Political Science1020E -
Introduction to Political Science
An introduction to the study of politics. The course focuses on ideas (including politics, power, democracy, justice, freedom), ideologies (including liberalism, conservatism, socialism, feminism), institutions (including the nation-state, constitutions, legislatures, executives, the judiciary), political mobilization (participation, elections, parties, interest groups), and research skills, emphasizing Canadian, comparative, and international examples.
Antirequisite(s):The former Politics 021F-026G series.
A study of the factors governing international relations: the United Nations; the foreign policies of such countries as the USA, Russia, UK, France, China and Canada.
The basic principles of public administration in the modern state, including organization, procedures and the relation of administration to policy making.
This course examines the politics of economic issues. It focuses on the competition between free market and interventionist economic ideas and how businesses, unions, think tanks and lobby groups seek to influence government policy across various issue areas such as taxes, spending, trade, finance, regulation, the environment, recessions and competitiveness.
Antirequisite(s):The former Political Science 111.
Political Science2219E -
The Politics of Human Rights
A lecture course on the political dimensions of human rights. The course begins by examining the meaning and interpretations of human rights, and then discusses the application of the human rights discourse in real world situations both within states and at the international level.
Antirequisite(s):Political Science 3388E, the former Political Science 209E, if taken in 2001-02, 2002-03, 2003-04.
This course will analyse the making and implementation of government policy, and examine the content of government policies in such areas as education, health care, family life, and the economy.
Political Science2222E -
Politics and the Media in Canada
Examines the interrelationship between politics, government and the media in Canada. The principal themes of the course include: the political history of the media in Canada; ideology and the media; the political economy of the Canadian media; State regulation of the media; politics and the news; and the political effects of the media.
Antirequisite(s):
Prerequisite(s):Political Science 1020E, or the former MIT 024a/b, or permission of the Department.
Political Science2225E -
Developing Countries in Global Politics
A study of the political, economic, and social issues related to development and underdevelopment, including development strategies, global institutions, foreign aid, state building, and democratization. The focus will be on Africa, Asia, and Latin America, supplemented by attention to specific national and regional case studies.
This course surveys contemporary world politics and examines contending theories used by scholars and policymakers to make sense of international affairs. It also provides the conceptual tolls and theories to interpret the international system.
Political Science2235E -
The Politics of the Environment
An examination of human impacts on the earth's ecosystems, and the political responses to these impacts, with particular attention to the effects of industrial technologies and economic patterns, and the underlying values that support these. This course will draw upon concepts from economic, geography, and biology as well as political science.
Political Science2238F/G -
United Kingdom Constitution
An examination of the origins, development, and theories of the Constitution of the United Kingdom, with particular reference to its foundational laws and constitutional issues, such as nationalism and devolution, civil rights, parliamentary reform, and membership in the European Union.
Political Science2239F/G -
American Constitutional Law
An examination of the origins, development, and theories of the Constitution of the United States of America, with particular reference to the separation and division of powers, democratic institutions, civil rights and judiciary.
Political Science2243E -
The Politics of the Middle East
A comparative analysis of the formal and informal institutions of government and sources of political change, and a review of selected conflicts of international significance in the region.
Antirequisite(s):The former Political Science 2143E.
Political Science2245E -
Introduction to Comparative Politics
Examines theoretical approaches to the study of comparative politics. The course introduces students to the methodology of comparative politics through the study of both developed and developing societies.
The basic principles of public administration in the modern state, including organization, procedures and the relation of administration to policy making.
Political Science2255F/G -
Women in Political Life
This course focuses on the participation and subordination of women in the processes of politics and examines ways of achieving greater equality for women in political life and society.
A comprehensive survey of the principal issues, perspectives and debates in the field of global political economy. Topics include the emergence of economic globalisation and its consequences for the environment, labour, democracy, international conflict and poverty. Alternatives to contemporary economic globalisation and contending approaches to international development are also considered.
This course focuses on how women participate and effect political change. It examines women’s subordination and the wide-range of emancipatory struggles women have undertaken to achieve equality.
Political Science2275E -
Local Political Economy: Community and Democracy in a Global Age
This course introduces students to the challenges and opportunities for local communities to control their destiny in an era of global integration. Topics include: strategic economic planning; healthy community initiatives; technology clusters; brownfield regeneration; and community economic development. Case studies are from North America and Europe.
Political Science2276F/G -
The Politics of Health Care
This course considers the operation of Canada’s health care system and the public-policy initiatives designed to address the political and economic challenges of delivering health care services in Canada.
An examination of public policies affecting primary and secondary schools in Canada and elsewhere. The course includes government initiatives directed at the structure of the education system, financing and operation of schools, regulation of teachers, and relations between schools and the community.
Political Science2280E -
The Government and Politics of China
An introduction to Chinese Government and Politics with reference to the historical evolution of the political system, ideology, institutions and political processes.
Political Science2284F/G -
Inside Governments: Policy Making in Canada and the United States
This course examines policy making and public administration in Canada and the United States. Comparing institutions, processes, and cultures, the course surveys a range of policy fields including economic development, social welfare, health care, and public security. Theoretical approaches are supplemented with insider perspectives from policy participants.
A survey which briefly reviews policy-making processes, and then concentrates on the analysis of policy outcomes, through current examples and literature (primarily) on social indicators, policy planning, implementation, and evaluation.
This course conceptualizes politics as a set of interactive games and investigates the successful strategies for playing these games. The games, which students will play, include the prisoner’s dilemma, chicken, stag hunt, ultimatum, and the dollar auction game. The course uses games to understand and resolve such key political situations as war, negotiations, overpopulation, and the provision of public goods.
This course uses simulations and class-based experiments to explore models of how government decides and acts. The models include the rational actor model, bureaucratic politics, punctuated equilibrium theory, backward mapping, and the psychology of choice. The course emphasizes the unexpected or odd nature of much of government behavior.
Political Science2290E -
Introduction to Political Leadership
An introductory course which examines the key dimensions of political leadership: nature and significance of leadership, power and leadership, historical and modern approaches to political leadership, skills and competencies of leadership, and political leadership in practice.
Political Science2299E -
British Politics: Continuity and Change
A historical and analytical examination of the themes of continuity and change in British politics, with particular focus on the constitution, government, democracy, political parties and ideologies. Issues such as nationalism, terrorism, race, multiculturalism, and Britain's relations with the European Union and the USA are also considered.
Political Science3300E -
Comparative Politics of Protest and Social Justice
An examination of cases of unconventional politics and protest movements with reference to competing theories regarding their formation and activities. Focus will be on their political role and activities which invoke a sense of solidarity, shared identity, and a set of moral principles as much cultural as political.
Antirequisite(s):The former Political Science 392E (570) Selected Topics in 2003-2004.
Prerequisite(s):Honors standing in 3rd or 4th year in either Political Science or Social Justice and Peace Studies.
Political Science3301F/G -
(In)Equality and Violence
This course examines two inter-related topics central to modern political theory and modern societies: first, equality and inequality; second, violence. Readings include canonical statements (Rousseau, Marx, Fanon, Arendt), contemporary treatments and case studies. These include the purpose of equality, the distribution of wealth, the psychology of violence and its justifications.
Antirequisite(s):
Prerequisite(s):Political Science 1020E and 3rd or 4th year standing in any module/program, or permission of the Department.
Political Science3302F/G -
Immigration Policy in Canada
This course addresses immigration, refugee and multiculturalism policy and their social and political consequences in Canadian civil society. Students will learn about the evolution of these policies, covering topics such as public opinion, media, humanitarian intervention and Canada's role in the global migration community.
Antirequisite(s):
Prerequisite(s):Political Science 1020E and 3rd or 4th year standing in any module/program, or permission of the Department.
The formation of political identities is explored in the context of cultures, ideologies, discourses, and narratives in a globalizing world. Investigating citizenship, political participation, engagement in social movements and political protest, the course focuses on hybrid, fragmented, and multiple identities and their political consequences, notably attempts to construct singular identities.
Antirequisite(s):
Prerequisite(s):Political Science 1020E plus 1.0 course in Political Science at the 2200 level, or permission of the department.
Political Science3306F/G -
Political Authority and Resistance
An introduction to the role of masses in political life. Topics include agitation, propaganda, protest, social movements, symbolic politics and mobilization. Ethnic discrimination, nationalism, political terror and political violence are explored through the psychology of ethnocentrism, xenophobia, authoritarianism, dogmatism and racism.
Political Science3309E -
Politics and Contemporary Social Policy
The political dimension of the social policy debates of recent decades, the challenges of public policy formulation and evaluation, and the experience of Canada and other countries in the social policy field will be examined.
Political Science3324F/G -
Introduction to Research Methods in Political Science
This course introduces students to a range of methodological approaches to questions in political science. Students will become familiar with qualitative and quantitative data sources and ways of using each to address political issues.
Political Science3325E -
Ethnic Conflict and Resolution
This course will be concerned with the phenomenon of ethnic conflict and conflict resolution. It will examine the numerous theories of ethnicity and ethnic conflict resolution, and will apply these to various examples of ethnic conflict throughout the world.
Antirequisite(s):
Prerequisite(s):Political Science 1020E and 3rd or 4th year standing in any module/program, or permission of the department.
Political Science3332F/G -
Law, Politics, and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
This course will examine and assess the Charter’s implications for the Canadian political process. The course will focus on judicial interpretation of the Charter, the respective roles of Parliament and the judiciary in the political process, and Charter litigation commenced by competing social interests.
Antirequisite(s):The former Political Science 403F/G
A course for students wishing to work in government or pursue careers that require a close appreciation of the operation of government. Course examines the responsibilities of public servants and their relationships with other actors in the political process. Focus is on Canada, but other countries are considered.
Political Science3343F/G -
European Union: The Politics of Integration
This course will survey the sources in history of European integration, the institutions and policy-making approaches that have resulted from these developments, and the extent to which the European Union has moved in a state-like or democratic direction and will do so in the future.
Political Science3345E -
International Law and Organization
A study of the principles and operations of international and regional associations such as the UN and NATO. An introduction to international law, emphasizing its relevance to the resolution of conflicts between nations.
Political Science3349E -
Governing Intergovernmentally
This is a course which considers the origins and operation of federalism in Canada. The course centres on the interactions of federal and provincial governments in the making of policy and highlights the challenges and changing nature of intergovernmental relations.
A seminar on theories of the nature and role of the modern state. Topics for discussion may include theories of state formation, pluralist, individualist and neo-Marxist views of the state, and the question of state autonomy in relation to economic and social formations.
Political Science3352E -
Advanced International Politics
A seminar course treating theoretical aspects of international politics in the light of substantive material. The seminar will consider a selection of normative doctrines, conceptual frameworks, and theoretical propositions concerning various modes of international action and interaction, organization, and integration and evaluate these in application to contemporary world politics.
An examination of theories of the state and democracy, and the mediating role of law in relations between groups, individuals and the state. Issues discussed include the justifiable limits on state interference in the lives of citizens, the viability of democratic decision-making, internal nationalist, ethnic, religious and linguistic divisions, and multiculturalism.
Political Science3356F/G -
The Political Economy of Globalisation
This seminar course examines the main issues and theoretical debates surrounding contemporary economic globalisation. It analyses the implications of a globalising economy for environmental protection, labour, inequality, democracy, and international peace. The rise of resistance movements and proposals for alternatives to globalisation's current form are also considered.
Political Science3357E -
International Political Economy
A study of the politics of economic relations, including relations among the advanced industrialized countries, the integration of former centrally-planned economies into the world market economy, and relations between developed and developing countries.
Political Science3358F/G -
The Politics of Economic Development
A seminar course that examines the theoretical debates and issues surrounding economic development. It surveys the main theoretical approaches that seek to explain the causes of underdevelopment and the development strategies they advocate. Case studies include micro-credit, fair trade, foreign aid, child labour, gender and development, and foreign debt.
Political Science3360F/G -
21st Century Media and Politics
This course looks critically at the role of media as a contributor to and conduit of the political process. It examines the impact of media type and journalistic practices on the distribution of information and political behaviour. Both traditional and new media will be examined in depth.
Antirequisite(s):The former Political Science 3350E.
Political Science3362E -
Case Studies in Contemporary Ethnic Conflict
This course will involve an in-depth assessment of a range of contemporary ethnic conflicts. It will, in particular, examine the relationship between the internal and external dimensions of these disputes.
Antirequisite(s):
Prerequisite(s):Registration in third or fourth year of an Honors Specialization or Honors Double Major, or permission of the department.
Political Science3368E -
City-Regions in a Global Age
This course examines the growing political, economic, cultural and ecological significance of city-regions. Topics include: the dynamics of globalization and localization; the resurgence of urban and regional policy analysis; effective governance structures for sprawling city-regions; and problems of social polarization and spatial segregation within metropolitan areas.
Antirequisite(s):Political Science 3363F/G, 3364F/G, the former Political Science 392E (section 550) taken in 2002/03 and 2003/04.
Prerequisite(s):Enrolment in 3rd or 4th year in any Political Science module.
Political Science3379E -
Global Environmental Politics
A comprehensive overview of the major issues, actors, ideas, institutions, and interests that constitute the global politics of the environment. The course covers the major worldviews of global environmental politics, the relationship between the global economy and the global environment, and the various approaches to managing global environmental change.
Antirequisite(s):The former Political Science 3379F/G. Global Environmental Politics offered as the former Political Science 455G in 2005-06 and Political Science 455F in 2006-07 and Political Science 3314E.
Political Science3380E -
Governance in the Asia-Pacific
A seminar course on comparative politics of the dynamic Asia-Pacific region. The exploration of themes such as Confucian capitalism, political economy, Asian values, the rising middle class, state/society relationships, gender and ethnic politics, and political changes will be complemented by detailed country studies that encompass Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Political Science3382F/G -
China's International Relations
An analysis of China's international relations after the Cold War by focusing on the impact of the international environment, the domestic determinants of its foreign policy, changing security concerns, and the patterns of its interaction with other global powers and international organizations.
Antirequisite(s):The former Political Science 381E.
Political Science3383F/G -
Japan's International Relations
An analysis of Japan's international relations after the Cold War by focusing on the impact of the international environment, the domestic determinants of its foreign policy, changing security concerns, and the pattern of its interaction with other global powers and international organizations.
Political Science3384F/G -
Media and Elections: Campaigns, Candidates and Coverage
An exploration of the mutual interplay among media, politicians and citizens during election campaigns. Particular attention is focused on political advertising, editorializing, the news and current affairs media, televised debates, on-line campaigning, key campaign turning points and the impact of opinion polls.
Political Science3385F/G -
Political Communications in Canada: Image, Influence, Impact
An investigation into the relationship between power and representation in Canada. Grounded in a historical orientation to the political media in Canada, the course explores influential social forces behind the creation of media images and messages as well as the degree to which such mediated ideas exert an impact on audiences.
Political Science3386F/G -
The Globalisation of Neoliberalism
This advanced seminar course examines how neoliberalism became so dominant in the global political economy and considers alternative explanations for the global spread of neoliberalism, including the roles played by global economic competition, military and economic power, policy learning, international institutions, think tanks, economists, consultants and transnational advocacy groups.
Antirequisite(s):The former Political Science 356F if taken in 2006.
An examination of selected topics in the area of political psychology including: the role of attitudes in political behaviour; political ideology; personality and politics; political alienation; political socialization; and individual decision-making.
Political Science3392E -
Special Topics in Political Science
Topic available in department.
Antirequisite(s):
Prerequisite(s):Enrolment in 3rd or 4th year Political Science, or permission of the Department for students not registered in Political Science programs.
Reading and discussion of selected topics in Political Science
Antirequisite(s):
Prerequisite(s):Third or fourth year standing in an Honors Specialization or Honors Double Major in Political Science, or permission of the instructor.
Political Science3400F/G -
Northern Policy Challenges for Canada
A one term seminar half course surveying the public policy and foreign policy challenges facing Canada as an Arctic nation. Among the topics to be covered are competing national sovereignty claims, the Arctic Council, resource politics, Aboriginal Peoples, and the nature of territorial government.
Antirequisite(s):
Prerequisite(s):Enrolment in third or fourth year in any Political Science module
An introduction to the issues and debates relating to the place of legislatures within the political system. Among the main topics are the role of legislatures, their representative ability, legislative careers, parliamentary versus presidential systems and legislative reform. Emphasis will be placed on experience in Canada and the U.S.
Antirequisite(s):The former Political Science 485E, if taken in 1993-94 or 1994-95.
Political Science4423F/G -
Nationalism, Rebellion, and Separatism
This course deals with the relationship between nationalism and conflict in societies that have historically been divided along ethnic and/or religious lines, and have experienced separatist claims, rebellion, and/or secessionist conflicts. It will also consider the challenges posed for conflict resolution and management in such societies.
Antirequisite(s):The former Political Science 430E.
Prerequisite(s):Registration in third or fourth year of an Honors Specialization or Honors Double Major, or permission of the department.
Political Science4424F/G -
Nationalist Conflicts and Paths to Peace
This course deals with the problems and prospects of achieving sustainable peace and democracy in divided societies. Topics include consociational power-sharing, federalism, and other forms of territorial and non-territorial autonomy for ethnic communities. The course will also examine the involvement of third parties as mediators and guarantors of peace accords.
Antirequisite(s):
Prerequisite(s):Political Science 1020E and 3rd or 4th year standing in any module/program, or permission of the department.
Political Science4429E -
Politics and the State in the United Kingdom
A seminar devoted to the study of theoretical perspectives on the state, and to the consideration of a selection of contemporary issues within and related to the state in the United Kingdom.
Political Science4430E -
Critical Security Studies
An introduction to the burgeoning field of Critical Security Studies. Central to the field is the extent to which both what is critical and what is security remain unresolved. Themes include: security and identity; securitization; gender and security; security and technology; environmental security; and human security.
Political Science4443E -
Foreign Policies of Middle-Eastern States
This course will examine the foreign policies of the Arab states in the Middle East, Turkey, Israel and Iran. It will consider a framework for analysis that takes into account the major conceptual contributions of recent decades.
Political Science4444E -
Constitutions in Canada and the United States
This course analyzes and compares the protection of individual and group rights in the two federal constitutions, from their inception to the present. Based within a legal-historical context, using the constitutional case method, it examines the political, social, and economic issues as they relate to the role of judges, legislators, and the executives in the formation of public policy.