Foundation Courses

 

POLS2013Introduction to Political Economy3 ch (3C) (W)
This course surveys the basic themes of Political Economy analysis.  Themes include the nature of capitalism, the work experience, class and class struggle, political organizations and parties, business associations and unions, corporations, poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, the role of the state, militarization, and imperialism.
POLS2101American Politics 3 ch (3C) (W)
Surveys the American political experience with a focus on the post-1945 period. Topics include the paranoid tradition in American politics, the New Deal consensus, the Cold War, the Civil Rights movement, the Second Wave feminist movement, the war against Vietnam, the rise of the New Right and post-9/11 American Foreign policy. NOTE: Students cannot hold credit for both POLS 2101 and POLS 3105.
POLS2202Canadian Politics3 ch (3C) (W)
An introductory course in Canadian government and politics, dealing with the following topics: the constitution and civil liberties; federalism, with some focus on Quebec; the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government; political parties and interest groups; representation and electoral behaviour; nationalism in Canada. NOTE: Students cannot hold credit for both POLS 2200 and POLS 2202.
POLS2303Politics of the Developing World3 ch (3C) (W)

Examine political and economic challenges facing countries in the Global South, with a focus on colonial legacies, development strategies, democratic transitions, and ethnic conflict. Analyze debates over modernization, dependency, and globalization while exploring how historical and structural inequalities shape governance and social change.

POLS2403Political Theory into the Present 3 ch (3C) (W)

Examine key themes and concepts in modern political theory, including democracy, human rights, individualism, freedom, populism, and oppression through an exploration of both traditional and underrecognized political thinkers.

POLS2503Gender and Politics3 ch (3C) (W)

Map the rise of the North American feminist movement from the Second Wave through to the present. Examine a range of issues from the representation of women and gender-diverse candidates in political life to the struggles for reproductive, legal, and economic equality.

POLS2603Comparative Politics of the Industrialized World 3 ch (3C) (W)

This course introduces students to similarities and differences in the political culture, political institutions and public policies of countries in the industrialized world (Western Europe and North America primarily).

POLS2703Introduction to International Relations3 ch (3C)

Provides a comprehensive overview of the political science subfield of International Relations (IR): the study of global politics as an international system. The course focuses on core IR concepts and theories, and explores how these are used to analyse how power works in global politics; why states go to war; why states and other actors sometimes cooperate address global challenges; and why there are global inequalities. NOTE: Students are strongly encouraged to complete 3 ch of POLS at the 1000-level before enrolling in this course. 

POLS2203Trump’s America 3 ch (3C) (W)

Examine the impact of Trump and Trumpism on American politics, society, and culture. Focusing on current events, topics will include democracy, authoritarianism, rural anger, political polarization, disinformation and the media, class, race, reproductive and gender politics, and the role of science.