Political Science Courses

101    Introduction to Power and Politics 
This course provides a basic introduction to the study of politics by exploring key concepts, ideas and debates that are important for understanding political life. Topics covered include the nature of politics, varieties and dimensions of political power, political authority and the state. Students will be introduced to both traditional and contemporary political ideologies. Credit will be granted for only one of PSCI 101 or PSCI 100. Three credits.  

102    Introduction to Comparative and Global Politics 
International relations and national politics shape political life today. This course examines various forms of government and compares political systems and processes, electoral systems, and public policies. It introduces students to the international state system and relations among states, covering topics such as co-operation and conflict, alliances and international organizations, war and peace, the global economy and contemporary global issues. Credit will be granted for only one of PSCI 102 or PSCI 100. Three credits.  
 

201    Ancient & Medieval Political Thought 
A critical textual analysis of ancient and medieval thinkers such as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas and Augustine, with emphasis on their political thought. This course will stress the continuing relevance of these thinkers to current politics and the search for the just society. Credit will be granted for only one of PSCI 201 or PSCI 200. Cross-listed as PHIL 201. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102. Three credits. 

202    Modern Political Thought 
A critical textual analysis of modern thinkers such as Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Kant, Mill, and Marx, with emphasis on their political thought. This course will stress the continuing relevance of these thinkers to current politics and the search for the just society. Credit will be granted for only one of PSCI 200 or PSCI 202. Cross-listed as PHIL 202. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102. Three credits. 

211    Comparative Politics of Western Democracies 
This course covers comparative politics and/or regional politics as a field of study, and prepares students for upper level courses in the field. It will present the basic methodological and theoretical tools in the field and take a close look at countries whose political institutions, culture, and policies are similar or closely related to Canada’s. These countries may include Great Britain, France, Germany, Sweden, or Australia, among others. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102. Three credits.  

212    Comparative Politics of Non-Western and Developing Countries 
This course covers comparative politics and/or regional politics as a field of study, and prepares students for upper level courses in the field. It examines the evolution and diversity of governments in countries whose political institutions, culture, policies differ from Canada’s. These countries may include Russia, China, Brazil, Japan, Iran, India or Nigeria, among others. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102. Three credits.  

221    Canadian Political Institutions   
This course covers the key political structures and institutions of the Canadian state (the Constitution, the political executive, parliament, federalism, intergovernmental relations, the public service and the courts) which constrain, shape and give impetus to Canadian politics, governance and decision-making. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102. Three credits.  

222    Canadian Politics and Society  
This course will focus on the Canadian political environment and cover the cultural, social, and regional context of how citizens interact with the Canadian state. Topics covered include political culture, parties and elections, interest groups, social movements, and the implications for the political process of key social divisions such as gender, language, and race. Language politics, multiculturalism, the women’s movement, and Indigenous peoples will receive attention. The course concludes with a discussion of Canada’s global affairs. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102. Three credits.  

231    United States Politics 
This course introduces U.S. government with a focus on the historical development of American political institutions. It examines the U.S. federal system and constitutional development, as well as executive, legislative, and judicial powers with particular attention to the founding and its enduring legacy in American political culture. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102. Three credits.  

241    Business and Government  
This course examines the historical roots and the current contours of the business-government relationship. While the focus is on Canada, conditions in other advanced capitalist states will be considered. Topics include the mechanisms of business power, the micro-politics of industries and case studies of corporate-state relations. Credit will be granted for only one of PSCI 240 or PSCI 241. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102. Three credits.  

251    Foundations of Global Politics 
This course examines international relations as a field of study, offering a comprehensive survey of the conceptual, theoretical, and historical foundations of global politics. It provides students with a wide range of analytical and interpretive tools to make sense of global politics and prepare them for more advanced courses in international relations. Credit will be granted for only one of PSCI 251 or PSCI 250. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102. Three credits. 

252    Contemporary Global Politics 
This course examines a set of contemporary problems and issues in global politics, focusing primarily on security-related questions, the politics of international economic relations, and transnationalism. Among the topics examined are: international security, nuclear deterrence and proliferation, humanitarian intervention, terrorism, economic globalization and its consequences, the problem of poverty and development for the global South, environmental challenges, new transnational actors, and global governance. Credit will be granted for only one of PSCI 252 or PSCI 250. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102. Three credits. 
 

301    Liberalism and Its Critics 
A critical study of liberal political theory, its basic concepts and its limitations in a multi-cultural age. Theorists considered include John Stuart Mill, John Rawls, Joseph Raz, Charles Taylor, John Gray and Wendy Brown. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (201/202 recommended). Three credits.

302    Marxism and Its Critics  
A study of Marxism as a critical theory and a critique of political economy. The course will discuss Marx, Engels, Kautsky, Bernstein, Luxemburg, Lenin, Trotsky, Gramsci, Lukacs, Pashukanis, Bloch, Habermas, Arendt, Popper, Hayek, Kolakowski, Cohen, and Mills, among other Marxist thinkers and critics. Themes will include the interplay between social science, philosophy, politics, economics, ethics, law, revolution, and social transformation. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (201/202 recommended). Three credits. Offered 2023-2024 and in alternate years. 

303    Controversies in Contemporary Political Thought
Critical study of the major ideas and issues in contemporary political theory, focused on assessing and engaging central moral debates in domestic and global politics.  Emphasis will be placed on applying political theories and concepts to examine real-world cases. Main themes: political authority and obligation, democracy, multiculturalism, human rights, global justice, war and intervention, environment, gender and power. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (201/202 recommended). Three credits. 

306    Theory and Politics of Human Rights 
This course critically examines the theory and politics of human rights, including conceptual, historical, legal, and practical controversies surrounding human rights and the institutions that have been designed to protect them. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (201/202 recommended). Three credits.  

308    Global Justice 
This course critically explores political theories of global justice that fall in both the statist or nationalist camp and the cosmopolitan camp, along with rights-based approaches that address pressing global concerns through the lens of political philosophy, including global gender justice, world poverty and global responsibility, democracy and global governance, the ethics and politics of global migration, animal rights, climate change and intergenerational justice, and indigenous struggles. Credit will be granted for only one of PSCI 308 or PSCI 394 (2018-2019). Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (201/202 recommended). Three credits.

311    The European Union 
This course examines European integration since World War II, with emphasis on the European Community (EC) and European Union (EU), their institutions and policy processes, and the consequences of European unity for the political process in European societies. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (251/252 recommended). Three credits. 

312    Art and Politics 
This course introduces students to what modern artists have to say about politics and what governments do and say about art. It provides some of the historical and theoretical tools needed to analyze the political role of art in our time. Students will examine literary works, painting, music, and architecture, and discuss specific policies on art. Cross-listed as ART 312. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (211/212 recommended). Three credits.  

314    Topics in European Politics 
This course examines themes and issues relevant to European politics and societies, ranging from political institutional arrangements, state-society relations, and the role of civil society and social capital to public policy, immigration, church-state relations, security, the EU Eastern enlargement, and the EU Neighbourhood Policy. By examining different European countries, Europe as a whole and the European Union, students are encouraged to develop their own project to understand politics in that part of the world. Credit will be granted for only one of PSCI 314 or PSCI 310. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (211/212 recommended). Three credits. 

315    Democratization around the World 
This course investigates the problems facing countries from different parts of the world that have sought to move from non-democratic political systems to democracy. Students will learn the social, cultural and economic conditions necessary for the process of democratization; analyze the institutional structures and constitutional designs most conducive to the transition from authoritarianism to democracy; and consider the consequences of democratization for development. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (211/212 recommended). Three credits.

316    Dictatorships 
This course introduces students to the nature and varieties of dictatorships in our time by examining their causes of emergence, what sustains them, and why they (sometimes) fall. This comparative politics course covers cases of dictatorial rule in countries such as China, Cuba, Egypt, North Korea, Russia, and Rwanda. Students will examine the political institutions and the public policies (e.g. economic, cultural, human rights) of dictatorships. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (211/212 recommended). Three credits.

318    Power and the State 
The state is a central concept within the social sciences and one of the most significant sources of power in the modern world. Despite this, states today appear increasingly in crisis, with their very legitimacy questioned. In this course, we will explore the development of the modern state in order to better understand our present. Topics include: the power of disinformation; surveillance; Trump; and Black Lives Matter. The course concludes with a reflection on democracy. Cross-listed as SOCI 309. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (211/212 recommended). Three credits. 

319   Political Communications and Media
This course examines political communications and their impact on public opinion and political behaviour, with a particular focus on Canadian media. The course will explore key themes, including: news construction and the media landscape, media effects and public opinion; mass media, social media, and political entertainment; and political communications on campaigns. Three credits.

321    Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations  
This course examines the theory and practice of federalism, with a focus on Canadian federalism. Topics include theories of federalism, comparative federal systems, inter-governmental relations, fiscal arrangements, federal-provincial diplomacy, and constitutional reform. Cross-listed as PGOV 321. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (221/222 recommended). Three credits.  

322    Atlantic Canada      
A course on modern government and politics in the four Atlantic provinces. Regional development and dependence are the themes within which students will explore federal-provincial relations, fiscal and administrative changes, development policies, political culture, and party systems. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (221/222 recommended). Three credits. 

323    Parties and Elections 
This course is concerned with parties and elections in Canada. Topics include comparative party and electoral systems; the evolution of the Canadian party system; party leadership and financing; the electoral system; brokerage politics and political marketing election campaigns and voting behaviour. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (221/222 recommended). Three credits. 

324    Provincial Politics 
A comparative study of the differing political cultures, institutions, behaviour, and public policies of the Canadian provinces. Students will seek explanations for the similarities and differences in the social and economic structures and political histories of the provinces. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (221/222 recommended). Three credits. 

325    Indigenous Politics in Canada 
As an introduction to Indigenous politics and governance in Canada, this course will cover the history of Indigenous-Crown relations, the political mobilization of Indigenous peoples, the constitutional entrenchment of their rights, key court decisions and political struggles; and governance challenges in the modern era. Topics to be covered include the treaty process, the Indian Act, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal perspectives, citizenship and sovereignty, land claims and modern treaties, and various forms of self-government. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (221/222 recommended). Three credits.

326    Politics of Resentment in Canada 
This course examines the politics of resentment in Canada, focusing on intergroup conflict and divisions within the Canadian federation. The course will explore the major “fault lines” that shape Canadian politics, including tensions regarding language, regionalism, race and immigration, Indigenous relations, and gender equality. We will also assess how Canadian political institutions—including the electoral system, party system, courts, media, and more—respond and/or contribute to such tensions. Credit will be granted for only one of PSCI 326 or PSCI 392 (2021-2022). Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (221/222 recommended). Three credits.  

327   The Gendered Campaign
This course will examine the status of women as candidates and leaders in contemporary elections, broadly exploring the framing of women as political officeholders and its effects on political outcomes. Focusing on women’s pathways to politics in Canada and abroad, we will reflect on the unique opportunities and barriers that women face in seeking out political careers and their tenure in office. Three credits.

331    Comparative Nationalism 
An analysis of the historical origins of nationalism and of its central concepts and justifications. Both Western and non-Western nationalism (focusing on four or more cases) will be examined in a comparative context. Evidence for the recent decline of the nation state will be explored. Credit will be granted for only one of PSCI 331 or PSCI 330. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (211/212 recommended). Three credits.  

335    Human Rights and International Justice 
Human rights and international justice are important components of politics. This course examines the theoretical and practical concerns shaping the study and promotion of human rights today. Using a variety of material and case studies, we examine the debate over whether rights are universal; the institutions and organizations enforcing human rights; and the role states play in protecting human rights. A strong component of this class is state responses to massive human rights violations. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (211/212 recommended). 

336    Religion and Politics 
An examination of the impact of religion on politics and politics on religion. Students will consider the relationship between religion and politics in the Middle East, Northern Ireland, India and Pakistan, Eastern Europe and North America. Case studies will demonstrate interactions between the state and Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Judaism, as well as the influence of religion on citizenship, education, the party system, and social issues. Credit will be granted for only one of PSCI 336, PSCI 295, RELS 295. Cross-listed as RELS 336. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (211/212 recommended). Three credits.  

343    Law and Politics       
This course explores the role of the courts in politics, particularly in Canada. Possible Topics include recent constitutional developments; the impact of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms; the judicialization of politics; philosophy of law; and strategic litigation. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (221/222 recommended). Three credits.  

344    Citizenship, Identity and Diversity 
This course examines various aspects of Canadian citizenship, with a particular focus on the accommodation of diversity. Topics include citizenship theory, the evolution of the Canadian citizenship regime, majority and minority nationalisms, Indigenous citizenship, gender and sexual minorities, and multiculturalism.  Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102(100) and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (221/222 recommended). Three credits. 

345    Women and Politics 
An introduction to the study of women and politics, this course has three parts: feminist political thought and the women’s movement; political participation and representation; and public policy. Topics include feminist political thought in the Western political tradition; the evolution and politics of the women’s movement; political parties and legislatures; women and work; women and the welfare state.  Cross-listed as WMGS 345. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (211/212 recommended). Three credits.  

351    Canadian Foreign Policy   
This course is designed as a general historical survey of Canadian external interests, external policy-making processes, and contemporary themes and issues. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (251/252 recommended). Three credits. 

352    American Foreign Policy 
This course introduces students to the study of US foreign policy, examining major political, economic, and social forces that shape and constrain the making of American foreign policy. Among the issues examined are the historical and doctrinal context of US foreign policy, actors and institutions in the American foreign policymaking process, and contemporary external security and foreign economic policies of the US. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (251/252 recommended). Three credits. 

353    International Organizations 
A study of the development and role of international organizations in global politics, examining the achievements and limits of institutionalized multilateral cooperation among states. Institutions examined include the UN, NATO, the WTO, the IMF, and the World Bank. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (251/252 recommended). Three credits.  

354    Global Political Economy 
This course examines the politics of international economic relations. Topics include transnational corporations and the globalization of production, the multilateral trade system and regionalism, the global monetary and financial system, and economic development in the global South. Cross-listed as DEVS 354. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (251/252 recommended). Three credits.

355    Global Issues 
This course examines the state’s supremacy and its capacity to manage such global issues as transnational flows of goods, services, money, and ideas; the phenomenon of failed states in the post-Cold War period; global environmental issues; weapons proliferation; terrorism and other forms of transnational crime; and the rise of transnational social activist groups. Cross-listed as DEVS 355. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (251/252 recommended). Three credits.  

356    Arab-Israeli Conflict 
This course examines the multifaceted dimensions of the Arab-Israeli conflict. In addition to exploring various historical, political, societal, economic, and religious cleavages behind the conflict, the course also examines peace initiatives and the prospects for their success in the region. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (251/252 recommended). Three credits.  

357    Model United Nations 
Introduction to the structures, activities, and operations of the UN, the protocols and procedures of UN deliberations, and contemporary international issues and agendas faced by the UN and its member states. The course is built around student preparation for, and participation in, simulated UN deliberations at the Five-day annual NMUN Conference in New York scheduled for March. Conference attendance is mandatory; there are additional travel-related costs; and fundraising is required. Credit will be granted for only one of PSCI 357 or PSCI 392 (2014-2015, 2016-2017). Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (251/252 recommended). Three credits.  

358    International Security 
This course examines both the causes of war and the various strategies and tactics pertaining to how war has been and is presently conducted, as well exploring conflict mitigation and peacemaking strategies. Taking a pluralistic view of security studies, the course uses various frameworks of analysis drawing from classical works, rationalist approaches, structuralist accounts, normative works, and constructivist explanations for war and peace. Credit will be granted for only one of PSCI 358, 392 (2016-2017,2018-2019), 394 (2017-2018). Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (251/252 recommended). Three credits.

359    Unconventional Warfare & New Security Threats  
Since the end of the Cold War, and especially since September 11, 2001, new security issues have proliferated in the international arena, including espionage, transnational terrorism, guerrilla warfare, insurgency, and electronic warfare. The course begins by defining these phenomena conceptually and explores how they have been used strategically as means to an end. Credit will be granted for only one of PSCI 359 or PSCI 394 (2019-2020). Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (251/252 recommended). Three credits.  

363    International Relations of East Asia 
An examination of contemporary international relations and foreign policies of major regional actors in East Asia including China, Japan, North and South Koreas, and the US. Topics include the political economy of East Asian regionalism, institution-building, the regional security complex, the rise of China, and the ongoing nuclear crisis in the Korean Peninsula. Places in the course are limited and a secondary application process will be announced to those registering on Banner. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (251/252 recommended). Preference given to students who have taken PSCI 356. Three credits.  

364    Fault Lines in Israel/Palestine 
This course is a companion to PSCI 356. It will be held in Israel and Palestine over 10 days following exams (returning prior to convocation). The course aims to foster a nuanced understanding of Israeli and Palestinian politics and culture using a mixed-methods format (formal lectures, informal discussions, guided tours, meetings with cultural figures, policy makers, activists, and academics). Places in the course are limited. A secondary application process will be announced to those registered. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (251/252 recommended). Three credits. 

365     Russian Politics 
This course explores the reasons for the collapse and the pursuit of political and economic alternatives to state socialism in the Russian Federation. Students are encouraged to develop their own project, examining the manner in which forms of ownership, constitutional developments, party formation, political personalities, and domestic and international pressure influence events in post-communist Russia. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (211/212 recommended). Three credits. 

371    Political Economy of Development 
Countries in the developing world face a distinct set of political challenges, particularly as they relate to fostering economic growth and providing effective public services. This course will explore the political determinants of development as well as the effect of economic conditions on political outcomes. Key issues include the origins of state weakness, the relationship between political institutions and economic growth, the causes of corruption, and the effect of diversity on governance outcomes. Credit will be granted for only one of PSCI 371 and PSCI 370. Cross-listed as DEVS 371. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (211/212 recommended). Three credits.  

372    Politics in the Muslim World 
A comparative examination of politics in Muslim-majority countries. This course will focus on the interaction of religion with issues of political order and development. We will consider the prospects of democracy, the strategies of religious political parties, the interplay of religious and national identities, and the constitutional status of religion across cases. Particular attention will be paid to politics of the largest Muslim countries. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (211/212 recommended). Three credits. 

391    Latin American Politics and Government 
This course offers a comparative analysis of governments, political processes, and policies in Latin America. It focuses on countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (211/212 recommended). Three credits.  

395    Mexican Politics 
This course looks at Mexico’s distinct political tradition. It presents and discusses Mexico’s main political actors (political parties, groups, social movements) and institutions (democratic, republican, federal, presidential), and examines the political challenges of democratization and liberalization. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (211/212 recommended). Three credits.  

397    Research Design in Political Science 
This course is all about asking interesting questions in political science and then coming up with ways to answer these questions. We will introduce the concept of variance and causality, units of analysis, and strategies for case selection. At the end of the course, students will be able to formulate research questions, generate a research design, and discuss a range of methodological approaches that can be used to explore the world of politics. Cross-listed as PGOV 304. Credit will be granted for only one of PSCI 397 or PSCI 399 offered up until 2019-2020. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level. Three credits. 

399    Quantitative Research Methods 
This course introduces students to the use of quantitative analysis in political science. While studying the logic of statistical inference, students will learn practical skills, including survey questionnaire design, dataset management, and data presentation. By the end of the course students will be able to critically assess quantitative research and apply quantitative tools to pursue their own research questions. Cross-listed as PGOV 303. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level. Three credits.  
 

401     Political Theory (Seminar)
This seminar will critically analyze selected political thinkers, themes, issues and/or controversies in political theory, and their current relevance to the discipline of political science and politics. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (201/202 recommended). Three credits.

421     Canadian Politics (Seminar) 
This seminar deals with the analysis of power in Canadian politics, through the study of selected institutions, policy fields, and governance challenges. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (211/212 recommended). Three credits. 

451    International Relations (Seminar) 
This seminar examines advanced theories of International Relations and contemporary issues in global politics. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102, 251, 252. Three credits. 

452    Comparative Politics (Seminar) 
This seminar discusses major issues in comparative politics and examines the advanced theories, methods, and concepts in the field. Prerequisites: PSCI 101, 102 and 6 credits of PSCI at the 200 level (211/212 recommended). Three credits. 

490    Thesis 
Restricted to students in the BA Honours program. Six credits. 

499     Directed Study 
See section 3.5. Six credits.