Courses

2024-2025 Academic Year

POLS 1001/CANA 1001
Introduction to Politics: The State and its Institutions 0.5 unit
An introduction to the central concepts and ideas which shape our political world. It explores the design of political systems and the roles of institutions (executive, legislative, and judicial) that organize political life and the powers of Presidents and Prime Ministers. Note: Students who have received credit for POLS 1100 may not take this course for credit. (Also listed under Public Policy Studies)

POLS 1002/CANA 1002
Introduction to Politics: Society and Culture 0.5 unit
An introduction to the state, democracy and change in a global era. The course explores the social and political influences on the governing process, including political parties, political culture and electoral systems. In addition, the phenomenon of globalization and its impact on the sovereignty of individual states are considered. Note: Students who have received credit for POLS 1100 may not take this course for credit. (Also listed under Public Policy Studies)

POLS 1102/CANA 1102
Citizenship, Identity and Diversity in Canada 0.5 unit
An introduction to the diverse communities of Canada. This interdisciplinary course explores the themes of equality, ethnicity, nationality, gender, class, region, religion, sexual orientation, and ability. Note: Students who have received credit for CANA 1100 may not take this course for credit.

POLS 2201/CANA 2201
Government and Politics in Canada 0.5 unit
An introduction to the values, structures and processes which are the foundation of Canadian legal and governmental institutions. Topics may include the roles of the Prime Minister, the Cabinet and individual MPs, the constitutional division of powers and Quebec’s demands for change, and the basic principles of our legal system. (Also listed under Public Policy Studies)

POLS 2202/CANA 2202
People, Power and Politics in Canada 0.5 unit
An introduction to core liberal democratic values at the heart of Canadian society and the chief links between citizens and their governments. Such topics as Canadian political culture, political participation, the role of the mass media, political parties and interest groups in shaping decision-making are addressed, and alternatives for change are assessed. (Also listed under Public Policy Studies)

POLS 2203
Introduction to Public Policy and the Public Interest 0.5 unit
An introduction to the theoretical, philosophical and ethical foundations of public policy formulation in modern societies. Students will consider issues relating to the nature of democracy, civil society and the public interest in examining the social logic of public policy formation.

POLS 2205
Atlantic Canada: Society and Politics 0.5 unit
An examination of contemporary issues in the Atlantic provinces, and the social and economic forces influencing their development. Topics may include regional political culture, strategies for economic development, the place of Atlantic Canada in the Canadian federation, Maritime Union and other contemporary issues. (Also listed under Canadian Studies and Public Policy Studies)

POLS 2208/PHIL 2208
Introduction to Political Philosophy 0.5 unit
A first look at political problems puzzled over by philosophers. For example: Are there distinctively political obligations? Can a coercive state be justified? What’s wrong with anarchy? If a state, what sort of state? How should goods be distributed? What rights and liberties ought we to enjoy? Is liberalism flawed?

POLS 2210/PHIL 2210
Theories of Human Nature 0.5 unit
An examination of competing views of what being human fundamentally is, with consideration of their implications both for individuals and life in society. Discussion will include relevant ideas from Confucianism, Buddhism, and Christianity, from the writings of Plato, Marx, and Sartre, and also from scientific perspectives such as evolutionary psychology.

POLS 2213/PHIL 2213
Classical Political Thought 0.5 unit
An introduction to the important political ideas and issues addressed from Plato to modern Western European thought. The course explores the relationships between individual and community, the tensions between morality and politics, the justification of warfare, the nature of political justice and the ideal society, among other timeless themes.

POLS 2214/PHIL 2214
Social and Political Justice 0.5 unit
An exploration of the major currents of political thought in the twentieth century. The course focuses on critical debates concerning distributive justice in such areas as social inequality, property rights, individual freedom and limits to state authority with particular attention to the important challenges to the prevailing liberal perspectives posed by communitarian, libertarian and feminist perspectives.

POLS 2215/ECON 2215
Political-Economy for Social Justice 0.5 unit
A non-mathematical examination of the interaction of economics and politics behind the promotion and impediment of social justice. Students will learn to critically challenge the political-economic institutions, structures, and theoretical arguments that obstruct social justice, and develop alternative, evidence-based counterarguments for socially-just alternatives.

POLS 2216/HIST 2216
Allies and Anti-Americanism: A History of Canadian-American Relations 0.5 unit
A survey of Canadian-American relations from the American Revolution to the present day. Topics covered include the development of separate American and provincial societies, the evolution of a North American economy and culture, policy making and bilateral relations, and complementary and conflicting national interests in political, economic, and cultural issues.

POLS 2219/HIST 2219
Canadian Foreign Policy 0.5 unit
An examination of Canada’s role in the global order and Canada’s attempt to regulate that order. Topics will include the principal institutions and actors in the foreign-policy making process, international institutions and organizations through which Canada works, and critical assessment of the contemporary challenges facing Canada’s traditional commitments, including trade and defence policy, peacekeeping and international development. (Also listed under Canadian Studies and Public Policy Studies)

POLS 2223/WOMS 2223
Women and Politics 0.5 unit
An examination of the role of women in politics, especially in Canada. Topics to be treated may include: the status of women in traditional political thought and the feminist response, the political involvement of women as citizens and legislators, and women’s access to power in different societies. (Also listed under Canadian Studies and Public Policy Studies)

POLS 2224
War, Peace and Technology 0.5 unit
An analysis of the nature and roots of war preparations including American, Russian, and Middle East foreign policies and political cultures, plus the extent and consequences of arms production and sales. Topics include the peace movement and UN strategies and alternatives to war and regional arms buildup. (Also listed under Public Policy Studies)

POLS 2227
Contemporary North American Politics 0.5 unit
An examination and comparison of the social and political life of Canada, the United States and Mexico using various perspectives. National and regional political cultures and comparative federalism are major areas of attention and may be added to by environmental, energy, high technology, defence and foreign policies. (Also listed under Canadian Studies and Public Policy Studies)

POLS 2244
Introduction to Global Politics 0.5 unit
A consideration of current events and issues in world politics and the roles of governmental and non-governmental agencies, transnational corporations and interest groups. Such issues as international human rights, political inequalities, human and national security, and the challenges of globalization to state sovereignty are examined. (Also listed under Public Policy Studies)

POLS 2246/CULS 2246
Image and Power 0.5 unit
An introduction to political imagery. Informed by visual literacy the course investigates the overt and subtle power of narratives/images to make and share political meaning. Applied examples, such as movies, video games, graphic novels/comics, social media, music, fashion, and artful election/activist campaigns will support the theoretical examination.

POLS 2300/WOMS 2300
Global Women and Gender Issues 0.5 unit
This course uses intersectional feminist and gender-based analysis to examine a variety of socio-cultural, economic and political issues within a global context. We study factors and circumstances affecting women’s lives around the world and examine gender construction from a holistic point of view that highlights diversity in communities.

POLS 2530/SOAN 2530
Canadian Social Policy 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): 5.0 units of university credit including SOAN 1502 or 0.5 unit of POLS or permission of the instructor
An introduction to current debates and practices around social policy in Canada. The course critically analyses competing ideas about the role of government in meeting a range of social needs, and examines policy impacts in areas such as: social services, income security, child welfare, health care, post-secondary education, and housing. Note: Students who have received credit for SOAN 2218 may not take this course for credit.

POLS 3301/CANA 3301
Discourse, Debate, and Dissent 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): CANA/POLS 1102 and CANA 1121/HIST 1121 or CANA 1122/HIST 1122 or 1.0 unit of POLS or permission of the instructor
An examination of contemporary issues and debates in Canadian society. The course considers various cultural, social, economic and political factors and their significance for understanding current policy problems in Canada. Note: Students who have received credit for CANA 3305 may not take this course for credit. (Also listed under Public Policy Studies)

POLS 3304
Policy Analysis 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): 0.5 unit of POLS or permission of the instructor
An examination of the research strategies and techniques relevant to policy analysis and evaluation. Using a variety of approaches, students will consider alternative tools for managing policy action and policy evaluation. (Also listed under Public Policy Studies)

POLS 3306/BUSI 3306
Government Administration and Accountability 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): 0.5 unit of POLS or BUSI, or permission of the instructor
An examination of the place of public bureaucracy in government and modern society. Topics may include: the nature of bureaucracy, the governing principles of the Canadian public service, human resource management, the mechanism of accountability, and challenges of budgetary control. (Also listed under Canadian Studies and Public Policy Studies)

POLS 3309
Selected Topics in Political Studies 0.5 unit
POLS 3310
Selected Topics in Political Studies 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): 1.0 unit of POLS or permission of the instructor
An opportunity for students to explore selected areas of interest at an advanced level. (Also listed under Public Policy Studies)

POLS 3312/PHIL 3312
Human Rights: Theory and Practice 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): 1.0 unit of POLS or PHIL or permission of the instructor
A critical examination of interpretations of the idea of human rights. Issues explored are the evolution from ideas of natural rights to the concept of human rights, as well as the character of political, social and cultural rights, and contemporary disputes about their status as universal moral norms which may govern relations among nations, and the debate about equal concern for recognizing individual responsibilities. (Also listed under Public Policy Studies)

POLS 3314/PHIL 3314
Democracy 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): 0.5 unit of POLS or permission of the instructor
A study of fundamental concepts in democratic theory such as rights, equality, liberty, citizenship, and deliberation from the classical era to the present. Special emphasis is placed on new initiatives to enhance the deliberative and participatory character of contemporary democracy.

CULS 3320/POLS 3320
Culture and Ideology 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): 0.5 unit of POLS or CULS
An in-depth study of the complex interplay of Culture and Ideology as social, intellectual, and political forms.

POLS 3322/WOMS 3322
Politics and Sex 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): WOMS 1112 or 1.0 unit of POLS or permission of the instructor
An examination of the ways in which sexuality intersects with politics, identity and power. The course examines gender inequality and the extent to which women and men are embodied individuals subject to structures of power. Topics may include sexual violence, body politics, prostitution, pornography, religion and veiling, same sex marriage, and political sex scandals.

POLS 3324
Perspectives on Peace and Conflict 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): 0.5 unit of POLS or permission of the department
An examination of the inter-related nature of peace and conflict through both theoretical and issue-specific approaches. The primary focus is the causes of conflict between states in the international system. Attention will also be directed towards analysis of conflict within states and the emergence of sustained conflict between states and non-state actors. (Also listed under Public Policy Studies)

POLS 3334
Globalization and the Nation State 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): 0.5 unit of POLS or ECON or permission of the instructor
The course will examine the ongoing processes of neo-liberal globalization from post WWII to the present day. It will consider critical political and economic perspectives concerning the impact of globalization on domestic policy formation and national sovereignty. (Also listed under Public Policy Studies)

POLS 3344
The United Nations and Global Governance 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): 0.5 unit of POLS or ECON or permission of the instructor
The course will examine the role of international institutions in creating a measure of order and stability among states. Particular attention will be given to the role of the United Nations in the international system, as well as the role of non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations. (Also listed under Public Policy Studies)

POLS 3351/WOMS 3351
Women, War and Peace 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): 1.0 unit of women’s studies or 1.0 unit of political studies or permission of the instructor
An examination of women’s historical and contemporary relationship to war and peace. Topics may include the debate over matriarchy, patriarchy and war; women in the military; women and revolution; the women’s peace movement; and feminism and non-violence

POLS 3361/WOMS 3361
Women, Social Policy and the Welfare State 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): WOMS 1110 and 0.5 unit of another women’s studies or departmental women-emphasis course at the 2000 level or above or 1.0 unit of POLS or permission of the instructor
An examination of social policies and issues of particular importance for women, including the history of the welfare state, women’s caring role in the family, the feminization of poverty, homelessness, and the impact of race and class on women’s experiences of the welfare state. (Also listed under Canadian Studies and Public Policy Studies)

POLS 3391/WOMS 3391
Gender and International Relations 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): WOMS 1110 and 0.5 unit of another women’s studies or departmental women-emphasis course at the 2000 level or above or 1.0 unit of POLS or permission of the instructor
An exploration of the relationships between gender, international relations theory and international organizations, from a feminist perspective. Topics will include the historical role of women in the United Nations and other international organizations; feminist analysis of international relations and development theory; and the global women’s movement. (Also listed under Public Policy Studies)

POLS 3400/PHIL 3400/WOMS 3400
Sex Work and Sex Trafficking 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): 1.0 unit of PHIL or POLS or WOMS or permission of the instructor
An examination of the ways sex work and sex trafficking have been conflated and problematized. The course examines the arguments for and against prostitution and sex work, within the context of the globalized economy. Topics will include historical, philosophical, legal, policy and grassroots approaches to sex work and sex trafficking.

POLS 3543/SOAN 3543
Environmental Politics and Social Justice 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): 5.0 units of university credit, which must include SOAN 1502 or 1.0 unit of POLS, or permission of the instructor
An investigation of the relationships between environmental concerns and state and non-state actors at the local, national, and international levels. Topics include: Indigenous land rights; connections between multinational corporations and settler-colonial governments; public policies; the ramifications of climate change; impacts on marginalized communities; and resistance movements.

POLS 4006
Directed Study 0.5 unit
POLS 4007/CANA 4007
Directed Study 0.5 unit
A course designed to encourage the student to do independent work in a particular area of political studies. The outline is developed by the student(s) and professor involved and should not include materials covered in other courses offered by the department. (Also listed under Public Policy Studies)

POLS 4401/CANA 4401
Canadian Issues Seminar 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): CANA 3301/POLS 3301 or 1.0 unit of POLS at the 2000 or 3000 level or permission of the instructor
An interdisciplinary senior seminar, in which students will explore in-depth selected topics in Canadian society, politics, and culture applying contemporary theoretical approaches in the field. Students will be expected to conduct independent research.

POLS 4444/ECON 4444
Global Issues Seminar 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): 1.0 unit of POLS or ECON at the 2000 level or above or permission of the instructor
An advanced seminar which explores contemporary theoretical approaches and research in the area. The particular topics and discussions will be determined by the professor and students in the seminar. Students will do in-depth work on selected topics in the area. (Also listed under Public Policy Studies)

Academic Note: This web-based calendar information is applicable for the 2024-2025 academic year which runs from September 01, 2024 to August 31, 2025.

For information on previous years, please consult the University Academic Calendars web page.