POSC 100
3 credits
Introduction to Politics
Prerequisite(s): None
This course will introduce you to the key concepts and ideas of politics. It offers an introduction to major areas of study in the discipline, including political theory, Canadian politics, comparative politics, international politics, gender and politics, and Indigenous politics. To explain and clarify the fundamental concepts and theories used by political scientists, the course will draw on historical and contemporary political cases and examples.
POSC 110
3 credits
Introduction to Canadian Politics
Prerequisite(s): None
This course will examine the constitutional foundations of Canadian politics, the key institutions in the Canadian political system, the role of citizens in Canadian politics including Aboriginal peoples, and the challenges of political reform.
POSC 120
3 credits
Ideology and Politics
Prerequisite(s): None
The study of major ideologies and their philosophical underpinnings sheds light on historical and current events. With a view to understanding Canadian and world politics, this course introduces and surveys a wide range of thinkers and ideas that have shaped our world. Through the study of the ideological visions of liberalism, conservatism, Marxism, socialism, feminism, anti-colonialism, anarchism, and environmentalism, we will explore theories of power, government, freedom, and liberation.
POSC 230
3 credits
Comparative Politics
Prerequisite(s): None
This course will examine and compare political systems in different countries. The comparative method will help elucidate various themes and issues in the practice of politics.
POSC 260
3 credits
International Relations and Global Politics
Prerequisite(s): None
This course will introduce students to the study of global politics and international relations. The course will examine international relations theory, the sources of power in world politics, international security and war, the formulation of foreign policy, international political economy, international law, human rights, and globalization.
Note: Students with credit for POSC 190 cannot take this course for further credit.
POSC 300
3 credits
Research Methods and Approaches in Political Science
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits, including nine credits in lower-level Political Science
This course will provide an overview of the principal research methods and approaches in political science. The course will outline the principles of qualitative, quantitative, and comparative research methods, and students will be introduced to various approaches in political science, such as normative theory, behaviouralism, rational choice, feminism, institutionalism, and Marxism.
Note: Students with credit for POSC 200 cannot take this course for further credit.
POSC 301
3 credits
The Canadian State and Indigenous Governance
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits
This course will provide an introduction to the political theories and practices of colonial and Indigenous governance. We will explore the historical and evolving political relationships between Indigenous nations in Canada and the Canadian state and society. Topics for examination may include colonialism, identity, Indigenous traditions of governance, urban Indigenous governance, political culture, treaties, Indigenous rights and title, gendering Indigenous governance, and the political economy of Indigenous life in a settler state.
POSC 305
3 credits
Government and Politics in British Columbia
Prerequisite(s): POSC 110
This course will examine the government of British Columbia and the enduring political themes in the province, such as populism, the ideological polarization between right and left, and the urban-rural cleavage. The course will also consider the ways in which politics might be changing in BC through globalization, immigration, and the attempt to forge a new relationship with Aboriginal peoples in the province.
POSC 309
3 credits
Canadian Constitutional Politics
Prerequisite(s): POSC 110
This course will examine the development of the Canadian constitution, the events leading to its patriation in 1982, and the legacies of patriation: the impact of the new constitution on Quebec and national unity, the effect of the Charter of Rights and freedoms on Canadian politics and society, and the implications of recognizing and affirming Aboriginal Rights.
POSC 310
3 credits
Canadian Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations
Prerequisite(s): POSC 110
This course will examine the origin and development of federalism in Canada from 1867 to the present. It will focus on the difficulties of creating and managing a social welfare state in a federal political system. Particular attention will be paid to the challenge of dividing and sharing fiscal resources. Special attention will be paid to how the governments of Canada jointly manage social programs and tackle problems that cross jurisdictional boundaries, such as the environment and health care.
POSC 311
3 credits
Power, Knowledge, and Order: Early Western Political Thought
Prerequisite(s): One of POSC 120, POSC 270, PHIL 110, PHIL 210, or 45 university-level credits.
This course covers the history of Western political thought from Classical Greece through the Italian Renaissance. The course will focus on the writings of Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Augustine, Aquinas, and Macchiavelli. It provides a good overview for students in History, English, and other disciplines, as well as Political Science.
Note: This course is offered as POSC 311 and PHIL 371. Students may take only one of these for credit.
POSC 312
3 credits
Order, Liberty, and Equality: Western Political Thought from the 17th Century to 1900
Prerequisite(s): One of POSC 120, POSC 270, POSC 311, PHIL 110, PHIL 210, or 45 university-level credits.
This course will cover the history of Western political thought from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The course will focus on the writing of Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Bentham, JS Mill, Madison, Hegel, and Marx. It provides a good overview for students in History, English, and other disciplines, as well as Political Science.
Note: This course is offered as POSC 312 and PHIL 372. Students may take only one of these for credit.
POSC 320
3 credits
Canadian Political Thought
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: POSC 100, POSC 110, POSC 120, or 45 university-level credits.
This course will examine the core ideas and the major theorists that have shaped the political landscape of Canada. The course will connect these ideas to the major developments in Canadian politics and their impact on contemporary political debates.
POSC 322
3 credits
Introduction to American Politics
Prerequisite(s): POSC 230 or 45 university-level credits
This course will provide analysis of various aspects of American political life, the major U.S. political institutions, and how they interrelate to affect political outcomes. The course will also consider the role of both the Constitution and American civic life as these impact politics in the U.S. and elsewhere.
POSC 330
3 credits
International Human Rights
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: POSC 100, POSC 230, POSC 260, or 45 university-level credits.
This course will examine the history and development of human rights. The course will also explore how human rights are implemented and enforced by governments and international organizations and how they are interpreted by international tribunals including the international criminal court.
POSC 331
3 credits
Western Peace Traditions
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits
War and peace seem to be a perennial aspect of the human condition. This course will examine how peace has been understood, at the level of theory and practice, within the Western Tradition. The course will cover Classical Greek, Roman, and Jewish perspectives, the complex Classical Christian synthesis, the 16th century Magisterial and Anabaptist notions of war and peace, and peace activists on the stage of world politics today. The major peace themes such as pacifism, various forms of just war theory, and peace through strength will be examined. The course will conclude with a discussion of the Canadian Peace Tradition.
POSC 332
3 credits
The Politics of Multiculturalism
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits
This course explores and critically assesses various perspectives on multiculturalism. Through an analysis of different theoretical perspectives and various political topics (such as Indigenous self-government, reasonable accommodation, Shariah law debates, the ‘war on terror’, etc.), students are invited to reflect critically on issues of power, citizenship, belonging, diversity, difference, and liberal and democratic principles and practices.
POSC 335
3 credits
Civil Liberties and the Charter in Canada
Prerequisite(s): 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.
POSC 336
4 credits
History of Indigenous Leadership
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including one of the following: HIST 103, IPK 121, IPK 122, IPK 277, FNST 101, FNST 102, FNST 201, FNST 202, or FNST 275/EDUC 275.
This course will explore both colonial and pre-colonial styles of Indigenous Leadership and the ways in which Indigenous Leaders have led the struggle for Indigenous rights and title in settler states. In particular, it focuses on the ways in which Indigenous Leaders have shaped, and continue to shape, the cultural, political and economic fabric of modern Canada and First Nations in Canada.
Note: This course is offered as IPK 331 and POSC 336. Students make take only one of these for credit. Students with credit for IPK 121 cannot take this course for further credit.
POSC 350
3 credits
Sex, Gender, and Women in Political Thought
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits
This course will provide a survey of some of the key debates in gender and feminist political theory, including meanings of gender, the idea of women in political thought, differences among gender identities, and how gendered identities are conceived and organized in politics and society.
POSC 352
4 credits
Public Policy Analysis
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits, to include at least six credits of Sociology and/or Political Science.
This course examines the art of policy analysis by exploring its normative nature through a diversity of theoretical and practical approaches. Students will explore various policy analysis models within the social, political, economic, and legal contexts that situate the action and inaction that is social policy.
Note: This course is offered as SOC 352 and POSC 352. Students may take only one of these for credit.
POSC 360
3 credits
The United Nations and International Organizations
Prerequisite(s): POSC 260 (formerly POSC 190) or 45 university-level credits
This course will examine the history and roles of international organizations in global politics. Special attention will be paid to the United Nations, but organizations such as the European Union, NATO, and Amnesty International may also be examined.
Note: Students with credit for POSC 195 or POSC 290 cannot take this course for further credit.
POSC 365
3 credits
War, Terrorism, and Global Security
Prerequisite(s): POSC 260 (formerly POSC 190) or 45 university-level credits.
The course will explore traditional warfare between states as well as new security threats such as international terrorism and military extremism, cyberterrorism, child soldiers, human and drug trafficking, and environmental threats.
POSC 368
3 credits
Global Issues and Canadian Foreign Policy
Prerequisite(s): POSC 260 (formerly POSC 190) or 45 university-level credits.
This course will explore Canada’s response to major global issues, such as humanitarian intervention in foreign conflicts, peacekeeping, international trade, assistance to developing countries, climate change, and Canada’s role in international organizations.
POSC 410
3 credits
Seminar in Canadian Politics
Prerequisite(s): POSC 110 and 6 credits of 300-level POSC
In this reading-intensive seminar course, students will examine the history and development of Canadian politics as a field of study in political science. Students will explore the enduring issues in Canadian politics and survey the different approaches employed in the discipline. In the process, students will be introduced to the key thinkers and major texts in the field, as well as contemporary debates and critical approaches to the subject.
POSC 420
3 credits
Seminar in Political Theory
Prerequisite(s): POSC 100 or POSC 120, and six credits of 300-level POSC
In this reading-intensive seminar course, students will examine some important modes and substantive domains of inquiry that distinguish the practice of political theory. Students will explore: the disputed identity of political theory as a field of inquiry and its location with Political Science; debates about political theory methodologies, drawing on major historical and contemporary thinkers and texts as case studies; and constitutive concept(s) in political theory, such as power, democracy, difference, and citizenship. Together, these overlapping domains of inquiry will illuminate the historical, normative, empirical, analytical, and critical value of political theory.
POSC 430
3 credits
Seminar in Comparative Politics
Prerequisite(s): POSC 230 and six credits of 300-level POSC
In this reading intensive seminar course, students will examine the history and development of comparative politics as a field of study in political science. Students will explore the enduring issues in comparative politics and survey the different approaches employed in the discipline. In the process, students will be introduced to the key thinkers and major texts in the field, as well as contemporary debates and critical approaches to the subject.
POSC 460
3 credits
Seminar in International Relations
Prerequisite(s): POSC 260 and 6 credits of 300-level POSC
This reading intensive seminar course will examine the history and development of international relations as a field of study in political science. The course will explore traditional theories, concepts, and critical approaches to the field. As well, the course will explore the enduring issues and contemporary debates that have animated the field. In the process, students would be introduced to key thinkers, and the subfields of the discipline including security and multilateral governance, foreign policy, gender, and political economy.
POSC 480
3 credits
Special Topics in Political Theory
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits including one of POSC 100 or POSC 120, or instructor’s permission
This course will give students the opportunity to pursue an advanced topic in political science through a detailed exploration of one or more topics in political theory, such as feminism, multiculturalism, or Marxism. The course topic is determined by the instructor and will vary from semester to semester under different letter designations.
Note: Students may take this course for credit more than once provided it is under different topics.
POSC 481
3 credits
Special Topics in Comparative Politics
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits including POSC 230, or instructor’s permission
This course will give students the opportunity to pursue an advanced topic in political science through a detailed exploration of one or more topics in comparative politics, such as elections, federalism, or the separation of powers. The course topic is determined by the instructor and will vary from semester to semester under different letter designations.
Note: Students may take this course for credit more than once provided it is under different topics.
POSC 482
3 credits
Special Topics in Canadian Politics
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits including POSC 110, or instructor’s permission
This course will give students the opportunity to pursue an advanced topic in political science through a detailed exploration of one or more topics in Canadian politics, such as Aboriginal treaty negotiations, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, or political parties and elections. The course topic is determined by the instructor and will vary from semester to semester under different letter designations.
Note: Students may take this course for credit more than once provided it is under different topics.
POSC 483
3 credits
Special Topics in International Relations
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits including POSC 260, or instructor’s permission
This course will give students the opportunity to pursue an advanced topic in political science through a detailed exploration of one or more topics in international relations, such as diplomacy, human security, or north-south relations. The course topic is determined by the instructor and will vary from semester to semester under different letter designations.
Note: Students may take this course for credit more than once provided it is under different topics.
POSC 484
3 credits
Special Topics in Public Policy
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits including one of POSC 100, POSC 110, POSC 120, POSC 200, POSC 230, POSC 260, or POSC 270; or instructor’s permission.
This course will give students the opportunity to pursue an advanced topic in political science through a detailed exploration of one or more topics in public policy, such as the environment, citizenship and immigration, health care, or foreign policy. The course topic is determined by the instructor and will vary from semester to semester under different letter designations.
Note: Students may take this course for credit more than once provided it is under different topics.
POSC 490
3 credits
Directed Studies in Political Theory
Prerequisite(s): 12 credits of Political Science including either POSC 100 or POSC 120 and at least six upper-level credits, and the consent of both the faculty supervisor and the department head.
This course offers the student the opportunity to pursue in-depth independent study of a particular issue, problem, or topic in the field of political theory. The student must, in consultation with a faculty member, develop a detailed individual course proposal indicating the readings or other study to be undertaken and how the course work will be assessed.
Note: Students may take this course for credit more than once provided it is under different topics.
POSC 491
3 credits
Directed Studies in Comparative Politics
Prerequisite(s): 12 credits of Political Science including POSC 230 and at least six upper-level credits, and the consent of both the faculty supervisor and the department head.
This course offers the student the opportunity to pursue in-depth independent study of a particular issue, problem, or topic in the field of comparative politics. The student must, in consultation with a faculty member, develop a detailed individual course proposal indicating the readings or other study to be undertaken and how the course work will be assessed.
Note: Students may take this course for credit more than once provided it is under different topics.
POSC 492
3 credits
Directed Studies in Canadian Politics
Prerequisite(s): 12 credits of Political Science including POSC 110 and at least six upper-level credits, and the consent of both the faculty supervisor and the department head.
This course offers the student the opportunity to pursue in-depth independent study of a particular issue, problem, or topic in the field of Canadian politics. The student must, in consultation with a faculty member, develop a detailed individual course proposal indicating the readings or other study to be undertaken and how the course work will be assessed.
Note: Students may take this course for credit more than once provided it is under different topics.
POSC 493
3 credits
Directed Studies in International Politics
Prerequisite(s): 12 credits of Political Science including POSC 260 (formerly POSC 190) and at least six upper-level credits, and the consent of both the faculty supervisor and the department head.
This course offers the student the opportunity to pursue in-depth independent study of a particular issue, problem, or topic in the field of International Politics. The student must, in consultation with a faculty member, develop a detailed individual course proposal indicating the readings or other study to be undertaken and how the course work will be assessed.
Note: Students may take this course for credit more than once provided it is under different topics.
POSC 494
3 credits
Directed Studies in Public Policy
Prerequisite(s): 12 credits of Political Science including two of POSC 100, 110, 120, 230 or 260, and at least six upper-level credits, and the consent of both the faculty supervisor and the department head.
This course offers the student the opportunity to pursue in-depth independent study of a particular issue, problem, or topic in the field of public policy. The student must, in consultation with a faculty member, develop a detailed individual course proposal indicating the readings or other study to be undertaken and how the course work will be assessed.
Note: Students may take this course for credit more than once provided it is under different topics.
