| Year | Course ID | Course |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | POLS 101 | Introduction to Political ThinkingAn introduction to the basic concepts, institutions, and ruling ideas in political thought and action. Through the study of classic political texts, competing concepts like equality and freedom, justice and power, are introduced within the context of conflicting ideologies like liberalism, socialism, and conservatism. The meaning of citizenship in postmodern contemporary liberal democracies are examined and contrasted with competing visions of the good society. Course Credits: 3
|
| 2025-2026 | POLS 101 | Introduction to Political ThinkingAn introduction to the basic concepts, institutions, and ruling ideas in political thought and action. Through the study of classic political texts, competing concepts like equality and freedom, justice and power, are introduced within the context of conflicting ideologies like liberalism, socialism, and conservatism. The meaning of citizenship in postmodern contemporary liberal democracies are examined and contrasted with competing visions of the good society. Course Credits: 3
|
| 2024-2025 | POLS 211 | International PoliticsThis course is an introduction to the theoretical and empirical concerns of international politics. It is designed to go beyond the simple observation of international politics and delve into the ways we seek to explain and predict how political actors behave. The first section of the course is dedicated to understanding the history of the field of international relations as a foundation for further study. The second section will consider the traditional Realist perspective of international relations and then move on to deal with more modern revisions of received scholarship such as Liberalism, Marxism, Feminism, and Constructivism. Along the way, we will encounter explanations for war and peace, cooperation and dispute, as well as explanations for the creation of major international treaties and organizations such as the United Nations. The third section of the course will begin to deal with modern challenges and themes in international political economy and security. Course Credits: 3
|
| 2025-2026 | POLS 211 | International PoliticsThis course is an introduction to the theoretical and empirical concerns of international politics. It is designed to go beyond the simple observation of international politics and delve into the ways we seek to explain and predict how political actors behave. The first section of the course is dedicated to understanding the history of the field of international relations as a foundation for further study. The second section will consider the traditional Realist perspective of international relations and then move on to deal with more modern revisions of received scholarship such as Liberalism, Marxism, Feminism, and Constructivism. Along the way, we will encounter explanations for war and peace, cooperation and dispute, as well as explanations for the creation of major international treaties and organizations such as the United Nations. The third section of the course will begin to deal with modern challenges and themes in international political economy and security. Course Credits: 3
|
| 2024-2025 | POLS 234 | Canadian Government & PoliticsProvides the student with an overview of the Canadian system of government in a comparative approach that includes study of British, American, and Canadian political and government institutions and practices. A comparative study of how basic concepts, principles, and institutions associated with different expressions of liberal-democratic governments highlight the diversity of political experience, reveal the interdependence of political systems and show the uniqueness of Canada's political system. Particular attention is given to the manner in which Parliament attempts to facilitate and develop public policy that reflects the diverse interests and aspirations of its citizens. Course Credits: 3
Cross-listed: SOCI 234. |
| 2025-2026 | POLS 234 | Canadian Government & PoliticsProvides the student with an overview of the Canadian system of government in a comparative approach that includes study of British, American, and Canadian political and government institutions and practices. A comparative study of how basic concepts, principles, and institutions associated with different expressions of liberal-democratic governments highlight the diversity of political experience, reveal the interdependence of political systems and show the uniqueness of Canada's political system. Particular attention is given to the manner in which Parliament attempts to facilitate and develop public policy that reflects the diverse interests and aspirations of its citizens. Course Credits: 3
|
| 2025-2026 | POLS 237 | Co-Existence, Genocide, Reconciliation: Indigenous Nationhood & CanadaThe history of First Nations, Métis Nations and Inuit Nations in Canada from time immemorial through to the present from various perspectives gained from interactions with Indigenous authors and guest speakers and cultural experiences such as immersion trips to Indigenous territories. Engage broad economic, social and political themes associated with Canada's settler society and gain cultural intelligence by analyzing from an Indigenous perspective how standard narratives of progress shaped early encounters, the fur trade economy, governmental policy, Christianity and culture, residential schools, land reserves and self- government. Considers the ways in which Indigenous nations utilized and reshaped Canada's historical narrative to resist assimilation, paternalism, civilization, marginalisation, and integration. Examines arguments for partnership, cooperation, negotiation and reconciliation in a movement towards peaceful co-existence. Course Credits: 3
|
| 2024-2025 | POLS 237 | Co-Existence, Genocide, Reconciliation: Indigenous Nationhood and CanadaThe history of First Nations, Métis Nations and Inuit Nations in Canada from time immemorial through to the present from various perspectives gained from interactions with Indigenous authors and guest speakers and cultural experiences such as immersion trips to Indigenous territories. Engage broad economic, social and political themes associated with Canada's settler society and gain cultural intelligence by analyzing from an Indigenous perspective how standard narratives of progress shaped early encounters, the fur trade economy, governmental policy, Christianity and culture, residential schools, land reserves and self- government. Considers the ways in which Indigenous nations utilized and reshaped Canada's historical narrative to resist assimilation, paternalism, civilization, marginalisation, and integration. Examines arguments for partnership, cooperation, negotiation and reconciliation in a movement towards peaceful co-existence. Course Credits: 3
|
| 2024-2025 | POLS 250 | Classical Political PhilosophyExamines the impact of Christianity on Western thought with respect to politics and political philosophy. It explores the unique encounter between Jerusalem and Athens that has been described as the secret vitality of the West. Special attention is paid to the disagreement or conflict between a theological and philosophical approach to the study of political life. Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): POLS 101
|
| 2025-2026 | POLS 250 | Classical Political PhilosophyExamines the impact of Christianity on Western thought with respect to politics and political philosophy. It explores the unique encounter between Jerusalem and Athens that has been described as the secret vitality of the West. Special attention is paid to the disagreement or conflict between a theological and philosophical approach to the study of political life. Course Credits: 3
|
| 2024-2025 | POLS 308 | Political Economy of Developing NationsThis course provides an analysis of the relationship of government policies and economic development in selected Asian, African, and Latin American countries. Topics include the role of leadership and public policy; challenges of development; obstacles to democratization; and the interaction of domestic and global political/economic structures. Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): POLS 101 and 211, or third-year standing.
|
| 2025-2026 | POLS 308 | Political Economy of Developing NationsThis course provides an analysis of the relationship of government policies and economic development in selected Asian, African, and Latin American countries. Topics include the role of leadership and public policy; challenges of development; obstacles to democratization; and the interaction of domestic and global political/economic structures. Course Credits: 3
|
| 2024-2025 | POLS 310 | Issues in Social JusticeAn examination of ethical issues that pertain to social justice, addressing such topics as the distribution of wealth, the difference between equality and equity, the effects of globalization, and the morality of war. Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 3 sem. hrs. of political studies or philosophy; or third year standing
Cross-listed: PHIL 310 |
| 2025-2026 | POLS 310 | Issues in Social JusticeAn examination of ethical issues that pertain to social justice, addressing such topics as the distribution of wealth, the difference between equality and equity, the effects of globalization, and the morality of war. Course Credits: 3
|
| 2025-2026 | POLS 312 | Globalization & Global GovernanceExamines the causes and consequences of globalization and the transitional institutions established to cope with this process. The course examines the meaning of global governance and how this differs from governance of domestic societies. It also identifies the significant international institutions involved in global governance and assesses their contribution. The role of various international governmental and non-governmental organizations are studied in relation to such issues as global trade, the environment, human rights, economic development, and international migration. Course Credits: 3
|
| 2024-2025 | POLS 312 | Globalization and Global GovernanceExamines the causes and consequences of globalization and the transitional institutions established to cope with this process. The course examines the meaning of global governance and how this differs from governance of domestic societies. It also identifies the significant international institutions involved in global governance and assesses their contribution. The role of various international governmental and non-governmental organizations are studied in relation to such issues as global trade, the environment, human rights, economic development, and international migration. Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): POLS 101 and 211, or instructor's consent.
|
| 2024-2025 | POLS 314 | International Political EconomyA study of the globalization of the world economy and the political factors that shape this process. Students become familiar with the recent history of international trade, global economic relations, and the role of various players in foreign economic policy making. Using case studies of representative governments, students explore models of fiscal and monetary policy and types of trade protection. Other topics include political factors affecting emerging and transitional economies, role of trade groupings, impact of multinational corporations, negotiations in the World Trade Organization, and the problems related to global industries such as airlines or oil. Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): POLS 101 and 211, or instructor's consent.
|
| 2025-2026 | POLS 314 | International Political EconomyA study of the globalization of the world economy and the political factors that shape this process. Students become familiar with the recent history of international trade, global economic relations, and the role of various players in foreign economic policy making. Using case studies of representative governments, students explore models of fiscal and monetary policy and types of trade protection. Other topics include political factors affecting emerging and transitional economies, role of trade groupings, impact of multinational corporations, negotiations in the World Trade Organization, and the problems related to global industries such as airlines or oil. Course Credits: 3
|
| 2025-2026 | POLS 320 | Social & Political PhilosophyAn examination of foundational ideas and problems in political life and thought. Both classical and contemporary texts are used. Concepts treated include the state, society, the citizen, democracy, liberty, equality, authority, obligation, and disobedience. Course Credits: 3
|
| 2024-2025 | POLS 320 | Social and Political PhilosophyAn examination of foundational ideas and problems in political life and thought. Both classical and contemporary texts are used. Concepts treated include the state, society, the citizen, democracy, liberty, equality, authority, obligation, and disobedience. Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 3 sem. hrs. of political studies or philosophy; or third year standing
Cross-listed: PHIL 320. |
| 2025-2026 | POLS 330 | Law & Canadian PoliticsThis course provides students with an overview of important themes in Canadian law: its sources, theories of jurisprudence, federalism and the courts, and how the legal framework and the Supreme Court decisions shape public discourse in Canada on political issues. Through the examination of milestone court cases, particularly Supreme Court decisions since the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982), the symbiotic relationship between the judiciary and the legislative branches of government are established. Course Credits: 3
|
| 2024-2025 | POLS 330 | Law and Canadian PoliticsThis course provides students with an overview of important themes in Canadian law: its sources, theories of jurisprudence, federalism and the courts, and how the legal framework and the Supreme Court decisions shape public discourse in Canada on political issues. Through the examination of milestone court cases, particularly Supreme Court decisions since the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982), the symbiotic relationship between the judiciary and the legislative branches of government are established. Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): POLS/SOCI 234, HUMA 130 or BUSI 245.
|
| 2024-2025 | POLS 332 | Issues in the History of British ColumbiaThe history of British Columbia from its earliest beginnings to the late 1980s. The province's move from regionalism, to provincialism, to internationalism by examining many of the social, cultural, political, and economic forces Canada. Specific aspects of BC's history that particularly enlighten us about the character of the region, its unique place in Canadian history, and how these events have shaped the Province today change which shaped the West Beyond the West in Canada. Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of Political Studies including POLS 234, or instructor's consent.
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
Cross-listed: HIST 332 |
| 2025-2026 | POLS 332 | Issues in the History of British ColumbiaThe history of British Columbia from its earliest beginnings to the late 1980s. The province's move from regionalism, to provincialism, to internationalism by examining many of the social, cultural, political, and economic forces Canada. Specific aspects of BC's history that particularly enlighten us about the character of the region, its unique place in Canadian history, and how these events have shaped the Province today change which shaped the West Beyond the West in Canada. Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
|
| 2025-2026 | POLS 334 | Canadian Government & PoliticsProvides the student with a detailed examination of the political issues that divide and unite Canadians. Course topics encompass the discussion of political structures including regionalism, federalism and elections; political actors including the Executive in Canada, political parties, the media, and citizen engagement; constitutional politics including Western alienation, Quebec separatism, patriation of the constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms; and key elements of Canadian political culture including political ideologies, bilingualism, multiculturalism, and Indigenous reconciliation. Course Credits: 3
|
| 2024-2025 | POLS 334 | Canadian Government and PolitcsProvides the student with a detailed examination of the political issues that divide and unite Canadians. Course topics include discussion of alternative theoretical approaches to Canadian politics; regionalism, citizenship, and political participation; the French-English Cleavage; provincialism versus federalism; aboriginal politics; gender and class issues; the United States' and Canada's uneasy relationship; multiculturalism and bilingualism as key indicators of Canadian political culture; the Executive in Parliament dispute; legislative politics and judicial interpretation; law and constitution. Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of political studies including POLS 234, or instructor's consent
Cross-listed: HIST 334. |
| 2024-2025 | POLS 335 | Development of the Canadian ConstitutionA survey of the historical development of the Canadian Constitution from 1867 to the present. The course covers the search for an amending formula and the patriation of the Constitution; the evolving nature of the federation; the Meech Lake Accord; the Charlottetown Accord; the October 26 Referendum; Western demands for major changes to the Senate and other national institutions of the federation; and the unfinished constitutional agenda. It also examines the profound effect on law and public policy development resulting from the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of political studies including POLS 234, or instructor's consent.
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
Cross-listed: HIST 335 |
| 2025-2026 | POLS 352 | Government & Politics of the USAAn introduction to American politics, including the major branches of government: the presidency, the Congress, and the Supreme Court. The dynamics of American political institutions and their interaction. The prime emphasis is on national politics, particularly the interaction of the executive and legislative branches, including presidential decision-making. Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
|
| 2024-2025 | POLS 352 | Government and Politics of the USAAn introduction to American politics, including the major branches of government: the presidency, the Congress, and the Supreme Court. The dynamics of American political institutions and their interaction. The prime emphasis is on national politics, particularly the interaction of the executive and legislative branches, including presidential decision-making. Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of political studies including POLS 234, or instructor's consent.
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
Cross-listed: HIST 352. |
| 2024-2025 | POLS 355 | American Foreign PolicyA study of principal themes in United States foreign policy with in-depth review of post Second World War Presidential periods. Students analyze the causes and results of American policy choices in the context of evolving world order. The course explores philosophy and leadership styles. Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of political studies including POLS 234, or instructor's consent.
Cross-listed: HIST 355 |
| 2025-2026 | POLS 355 | American Foreign PolicyA study of principal themes in United States foreign policy with in-depth review of post Second World War Presidential periods. Students analyze the causes and results of American policy choices in the context of evolving world order. The course explores philosophy and leadership styles. Course Credits: 3
|
| 2024-2025 | POLS 361 | Political Science PracticumA supervised field experience in an approved political, governmental, or related setting. Course Credits: 1
Prerequisite(s): Honours, major, concentration, or minor in Political Studies or International Studies. Second year standing or higher, 6 sem. hrs. of Political Studies, and at least a C+ average. Students may include a maximum of 6 sem. hrs. in their Political Studies major, concentration, or minor, and a maximum of 9 sem. hrs. in their degree.
NB: Pass/Fail courses.
|
| 2025-2026 | POLS 361 | Political Science PracticumA supervised field experience in an approved political, governmental, or related setting. Course Credits: 1
NB: Pass/Fail course
|
| 2024-2025 | POLS 362 | Political Science PracticumA supervised field experience in an approved political, governmental, or related setting. Course Credits: 2
Prerequisite(s): Honours, major, concentration, or minor in Political Studies or International Studies. Second year standing or higher, 6 sem. hrs. of Political Studies, and at least a C+ average. Students may include a maximum of 6 sem. hrs. in their Political Studies major, concentration, or minor, and a maximum of 9 sem. hrs. in their degree.
NB: Pass/Fail courses.
|
| 2025-2026 | POLS 362 | Political Science PracticumA supervised field experience in an approved political, governmental, or related setting. Course Credits: 2
NB: Pass/Fail course
|
| 2024-2025 | POLS 363 | Political Science PracticumA supervised field experience in an approved political, governmental, or related setting. Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Honours, major, concentration, or minor in Political Studies or International Studies. Second year standing or higher, 6 sem. hrs. of Political Studies, and at least a C+ average. Students may include a maximum of 6 sem. hrs. in their Political Studies major, concentration, or minor, and a maximum of 9 sem. hrs. in their degree.
NB: Pass/Fail courses.
|
| 2025-2026 | POLS 363 | Political Science PracticumA supervised field experience in an approved political, governmental, or related setting. Course Credits: 3
NB: Pass/Fail course
|
| 2024-2025 | POLS 364 | Political Science PracticumA supervised field experience in an approved political, governmental, or related setting. Course Credits: 1
Prerequisite(s): Honours, major, concentration, or minor in Political Studies or International Studies. Second year standing or higher, 6 sem. hrs. of Political Studies, and at least a C+ average. Students may include a maximum of 6 sem. hrs. in their Political Studies major, concentration, or minor, and a maximum of 9 sem. hrs. in their degree.
NB: Pass/Fail courses.
|
| 2025-2026 | POLS 364 | Political Science PracticumA supervised field experience in an approved political, governmental, or related setting. Course Credits: 1
NB: Pass/Fail course
|
| 2024-2025 | POLS 365 | Political Science PracticumA supervised field experience in an approved political, governmental, or related setting. Course Credits: 2
Prerequisite(s): Honours, major, concentration, or minor in Political Studies or International Studies. Second year standing or higher, 6 sem. hrs. of Political Studies, and at least a C+ average. Students may include a maximum of 6 sem. hrs. in their Political Studies major, concentration, or minor, and a maximum of 9 sem. hrs. in their degree.
NB: Pass/Fail courses.
|
| 2025-2026 | POLS 365 | Political Science PracticumA supervised field experience in an approved political, governmental, or related setting. Course Credits: 2
NB: Pass/Fail course
|
| 2024-2025 | POLS 366 | Political Science PracticumA supervised field experience in an approved political, governmental, or related setting. Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Honours, major, concentration, or minor in Political Studies or International Studies. Second year standing or higher, 6 sem. hrs. of Political Studies, and at least a C+ average. Students may include a maximum of 6 sem. hrs. in their Political Studies major, concentration, or minor, and a maximum of 9 sem. hrs. in their degree.
NB: Pass/Fail courses.
|
| 2025-2026 | POLS 366 | Political Science PracticumA supervised field experience in an approved political, governmental, or related setting. Course Credits: 3
NB: Pass/Fail course
|
| 2024-2025 | POLS 367 | Political Science PracticumA supervised field experience in an approved political, governmental, or related setting. Course Credits: 1
Prerequisite(s): Honours, major, concentration, or minor in Political Studies or International Studies. Second year standing or higher, 6 sem. hrs. of Political Studies, and at least a C+ average. Students may include a maximum of 6 sem. hrs. in their Political Studies major, concentration, or minor, and a maximum of 9 sem. hrs. in their degree.
NB: Pass/Fail courses.
|
| 2025-2026 | POLS 367 | Political Science PracticumA supervised field experience in an approved political, governmental, or related setting. Course Credits: 1
NB: Pass/Fail course
|
| 2024-2025 | POLS 368 | Political Science PracticumA supervised field experience in an approved political, governmental, or related setting. Course Credits: 2
Prerequisite(s): Honours, major, concentration, or minor in Political Studies or International Studies. Second year standing or higher, 6 sem. hrs. of Political Studies, and at least a C+ average. Students may include a maximum of 6 sem. hrs. in their Political Studies major, concentration, or minor, and a maximum of 9 sem. hrs. in their degree.
NB: Pass/Fail courses.
|
| 2025-2026 | POLS 368 | Political Science PracticumA supervised field experience in an approved political, governmental, or related setting. Course Credits: 2
NB: Pass/Fail course
|
| 2024-2025 | POLS 369 | Political Science PracticumA supervised field experience in an approved political, governmental, or related setting. Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Honours, major, concentration, or minor in Political Studies or International Studies. Second year standing or higher, 6 sem. hrs. of Political Studies, and at least a C+ average. Students may include a maximum of 6 sem. hrs. in their Political Studies major, concentration, or minor, and a maximum of 9 sem. hrs. in their degree.
NB: Pass/Fail courses.
|
| 2025-2026 | POLS 369 | Political Science PracticumA supervised field experience in an approved political, governmental, or related setting. Course Credits: 3
NB: Pass/Fail course
|
| 2025-2026 | POLS 378 | Politics & Development of the Asia-Pacific RegionThis course explores the contemporary political, economic, and social conditions of countries in east and southeast Asia as case studies of development. Central to the course is the so-called Asian Miracle: what are its causes and why have some countries been left behind? Other topics include Japan's and Singapore's models of development; response to China's economic and political power in the region; international relations including selected conflict areas; and the prospects for regional integration. Countries typically covered in this region face the Pacific in a chain from Indonesia in the south to Korea and Japan in the north. Course Credits: 3
|
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