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2010-2011 Academic Year
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Courses of Instruction
POLS-110/1.0 POLS-211*/0.5 POLS-212*/0.5 POLS-241*/0.5 POLS-242*/0.5 POLS-243*/0.5POLS-244*/0.5POLS-250/1.0
POLS-251*/0.5POLS-261*/0.5 POLS-262*/0.5 POLS-263*/0.5POLS-264*/0.5POLS-280*/0.5POLS-310*/0.5POLS-312*/0.5
POLS-313*/0.5 POLS-317*/0.5POLS-318*/0.5 POLS-319*/0.5POLS-320*/0.5POLS-327*/0.5POLS-328*/0.5POLS-329*/0.5
POLS-331*/0.5 POLS-332*/0.5POLS-335*/0.5POLS-336*/0.5 POLS-338*/0.5 POLS-341*/0.5 POLS-342*/0.5POLS-346*/0.5
POLS-347*/0.5 POLS-348*/0.5 POLS-351*/0.5POLS-352*/0.5POLS-353*/0.5POLS-354*/0.5POLS-358*/0.5 POLS-361*/0.5
POLS-364*/0.5POLS-366*/0.5 POLS-367*/0.5POLS-369*/0.5 POLS-382*/0.5POLS-383*/0.5 POLS-384*/0.5 POLS-385*/0.5
POLS-386*/0.5 POLS-387*/0.5POLS-388*/0.5POLS-391*/0.5POLS-392*/0.5 POLS-393*/0.5 POLS-394*/0.5 POLS-395*/0.5
POLS-396*/0.5 POLS-397*/0.5 POLS-400*/0.5POLS-401*/0.5POLS-402*/0.5POLS-403*/0.5POLS-404*/0.5POLS-405*/0.5
POLS-406*/0.5POLS-410*/0.5POLS-412*/0.5 POLS-414*/0.5POLS-415*/0.5POLS-419*/0.5POLS-421*/0.5POLS-422*/0.5
POLS-430*/0.5 POLS-431*/0.5POLS-432*/0.5POLS-433*/0.5POLS-434*/0.5POLS-439*/0.5 POLS-440*/0.5POLS-442*/0.5
POLS-443*/0.5POLS-445*/0.5POLS-450*/0.5POLS-451*/0.5POLS-453*/0.5 POLS-456*/0.5POLS-457*/0.5POLS-458*/0.5
POLS-461*/0.5POLS-462*/0.5POLS-463*/0.5 POLS-464*/0.5POLS-465*/0.5POLS-466*/0.5POLS-467*/0.5POLS-468*/0.5
POLS-469*/0.5POLS-470*/0.5 POLS-471*/0.5POLS-482*/0.5POLS-483*/0.5POLS-484*/0.5POLS-485*/0.5POLS-486*/0.5
POLS-510/1.0 POLS-511*/0.5 POLS-512*/0.5 POLS-590/1.0
PREREQUISITES
There are prerequisites for all courses numbered over 200, which are given below before the course descriptions for each level. In addition, there are specific prerequisites for some individual courses.

AVAILABILITY
The Department of Political Studies does not offer all of the courses listed in the Calendar every year. For the most up-to-date information on the availability of courses offered in the current year, check QCARD or consult with the departmental website: http://queensu.ca/politics/current-students/undr-courses.php.
 
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POLS-110/1.0 Introduction to Politics and Government 2L;1T
An introduction to political science that provides both a framework for thinking about politics and the institutions of governance, and some of the vocabulary necessary for political analysis.
Also offered at the Bader International Study Centre, Herstmonceux.
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PREREQUISITE FOR ALL 200-LEVEL COURSES
1.0 100-level credit in politics.
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POLS-211*/0.5 Canadian Government 2L;1T
An examination of the institutions and constitutional foundations of government and politics in Canada. Offered annually.
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POLS-212*/0.5 Canadian Politics 2L;1T
An analysis of the processes, groups, parties, voters, and culture of Canadian politics. Offered annually.
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POLS-241*/0.5 Comparative Politics: Transformations 2L;1T
An examination of how and why societies change and the context in which transformation occurs. Offered annually.
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POLS-242*/0.5 Comparative Politics: Contemporary Regimes 2L;1T
The nature of political regimes in advanced industrial countries and the developing world. Offered annually.
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POLS-243*/0.5 Comparative Politics: States and Nations 2L;1T
A comparative examination of the ways in which selected polities respond to national, ethnic, linguistic, religious, and racial diversity.
EXCLUSION    POLS 241* (2005-2007).
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POLS-244*/0.5 Comparative Politics: Democracy and Democratization 2L;1T
A comparative exploration of the apparent disjuncture between the normative assumptions of liberal democratic theory and the realities of democracy-building.
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POLS-250/1.0 Political Theory 2L;1T
A survey of the principal ideas of Western political theorists from ancient to modern times, focusing in particular on the role and scope of government; the proper organization of governmental power; the nature of political obligation; and the ethics of political power and authority. Offered annually.
EXCLUSION    PHIL 253.
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POLS-251*/0.5 Political Ideologies 2L;1T
This course introduces students to a range of contemporary ideologies, such as liberalism, socialism, conservatism, fascism, feminism, anarchism, ecologism, fundamentalism, and nationalism. It includes primary and secondary readings, and will focus on the critical interpretation of these competing belief systems.
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POLS-261*/0.5 International Politics 2L;1T
An introduction to the major issues in the study of international relations: questions of war and peace, national security, the role of the 'state', foreign and defence policy, gender and international relations, and international institutions.
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POLS-262*/0.5 International Political Economy 2L;1T
An introduction to the major issues in the study of international political economy, including transnationalism, integration, globalization, and underdevelopment.
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POLS-263*/0.5 Introduction to International Security 2L;1T
This course introduces students to current theoretical and policy debates about the nature of 'international security.' In addition to addressing the meaning of this contested concept, we will examine three principal ways in which security has been organized by states, specifically: collective security, collective defence, and security communities.
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POLS-264*/0.5 World Politics in Historical Perspective 2L;1T
This course examines the evolution of global politics in the modern era, from the institutionalization of sovereignty in the Peace of Westphalia to the contemporary period.
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POLS-280*/0.5 Introduction to Women, Gender and Politics 2L;1T
This course analyzes the status of women and men in domestic and global politics. It presents primary concepts used in political science to address: What is gender? How is it political? How have the women’s movement and other collectivities addressed inequality and oppression? What does gender equality look like, and how can it be obtained?
EXCLUSION    POLS 382* (prior to 2010).
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PREREQUISITE FOR ALL 300-LEVEL COURSES
3.0 credits in politics, 2.0 of which must be at the 200 level or above, with a grade of 65 per cent or better in 1.0 200-level credit; or permission of the Department.
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POLS-310*/0.5 Principles of the Canadian Constitution 3L
An examination of the evolution of constitutional principles in Canada. Topics include developments in federal-provincial relations, the role of the courts in federal-provincial disputes, and the nexus between the community values of federalism and the individual rights in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
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POLS-312*/0.5 Political Behaviour 3L
This course provides an introduction to the principal theoretical perspectives and empirical debates in the study of elections, voting, public opinion, political participation and political culture in established democracies.
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POLS-313*/0.5 Mass Media and Politics in Canada 3L
A critical examination of the relationship between the mass media and politics, focusing on the functions of the media in modern liberal democracies and the ways in which news stories are created and packaged.
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POLS-317*/0.5 Charter Politics 3L
How courts are responding to their responsibility to review legislative and executive decisions in terms of their impact on citizens; the impact of the Charter on the way government is viewed.
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POLS-318*/0.5 The Canadian Welfare State 3L
An examination of the character and functions of the Canadian welfare state. Theoretical explanations of the welfare state. The historical development of the Canadian welfare state. Proposals for social policy reform and their implications. Offered in alternate years.
EXCLUSION    GNDS 421 (or WMNS 421*).
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POLS-319*/0.5 Public Discourse in Canada: Issues and Debates 3L
An introduction to Canadian political thinkers who have addressed important themes in contemporary Canadian public, legal and theoretical discourse, including multiculturalism, critical race theory, antipornography campaigns, sexual violence, globalization and modern alienation.
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POLS-320*/0.5 First Nations Politics 3L
An examination of First Nations politics in a Canadian context, including aboriginal self-government.
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POLS-327*/0.5 Topics in Comparative Politics 3L
An examination of key issues in comparative politics. Topics will vary from year to year; consult department homepage.
Offered only at the Bader International Study Centre, Herstmonceux.
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POLS-328*/0.5 Topics in European Politics 3L
An examination of key issues in European politics. Topics will vary from year to year; consult the department homepage.
Offered only at the Bader International Study Centre, Herstmonceux.
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POLS-329*/0.5 European Politics 3L
An introduction to European politics. The themes and geographic focus vary from year to year; they may include current political institutions and forces, the historical evolution of the European polities, and both Western and Eastern Europe.
Also offered at the Bader International Study Centre, Herstmonceux.
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POLS-331*/0.5 American Government 3L
Survey of the political process in the United States; functioning and interaction of the principal formal and informal political institutions, the relationship between those institutions and their environment, the making of public policy, and current issues and trends.
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POLS-332*/0.5 Post-Communist Politics 3L
The politics of the Russian Federation and selected countries of Central and Eastern Europe.
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POLS-335*/0.5 Topics in British Politics 3L
An examination of key issues in British politics. Topics will vary from year to year; consult the department homepage.
Offered only at the Bader International Study Centre, Herstmonceux.
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POLS-336*/0.5 British Politics 3L
Contemporary problems facing Britain as a result of its historical evolution: economic stagnation, centrifugal forces of nationalism and communal violence, and the decline of the two-party system.
Also offered at the Bader International Study Centre, Herstmonceux.
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POLS-338*/0.5 European Integration 3L
An examination of the European union and the forces towards integration: origin, politics and future.
Also offered at the Bader International Study Centre, Herstmonceux.
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POLS-341*/0.5 Chinese Politics 3L
The course begins with an historical overview of the late Qing dynasty, the origins of the Chinese revolution, and 50 years of the People’s Republic of China. It then focuses primarily on political science concepts and approaches to the study of Chinese politics as well as issues of reform in various sectors of China’s economy and polity.
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POLS-342*/0.5 Latin American Politics 3L
Comparative study of Latin American politics. Topics include the political legacies of colonialism and independence, the evolution of class structures, populism, the role of the military, and the transition to democracy and free market policies. Emphasis is on the countries of continental South America.
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POLS-346*/0.5 Development Theory 3L
A critical examination of the current theories of development influenced by various post-Marxist, postmodernist and postcolonial tendencies. Growth strategies practised by the state and alternative visions offered by the social movements will also be discussed.
NOTE    Students with third-year standing in the Development Studies Medial should contact the Department.
EXCLUSION    DEVS 340*.
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POLS-347*/0.5 The Politics of Africa 3L
Major issues in the contemporary politics and political economy of sub-Saharan Africa. The development of the colonial and post-colonial state, capitalist development and the role of indigenous and international capital, and political and socio-economic aspects of class, ethnicity and gender.
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POLS-348*/0.5 Middle East Politics 3L
An examination of the politics of the Middle East, including the legacy of the Ottoman Empire and European colonialism, the rise of nationalism, the role of religion, the nature of the state and political participation in different countries in the region.
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POLS-351*/0.5 Liberal Theory 3L
An examination of the major theories and critiques of liberalism, focusing on the rical conceptions of freedom and equality that animate classical 'laissez-faire' liberalism, egalitarian liberalism, left-libertarianism, and perfectionist liberalism, and the critical responses these various kinds of liberalism have provoked from communications, feminists, Marxists, and others.
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POLS-352*/0.5 Women and the History of Political Thought 3L
Drawing on historical texts, this course explores the representations of women and the constructions of femininity and masculinity, the body, and gender relations in the history of political thought, and explores contemporary feminist responses to these texts and ideas.
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POLS-353*/0.5 History of Political Thought 3L
An analysis of the origin and development of certain major ideas in the western political tradition.
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POLS-354*/0.5 Democratic Theory 3L
An exploration of the normative underpinnings of democracy, based on a survey of selected historical texts, contemporary theories, and current problems.
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POLS-358*/0.5 Critical Perspectives on Contemporary Capitalism 3L
Selected topics in the critique of capitalism, e.g. Marxism, democracy, the environment, globalization, employment and popular culture.
Also offered at the Bader International Study Centre, Herstmonceux.
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POLS-361*/0.5 Regional International Organization 3L
A survey of selected regional international organizations for political cooperation, military security and economic integration in Europe, Latin America, Africa and the Asia-Pacific region.
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POLS-364*/0.5 International Peace and Security 3L
An examination of the concept of international security and the causes of war and conditions of peace. Topics include: the role of nuclear weapons after the Cold War; the economics of security; new security themes (environmental and ethnic factors); regional security and peacekeeping; alliance dynamics; and European security and the future of NATO.
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POLS-366*/0.5 The United Nations 3L
An examination of the principles, institutions and politics of the United Nations, assessing its effectiveness in maintaining international peace and promoting cooperation among states.
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POLS-367*/0.5 American Foreign Policy 3L
An examination of American foreign policy, with particular emphasis on the analysis of concepts and issues and the study of decision-making processes.
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POLS-369*/0.5 Canadian Foreign Policy 3L
An analysis of Canadian foreign policy, its major objectives and orientations. Topics covered include Canada's role and interests in major international organizations and its relations with key countries and regions.
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POLS-382*/0.5 Women and Politics 3L
Topics include theoretical perspectives on women and politics, patterns of women's political socialization and political action, feminist movements, and feminist contributions to contemporary political discourse.
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POLS-383*/0.5 Law and the Governmental Process 3L
An examination of the role of law in politics, the differences between legal and political reasoning, the law and politics of constitution-making, and the political character of criminal and civil law. Topics include the victim's rights movement, pornography and censorship, and the role of litigation in political life.
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POLS-384*/0.5 Strategies of Political Research 3L/T
An exploration of major issues and schools of thought in the philosophy of social science and an examination of contemporary approaches to the study of politics.
NOTE    This course is open to POLS majors and medials who have completed 1.0 100-level credit in Political Studies.
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POLS-385*/0.5 Quantitative Approaches to Political Studies 3L/T
An introduction to the role of quantitative analysis, statistical software and computers in empirical political research. The operationalization of concepts, the collection of data, data analysis, the logic and uses of statistical techniques, and the political assumptions that form the basis of much statistical work and philosophical debate. Minimal mathematical background is assumed.
EXCLUSIONS    BIOL 243*, COMM 162*, ECON 250*, GPHY 247*, KNPE 251* (or PHED 251*), PSYC 202*, SOCY 211*, STAT 261*, STAT 267*, STAT 367*.
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POLS-386*/0.5 Political Economy and Mass Media 3L
An examination of the history and political economy of the mass media, exploring the impact of a partisan press, ownership and use of technology on how our identity has been shaped. It will draw upon a comparative assessment of the mass media in advanced liberal democracies.
Also offered at the Bader International Study Centre, Herstmonceux.
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POLS-387*/0.5 Politics and Culture 3L
The course explores contemporary approaches to understanding the politics of culture. In the everyday behaviours, attitudes and practices that form our culture, politics play a role. The course considers a range of diverse theoretical perspectives on the interrelationship of culture with social, political, and economic power.
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POLS-388*/0.5 Citizenship and Non-Citizenship 3L
Focusing on issues of citizenship and non-citizenship in the modern world. How issues of nationality and nationalism, minority rights, gender, class, race and ethnicity, and immigration status impact on the rights and obligations of citizenship and central to the politics of these debates. The relevance of these issues to the current Canadian context will be an ongoing theme of the course.
EXCLUSION    POLS 446*.
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POLS-391*/0.5 Introduction to Electoral Systems 3L
This course introduces students to the various families of electoral systems in use around the world. It examines their variations and assesses the consequences of electoral systems on political parties, legislatures and governments.
EXCLUSION    POLS 393* (2008-2010).
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POLS-392*/0.5 Topics in Canadian Politics 3L
An examination of selected aspects of Canadian politics and government, including institutions and behavioural approaches. The focus of this course will vary from year to year; consult the departmental website for further details.
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POLS-393*/0.5 Topics in Comparative Politics 3L
A comparative examination of the politics and government of different countries, or theories or themes in comparative politics. The focus of this course will vary from year to year; consult the departmental website for further details.
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POLS-394*/0.5 Topics in Political Theory 3L
An exploration of different aspects of political thought, political theory, and political philosophy. The focus of this course will vary from year to year; consult the departmental website for further details.
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POLS-395*/0.5 Topics in International Political Economy 3L
An examination of different topics and issues in global political economy, such as the role of international financial institutions, the politics of global trade, or the global distribution of wealth. The focus of this course will vary from year to year; consult the departmental website for further details.
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POLS-396*/0.5 Topics in International Relations 3L
Issues in global politics, international relations, international diplomacy, or foreign policy will be examined in this course. The focus of this course will vary from year to year; consult the departmental homepage for further details.
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POLS-397*/0.5 Topics in Gender and Politics 3L
An investigation of selected problems in feminist and gender analysis, examining the different authors and issues. The focus of this course will vary from year to year; consult the departmental website for further details.
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PREREQUISITE FOR ALL 400-LEVEL COURSES
Admission to honours in Political Studies. All 400-level courses have limited enrolment and places in them are assigned on the basis of preferences students submit when they apply for admission to honours (see Admission to the Honours Year).
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POLS-400*/0.5 Seminar in Political Science 3S
This seminar will examine key texts in the discipline of political science. The focus of this course will vary from year to year. See the departmental website for further details.
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POLS-401*/0.5 Political Theory: Questions & Challenges 3S
This course will consider various theoretical writings and topics in political science. The focus of this course will vary from year to year. Consult the departmental website for further details.
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POLS-402*/0.5 Science and Justice 3L
The word 'science' comes from the Latin scientia, which means 'having knowledge'. What is the relation between science and normative political ideals such as democracy, justice and equality? The topics covered in any given year will vary, but may include the ethical, legal and social consequences of advances in the biomedical or environmental sciences.
EXCLUSION    POLS 400* (2008-2010).
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POLS-403*/0.5 Gender Politics: Questions & Challenges 3S
An investigation of selected issues in gender analysis, considering a variety of perspectives and case studies. The focus of this course will vary from year to year. Consult the departmental website for further details.
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POLS-404*/0.5 Canadian Politics: Questions & Challenges 3S
An examination of key issues in Canadian Politics. Topics will vary from year to year; consult the departmental website for further details.
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POLS-405*/0.5 International Relations: Questions & Challenges 3S
Issues in global politics, international relations, international diplomacy, or foreign policy will be examined in this course. The focus of this course will vary from year to year; consult the departmental homepage for further details.
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POLS-406*/0.5 Comparative Politics: Questions & Challenges 3S
A comparative examination of the politics and government of different countries, theories or themes in comparative politics. The focus of this course will vary from year to year. Consult the departmental website for further details.
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POLS-410*/0.5 Seminar in Canadian Politics 3S
An examination of key issues in Canadian politics. Topics will vary from year to year; consult the departmental website for further details.
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POLS-412*/0.5 Seminar in Provincial Politics 3S
Content varies from year to year; consult the departmental website for further details.
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POLS-414*/0.5 Politics in Quebec 3S
An introduction to the political history of Quebec: the development of ideologies (including nationalism), constitutional developments, and the building of the Quebec state during the Quiet Revolution. Some contemporary issues in Quebec politics, and the relationship between Quebec and the rest of Canada.
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POLS-415*/0.5 Canadian Federalism 3S
An examination of the evolution and operation of the Canadian federal system. Topics include the concept and meaning of federalism, the implications of provincial/federal interdependence, and the politics of constitutional reform.
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POLS-419*/0.5 Political Communication 3S
A critical examination of the rhetoric of political persuasion, the framing and construction of political messages and the way in which meaning is interpreted and created in the political system. The mass media are an important, though not exclusive, focus of this course.
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POLS-421*/0.5 Elections 3S
An examination of the importance of elections to the maintenance of democratic systems. Six themes are discussed: the history and theory of democratic participation; the legal framework; campaign organization; why people vote the way they do; the manifestation of social cleavages during campaigns; and the future of electoral participation. Canadian examples are placed in a comparative context.
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POLS-422*/0.5 Public Opinion 3S
This course provides an extensive survey of the principal theoretical perspectives and empirical debates in the study of public opinion.
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POLS-430*/0.5 Seminar in Comparative Politics 3S
Topics vary from year to year, and may include class, ethnic, and regional politics, law and politics, interests and interest articulation, and democracy and democratization. Consult the departmental homepage.
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POLS-431*/0.5 European Politics 3S
Multi-level politics in Europe: the European Union and its member states. Development of the EU, institutions and policy processes at the EU level, how the domestic politics of European states affects the EU and vice-versa. Economic union, supranationalism, political impulsion for economic integration, accession of new member states.
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POLS-432*/0.5 The Modern Welfare State 3S
An exploration of the emergence and functioning of the modern welfare state in comparative perspective.
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POLS-433*/0.5 Problems of American Democracy 3S
Focuses on recent debates about the sources of malaise in the American system, with a special emphasis on understanding the dynamics of mass public opinion and the factors influencing public disaffection from political institutions.
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POLS-434*/0.5 Multiculturalism 3S
This course explores the political implications of multiculturalism from a variety of perspectives, including theory, policy, and historical meaning. Issues include: history and policy of multiculturalism in the Canadian, US and global contexts; the construction of ‘race’ and anti-racism; and the role of multiculturalism in citizenship inclusion and exclusion.
EXCLUSION    POLS 430* (2008-2010).
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POLS-439*/0.5 Seminar in American Politics 3S
Focus varies from year to year depending on the research interests of the faculty members involved. See the departmental homepage for further details.
EXCLUSION    POLS 495*.
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POLS-440*/0.5 The Politics of Ethnicity and Nationalism 3S
An exploration of the causes of ethnic conflict, but focuses in particular on the strategies which states use to manage or resolve such conflicts. The review of state strategies is comprehensive in nature: using case studies, it includes approaches which are morally unacceptable as well as approaches which many consider morally desirable.
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POLS-442*/0.5 Seminar in Latin American Politics 3S
Advanced research course focusing on problems relating to the consolidation of democracy in contemporary Latin America. Topics may include political parties and elections, economic policy, mass media, social movements, and political violence. Case studies are drawn largely from continental South America. PREREQUISITE    POLS 342*, HIST 246, or permission of the Department.
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POLS-443*/0.5 Gender and Globalization 3S
General issues and selected specific topics reflecting an interdisciplinary approach combining international political economy, feminist theory and comparative politics. Case studies from both industrialized and developing nations.
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POLS-445*/0.5 Dialectics of Development 3S
A critical examination of selected 'new' theories of development (neo-Marxism, postmodernism, new social movements, rational choice, flexible specialization, etc.), followed by a study of selected Asian countries' development strategies to evaluate the relevance of the theories.
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POLS-450*/0.5 Political Theory: Appeals to Human Nature 3S
An analysis of texts that take the nature of humans as the basis for political argument. Emphasis is on the search for foundations for political claims and the nature of 20th-century relativism, cultural and moral.
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POLS-451*/0.5 Seminar in Political Theory 3S
An examination of key issues in political theory. Topics will vary from year to year; consult the departmental homepage.
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POLS-453*/0.5 Modern Political Philosophy 3S
An examination of a particular problem or theme in Western political thought post-1500; issues covered might include property, revolution, sovereignty, republicanism, or gender. 
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POLS-456*/0.5 Theories of Identity Politics 3S
An investigation into different theoretical perspectives on the issue of 'identity' and the import of these perspectives for the 'politics of identity'. Theories of gender, race, class, nation, and sexual orientation, from a variety of perspectives, including Marxist, feminist, postmodern, and psychoanalytic theory.
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POLS-457*/0.5 Issues in Global Justice 3S
An exploration of issues in international politics from a theoretical and normative perspective, including global redistributive justice, just war theory, theories of secession, and normative theories of humanitarian intervention. Among the questions posed are whether we have an obligation to redistribute wealth to strangers, what can justify secession, intervention and war; and the terms on which people can migrate to other countries.
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POLS-458*/0.5 Ethics of War and Intervention 3S
An examination of the debates about when it is (morally) justified to go to war - and when it isn't. Topics will include war as self-defense, humanitarian intervention, preventive war, and different conceptions of the morally proper way to wage war.
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POLS-461*/0.5 International Regimes 3S
An exploration of problems of order and change in the international system with particular attention to the theory and practice of co-operation, ranging from classic concepts of international organization to current debates about international regimes.
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POLS-462*/0.5 Studies in National Security 3S
Contemporary aspects of Canadian international security policy. Topics include: the evolution of policy towards NATO; bilateral defence arrangements with the US; collective security and cooperative security; peacekeeping; defence economics; the role of domestic factors in the shaping of strategy; and aid of the civil power.
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POLS-463*/0.5 International Relations Theory 3S
Critical examination of selected themes, issues and works in classical and contemporary international relations theory. PREREQUISITE    A previous course in international politics.
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POLS-464*/0.5 Russian Foreign Policy 3S
An examination of the determinants of Russian Foreign Policy, and the extent to which they have changed over the last half-century. The course will cover both historical and contemporary issues in Russian foreign relations.
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POLS-465*/0.5 The Politics of War 3S
A consideration of the main types of war theory, including descriptive, legal, normative, causal, process, and consequential, with applications to selected case studies.
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POLS-466*/0.5 Politics of War in Africa 3S
An examination of the political dimensions of violent conflict in Africa, including the causes of inter-state and intra-state conflict, and responses such as peacebuilding and global governance initiatives.
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POLS-467*/0.5 International Political Economy 3S
Theoretical approaches and issues within the field, while paying particular attention to hegemony and leadership, the economic dimension of post war and post cold war security, trade, money, debt, underdevelopment, regionalism, and international organization.
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POLS-468*/0.5 Conflict and Peace in the Middle East 3S
An examination of the causes of the contemporary conflict in the Middle East and the peacemaking efforts that have been employed to resolve the conflict.
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POLS-469*/0.5 Issues in Canadian Foreign Policy 3S
This course focuses on Canadian-American relations, emphasizing the interaction in both bilateral and multilateral contexts. Primary concern with issues of trade, investment and resources, with some attention paid to security issues.
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POLS-470*/0.5 Seminar in International Politics 3S
The theoretical problems of analyzing foreign policy and the practical issues of diplomatic action.
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POLS-471*/0.5 Politics and Science in Technological Societies 3S
An examination of connections between politics, science and technology. Topics include: ideologies and the autonomy of science; science in the Warfare State; controlling the social uses of science.
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POLS-482*/0.5 Seminar in Public Policy 3S
An examination of key issues in Canadian politics. Topics will vary from year to year; consult the departmental homepage.
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POLS-483*/0.5 Justice and Gender 3S
An examination of how contemporary theories of justice fare from the standpoint of gender (specifically inequalities in gender relations) and what a just, non-gendered society might look like.
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POLS-484*/0.5 The Politics of Globalization 3S
An examination of the major theoretical debates and issues in contemporary globalization, including the historical roots of globalization, and the impact of globalization on culture, economics, trade, global governance, and global social movements.
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POLS-485*/0.5 Seminar in Gender and Politics 3S
An examination of key issues in gender and politics. Topics will vary from year to year; consult the departmental homepage.
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POLS-486*/0.5 The Politics of Rights 3S
A difficult challenge facing a liberal-democratic polity is how to distinguish allowable state action from the protected sphere of human activity. The course examines contemporary debates about whether rights provide an appropriate critical standard for evaluating state action and looks at different institutional methods to assess the justification of state actions.
EXCLUSION    POLS 494*.
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POLS-510/1.0 Directed Special Reading
Students arrange their course of reading in consultation with members of the Department. They are expected to write reports on their readings and to discuss them in seminars.
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POLS-511*/0.5 Directed Special Reading
For a complete description, see POLS 510.
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POLS-512*/0.5 Directed Special Reading
For a complete description, see POLS 510.
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POLS-590/1.0 Thesis
The thesis is optional and counts as one course toward an honours concentration in Political Studies. The thesis subject must be selected at the end of the penultimate year after consultation with members of the Department, and the thesis must be submitted by 31 March of the final year. The student must pay a modest fee for the binding of the departmental copy. PREREQUISITE    Only open to students who have attained a 75 per cent average in the same group of 5.0 credits in Politics required for admission to honours; see Admission to the Honours Year above.
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Arts and Science Departments, Programs and Courses Political Studies Courses of Instruction
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