Program Requirements
The Minor Concentration in Political Science is an 18-credit program in four fields: comparative politics, international relations, Canadian politics, and political theory, including empirical methods.
Complementary Courses (18 credits)
18 credits selected as follows:
6 or 9 POLI credits at the 200 level. Each of these POLI courses must be in a different group, the relevant groups being: Canadian Politics, International Relations, Comparative Politics, Political Theory, and Methods.
The rest of the 18 credits (9 or 12 credits) must come from POLI courses at the 300 or 400 level in any group(s). Note, however, that to take a 300- or 400-level POLI course, students must have taken a 200-level POLI course in the same field.
No more than 6 POLI transfer credits can be used toward the program requirements.
POLI 490 and POLI 499 are not open to students enrolled in the Minor Concentration.
Course lists for each group of political science courses are provided below.
Canadian Politics
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POLI 221 Government of Canada (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : An examination of the central governmental institutions, including parliament, federalism, and the judiciary.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Scholtz, Christa (Fall)
Note: The field is Canadian Politics.
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POLI 222 Political Process and Behaviour in Canada (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : An introduction to contemporary political life in Canada that examines how demands are identified and transmitted through the political systems. Emphasis will be placed on: the Canadian political culture; socialization and political participation; the electoral system; elections and voting; the role and structure of political parties; and the influence of organized interest.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Scholtz, Christa (Winter)
Note: The field is Canadian Politics.
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POLI 226 La vie politique qu茅b茅coise (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Une introduction 脿 la vie politique qu茅b茅coise 脿 travers l'茅tude des institutions, des id茅ologies et des comportements politiques. Une attention particuli猫re sera accord茅e 脿 la structure et aux changements dans le syst猫me politique qu茅b茅coise.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Muller Gomez, Johannes Lorenz (Winter)
Restriction: An ability to understand and read French is required; writing and speaking ability are not.
This course is offered in English and French in alternate years. For 2012-13 it will be offered in French.
Note: The field is Canadian Politics.
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POLI 318 Comparative Local Government (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : An examination of the organization and conduct of local government in Canada, the United States, and selected European countries. Attention to theories of local government, the criteria for comparative analysis, the provision of public goods and bads, urban political patterns and the constitution of new institutional arrangements to deal with "urban crises" in North America.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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POLI 320 Issues in Canadian Democracy (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Critical analysis of selected issues and debates in Canadian politics, including citizen participation, electoral system effects, party financing, office-seeking, approaches to representation, and direct democracy and non-party alternatives. Topics are examined from both the perspective of the general population and the specific experience of women and ethno-racial minorities.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Baert, Michelle (Fall)
Prerequisite: At least one other course in Canadian or Comparative Government and Politics or permission of instructor
Note: The field is Canadian Politics.
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POLI 321 Issues: Canadian Public Policy (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : The Canadian political process through an analysis of critical policy issues in community development, welfare state, education, and institutional reforms in public service delivery systems. Diagnostic and prescriptive interpretations of public choices in a federal-parliamentary regime.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Ajadi, Ifeoluwatari (Winter)
Prerequisite: at least one other course in Canadian or Comparative Politics
Note: The field is Canadian Politics.
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POLI 326 Provincial Politics (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : The effect of regional and provincial culture on the operation of political parties and the institutions of government; the effect of institutional modernization on provincial governments; the role of provincial sub-systems within the Canadian political system.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite: A basic course in Canadian Government or Politics or permission of the instructor
Note: The field is Canadian Politics.
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POLI 336 Le Qu茅bec et le Canada (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Comment les Canadiens anglais et les Qu茅b茅cois se per莽oivent-ils? Les diff茅rences culturelles entre les deux groupes. Les relations politiques et 茅conomiques entre les deux groupes. L'impact de la R茅volution Tranquille. La place des francophones et des anglophones dans la vie collective. Les projets de r茅am茅nagement du cadre politique.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Restrictions: An ability to understand and read French is required; writing and speaking ability are not. Not open to students who have taken QCST 336.
Note: The field is Canadian Politics.
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POLI 342 Canadian Foreign Policy (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : The development and articulation of Canadian foreign policy. Theoretical approaches. The environmental setting. Historical perspectives. Trans-Atlantic linkages. The American connection. The Common Market. The United Nations. Military security. Developing relations with Asia, Africa, Latin America. Canada in global society.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Jiang, Diya (Fall)
Prerequisite: A basic course in Canadian Government and Politics or International Politics or written consent of instructor
Note: The fields are International Politics and Canadian Politics.
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POLI 348 Gender and Canadian Politics (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : An examination of a variety of key thinkers and debates around gender in Canadian politics. Aims to give students the critical tools to examine the complexity of Canadian political society and gain a firm grasp on both the limits and possibilities of analyzing 鈥済ender鈥� as it intersects and interlocks with other facets of identity and ideology.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Steinhauer, Brooke (Fall)
Prerequisite: At least one other course in Canadian politics or GSFS
Note: The field is Canadian Politics. Also in the field of Political Theory
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POLI 371 Challenge of Canadian Federalism (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : An analysis of the origins, evolution and nature of federalism in Canada. Topics and themes will include the impact of federalism on political institutions, the effect of different regional perspectives, and the issues and conflicts that currently confront Canadian federalism.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite: at least one course in Canadian politics
Note: The field is Canadian Politics.
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POLI 372 Indigenous Peoples and the Canadian State.
(3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : The relationship of Indigenous politics to larger debates and literatures within political science, such as citizenship theory, federalism, and collective action. Subjects covered include Canada's treaty history, constitutional changes, key policy frameworks, and Indigenous political development.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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POLI 379 Topics in Canadian Politics (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Topics in Canadian politics.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite: A basic course in Canadian Government and Politics
Note: The field is Canadian Politics.
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POLI 410 Canadian Political Parties (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : This course examines Canadian political parties and party systems, stressing patterns of historical development, party organization and finance, relationships with social movement, and the impact of Canadian federalism.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Ferrell, Jason (Winter)
Prerequisite: At least one other course in Canadian Politics
Note: The field is Canadian Politics.
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POLI 412 Canadian Voting/Public Opinion (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : A critical examination of major debates within the literature on Canadian voting behaviour and public opinion.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite: at least one course in Canadian politics, preferably at the 300 or 400 level, or permission of the instructor
Note: The field is Canadian Politics.
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POLI 417 Health Care in Canada (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : This course analyzes the theory and politics of health policy and institutions, comparing provincial models and contextualizing Canadian systems with international perspectives from the U.S. and Europe. Current health reform debates will be explored, particularly those involving federal-provincial relations, sustainable financing and the role of the state in social protection.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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POLI 424 Media and Politics (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : The role of media in domestic and international politics, with reference to recent studies in political science. Themes in the study of mass media and politics in democracies.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Chan, Esli (Winter)
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POLI 426 Partis politiques et comportements 茅lectoraux au Qu茅bec (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: B茅langer, 脡ric (Fall)
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POLI 427 Selected Topics: Canadian Politics (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Selected problem areas in Canada's political process, political culture, constitutional development, and machinery of government.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite: A basic course and preferably an upper level course as well in Canadian Government and Politics or permission of the instructor
Note: The field is Canadian Politics.
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POLI 436 Aboriginal Rights in the Canadian Constitution (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : This course explores the inclusion, impact, and interpretation of s.35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. In s.35, "the existing aboriginal and treaty rights of the aboriginal peoples of Canada are hereby recognized and affirmed". What does it mean for Canada to recognize, affirm, define, justify, and implement such rights? The course sets out how one might think about the constitutional promise of s.35, and challenges us to address whether this promise has been realized. It sets out how s.35 has structured Indigenous-settler politics since 1982.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Scholtz, Christa (Winter)
Note: The field is Canadian Politics
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POLI 478 The Canadian Constitution (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : An examination of legislative and judicial protection of rights and liberties in Canada. Topics to be covered include civil rights and the division of powers; the implied bill of rights theory; the 1960 Bill of Rights; establishment and enforcement of human rights legislation; and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisites: POLI 378 or an upper level course in Canadian Politics or permission of the instructor
Restriction: Not open to students who took 160-427 in 1989-90 or 1991
Note: The field is Canadian Politics.
Comparative Politics
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POLI 212 Introduction to Comparative Politics 鈥� Europe/North America (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : An introduction to fundamental comparative politics concepts and research that focuses on Europe and North America. Topics include: state and state institutions, parties and party systems, elections, protest and social movements, rule of law, corruption, regime transitions鈥� democratization and autocratization.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Popova, Maria (Fall)
Note: The field is Comparative Politics.
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POLI 227 Introduction to Comparative Politics - Global South (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : An introduction to politics across the Global South. A comparative examination of the legacies of colonialism, the achievement of independence, and political and socio-economic development in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Topics include modernization, dependency, state-building, political violence, revolution, the role of the military, authoritarianism, and democratization.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Douek, Daniel (Winter)
Note: The field is Comparative Politics.
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POLI 316 Black Lives Matter and American Democracy (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Explores the history, ideological origins, and contemporary politics of the Black Lives Matter movement and its relationship to American democracy.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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POLI 318 Comparative Local Government (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : An examination of the organization and conduct of local government in Canada, the United States, and selected European countries. Attention to theories of local government, the criteria for comparative analysis, the provision of public goods and bads, urban political patterns and the constitution of new institutional arrangements to deal with "urban crises" in North America.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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POLI 319 Politics of Latin America (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : This course will deal with the dynamics of political change in Latin America today.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite: A basic course in Comparative Politics or a course on the region or written permission of the instructor
Note: The field is Comparative Politics.
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POLI 322 Political Change in South Asia (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Political change in South Asia in late colonial and post-colonial periods. Issues covered include social and cultural history; colonial rule, nationalism and state formation; democratic and authoritarian tendencies; economic policies and consequences; challenges to patterns of dominance and national boundaries; prospects for democracy, prosperity and equality.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite: A basic course in Comparative Politics or a course on the region or written permission of the instructor
Note: The field is Comparative Politics.
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POLI 324 Comparative Politics of Africa (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : The government and politics of African states south of the Sahara with reference to the ideological and institutional setting as influenced by the forces of tradition and the impact of Western colonialism.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Douek, Daniel (Fall)
Prerequisite: A basic course in Comparative Politics or a course on the region or written permission of the instructor
Note: The field is Comparative Politics.
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POLI 325 U.S. Politics (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : The founding of the American political system, with emphasis on the major documents, the Constitutional Convention, and the Federalist Papers, as well as the development of the constitutional system. Other fundamental characteristics, including political thought and federalism, will be examined. The main institutions, including the presidency, Congress, and the Supreme Court, will receive attention.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Szendro, Brendan (Fall)
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POLI 328 Comparing European Democracies (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : An introduction to the study of contemporary European politics. The course presents the basic concepts and approaches used in the field of European comparative politics and examines patterns of similarity and difference across Europe, as well as some current political debates in Europe.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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POLI 329 Russian Politics (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Broad introduction to contemporary Russian politics. Examination of the Soviet system and its collapse. Exploration of key elements of Russian politics such as formal and informal political institutions; economic transformation and statebusiness relations; nationalism, memory, and identity; civil society and social movements; and Russian foreign policy.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Johnson, Juliet (Winter)
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POLI 330 Law and Courts in Europe (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Judicial politics in continental Europe, including theoretical accounts of the rule of law, judicial independence, power, and accountability, and the judicialization of politics. Empirical examples will be drawn from both Western and Eastern Europe countries, as well as the constitutional and the ordinary judiciaries.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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POLI 331 Politics in East Central Europe (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Analysis of recent dramatic changes in East Central Europe in light of the historical development and current structure of these states, their relationship to their societies, with emphasis on diversity and its sources.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Dub茅, David (Fall)
Prerequisite: Some prior related course i.e. Comparative Politics or East European History or written consent of the instructor. Recommended POLI 329.
The field is Comparative Politics.
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POLI 338 Topics in Comparative Politics 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Selected aspects of the Third World. In any given year the course will concentrate either on a particular region or on a relevant thematic problem.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite: A basic course in Comparative Politics or a course on the region or written permission of the instructor.
The field is Comparative Politics.
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POLI 339 Topics in Comparative Politics 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Selected aspects of comparative politics.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite: a basic course in Comparative Politics or written permission of the instructor
Note: The field is Comparative Politics.
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POLI 340 Comparative Politics of the Middle East (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : An examination of the societies, political forces and regimes of selected countries of the Eastern Arab world (Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia).
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Brynen, Rex (Fall)
Prerequisite: A basic course in Comparative Politics or a course on the region or written permission of the instructor
Note: The field is Comparative Politics.
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POLI 357 Politics: Contemporary Europe (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : An examination of political institutions and processes in today's Europe, concentrating on the member-states of the European Union and on the Union itself. The course is organized thematically rather than on a country-by-country basis.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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POLI 361 Political Participation in Comparative Perspective (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Exploration of how citizens engage in politics. Theories and examples of current forms of political participation and mobilization will be introduced, including voting, party membership, transnational movements, political consumerism, culture jamming and internet activism. Examples are drawn from Europe and North America and sometimes from the developing world.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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POLI 369 Politics of Southeast Asia (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Topics covered include: colonialism, nationalism, democracy, authoritarianism, war, economic development, social development, overseas Chinese, ethnicity, religion, populism, and international relations, as they apply to Southeast Asian politics.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Kuhonta, Erik (Winter)
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POLI 380 Contemporary Chinese Politics (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : This course provides an introduction to key issues in contemporary Chinese politics, spanning the period from the Communist Revolution through the Maoist (1949-1976) and reform eras (1978 to present). Topics include both domestic politics and foreign policy.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Wang, Juan (Winter)
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POLI 381 Politics in Japan and South Korea (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : An introduction to key issues of contemporary politics in Japan and South Korea, covering the politics and economic development of Post-WWII Japan and Post-Korean War South Korea. Themes include: How were the contemporary political systems established in Japan and South Korea? How have these systems changed over time? What are the impacts of political institutions on the political and economic development in the two countries? How do social actors and political and economic institutions interact with each other? What are the foreign policymaking strategies in the two countries?
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Jacinto, Daniel (Winter)
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POLI 420 Memory, Place, and Power (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : This interdisciplinary class explores the relationships among memory, place, and political power. The course begins with an introduction to key classical, Enlightenment, and contemporary texts on memory and place-making. It then uses this foundation to examine the symbolic transformation of public space, in particular the construction, alteration, and destruction of monuments, memorials, and museums in post-communist states and in North America. This approach emphasizes the social quality of memory, exploring the ways in which political interests, economic resources, and social practices can shape something as ostensibly personal and individual as memory.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Johnson, Juliet (Fall)
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: GEOG 316, GEOG 325, or GEOG 331; or one 200- or 300-level course in Comparative Politics required; or permission of instructor.
Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken or are taking GEOG 420, or who have taken POLI 432 when the topic was "Memory, Place, and Power".
Note: The field is Comparative Politics.
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POLI 421 The Politics of Misinformation (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : The impact that 鈥渇ake news鈥� and 鈥渄isinformation鈥� are having on citizens across the world. The political implications of the dissemination of media that is known to be false according to the best scientific evidence.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Note: The field is Comparative Politics.
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POLI 422 Advanced Topics in Comparative Politics 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : A specific problem area in comparative politics.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Douek, Daniel (Winter)
Prerequisites: a basic course and preferably an upper level course in comparative politics
Note: The field is Comparative Politics.
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POLI 423 Politics of Ethno-Nationalism (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Theories of ethno-nationalism examined in light of experience in Asia, Middle East and Africa. Topics include formation and mobilization of national, ethnic and religious identities in colonial and post-colonial societies; impact of ethno-nationalism on pluralism, democracy, class and gender relations; means to preserve tolerance in multicultural societies.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Davydov, Andrey (Fall)
Prerequisites: one 300 or 400-level course in comparative politics.
Note: The field is Comparative Politics.
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POLI 424 Media and Politics (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : The role of media in domestic and international politics, with reference to recent studies in political science. Themes in the study of mass media and politics in democracies.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Chan, Esli (Winter)
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POLI 425 Topics in American Politics (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : This course involves a detailed analysis of a limited area of American politics and government.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite: POLI 325
Note: The area in the field of Comparative Politics is Developed Areas.
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POLI 430 Politics of Art (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Drawing on political and aesthetic theory, as well as on a wide range of artworks, artistic practices, and art criticism, exploration of the ways in which art and politics intersect. In addition to analyzing artworks鈥� subject-matter, examination of their conditions of production, dissemination, and reception. Examination of how art is deployed politically and pressing political issues such as democratic representation, free speech, and structural inequality.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Note:The field is Comparative Politics.
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POLI 431 Nations and
Nationalism (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : The role of nationalism in the political development of modern nation-states. Topics include: the origins of nationalism, nationalism and state-formation, anti-colonial nationalism, secession and sub-state nationalism, war and nationalism, federal and consociational arrangements in multi-national societies.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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POLI 432 Advanced Topics in Comparative Politics 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Topics in comparative politics.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Islas Weinstein, Tania (Fall)
Note: The field is Comparative Politics.
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POLI 435 Identity and Inequality (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Inequality is often particularly durable between groups whose boundaries are based on assumed ancestry - e.g., the major ethnic categories in former European settler colonies, castes in South Asia. This course explores ongoing changes in the relationship between identity and social, economic and political inequality in some of these contexts.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite: 300 level course in comparative politics or related social science course.
Note: The field is Comparative Politics.
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POLI 450 Peacebuilding (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : An examination of transitions from civil war to peace, and the role of external actors (international organizations, bilateral donors, non-governmental organizations) in support of such transitions. Topics will include the dilemmas of humanitarian relief, peacekeeping operations, refugees, the demobilization of ex-combatants, transitional elections, and the politics of socio-economic reconstruction.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisites: previous courses in comparative politics and international relations.
Note: The field is Comparative Politics; also in the field of International Politics.
Internet research skills are strongly recommended
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POLI 451 The European Union (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : The emergence of the EU and its innovative institutions and policies will be studied through lectures, discussions, and a simulation (of a European Council or Parliament session). Emphasis upon current debates about the EU's developing identity, its internal political economy, its institutions of 'multilevel' governance, and its external relation.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite: one course each in International Relations and Comparative Politics
Note: The field is Comparative Politics; also in the field of International Politics.
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POLI 452 Conflict Simulation (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : An introduction to the use of serious games for conflict analysis. The course will address the history of wargaming, the professional use of gaming techniques by governments and other organizations, and conflict simulation design.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Brynen, Rex (Winter)
Prerequisite: A 200-level course in international relations or comparative politics.
The field is Comparative Politics; also in the field of International Relations.
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POLI 473 Democracy and the Market (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : The relationship between economic and political change by focusing on dual processes of economic reform and democratization.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Szendro, Brendan (Winter)
Prerequisite: A course in Comparative Politics or written permission of the instructor
Note: The field is Comparative Politics.
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POLI 474 Inequality and Development (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : The political structures and social forces underlying poverty and inequality in the world; the historical roots of inequality in different regions, varying manifestations of inequality (class, region, ethnicity, gender), and selected contemporary problems.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite: A basic course in Comparative Politics or a course on the region or written permission of the instructor.
Note: The field is Comparative Politics.
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POLI 475 Social Capital in Comparative Perspective (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Social capital as an important societal resource that helps to overcome collective action and development problems. Introduction to the roots of the concept of social capital, and discussion on how and why this resource influences the political and economic life of countries, regions, cities and individuals.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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POLI 476 Religion and Politics (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : The relationship between religion and politics in the world, including the relationship between religion and the state, and specific topics in which religion plays a salient role: political parties; social movements; democratization; fundamentalism and democracy; violence; and capitalism and economic development.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Kuhonta, Erik (Fall)
Prerequisite(s): A course in Comparative Politics or permission of instructor.
Note: The field is Comparative Politics.
International Relations
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POLI 243 International Politics of Economic Relations (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : An introduction to international relations, through examples drawn from international political economy. The emphasis will be on the politics of trade and international monetary relations.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Baccini, Leonardo (Winter)
Note: The field is International Politics.
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POLI 244 International Politics: State Behaviour (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Offers a comprehensive introduction to the behaviour of nation states. Explores how states make foreign policy decisions and what motivates their behaviour. Other covered topics include the military and economic dimensions of state behaviour, conflict, cooperation, interdependence, integration, globalization, and change in the international system.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Nu帽ez-Mietz, Fernando (Fall)
Note: The field is International Politics.
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POLI 341 Foreign Policy: The Middle East (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : An examination of the changing regional security environment and the evolving foreign policies and relationships of Arab states in three areas - relations with non-Arab regional powers (Israel, Iran), inter-Arab relations, Great Power relations. The course will focus particularly on Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Douek, Daniel (Fall)
Prerequisite: A 200- or 300- level course in International Relations or Middle East politics or permission of the instructor
Note: The field is International Politics.
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POLI 342 Canadian Foreign Policy (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : The development and articulation of Canadian foreign policy. Theoretical approaches. The environmental setting. Historical perspectives. Trans-Atlantic linkages. The American connection. The Common Market. The United Nations. Military security. Developing relations with Asia, Africa, Latin America. Canada in global society.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Jiang, Diya (Fall)
Prerequisite: A basic course in Canadian Government and Politics or International Politics or written consent of instructor
Note: The fields are International Politics and Canadian Politics.
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POLI 345 International Organizations (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : The politics and processes of global governance in the 21st century, with a special emphasis on the United Nations system.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Katul, Mounir (Winter)
Prerequisite: A basic course in International Politics or written consent of instructor
Note: The field is International Politics.
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POLI 346 American Foreign Policy (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : An exploration of American foreign policy from 1945 to the present. Topics to be addressed are the origins of the Cold War, deterrence, strategy and arms control, American intervention in Latin America and Vietnam, U.S. policy in the Post Cold War era - Gulf War, Haiti, Somalia, Yugoslavia and relations with Japan.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Brawley, Mark R (Fall)
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POLI 347 Arab-Israel Conflict, Crisis, Peace (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Concepts - protracted conflict, crisis, war, peace; system, subsystem; Conflict-levels of analysis; historical context; images and issues; attitudes, policies, role of major powers; Crises-Wars - configuration of power; crisis models; decision-making in 1956, 1967, 1973, 1982 crisis-wars; conflict- crisis management; Peace-Making - pre-1977; Egypt-Israel peace treaty; Madrid, Oslo, Israel-Jordan peace; prospects for conflict resolution.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Douek, Daniel (Fall)
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POLI 349 Foreign Policy: Asia (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : An overview of the foreign policies of two rising powers - China and India - in addition to Japan, covering the historical evolution, goals and determinants of their foreign policies, interactions with the rest of Asia and the world, and efforts at institutionalised cooperation in South and East Asia.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Paul, T V (Fall)
Prerequisites: POLI 243 or 244, or permission of the instructor.
Note: The field is International Politics.
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POLI 350 Global Environmental Politics (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Environmental problems like climate change, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and ocean acidification transcend national borders. Solving these problems will require global cooperation on an unprecedented level. This course will explore the challenges of contemporary global environmental governance and the innovative solutions being advanced at the community, municipal, provincial, national, and international levels.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Janzwood, Amy (Fall)
Prerequisite(s): A basic course in International Politics.
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POLI 351 The Causes of Major Wars (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Examination of the competing theoretical explanations for major wars; application of the theories to the outbreak of World War I.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Brawley, Mark R (Winter)
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POLI 352 International Policy/Foreign Policy: Africa (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : A study of international politics in Africa; including Africa in the U.N., the Organization of African Unity, African regional groupings and integration, Africa as a foreign policy arena and African inter-state conflict and diplomacy.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Douek, Daniel (Winter)
Prerequisite: A basic course in International or African politics or written consent of the instructor
Note: The field is International Politics.
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POLI 353 Politics of the International Refugee Regime (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : This course explores the causes and consequences of displacement, and international responses to this issue, focusing on forced migration linked to conflict, persecution and human rights abuses. It examines key actors, interests and norms that shape the international refugee regime, and international responses to other forms of displacement. Particular attention is devoted to the ways in which displaced persons themselves navigate and shape the regime, and to challenges including the resolution of displacement crises, and accountability for forced migration.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Note: The field is International Politics.
Pre-requisite(s): A basic course in International Politics.
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POLI 354 Approaches to International Political Economy (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : The course presents theoretical approaches to understanding change in the international political economy.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Katul, Mounir (Fall)
Prerequisite: A basic course in International Relations and an introductory course in Macro Economics
Note: The field is International Politics.
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POLI 355 The Politics of International Law (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : A survey of the relationship between international politics and international law. The study of the international legal regulation of such phenomena as war, humanitarian intervention, and transnational terrorism, is oriented towards a richer apprehension of the nature of international conflict, cooperation and governance in the contemporary world.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Nu帽ez-Mietz, Fernando (Fall)
Prerequisite(s): A basic course in International Politics.
Note: The field is International Politics.
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POLI 358 Political Economy of International Organizations (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : The course focuses on the main issues in international cooperation and on the role of economic international institutions in world politics. The first part addresses the main debates related to international cooperation. The second part covers the international trade institutions such as the World Trade Organization. The third part covers the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the European Union, and environmental and energy organizations.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Baccini, Leonardo (Winter)
Prerequisite(s): A basic course in International Politics.
Note: The field is International Politics.
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POLI 359 Topics in International Politics 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : A specific problem area in International Relations.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite: A basic course in International Relations
Note: The field is International Politics.
The fee for this field course is $3500. The fee for this activity covers ground transportation, academic materials, accommodation, and other field related expenses.
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POLI 360 Security: War and Peace (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Focuses on international security and strategies of war and peace in historical and comparative frameworks. Topics include case studies of 20th century wars, conventional and nuclear strategy, and various approaches to peace.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite: A basic course in International Relations or written permission of the instructor
Note: The field is International Politics.
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POLI 362 Political Theory and International Relations (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Key contributions of political theory to the study and practice of international relations. Three prevailing theoretical traditions will be examined: realism, 'international society', and cosmopolitanism. Key practical issues to be explored from these perspectives include war, humanitarian intervention, economic globalization, environment, and gender.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Lu, Catherine (Winter)
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POLI 441 International Political
Economy: Trade (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Politics of international trade, such as the international rules governing trade in goods, the functioning of international bodies such as the WTO, and the domestic sources of these international policies.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Katul, Mounir (Fall)
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POLI 442 International Relations of Ethnic Conflict (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Issues related to the internationalization of ethnic conflict, including diasporas, contagion and demonstration effects, intervention, irredentism, the use of sanctions and force. Combination of theory and the study of contemporary cases.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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POLI 443 Intervention in World Politics (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Examination of the history, theory and politics of intervention, focusing on the 19th century onward. It examines interventions for humanitarian purposes and interventions in civil wars in the 19th century, critical cases of non-intervention from the first half of the 20th century, intervention and resistance in the Cold War and decolonization periods, and interventions since the end of the Cold War. Legal, ethical and political frameworks for assessing the legitimacy and effects of intervention as a contemporary practice, the ways in which it has been contested, and its relationship to core principles, such as state sovereignty.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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POLI 444 Topics in International Politics 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : A specific problem area in International Politics.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Baccini, Leonardo; Katul, Mounir (Fall) Katul, Mounir (Winter)
Prerequisite: An upper level course in International Politics or written permission of the instructor
Note: The field is International Politics.
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POLI 445 International Political Economy: Monetary Relations (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Advanced course in international political economy; the politics of international of monetary relations, such as international rules governing international finance, the reasons for and consequences of financial flows, and the functioning of international financial bodies such as the IMF and World Bank.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Katul, Mounir (Winter)
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POLI 447 Political Economy of Multinationals (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Exploration of the economic and political behaviour of one of the most important non-state actors in the international system: multinationals. The main models in international trade, including the New New Trade Theory. The main issues related to the political economy of foreign direct investment (FDI). The impact of FDI on development as well as the role of MNCs in emerging markets.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite: POLI 311 or permission of the instructor
The field is International Relations.
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POLI 448 Gender and International Relations (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : The course will help students deepen their understanding of international relations by introducing them to gender analysis of global politics and feminist approaches to international relations. Part one examines gender-sensitive and feminist theories in international relations research. The second part then applies these approaches to a range of substantive issues including security, violence, peacebuilding, international law and political economy.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Note: The field is International Politics.
Prerequisite(s): A basic course in International Politics.
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POLI 449 Diplomacy in Practice (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : An examination of the evolution of diplomatic practices over time, with a special emphasis on emerging trends in the 21st century. It focuses on key sites of diplomacy, from foreign ministries to international organizations, and evaluates the role of new technologies and non-states actors in shaping global intercourse.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite(s): A basic course in International Politics or permission of instructor.
The field is International Politics. This course is taught in an active learning classroom.
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POLI 450 Peacebuilding (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : An examination of transitions from civil war to peace, and the role of external actors (international organizations, bilateral donors, non-governmental organizations) in support of such transitions. Topics will include the dilemmas of humanitarian relief, peacekeeping operations, refugees, the demobilization of ex-combatants, transitional elections, and the politics of socio-economic reconstruction.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisites: previous courses in comparative politics and international relations.
Note: The field is Comparative Politics; also in the field of International Politics.
Internet research skills are strongly recommended
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POLI 451 The European Union (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : The emergence of the EU and its innovative institutions and policies will be studied through lectures, discussions, and a simulation (of a European Council or Parliament session). Emphasis upon current debates about the EU's developing identity, its internal political economy, its institutions of 'multilevel' governance, and its external relation.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite: one course each in International Relations and Comparative Politics
Note: The field is Comparative Politics; also in the field of International Politics.
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POLI 452 Conflict Simulation (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : An introduction to the use of serious games for conflict analysis. The course will address the history of wargaming, the professional use of gaming techniques by governments and other organizations, and conflict simulation design.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Brynen, Rex (Winter)
Prerequisite: A 200-level course in international relations or comparative politics.
The field is Comparative Politics; also in the field of International Relations.
Political Theory
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POLI 231 Introduction to Political Theory (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : The course introduces students to political theory through critical examination of classic texts in the history of political thought. In addition to gaining an understanding of several different traditions of political thought, students are encouraged to develop their skills in textual interpretation, critical reasoning, and essay-writing.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Levy, Jacob (Fall) Roberts, William (Winter)
Note: The field is Political Theory.
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POLI 333 Western Political Theory 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : The major themes and writers in the political theory of classical antiquity. The political ideas of Thucydides, Plato, Aristotle, and the Hellenistic philosophers will be explored through the significant texts of this period.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Roberts, William (Fall)
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POLI 334 Western Political Theory 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Medieval and renaissance political philosophy, from Saint Augustine to Sir Thomas More. Scholastic and neo-scholastic political thought, natural law and natural rights, as well as civic and northern humanism, republicanism and liberty. Twentieth century work on similar concepts will be used.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Muniz-Fraticelli, Victor (Winter)
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POLI 362 Political Theory and International Relations (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Key contributions of political theory to the study and practice of international relations. Three prevailing theoretical traditions will be examined: realism, 'international society', and cosmopolitanism. Key practical issues to be explored from these perspectives include war, humanitarian intervention, economic globalization, environment, and gender.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Lu, Catherine (Winter)
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POLI 363 Contemporary Political Theory (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : This course explores fundamental currents of thought in political philosophy. Topics will vary from year to year, and may include issues such as classical liberalism and its opponents, the foundations of socialism and Marxism, rational choice theory and its critics.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Denigris, Michael (Fall)
Prerequisite: A 200 or 300 level course in political theory
Note: The field is Political Theory.
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POLI 364 Radical Political Thought (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Radical themes in contemporary political thought and action.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Roberts, William (Winter)
Prerequisite: A 200- or 300-level course in political theory
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POLI 365 Democratic Theory (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : A series of lectures and seminars on democratic theory.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: A 200- or 300-level course in political theory
Note: The field is Political Theory.
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POLI 366 Topics in Political Theory 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : A specific problem area in Political Theory.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisites: A 200- or 300-level course in political theory
Note: The field is Political Theory.
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POLI 367 Liberal Political Theory (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : The development of liberal political thought and theories of justice, including a selection of authors from: Locke, Montesquieu, Smith, Constant, Kant, Mill, Tocqueville, Berlin, Hayek, Rawls, Nozick, Walzer, and Kymlicka, as well as some of their critics.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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POLI 368 Political Theory and Indigeneity.
(3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Engages with diverse approaches in political theory that address the political situation of Indigenous peoples in multiple settler colonial contexts. Explores how indigeneity requires transformations in the conduct of political theory and in our understanding of the history of political thought, including Indigenous political thoughts as articulated by Indigenous scholars.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Allard-Tremblay, Yann (Fall)
Prerequisites: POLI 231
Note: The field is Political Theory.
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POLI 433 History of Political/Social Theory 3 (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Early modern political philosophy, from Luther to Rousseau and Burke. Resistance theories of the 16th century, Hobbes and Locke, the Enlightenment and the French Revolution. Twentieth century work on concepts developed in this period such as rights, revolution, legitimacy, democracy, authority and liberty.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Winter, Yves (Fall)
Prerequisite: POL1 231 or 232 or 333 or 334 or written permission
Note: The field is Political Theory
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POLI 434 History of Political/Social Theory 4 (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : A consideration of selected writers and themes of late 19th and 20th century political theory. Writers include Hegel, Clausewitz, Marx, Mill, Nietzsche, Lenin, Rowis, Foucault, and Habermas. The rise of industrial society, scientism, the romantic revolt, revolutionary movements, socialism and liberal-democracy.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Lu, Catherine (Winter)
Prerequisite: POL1 433
Note: The field is Political Theory.
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POLI 458 (De-) Coloniality (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Explores the theorization of colonialism, including settler colonialism, as a political phenomenon. Explores the connection between colonialism and political thought, with both an historical and contemporary focus. Explores how political thinkers have and are responding to, resisting, and undermining coloniality.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Allard-Tremblay, Yann (Fall)
Prerequisite(s): one 300-level course in political theory
Note: This course is in the Political Theory field.
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POLI 459 Topics in Political Theory 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : This course will deal with a specific problem area in Political theory.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite: A 300- or 400-level course in political theory
Note: The field is Political Theory.
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POLI 470 Philosophy, Economy and Society (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : The application of normative political theory and the history of political thought to state-society and state-market relations and governance. The justice and ethics of economic policies and modes of production; social-theoretic and economic examinations of the state and the state system from social theory and economic theory.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Methods
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POLI 210 Political Science Research Methods (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : This course provides an introduction to political science research methods. The aim of the course is to familiarize students with the scientific study of politics, the variety of research methodologies in political science, and the challenges that arise when researchers attempt to explain or measure political phenomena, demonstrate causal relationships and draw methodologically- defensible conclusions from research .
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Popova, Maria; Szendro, Brendan (Fall)
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POLI 311 Introduction to Quantitative Political Science (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Building on POLI 210 (or equivalent), this course will introduce students to modern quantitative political science methods and teach them the requisite programming skills for data analysis. The course will provide students the foundational statistical skills to apply to their own research projects and to become more informed consumers of quantitative data in and outside of the academic context.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Szendro, Brendan (Winter)
Prerequisite(s): POLI 210 or equivalent, or permission of instructor.
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POLI 312 Intermediate Quantitative
Political Science (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Building on POLI 311 (or equivalent), this course will deepen students鈥� understanding of modern quantitative political science tools as well as deepen their statistical programming skills.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Berwick, Elissa (Fall)
Prerequisite: POLI 311
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POLI 313 Introduction to Qualitative Methods in Political Science (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Introduction to the basic concepts, approaches, and techniques of qualitative research methods in political science. It covers both positivist and interpretivist approaches, and techniques such as interviewing, focus groups, case studies, comparative historical analysis, discourse analysis, archival research, and ethnographic research.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Islas Weinstein, Tania (Winter)
Restrictions: POLI 210 or equivalent, or permission of instructor
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POLI 461 Advanced Quantitative Political Science (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : A lab course that deals with topics not covered in POLI 311 or POLI 312 and applicable across political science subfields. Such topics include: Estimating models with limited and categorical outcomes; dealing with time-dependent data; estimating models of duration; advanced spatial methods; advanced text-as-data methods; advanced network methods .
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
