Political Science POLI
Instruction offered by members of the Department of Political Science in the Faculty of Social Sciences.
Department Head - D. Stewart
Political Science Table of Principal Fields
For use in selecting courses to meet principal field requirements:
Canadian Politics | Comparative Politics | International Relations | Political Theory | Other |
Junior Courses
Political Science 201 H(3-1T)
Introduction to Government and Politics
A systematic introduction to the basic concepts and institutions of the process of politics.
Political Science 213 H(3-0)
Political Ideologies
An introduction to the study of political ideologies such as nationalism, socialism, liberalism and fascism.
Political Science 225 H(3-0)
Canadian Politics: A Comparative View
An introduction to the study of government and politics through the examination of current issues and trends in post-industrial nations, comparing Canada with Europe and Anglo-American democracies.
Political Science 279 H(3-0)
Politics of the Global South
An introduction to political issues common to the developing regions of Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, with special emphasis on topics such as democratization, globalization, development, and human rights.
Political Science 283 H(3-0)
Issues and Trends in World Politics
Major trends and issues in world politics, such as international tensions, migration, ethnic conflicts, human rights and sustainable development.
Senior Courses
In selecting senior courses and in designing their programs, students are advised to consult the Undergraduate Guide, available from the Department.
Political Science 309 H(3-0)
Rational Choice
Topics such as game theory, cooperation, collective action, public choice, coalitions and voting rules.
Political Science 310 F(3-0)
History of Political Thought
Focuses on the quest for the 'good regime' in the West. The criteria for the 'good regime' will be enunciated and applied to the Classical (Platonic, Aristotelian and Roman), the Medieval (Augustinian and Thomistic) Machiavellian, Liberal, Marxian and Utopian conceptions of the good regime.
Political Science 321 H(3-1T)
The Canadian State
The formal institutions of the Canadian state, including Parliament, the executive, federalism, the Constitution, and the courts. Emphasis on the way that political processes are shaped by these and other institutions. This course may have a special instructional format. Please consult the Department for details.
Political Science 325 H(3-0)
Federalism
Theoretical and empirical examination of federalism in Canada and other selected states.
Prerequisites: Political Science 321.
Political Science 343 H(3-1T)
Law, Politics, and the Judicial Process
The judicial system as a branch of government and as part of the political process. Focus on the Canadian judiciary within a comparative context.
Political Science 357 H(3-0)
Introduction to Public Policy Analysis
An introduction to themes and methods in public policy studies. The practical and normative problems facing governments in initiating, formulating, enacting, and implementing policy will be discussed. Case studies will be employed.
Prerequisites: Political Science 223 or 225 or 321; or consent of the Department.
Political Science 359 H(3-0)
Comparative Government and Politics
An introduction to the analytical concepts of the comparative approach to political analysis.
Note: The Department recommends this course precede senior courses taken in the field of Comparative Government.
Political Science 361 H(3-0)
Governments and Politics of Eastern Europe
Post-communist politics in eastern Europe, including the Baltic states and Ukraine. Concentration on transitions to democracy and relations with the European Union.
Political Science 363 H(3-0)
Governments and Politics of Western Europe
An introduction to the governments and politics of the states and societies of western Europe including the importance of their membership in the European Union.
Political Science 365 H(3-0)
Government and Politics of China
Politics of China in its social, economic, and ideological environment.
Political Science 369 H(3-0)
Governments and Politics of the Middle East
A survey and analysis of the organization and functioning of governments and politics of the contemporary Middle East, with emphasis on the social and economic environments which influence them.
Political Science 371 H(3-0)
Governments and Politics of Africa
Political institutions of selected African states. The influence of class and tribal structure; political parties; elections, the source and nature of ideologies; and economic and social policies.
Political Science 375 H(3-0)
Government and Politics of Russia
The collapse of the U.S.S.R. and Russia's constitution, power struggles, elections, democracy, and marketization.
Political Science 377 H(3-0)
Government and Politics of the United States
A study of the institutions and processes of American politics.
Political Science 381 H(3-0)
Introduction to International Relations
The structures and processes of international relations and foreign policy.
Political Science 383 H(3-0)
Introduction to International Law
The basic concepts, principles, and functions of international law.
Prerequisites: Political Science 381 or consent of the Department.
Political Science 385 H(3-0)
Introduction to International Organizations
An introductory analysis of international governmental organizations with main emphasis on the United Nations and selected regional organizations.
Prerequisites: Political Science 381 or consent of the Department.
Political Science 387 H(3-0)
(History 387)
Political History of Ireland from 1603
A study of modern Ireland from the English conquest of 1603 to the present. It will include a special emphasis on the origins of the contemporary Irish Republic and Northern Ireland.
Political Science 391 H(3-0)
(History 391)
Modern Latin American Politics and Society
A political history of modern and contemporary Latin America. Themes may include populism, revolution, militarism, new social movements, and democratization.
Political Science 399 H(3-1T)
Research Methods
Research design, measurement, data collection, and data analysis.
Prerequisites: One half course at the 200 level in Political Science or consent of the Department.
Note: Credit towards degree requirements will be given for only one of Anthropology 307, Applied Psychology 301, 303, Engineering 319, Political Science 399, Psychology 312, Sociology 311, 315, Statistics 201, 211, 213, 217, 327, 333, or 357; that one being a course appropriate to the degree program.
Please consult the Schedule of Classes regarding availability of the following 400 and 500-level courses.
Political Science 401 H(3-0)
Property and Justice
Ethical reflections on theories of property in their political context. Focus on Augustine, Aquinas and contemporary Christian views.
Prerequisites: Political Science 310 or consent of the Department.
Political Science 405 H(3-0)
Biopolitics
Biological and cultural origins of political behaviour. Topics such as altruism, reciprocity, sex differences, aggression, and emergence of the state.
Political Science 407 H(3-0)
Classical Political Thought
An examination of selected classical texts from historians, dramatists and political philosophers with special focus upon the concepts relevant to political problems in the twentieth century.
Prerequisites: Political Science 310 or consent of the Department.
Political Science 409 H(3-0)
Liberalism and Conservatism
An examination of selected issues within the liberal and conservative tradition of political philosophy. Thinkers may include Locke, Vico, Burke, Maistre, Kant, J.S. Mill, and Berlin, as well as developments in neoliberal and neoconservative thought.
Prerequisites: Political Science 310 or consent of the Department.
Political Science 411 H(3-0)
Recent Political Thought
A study of selected twentieth-century political thinkers and their critics. Consult the department for information on the selection of topics.
Prerequisites: Political Science 310 or consent of the Department.
Political Science 413 H(3-0)
Politics and Literature
Political analysis of how selected works of literature articulate visions of order and disorder.
Prerequisites: Political Science 310 or consent of the Department.
Political Science 425 H(3-0)
Local Government
A study of both institutions and political processes at the local level.
Prerequisites: Political Science 321 or consent of the Department.
Political Science 427 H(3-0)
Government and Politics of Alberta
An analysis of the institutions and processes of Alberta's government as well as activities in selected policy areas.The examination will include historical as well as contemporary references.
Prerequisites: Political Science 321 or consent of the Department.
Political Science 428 H(3-0)
Comparative Provincial Politics
An analysis of provincial politics in Canada focusing on the distinctive political environments as well as similarities and differences in provincial political cultures, party systems and elections, and selected policy areas.
Prerequisites: Political Science 321 or consent of the Department.
Political Science 429 H(3-0)
Electoral Behaviour
An examination of individual and group influences on public opinion, citizen participation and electoral choice. A portion of the course will require quantitative analysis. Computer use is required.
Prerequisites: Political Science 399 or consent of the Department.
Political Science 430 H(3-0)
Public Opinion
An investigation of the values, beliefs and attitudes of citizens in representative democracies and their role in shaping political behaviour and government action. Topics include: political culture, political psychology, political socialization, public opinion polling, and the mass media.
Prerequisites: Political Science 399 or consent of the Department.
Political Science 431 H(3-0)
Political Parties and Interest Groups
Political representation of territorial, linguistic, gender and class interests in the decision-making process.
Prerequisites: Political Science 321 or consent of the Department.
Political Science 435 H(3-0)
Canada and World Politics
An analysis and evaluation of Canada's role on the international scene; main objectives of Canadian foreign policy; security and defence policies; Canada's participation in universal international organizations; the influence of Canada as a middle power upon world events.
Prerequisites: Political Science 381 or consent of the Department.
Political Science 437 H(3-0)
Canada-United States Relations
Roles of the respective governments in the various facets (political, strategic, economic, and socio-cultural) of the relationship between the two countries will be examined.
Prerequisites: Political Science 381 or consent of the Department.
Political Science 439 H(3-0)
Strategic Studies
An analysis of the causes of war, the meaning of security and defence in the post-Cold War era, including the use and control of military force.
Prerequisites: Political Science 381 or consent of the department.
Political Science 441 H(3-0)
(Religious Studies 441)
Apocalyptic and Millenarian Movements
A study of religious and political apocalyptic and millenarian movements. May examine persons such as Louis Riel, Thomas Muntzer, Karl Marx, and William Aberhart; and movements such as cargo cults, nativism, Seventh-Day Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism.
Prerequisites: Religious Studies 341 or Political Science 310 or consent of the Department.
Political Science 444 H(3-0)
Constitutional Law and Politics
Constitutionalism and the politics of interpretation. Focus on Canada within a comparative context.
Prerequisites: Political Science 321 and 343.
Note: Not open to students with credit in Political Science 442.
Political Science 445 H(3-0)
Charter Politics
An examination of policy issues raised by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Prerequisites: Political Science 321 and 343.
Note: Not open to students with credit in Political Science 442.
Political Science 447 H(3-0)
Public Policy Issues
Case studies of selected public policies. Emphasis on Canada, with comparative examples.
Prerequisites: Political Science 357.
Political Science 451 H(3-0)
Public Administration
Theories of public administration and their practical application in Canada and selected countries.
Prerequisites: Political Science 321 or consent of the Department.
Political Science 461 H(3-0)
Post-Soviet Politics
The interplay between nationalism, domestic politics, and foreign policy in the successor states of the former U.S.S.R.
Political Science 463 H(3-0)
Politics of Advanced Industrial States
Comparative analysis of the political dynamics of advanced industrial states. Focus on problems associated with advanced industrialization and on explanations for political stability and change.
Prerequisites: Political Science 359.
Political Science 465 H(3-0)
The Politics of Development in China
Chinese Communist leadership and policy disputes from the 1940s to the present with focus on alternative strategies for development.
Political Science 467 H(3-0)
Japan: Contemporary Political Problems
In-depth analysis of selected problems with emphasis on Japan's politics and its diplomatic relations with its Asia Pacific neighbours.
Prerequisites: Political Science 389 (History 389) or consent of the Department.
Political Science 469 H(3-0)
Middle East: Contemporary Political Problems
An in-depth analysis of selected political, economic and social problems and issues affecting individual nations and the area in general.
Prerequisites: Political Science 369 or consent of the Department.
Political Science 471 H(3-0)
Africa: Contemporary Political Problems
An analysis of political problems in selected political systems of Africa. Topics will include the politics of rural development, political elites and the state in Africa, political institutions, constraints on development, and urban politics.
Prerequisites: Political Science 371 or 379 or African Studies 301; or consent of the Department.
Political Science 473 H(3-0)
Latin America: Contemporary Political Problems
An analysis of political problems in selected political systems of Latin America. Topics examined will include political elites, ideologies, political institutions, political socialization and political change.
Prerequisites: Political Science 359 or consent of the Department.
Political Science 475 H(3-0)
International Relations of the Asia Pacific
In-depth analysis of selected problems in security and economic relations of Asia Pacific countries, including Canada, U.S., Japan, Russia, PRC, Taiwan, North and South Korea, and ASEAN countries.
Prerequisites: Political Science 381 or consent of the Department.
Political Science 479 H(3-0)
International Relations of the Contemporary Arab World
An examination of the Arab regional system, with emphasis on regional interaction, regional organizations, and external linkages. The specific cultural, political, ideological, and strategic characteristics of the system will be analysed.
Prerequisites: Political Science 369 or consent of the Department.
Political Science 485 H(3-0)
The Politics of the International Economic Order
Analysis of the political management of international economic relations. Topics may include the politics of trade and money relations, energy, multinational corporations, and the New International Economic Order.
Prerequisites: Political Science 381 or consent of the Department.
Political Science 489 H(3-0)
Foreign Policies of Major Powers
An analysis and evaluation of the foreign policies of selected major powers, such as the United States, Russia, etc.
Prerequisites: Political Science 381 or consent of the department.
Political Science 499 H(3-0)
Honours Seminar
Classic works in the subfields of political science. Normally required of Honours students in the second half of their third year, and open to others with the consent of the Department.
Political Science 501 H(3-0)
Independent Research
Fourth-year Political Science Majors will select research topics in one of the following fields: political theory; Canadian politics; comparative politics; international relations; public policy, law, and administration.
Prerequisites: Consult the Department for assignment to a faculty supervisor.
Note: Not open to students with credit in Political Science 500.
Political Science 502 H(3-0)
Selected Topics in Politics
Content of the course will vary.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
Political Science 503 H(3-0)
Selected Topics in Political Theory
Content of the course will vary from year to year. Consult the Department for information on choice of topics.
Prerequisites: Political Science 310 or consent of the Department.
Political Science 505 H(3-0)
Sexual Ethics
Examination of political philosophy's historical and contemporary responses to human sexuality. Topics may include: the nature of love, ethics of the family and marriage, origins of gender, and the ethics of sexuality.
Prerequisites: Political Science 310 or consent of the Department.
Political Science 507 H(3-0)
Political Philosophy of International Relations
An examination of political philosophy's historic engagement with questions and concepts central to shaping the discipline of international relations. Thinkers to be covered may include: Thucydides, Augustine, Aquinas, Machiavelli, Grotius, Hobbes, Rousseau, Kant, Hegel, and Marx.
Prerequisites: Political Science 381 or 310 or consent of the Department.
Political Science 521 H(3S-0)
Canadian Executive Federalism
Preparation for and participation in a model First Ministers' Conference.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.
Political Science 541 H(3-0)
Selected Topics in Public Law
An examination of the political, philosophical, and institutional dimensions of selected public law issues. Civil liberties issues will be emphasized, but other questions may also be studied. Consult the Department for information on choice of topics.
Political Science 551 H(3-0)
(History 551)
Women in Canadian Politics
A political history of women in Canada in the 20th and 21st centuries. Topics include campaigns for suffrage, legal personhood and equality rights, women's political activism, the evolution of public policy concerning women, and the participation of women in public life.
Prerequisites: Political Science 321 or History 343, or consent of the Department.
Political Science 553 H(3-0)
Women and Politics in Comparative Perspective
The course explores current trends in gender policies and women's political participation across the major regions of the world. Particular attention will be paid to: cross-national patterns in women's representation; the engagement of women's movements with institutions of the state; and gender policies in comparative perspective.
Prerequisites: Political Science 359 or consent of the Department.
Political Science 561 H(3S-0)
Government and Politics of the European Union
An examination of the politics of the European Union. May be offered as a seminar or in preparation for and participation in a model European Council Meeting.
Prerequisites: Political Science 363 or 381 or consent of the Department.
Political Science 567 H(3-0)
(History 567)
United States Constitutional History
History of constitutionalism in the U.S. from colonial times to the present. The process of constitutional development through judicial interpretation of the basic law.
Political Science 569 H(3S-0)
Selected Topics in Middle East Politics
Emphasis will be on foreign-policy development and application in the Middle East.
Prerequisites: Political Science 369 and one 400-level course in comparative politics or international relations, or consent of the Department.
Political Science 571 H(3-0)
The Politics of Human Rights
An advanced introduction to the principal advances and debates in the field of human rights politics over the past half century.
Prerequisites: Any one of the following courses: Political Science 407, 435, 439, 444, 445, 447, 461, 463, 465, 467, 469, 471, 473, 475, 479, 489, 499.
Political Science 577 H(3S-0)
Government and Politics of the United States
Domestic political issues in American politics including political parties, courts, Congressional-Presidential relations, and budgetary, fiscal and social relations. May be offered as a simulation.
Prerequisites: Political Science 377.
Political Science 579 H(3-0)
Political Economy of Development
Third World development projects, programs, and policies in Africa, Asia and Latin America, intended to raise the standard of living and enhance political participation.
Prerequisites: Political Science 379 or consent of the Department.
Political Science 581 H(3S-0)
Selected Topics in International Law and Organizations
An advanced seminar on international order and on cooperative and competitive efforts by states and other international actors to create, maintain and change that order.
Prerequisites: Political Science 383 or 385 or consent of the Department.
Political Science 583 H(3-0)
(History 583)
The United States and the World since 1890
A historical and analytical examination of the development of modern United States foreign policy from the late nineteenth century to the present. Topics include the institutional structure of foreign policy decision-making, including the role of the President, Congress, State Department, Pentagon and public opinion, and the relationship between domestic politics and foreign policy. Historical dimensions include the turn to imperialism, World War I, the coming of World War II, the Cold War, Korea, Vietnam, Latin American relations, strategic arms limitations talks, and detente.
Prerequisites: Third or fourth year standing and one of History 219 or 383, Political Science 381 or consent of the Department.
Political Science 585 H(3-0)
Nonproliferation Regimes
An analysis of the politics of the international regimes governing the control of weapons of mass destruction, including case studies of states that pose challenges to these regimes.
Prerequisites: Political Science 381 or consent of the Department.
Political Science 587 H(3-0)
International Ethics
An examination of ethical reasoning and moral norms in political decision making, institutions, and processes in international politics. Topics such as justice in relation to war and terrorism, sovereignty, intervention and human rights, globalization and global poverty, and the environment may be analysed.
Prerequisites: Political Science 381 or 310, or consent of the Department.
Political Science 597 H(3-0)
Directed Readings in Political Science
Students wishing to register in this course must submit to the Head of the Department a detailed statement by the instructor of the work to be carried out.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
Graduate Courses
Courses numbered 600-799 are offered either as special reading courses or as seminars, as required. Students should consult the Department regarding enrollment in these courses.
Political Science 615 H(3-0)
Advanced History of Political Thought
Intensive study of major political thinkers.
Political Science 617 H(3-0)
Advanced Political Theory
Discussion of contemporary topics in political thought. Emphasis on analysis of problems rather than history of ideas.
Political Science 619 H(3-0)
War and Interpretation
An examination of the philosophical justifications offered to defend the use of military force, based particularly on the analysis of texts in the history of Western political philosophy.
Political Science 621 H(3-0)
Canadian Political Institutions
Examination of the structure and operation of the central institutions of the Canadian state, including the constitution, federalism, parliamentary government, and political parties.
Political Science 623 H(3-0)
Canadian Political Process
Examination of Canadian political behaviour within its institutional context, including political parties, interest groups, voting and socialization. Computer use is optional.
Political Science 631 H(3-0)
Parties, Elections and Representation
An examination of political parties and elections in both established and emerging democracies as a means of understanding the nature of political representation in modern representative democracies.
Political Science 641 H(3-0)
Selected Topics in Public Law
Examination of the political, philosophical, and institutional dimensions of selected public law issues, with particular reference to judicial and quasi-judicial tribunals as policy-making institutions. Consult the Department for information on choice of topics.
Political Science 651 H(3-0)
Policy Studies
Critical review of major themes, issues, and approaches in the study and evaluation of public policy.
Political Science 671 H(3-0)
Advanced Comparative Politics: Political Development
Analysis of comparative methods and paradigms of political development.
Political Science 673 H(3-0)
Advanced Comparative Politics: Institutions and Systems
Comparative analysis of political institutions and systems.
Political Science 675 H(3-0)
Selected Topics in Advanced Comparative Politics
Selected regions and topics in Comparative Politics.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
Political Science 681 H(3-0)
Advanced Analysis of International Relations
Selected issues and approaches in the analysis of world politics.
Political Science 683 H(3-0)
Advanced Studies in Foreign Policy
Selected themes in the formation and implementation of foreign policies.
Political Science 685 H(3-0)
Strategic Studies
Advanced seminar in major topics in strategic studies, such as arms control, deterrence, and other military doctrines.
Political Science 689 H(3-0)
Unconventional Warfare
Analysis of warfare conducted by, or against, sub-state groups. This may include in-depth studies of guerrilla warfare, asymmetric conflict, or terrorism.
Political Science 691 H(3-0)
Quantitative Analysis in Political Science
Examination of empirical research methods and techniques of quantitative analysis in the study of political phenomena. Computer use is required.
Political Science 693 H(3-0)
Advanced Quantitative Analysis in Political Science
Examination of empirical research methods and techniques of multivariate quantitative analysis in the study of political phenomena.
Prerequisites: Political Science 691 or consent of the Department.
Political Science 791 H(3-0)
Scope and Methods in Political Science
Advanced seminar covering various approaches, topics, methods and theories employed in the discipline of political science.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
Each year, depending on the needs of students, a number of 600- and 700-level graduate courses are offered from the foregoing list. In addition to the numbered and titled courses shown above, the Department offers a selection of advanced level graduate courses specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals or small groups of students. These courses are numbered in the series 800.01 to 899.99. Such offerings are, however, contingent upon the availability of staff resources.