POLITICAL SCIENCE
POSC 100:
Introduction to Political Science 3 credits
Prerequisites: none
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, TWU
Introduction to the study of politics, political culture, ideology, and government. Students will develop an understanding of the process of law-making in Canada. Areas in need of reform will be highlighted in order to encourage debate on important current themes. Discussions combined with readings will permit students to form informed opinions about government and politics.
POSC 110:
Canadian Politics 3 credits
Prerequisites: none
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU, UNBC
Approaches the study of the governmental structures and institutions of contemporary Canada by considering social, political, and economic factors which have exercised significant influence on their development. Canadian government will be viewed in terms of its dynamic interaction with the broader political environment.
POSC 120:
Ideology and Politics 3 credits
Prerequisites: none
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU
An examination of major political ideologies including conservatism, liberalism, Marxism and democratic socialism. The course centres around both political and economic doctrines with a view to the understanding and evaluation of contemporary North American and world politics.
POSC 190:
International Relations 3 credits
Prerequisites: none
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU
A study of aspects of global conflict and world politics. The course provides students with the background necessary for an understanding of sources of power, techniques of wielding influence, and the formulation of foreign policy. The course will examine international law, under development, human rights and global ecology in the context of international political economy.
POSC 195:
International Organizations 3 credits
Prerequisites: POSC 190
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU
This course examines the history and present status of international and regional governmental and non-governmental organizations which act in the international arena. Emphasis will be placed on organizations such as the United Nations, the European Community, OPEC, Amnesty International, and NATO, as well as multinational corporations.
POSC 200:
Introduction to Political Analysis 3 credits
Prerequisites: POSC 120
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU
Introduction to various modes of political analysis, including classical perspectives, political economy and empirical political analysis.
POSC 230:
Comparative Politics 3 credits
Prerequisites: any 100-level course in political science
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU
An introduction to the basic structures, processes and policies of modern governments through an examination of foreign governments.
POSC 270:
Introduction to Political Theory 3 credits
Prerequisites: POSC 120 or PHIL 110 or PHIL 130 or CRIM 130
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU
Introduction to the activity of political theory and the history of political thought.
Note: POSC 270 is the same as PHIL 210. Although transferability may differ, credit cannot be obtained for both POSC 270 and PHIL 210 at UCFV.
POSC 311:
History of Political Thought I 3 credits
Developed in partnership with Simon Fraser University
Prerequisites: POSC 120 or POSC 270 or PHIL 210
Transferability: TWU
Political thought from Plato to Hobbes.
POSC 312:
History of Political Thought II 3 credits
Developed in partnership with Simon Fraser University
Prerequisites: POSC 311
Political thought from Locke to Lenin.
POSC 320:
Canadian Political Thought 3 credits
Prerequisites: 45 credits from Arts, Science, or Applied programs, including two of POSC 110, POSC 120, POSC 190, POSC 195, POSC 230, POSC 270.
This course will introduce students to many of the major political ideas and theorists that have shaped the intellectual landscape of this country. It will introduce students to such ideas/theorists in an historical manner; the course will finish with a discussion of some of the major issues before us at the present time.
POSC 330:
Human Rights: Theory and History 3 credits
Prerequisites: Nine credits of Philosophy or Political Science, including one of the following: POSC 120 or POSC 190 or POSC 195 or POSC 270 or PHIL 110 or PHIL 210 or PHIL 230
The language of human rights is woven into the fabric of our culture, society, and political discourse. This course will examine different notions of rights and responsibilities, and the history of these ideas as they are embodied in various organizations and institutions.
POSC 335:
Civil Liberties and the Charter in Canada 3 credits
Prerequisites: 45 credits from Arts, Science or Applied programs, including POSC 110.
A study of the relationship between the government and individual liberty in Canada. The focus is upon the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and its interpretation by our judiciary. Examination of the issues of equality before the law, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, hate literature and obscenity. Consideration of the rights of incarcerated individuals and the rights of individuals designated as mentally disordered.
Note: Credit cannot be obtained for both POSC 335 and CRIM 335.
Return to Course Descriptions index