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Year Course ID Course
2025-2026 POLS 396

LLC Internship

Students 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
2026-2027 POLS 396

LLC Internship

Students 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 & Society

A 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.
2026-2027 POLS 406

War, Peace & Society

A 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
POLS 406

War, Peace and Society

A 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
POLS 415

Contemporary Political Philosophy

This 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 Philosophy

This 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
2026-2027 POLS 415

Contemporary Political Philosophy

This 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
Cross-listed: PHIL 415
2025-2026 POLS 418

Social & Political Concepts of Community in Contemporary Political Theory

Provides 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
2026-2027 POLS 418

Social & Political Concepts of Community in Contemporary Political Theory

Provides 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
Cross-listed: PHIL 418
POLS 418

Social and Political Concepts of Community in Contemporary Political Theory

Provides 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
POLS 421

The Contemporary Middle East

An 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 East

An 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
2026-2027 POLS 421

The Contemporary Middle East

An 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
POLS 422

Contemporary South Asia

An 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 Asia

An 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
2026-2027 POLS 422

Contemporary South Asia

An 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 instructor's consent
2025-2026 POLS 425

European Comparative Politics & Government

An 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
2026-2027 POLS 425

European Comparative Politics & Government

An 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
POLS 425

European Comparative Politics and Government

An 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.
POLS 430

Global Politics

A seminar course devoted to intensive study of selected issues in contemporary global politics.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): POLS 101 and 211; or instructor's consent.
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2025-2026 POLS 430

Global Politics

A seminar course devoted to intensive study of selected issues in contemporary global politics.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 POLS 430

Global Politics

A seminar course devoted to intensive study of selected issues in contemporary global politics.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): POLS 101 and 211, or instructor's consent
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2025-2026 POLS 431

Religion & Global Politics

A survey of religion as a theme in global politics, beginning with case studies in the relationship of religion to politics and foreign policy in various areas of the world and among various religious traditions. Topics include religion and the politics of states, human rights, peace and conflict, international development, globalization, and the foundations of global order.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 POLS 431

Religion & Global Politics

A survey of religion as a theme in global politics, beginning with case studies in the relationship of religion to politics and foreign policy in various areas of the world and among various religious traditions. Topics include religion and the politics of states, human rights, peace and conflict, international development, globalization, and the foundations of global order.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): POLS 101 and 211 or instructor's consent
POLS 431

Religion and Global Politics

A survey of religion as a theme in global politics, beginning with case studies in the relationship of religion to politics and foreign policy in various areas of the world and among various religious traditions. Topics include religion and the politics of states, human rights, peace and conflict, international development, globalization, and the foundations of global order.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): POLS 101 and 211 or by instructor's permission
POLS 434

Canadian Political Thought

Examination of selected Canadian authors who have contributed significantly to the development of Canadian political discourse. Topics include federalism, social democracy, multiculturalism, feminism, compact theory, and national identity. The course entails the systematic study of these and related concepts in the context in which they were elaborated; comparison to current interpretations and usage.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): POLS 101 and 234; or instructor's consent.
2025-2026 POLS 434

Canadian Political Thought

Examination of selected Canadian authors who have contributed significantly to the development of Canadian political discourse. Topics include federalism, social democracy, multiculturalism, feminism, compact theory, and national identity. The course entails the systematic study of these and related concepts in the context in which they were elaborated; comparison to current interpretations and usage.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 POLS 434

Canadian Political Thought

Examination of selected Canadian authors who have contributed significantly to the development of Canadian political discourse. Topics include federalism, social democracy, multiculturalism, feminism, compact theory, and national identity. The course entails the systematic study of these and related concepts in the context in which they were elaborated; comparison to current interpretations and usage.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): POLS 101 and 234, or instructor's consent
POLS 436

Canadian-US Relations

A survey of relations between the two countries from their origins, ranging from military and diplomatic to intellectual and cultural contacts. Comparative developments in the two nations are examined.

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 436.
POLS 440

The Evolution of Canadian Foreign Policy

An overview of the formulation and trends of Canadian foreign policy in the period since Confederation. This course examines the domestic and external determinants of Canadian foreign policy, the nature of the foreign policy-making process, and the evolution of key themes in Canadian foreign policy.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of political studies including POLS 211 or 234, or instructor's consent.
Cross-listed: HIST 440
2025-2026 POLS 440

The Evolution of Canadian Foreign Policy

An overview of the formulation and trends of Canadian foreign policy in the period since Confederation. This course examines the domestic and external determinants of Canadian foreign policy, the nature of the foreign policy-making process, and the evolution of key themes in Canadian foreign policy.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 POLS 440

The Evolution of Canadian Foreign Policy

An overview of the formulation and trends of Canadian foreign policy in the period since Confederation. This course examines the domestic and external determinants of Canadian foreign policy, the nature of the foreign policy-making process, and the evolution of key themes in Canadian foreign policy.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of Political Studies including POLS 211 or 234, or instructor's consent
Cross-listed: HIST 440
2025-2026 POLS 487

Special Topics in Political Science

This course examines special topics or issues in political studies that are not considered in-depth in other courses.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 POLS 487

Special Topics in Political Science

This course examines special topics or issues in political studies that are not considered in-depth in other courses.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of Political Studies including POLS 101 or 211 or 234, third-year standing, and instructor's consent
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
POLS 487

The Evolution of Canadian Foreign Policy

This course examines special topics or issues in political studies that are not considered in-depth in other courses.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of political studies including POLS 101 or 211 or 234, third year standing, and instructor's consent.
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
POLS 488

Special Topics in Political Science

This course examines special topics or issues in political studies that are not considered in-depth in other courses.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of political studies including POLS 101 or 211 or 234, third year standing, and instructor's consent.
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2025-2026 POLS 488

Special Topics in Political Science

This course examines special topics or issues in political studies that are not considered in-depth in other courses.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 POLS 488

Special Topics in Political Science

This course examines special topics or issues in political studies that are not considered in-depth in other courses.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of Political Studies including POLS 101 or 211 or 234, third-year standing, and instructor's consent
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2025-2026 POLS 493

Law, Public Policy & Cultural Change

This course will provide students with theoretical and practical frameworks in the areas of law and public policy to engage with social and global issues. Students will explore the intersection of law, politics and culture in the setting of Canada's capital. Students will critique culture and identify positive ways Christians engage and shape culture, particularly in public policy and law. They will explore how law and public policy are developed through observing courts and Parliament in action. Students will identify a critical problem in society and suggest ways to resolve this problem through law and public policy that is consistent with core Christian beliefs.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 POLS 493

Law, Public Policy & Cultural Change

This course will provide students with theoretical and practical frameworks in the areas of law and public policy to engage with social and global issues. Students will explore the intersection of law, politics and culture in the setting of Canada's capital. Students will critique culture and identify positive ways Christians engage and shape culture, particularly in public policy and law. They will explore how law and public policy are developed through observing courts and Parliament in action. Students will identify a critical problem in society and suggest ways to resolve this problem through law and public policy that is consistent with core Christian beliefs.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Third- or fourth-year standing
Cross-listed: IDIS 493
POLS 493

Law, Public Policy, and Cultural Change

This course will provide students with theoretical and practical frameworks in the areas of law and public policy to engage with social and global issues. Students will explore the intersection of law, politics and culture in the setting of Canada's capital. Students will critique culture and identify positive ways Christians engage and shape culture, particularly in public policy and law. They will explore how law and public policy are developed through observing courts and Parliament in action. Students will identify a critical problem in society and suggest ways to resolve this problem through law and public policy that is consistent with core Christian beliefs.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 3rd or 4th year standing.
Cross-listed: IDIS 493
POLS 495

Honours Thesis I

Under supervision of the departmental faculty, students conduct a careful review of the literature on a topic of their choice as well as an empirical study of some portion of the topic. The final written result is submitted in a 12,000 to 15,000-word thesis. Taken in fourth year by Honours students in Political and International Studies.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Application and acceptance into Honours program in Political Studies or Honours program in International Studies. See department chair or international studies coordinator.
2025-2026 POLS 495

Honours Thesis I

Under supervision of the departmental faculty, students conduct a careful review of the literature on a topic of their choice as well as an empirical study of some portion of the topic. The final written result is submitted in a 12,000 to 15,000-word thesis. Taken in fourth year by Honours students in Political and International Studies.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 POLS 495

Honours Thesis I

Under supervision of the departmental faculty, students conduct a careful review of the literature on a topic of their choice as well as an empirical study of some portion of the topic. The final written result is submitted in a 12,000 to 15,000-word thesis. Taken in fourth year by Honours students in Political and International Studies.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Application and acceptance into Honours program in political studies or Honours program in international studies. See the department chair or International Studies coordinator.
POLS 496

Honours Thesis II

Under supervision of the departmental faculty, students conduct a careful review of the literature on a topic of their choice as well as an empirical study of some portion of the topic. The final written result is submitted in a 12,000 to 15,000-word thesis. Taken in fourth year by Honours students in Political and International Studies.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Application and acceptance into Honours program in Political Studies or Honours program in International Studies. See Department chair or International Studies coordinator.
2025-2026 POLS 496

Honours Thesis II

Under supervision of the departmental faculty, students conduct a careful review of the literature on a topic of their choice as well as an empirical study of some portion of the topic. The final written result is submitted in a 12,000 to 15,000-word thesis. Taken in fourth year by Honours students in Political and International Studies.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 POLS 496

Honours Thesis II

Under supervision of the departmental faculty, students conduct a careful review of the literature on a topic of their choice as well as an empirical study of some portion of the topic. The final written result is submitted in a 12,000 to 15,000-word thesis. Taken in fourth year by Honours students in Political and International Studies.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Application and acceptance into Honours program in Political Studies or Honours program in International Studies. See the department chair or International Studies coordinator.
PREP 100

Career Preparation

This course takes a strength-based approach and is open to any students interested in exploring career options and learning effective job search methods.

Course Credits: 1
NB: Pass/Fail course.
2025-2026 PREP 100

Career Preparation

This course takes a strength-based approach and is open to any students interested in exploring career options and learning effective job search methods.

Course Credits: 1
NB: Pass/Fail course