Introductory Level Courses

POLS1203Political Issues in Canada and Beyond3 ch (3C) (W)

Political issues and case studies, drawn from Canadian and international contexts, are used to introduce students to central debates and concepts of politics and political analysis.

POLS1303Pivotal Political Events3 ch (3C) (W)

Considers the political origins and long-term political impact, as well as issues raised in the field of political science, of events which have shaped the contemporary world, such as the Russian Revolution, the Holocaust, the dropping of the atomic bomb, the Cold War, the rise of the welfare state, and the recent U.S. elections. 

POLS1403Contemporary Political Ideas and Ideologies3 ch (3C) (W)

Examine important political ideas and movements of the past century that shape present-day society. Examine such diverse ideologies as liberalism, conservatism, populism, feminism, and environmentalism.

POLS1451The American Presidential Election in Historical Context (O) (Cross-Listed: HIST 1451) 3 ch (3C) (W)
This political history course intoduces students to some of the key issues surrounding each U.S. presidential campaign. Offered every four years to correspond with the American Presidential election cycle, it will be normally co-taught with the Department of History. Note: Students cannot obtain credit for both HIST 1451 and POLS 1451.
POLS1603Politics of Globalization3 ch (3C) (W)

Introduces students to the study of globalization: the global political, economic and social relations that simultaneously bind states and people together, and divide them. Topics include the global economy and trade; the political impact of new technologies; global social movements; global inequalities; and the effect of globalization on armed conflict, migration, climate change, and health. 

POLS1703Issues in World Politics3 ch (3C) (W)
This course investigates the most pressing issues in contemporary world politics with a particular focus on conflict and security challenges which have arisen since the end of the Cold War. Debates over war and terrorism, international law and human rights, and humanitarian intervention are considered, along with new challenges connected to economic development, population growth and environmental pressures.
POLS1803Politics of Climate Change (Cross-listed: ENVS 1803) 3 ch (3C) (W)

This course surveys the politics of climate change in a global context.  In the coming years, climate change will drive politics at the international, national, and sub-national levels.  Specific topics include climate change itself, international treaties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, humanitarian crises and climate change refugees, climate change and the media, and climate change denial. NOTE: Credit cannot be obtained obtained for both POLS 1803 and ENVS 1803.

POLS1903Introduction to Politics (A)3 ch (3C) (W)
Introduce the principal concepts, ideas, issues and frameworks used in the major areas of study in Political Science including political theory, Canadian politics, public administration, comparative politics, and international relations. Attention will be paid to events and examples in Canada as well as from other countries and regions.
POLS1023Arts First: Climate and Environment in Humanities and Social Sciences (Cross-Llisted: ARTS 1023, ENVS 1023) 3 ch (2C 1T) (W)
Examine climate change and broader environmental issues from the perspective of the Humanities and Social Sciences. Explore how individuals, communities, and governments come to understand environmental problems and opportunities for action and social change, both locally and globally. Learn about different research methods and approaches in the Humanities and Social Sciences and apply them to real-world examples. A skills development tutorial component provides active-learning opportunities. NOTE: Registration restricted to students in a Faculty of Arts degree program. Credit can only be obtained for one of ARTS 1023, ENVS 1023, or POLS 1023.