Courses

The 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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