| Year | Course ID | Course |
|---|---|---|
| 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 courses.
|
| 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 courses.
|
| 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 courses.
|
| 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 courses.
|
| 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 courses.
|
| 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 courses.
|
| 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 courses.
|
| 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 courses.
|
| 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 courses.
|
| 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
|
| 2024-2025 | POLS 378 | Politics and 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
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of political studies.
|
| 2024-2025 | POLS 383 | Public Administration in CanadaAn overview of public administration in Canada - its importance, structure, functions, key issues, best practices, and practical applications. Course content focuses on municipal, provincial, and federal levels of government. Special attention is placed on practical applications to areas of current public and student interest. Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of political studies including POLS 234, or instructor’s consent. (3-0 or 3-0)
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
|
| 2025-2026 | POLS 383 | Public Administration in CanadaAn overview of public administration in Canada - its importance, structure, functions, key issues, best practices, and practical applications. Course content focuses on municipal, provincial, and federal levels of government. Special attention is placed on practical applications to areas of current public and student interest. Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
|
| 2024-2025 | POLS 391 | Canadian Governmental LeadershipIn the setting of the historical Booth Mansion in Ottawa, students are invited to explore the history of Canadian political leadership. Using the historical method, including research in primary sources, they will evaluate the leadership of Canadian Prime Ministers and examine how they addressed the needs and crises of the nation. By means of their enquiries into Canada's political leadership, students will develop their own theories of effective leadership. Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Admission into Laurentian Leadership Centre.
Cross-listed: HIST/SOCI 391 |
| 2025-2026 | POLS 391 | Canadian Governmental LeadershipIn the setting of the historical Booth Mansion in Ottawa, students are invited to explore the history of Canadian political leadership. Using the historical method, including research in primary sources, they will evaluate the leadership of Canadian Prime Ministers and examine how they addressed the needs and crises of the nation. By means of their enquiries into Canada's political leadership, students will develop their own theories of effective leadership. Course Credits: 3
|
| 2025-2026 | POLS 392 | Ethics & Public AffairsThe philosophical basis for and nature of ethical decision-making. Recent and contemporary ethical issues facing leaders in the political, business, and communication fields. Students observe how leaders engage ethical dilemmas in the Ottawa setting of their discipline. Course Credits: 3
|
| 2024-2025 | POLS 392 | Ethics and Public AffairsThe philosophical basis for and nature of ethical decision-making. Recent and contemporary ethical issues facing leaders in the political, business, and communication fields. Students observe how leaders engage ethical dilemmas in the Ottawa setting of their discipline. Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Admission into Laurentian Leadership Centre
Cross-listed: SOCI 392 |
| 2024-2025 | POLS 395 | LLC InternshipStudents select an internship worth 6 sem. hrs. of credit towards their major. Placements have included working in a Member of Parliament's office, political party office, governmental department or agency, national and local media outlets, a business office (in accordance with a student's special interests), or non-governmental organization. There is a variety of internship sites from which to choose that would help to advance the student's career interests. The internships occur every afternoon and some full days and offer an opportunity to learn from experts and meet leaders in the field. These internships provide a broader learning experience than what students would experience if they were employees of an organization. Internships are designed to show the student the inner workings of the organization and how that organization interfaces with others. Course Credits: 3
|
| 2025-2026 | POLS 395 | LLC InternshipStudents select an internship worth 6 sem. hrs. of credit towards their major. Placements have included working in a Member of Parliament's office, political party office, governmental department or agency, national and local media outlets, a business office (in accordance with a student's special interests), or non-governmental organization. There is a variety of internship sites from which to choose that would help to advance the student's career interests. The internships occur every afternoon and some full days and offer an opportunity to learn from experts and meet leaders in the field. These internships provide a broader learning experience than what students would experience if they were employees of an organization. Internships are designed to show the student the inner workings of the organization and how that organization interfaces with others. Course Credits: 3
|
| 2024-2025 | POLS 396 | LLC InternshipA survey of the changing nature of and approaches to war and its effect on society from the Middle Ages to the present. Various visions and proposals for peace. The nature of nuclear war. Course Credits: 3
|
| 2025-2026 | POLS 396 | LLC InternshipStudents select an internship worth 6 sem. hrs. of credit towards their major. Placements have included working in a Member of Parliament's office, political party office, governmental department or agency, national and local media outlets, a business office (in accordance with a student's special interests), or non-governmental organization. There is a variety of internship sites from which to choose that would help to advance the student's career interests. The internships occur every afternoon and some full days and offer an opportunity to learn from experts and meet leaders in the field. These internships provide a broader learning experience than what students would experience if they were employees of an organization. Internships are designed to show the student the inner workings of the organization and how that organization interfaces with others. Course Credits: 3
|
| 2025-2026 | POLS 406 | War, Peace & SocietyA survey of the changing nature of and approaches to war and its effect on society from the Middle Ages to the present. Course topics include various visions and proposals for peace. The nature of nuclear war. Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
|
| 2024-2025 | POLS 406 | War, Peace and SocietyA survey of the changing nature of and approaches to war and its effect on society from the Middle Ages to the present. Course topics include various visions and proposals for peace. The nature of nuclear war. Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of political studies including POLS 101 or 211, or instructor's consent.
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
Cross-listed: HIST 406 |
| 2024-2025 | POLS 415 | Contemporary Political PhilosophyThis course examines the political thought of one or more twentieth century political philosophers, primarily from the Western Political Tradition. Attention is given to selected primary and secondary literature of contemporary political theorists. A systematic examination of different theorists in each course offering encourages a broader understanding of the rich tradition of political philosophy in the twentieth century. Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of political studies including POLS 101, or instructor’s consent. (3-0 or 3-0)
Cross-listed: PHIL 415 |
| 2025-2026 | POLS 415 | Contemporary Political PhilosophyThis course examines the political thought of one or more twentieth century political philosophers, primarily from the Western Political Tradition. Attention is given to selected primary and secondary literature of contemporary political theorists. A systematic examination of different theorists in each course offering encourages a broader understanding of the rich tradition of political philosophy in the twentieth century. Course Credits: 3
|
| 2025-2026 | POLS 418 | Social & Political Concepts of Community in Contemporary Political TheoryProvides the student with an in-depth study of the social and political concepts of community. Attention is focused on how recognition of community brings into play the tension between individual and collective/group rights. Course lectures, reading assignments, and in class discussion provide an overview of the following topics: interpretation/hermeneutics of community, roots of community theory, myth of community, quest for community, Christian community, recognition of minority communities in politics, problems associated with the concept of community, recognition of group rights, the liberal-communitarian debate over community, and problems associated with communitarian theory. Course Credits: 3
|
| 2024-2025 | POLS 418 | Social and Political Concepts of Community in Contemporary Political TheoryProvides the student with an in-depth study of the social and political concepts of community. Attention is focused on how recognition of community brings into play the tension between individual and collective/group rights. Course lectures, reading assignments, and in class discussion provide an overview of the following topics: interpretation/hermeneutics of community, roots of community theory, myth of community, quest for community, Christian community, recognition of minority communities in politics, problems associated with the concept of community, recognition of group rights, the liberal-communitarian debate over community, and problems associated with communitarian theory. Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of political studies (including POLS 101 or 234 or 320), and third year standing. (3-0 or 3-0)
Cross-listed: PHIL 418 |
| 2024-2025 | POLS 421 | The Contemporary Middle EastAn introduction to the concerns of contemporary political, economic, and social development such as state consolidation, ethnic and social movements, poverty, and conflict through study of the political economy of the Middle East. Students explore the region through analysis of selected Middle Eastern states, cultures, and emergent issues such as underdevelopment, religious and ethnic movements, external intervention, and regional conflicts and disputes. Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of political studies (POLS 211 and 308 recommended), or instructor's consent.
|
| 2025-2026 | POLS 421 | The Contemporary Middle EastAn introduction to the concerns of contemporary political, economic, and social development such as state consolidation, ethnic and social movements, poverty, and conflict through study of the political economy of the Middle East. Students explore the region through analysis of selected Middle Eastern states, cultures, and emergent issues such as underdevelopment, religious and ethnic movements, external intervention, and regional conflicts and disputes. Course Credits: 3
|
| 2024-2025 | POLS 422 | Contemporary South AsiaAn in-depth study of the political and economic challenges among selected South Asian states, highlighting the relationship between government policies and social development. This course deals with themes such as democracy, economic reform, ethnic and civil conflict, gender relations, religion, and relations between the states of South Asia. Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): POLS 101 and 211 or by instructor's permission.
|
| 2025-2026 | POLS 422 | Contemporary South AsiaAn in-depth study of the political and economic challenges among selected South Asian states, highlighting the relationship between government policies and social development. This course deals with themes such as democracy, economic reform, ethnic and civil conflict, gender relations, religion, and relations between the states of South Asia. Course Credits: 3
|
| 2025-2026 | POLS 425 | European Comparative Politics & GovernmentAn exploration of special topics in European comparative politics. The themes and geographic focus vary from year to year. They may include current political institutions and forces, and the historical evolution of the European politics, in both Western and Eastern Europe. Particular attention is given to the legal traditions that gird the institutional frameworks of the countries under study. This course blends an analysis of individual nation states with an examination of the critical issues that confront them all, which are addressed comparatively. It takes account of both the national and transnational factors that affect, and are affected by, politics in Europe—notably European integration and globalization. Course Credits: 3
|
| 2024-2025 | POLS 425 | European Comparative Politics and GovernmentAn exploration of special topics in European comparative politics. The themes and geographic focus vary from year to year. They may include current political institutions and forces, and the historical evolution of the European politics, in both Western and Eastern Europe. Particular attention is given to the legal traditions that gird the institutional frameworks of the countries under study. This course blends an analysis of individual nation states with an examination of the critical issues that confront them all, which are addressed comparatively. It takes account of both the national and transnational factors that affect, and are affected by, politics in Europe—notably European integration and globalization. Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): POLS 101 and one of POLS 211 or 234.
|
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