POLS 434 - Canadian Political Thought | 2025-2026

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.

POLS 431 - Religion & Global Politics | 2025-2026

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.

POLS 425 - European Comparative Politics & Government | 2025-2026

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.

POLS 422 - Contemporary South Asia | 2025-2026

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.

POLS 421 - The Contemporary Middle East | 2025-2026

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.

POLS 415 - Contemporary Political Philosophy | 2025-2026

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.

POLS 396 - LLC Internship | 2025-2026

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.