Courses

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.