Foundation Courses

POLS2013	Introduction to Political Economy	3 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.

POLS2101	American 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. Students cannot hold credit for both POLS 2101 and POLS 3105.

POLS2202	Canadian Politics	3 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. Students cannot hold credit for both POLS 2200 and POLS 2202.

POLS2303	Politics of the Developing World	3 ch (3C) (W)
This course introduces students to key political issues facing developing countries using a comparative politics approach. Key themes include state formation; sovereignty, democracy and accountability; economic strategy; impact of globalization.

POLS2403	Political Theory into the Present (A)	3 ch (3C) (W)
Examine key themes and concepts in modern political theory, including democracy, human rights, individualism, freedom, populism and oppression through and exploration of traditional thinkers and those recently rediscovered writers who were ignored by past commentators.

POLS2503	Women and Politics	3 ch (3C) (W)
This course maps the rise of the Second Wave feminist movement in North America, examining women’s engagement with politics on issues concerning citizenship, the economy, legal status, the division of public and private, and bodily autonomy.

POLS2603	Comparative 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).

POLS2703	Introduction to International Relations	3 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. Students are strongly encouraged to complete 3 ch of POLS at the 1000-level before enrolling in this course.