3050 Canadian Political Parties, Elections and Pressure Groups W (3-0) [0.50]
The course emphasizes political process rather than governmental structures. Topics to be explored include the role of political parties, pressure groups, the electoral system and voting and their impact on the nature of Canada as a democratic state.
Prerequisite(s): POLS*1400 or POLS*2300
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*3080 Politics of Latin America U (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.
Prerequisite(s): POLS*2080 or POLS*2100
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*3160 Women and Politics in the Third World U (3-0) [0.50]
The purpose of this course is twofold: 1) to examine Western analyses and assumptions concerning women and politics in the Third World; and 2) to examine how women's activities in the Third World challenge our definitions and understanding of power, political participation, and empowerment.
Prerequisite(s): POLS*2080 or POLS*2100
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*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*3250 Public Policy: Challenges and Prospects F (3-0) [0.50]
This course covers the dominant theories that explain the origins and character of public policy in Canada, and other countries. The focus will be on both governmental and nongovernmental actors.
Prerequisite(s): POLS*1400 or POLS*2250
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*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*3410 U.S. Politics and Government U (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.
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. (Also offered through Distance Education format.)
Prerequisite(s): 5.00 credits
POLS*3450 European Governments and Politics U (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 selected national governments, as well as an exploration of this new supra-national organization.
Prerequisite(s): POLS*2100 or POLS*2200
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*3670 Comparative Public Policy and Administration W (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.
Prerequisite(s): 1 of IDEV*2010, IDEV*2500, POLS*2080, POLS*2100, POLS*2250
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*3790 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).
Prerequisite(s): 1 of IDEV*2010, IDEV*2500, POLS*2080, POLS*2100, POLS*2200
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*3890 Government and Politics of India W (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.
Prerequisite(s): 1 of POLS*2080, POLS*2100, POLS*2200
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*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 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*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*4910 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*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.
POLS*4980 Honours Political Science Research II S,F,W (3-0) [0.50]
This is Part II of the Honours Essay. Students organize and write their essays under the supervision of their advisor. Major honours political science students must register in this course in their 8th semester.
Prerequisite(s): POLS*4970
Restriction(s): Instructor consent required.
University of Guelph
50 Stone Road East
Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1
Canada
519-824-4120