Courses

This 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.

Provides 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.

This 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.

An 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.

Examines 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.

A 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.

An 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.

This 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.

In 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.