Courses

An 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.

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.

The 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.

Examines 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.

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.