St.
F.X. Department of Political Science
Courses
The sample course outlines listed are not always the current version. They are provided to help individuals during course selection. For up-to-date reading lists and course material, check the individual professors' website.
100 - Introduction to Political Science
200 - History of Political Thought
210 - Comparative Politics
220 - Canadian Politics [AR]
230 -
American Politics
240 - Business and Government [AR]
247 - Emvironmental Social Sciences I: Problems and Paradigms
248 - Environmental Social Sciences I: Power and Change
250 - World Politics [AR]
291 - Violence, Conflict and Politics
292 - Selected Topics, i.e. Politics of the Environment,
Mexican Politics
295 - Religion and Politics
301 - Liberalism and Its Critics
302 - Marx and the Marxists
303 - Contemporary Political Arguments
310 - European Politics
311 - The European Union
312 - Art and Politics
315 - Democratization Around the World (new)
321 - Federalism [AR]
322 - Atlantic Canada [AR]
323 - Parties and Elections
324 - Provincial Politics
330 - Comparative Nationalism
341 - Canadian Public Administration [AR]
342 - Canadian Public Policy [AR]
343 - Law and Politics [AR]
344 - Citizenship and Identity
345 - Women and Politics
346 - The Politics of Resource Management [AR]
347 -
Politics
of the Environment
351 - Canadian Foreign Policy [AR]
352 - American Foreign Policy
353 - International Organizations
354 - International Political Economy (formerly 382)
355 - Global Issues
356 - War and Peace in the Middle East
360 - Russian Politics
361 - East European Politics
362 - Contemporary China
363 - Japan and East Asia (formerly 381)
370 - Third World Politics
372 - Iran and the Muslim World
380 - African Politics and Society
390 - Politics and Society in Latin America
395 - Mexican Politics
399 - Research Methods and Statistics
401 - Political Theory I (Seminar)
402 - Political Theory II (Seminar)
421 - Canadian Politics I (Seminar)
422 - Canadian Politics II (Seminar)
442 - Advanced Public Policy (Seminar)
451 - International Relations (Seminar)
452 - Comparative Politics (Seminar)
490 - Thesis
499 - Directed Study See section 3.5.
Department
Regulations
Normally, all courses above the 100 level, except
PSCI 240, require
PSCI 100
as a prerequisite. Students who wish to register in courses at the 300 level
or above should have 12 credits in PSCI or permission of the instructor.
There are four areas within the discipline: Canadian Politics; Political Theory/Philosophy; Comparative Politics; and World Politics/International Relations. Students will normally concentrate in two of those areas.
Major and Joint Major
Programs
See
sections 4.2 and 4.3
for degree regulations. Candidates for the major degree should choose their
courses in consultation with a member of the political science department,
and they must have their major form approved by the department chair. Students
will normally concentrate in two areas within the discipline, and have a
minimum
of 15 credits at the 300 level or above. Majors are encouraged to include
PSCI 399 in their course pattern.
Advanced Major Program
See section 4.4 for degree regulations.
Candidates for a degree with advanced major in political science must choose
their courses in consultation with the chair or with a supervisor assigned
to them by the department. All students will take PSCI 100, 399 and at least
two three-credit seminars as part of their program. Students will normally concentrate
in two areas within the discipline, and have at least 15 credits at the 300
level or above, including PSCI 399 and two three-credit seminars.
Honours Program
See section 4.6 for degree regulations. Candidates for the degree with honours
in political science require credit for
PSCI 100,
200, a minimum of 6 credits from the following:
210,
220,
240,
250,
399, and two three-credit seminars, a thesis
(490) and 27 other credits in PSCI. Non-Canadian students may,
with permission of the department, substitute another course for
220
or 240. Students will normally have at least 24 credits at the 300 level or
above, including PSCI 399, 490 and a seminar.
Honours with a Subsidiary
Subject
See section 4.6.1 for program requirements.
Note: Not all courses are offered every year. Most 300-level courses are offered
in alternate years. To confirm course offerings students should check the
timetable prior to registration.
[AR] Indicates Designated Course in Aquatic Resources
100 Introduction to Political Science
An introduction to the nature, varieties and uses of political
power in contemporary society and the state. especially Canada. This
course will introduce stduents to the four areas of the discipline.
Sample course outline.
200
History of Political Thought
An introductory survey of the Western tradition of political thought as it
reflects persistent concern with questions of justice, political obligation,
the origin of law and the purpose of government. Thinkers to be studied include
Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau,
Burke, and Karl Marx. Six credits.
Sample course outline.
210
Comparative Politics
The course provides an introduction to comparative and/or regional politics
as a field of study, and prepares students for upper level courses in this
field. It examines the evolution and diversity of governments in developing
and developed states in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Six credits.
Sample course outline.
220
Canadian Politics [AR]
An examination of government and politics in Canada. Topics include
the Constitution, federalism, political institutions, political culture,
parties and elections, interest groups. Six credits.
Sample course outline.
230
American Politics
An introductory survey of US politics with a focus on ideological and socio-economic
contests, state structure and its links with American society, and the formation
and nature of public policy. Six credits.
Sample course
outline.
240
Business and Government [AR]
The course examines the historical roots and the current contours of the business-government
relationship. While the focus is on Canada, conditions in other advanced capitalist
states are also considered. Topics include the mechanisms of business power,
state intervention in the modern economy, the micro-politics of business,
and a survey of state policies affecting business interests. Six credits.
Sample course outline.
247 Environmental Social Sciences I: Problems and Paradigms
This course introduces students to the major environmental challenges of
the 21st century from a social science perspective. Modern societies that have
sought to conquer natural limits have now conjured up unanticipated
"environmental" consequences. Students will explore how human understandings
of environmental "problems" as well as action towards environmental solutions
are shaped by ways of thinking, social contexts and institutional power
relations. Cross-listed as SOCI 247. Three credits.
248 Environmental Social Sciences I: Power and Change
As a continuation of PSCI 247, this course addresses the same conceptual
problems but focuses more on understanding the societal and political response
to environmental issues. Students will critically examine both proposed
ecological futures, as well as means of environmental problem solving and
societal change: state policy, intergovernmental treaties, environmental
movements, and market solutions. Cross-listed as SOCI 248. Three credits.
250
World Politics [AR]
Examines the nature of the international state system. The course explores
the political, military, cultural, economic and ideological factors affecting
the behavior of states and international organizations in world politics.
Six credits.
Sample course outline.
291
Violence, Conflict and Politics
A introduction to the comparative study of types of collective political
violence; war, terrorism, ethnic or identity-based conflicts, coup d'état,
revolution, civil war, and genocide. Specific case studies are examined
along with the main theoretical approaches in the field.
Three
credits.
Sample
course outline.
292 Selected Topics
This course introduces current topics and problems in political science. Course
content may change yearly, depending on faculty availability. Students should
consult the department chair for the current topic. Three credits.
2003 - Politics of the Environment, Dr. L. Hallstrom,
Sample course outline;
2005 - Mexican Politics. Dr. Y. Grenier.
295 Religion and Politics
An examination of the impact of religion on politics and politics on
religion. Students will consider the relationship between religion and
politics in the Middle East, Northern Ireland, India and Pakistan, Eastern
Europe and North America. Case studies will demonstrate interactions
between the state and Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Judaism, as well as
the influence of religion on citizenship, education, the party system, and
social issues. Cross-listed as RELS 295. Three credits.
301
Liberalism and Its Critics
A critical study of the historical development of liberal political theory,
its basic concepts and its limitations in a multicultural age. Theorists considered
may include: J. S. Mill, L. T. Hobhouse, John Rawls, Jeremy Waldron, Joseph
Raz, Charles Taylor, Michael Sandel, Will Kymlicka. Prerequisite: PSCI 200
recommended. Three credits.
Sample course outline.
302
Marx and the Marxists
A study of the socialist and/or communist critique of industrial capitalism,
encompassing ethical, historical, economic, and revolutionary perspectives.
The course examines the works of Karl Marx, and their adoption by
revolutionaries and critics of liberalism. Prerequisite: PSCI 200
recommended. Three credits.
Sample course outline.
303
Contemporary Political Arguments
An analysis of the claims of contemporary cultural and moral arguments
on politics in liberal-democratic societies. Topics include: racism, feminism,
ecology, corporatism, nationalism, democracy, and the legitimation crisis
of the modern state. Three credits.
Sample course outline.
310
European Politics
Examines a variety of theoretical and empirical issues in Europe,
including: patterns of social and economic development; politics and social
structure; party systems, strategies and conflict; the origins and development
of the modern state; and patterns of state policy. Prerequisite: PSCI 210
recommended. Six credits.
Sample course outline.
311
The European Union
The course examines European integration since World War II, with emphasis
on the European Community (EC) and European Union (EU), their institutions
and policy processes, and the consequences of European unity for the political
process in European societies. Prerequisite: PSCI 210 recommended. Three credits.
312
Art and Politics
This course introduces students to what modern artists have to say about
politics and what governments do and say about art. It provides some of
the historical and theoretical tools needed to analyze the political role of
art in our time. Students will examine literary works, painting, music,
and architecture, and discuss specific policies on art.
Cross-listed as ART 312. Three credits.
Sample course outline.
315 Democratization Around the World
This course investigates the problems facing countries from different parts of the world that have sought
to move from non-democratic political systems to democracy. Students
will learn the social, cultural and economic conditions necessary for the
process of democratization; analyze the institutional structures and
constitutional designs most conducive to the transition from authoritarianism
to democracy; and consider the consequences of democratization for
development. Prerequisite: PSCI 210 recommended. Three credits.
Sample course
outline.
321
Federalism [AR]
This course examines the theory and practice of federalism, with a focus on
Canadian federalism. Topics include theories of federalism, comparative federal
systems, inter-governmental relations, fiscal arrangements, federal-provincial
diplomacy and constitutional reform. Prerequisite: PSCI 220 or 240
recommended. Three credits.
Sample course outline.
322
Atlantic Canada [AR]
A course on modern government and politics in the four Atlantic provinces. Regional development and dependence are the themes within
which students will explore federal-provincial relations, fiscal and administrative changes, development
policies, political culture, and party systems. Prerequisite:
PSCI 220 or 240 recommended. Three credits.
Sample course outline.
323
Parties and Elections
This course is concerned with parties, elections, voting behavior and public
opinion in Canada. Topics include party and electoral systems, intra-party
politics and political personnel, party financing, representation and policy
development, the campaign process, polling, and voting behaviour.
Prerequisite: PSCI 220 or 240 recommended. Three credits.
Sample course outline.
324
Provincial Politics
The comparative study of the differing political cultures, institutions,
behavior and public policies of the Canadian provinces. Students will seek explanations for
the
similarities and differences in the social and economic structures and political histories of the provinces.
Prerequisite: PSCI 220 or 240 recommended. Three credits.
Sample course outline.
330
Comparative Nationalism
An analysis of the historical origins of nationalism and of its central
concepts and justifications. Both western and non-western nationalisms will be
examined in a comparative context. Generally three cases per academic year
will be considered from among France, Canada, Bosnia,
Israel-Palestine, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Cross-listed as SOCI 375. Prerequisite: PSCI 210 or 250 recommended. Six credits.
Sample course
outline.
341
Canadian Public Administration [AR]
The focus of this course is Canadian public administration. Topics include:
organizational theory applied to the public sector, the origins and social
function of bureaucratic institutions in Canada, cabinet organization, federal-provincial
administrative relations, budgeting, and human resource management.
Prerequisite: PSCI 220 or 240 recommended. Three
credits.
Sample course outline.
342
Canadian Public Policy [AR]
An examination of contemporary public policy issues in Canada, including
economic, social and ptjer policy fields (e.g. environment, security adn
culture). Emphasis will be on policy analysis and decision-making process. Prerequisite: PSCI 220 or 240 recommended. Three credits.
Sample
course outline.
343
Law and Politics [AR]
The course explores the role of the courts in politics, particularly in Canada. Possible topics include: recent constitutional developments,
the impact of the Charter of Rights, the judicialization of politics, philosophy
of law, and strategic litigation. Prerequisite: PSCI 220 or 240 recommended.
Three credits.
344
Citizenship and Identity
This course examines various
aspect of Canadian citizenship and identity, as well as the rise of new social
movements. Topics include the relationship between federalism and nationalism,
aboriginal rights, multi-culturalism, citizen politics, and social movements. Prerequisite:
PSCI 220 or 240 recommended. Three credits.
Sample course outline.
345
Women and Politics
An introduction to the study of women and politics
in Canada, this course has three main parts: feminist political thought
and the Canadian women’s movement; political participation and representation;
and public policy. Topics include feminist political thought in the Western
political tradition, the evolution and politics of the women’s movement, political
parties and legislatures, women and work, and women and the welfare state.
Cross-listed as WMNS 345. Three credits.
346
The Politics of Resource Management [AR]
This course examines the power relations arising from attempts to exploit
and manage natural resources. The commodities in question range from wildlife
and fish to agriculture, forests and minerals. Topics include: preservation
and conservation strategies, crown rights and systems, co-management regimes,
environmental assessment techniques, commodity marketing schemes and sustainable
development policies. Three credits.
Sample course outline.
347 Politics of the Environment
Environmental factors have increasingly become important components of
political decisions. This class examines how environmental issues arise and
the different ways they are framed, argued, and dealt with politically in that
context. It will also explore the theoretical assumptions, questions and
ethical frameworks that have been developed to guide and analyze environmental
policy-making. Prerequisite: PSCI 247, 248. Three credits.
351
Canadian Foreign Policy [AR]
This course is designed as a general historical survey of Canadian external
interests, external policy-making processes, and contemporary themes and issues.
Prerequisite: PSCI 250 recommended. Three credits.
Sample course outline.
352
American Foreign Policy
This course examines the major foreign policy interests in the United States
from the late 19th century to the present. Emphasis is placed on the ideologies
and personalities of key decision-makers, the effect of the domestic socio-economic
structure on policy decisions, and America’s position in the international
system. Prerequisite: PSCI 251 recommended. Three credits.
353
International Organizations
A study of the development and role of international organizations in world
politics. Topics include: the history and evolution of the United Nations,
the effects of international law on state behavior, and the extent to which
international cooperation has been effective in resolving global problems.
Prerequisite: PSCI 250 recommended. Three credits.
Sample course
outline.
354 International Political Economy (formerly 382)
This course examines the politics of international economic relations:
international trade, the international monetary system, multinational
corporations and international development. Prerequisite: PSCI 250
recommended. Three credits. Offered in alternatre years.
355
Global Issues
This course examines the state’s supremacy and its capacity to manage such global issues as: transnational flows of goods, services,
money, and ideas; the continuing problem of poverty in the developing world;
the phenomenon of failed states in the post-Cold War period; global environmental
issues; international concerns with human rights; weapons proliferation; terrorism
and other forms of transnational crime; and the rise of transnational social
activist groups. Prerequisite: PSCI 250 recommended. Three credits.
Sample course outline.
356 War and Peace in the Middle East
The first part of this course will survey the major explanations of war and
conflict among states and within states. The second part will apply these
theories to conflict in the past half century in the Middle East, including
the Arab0Israeli wars, the Yemen and Lebanon civil wars, the Iran-Iraq and
Iraq-Kuwait wars, and the two Palestinian Intifadas. Finally the
prospects for conflict resolution will be discussed. Prerequisite: PSCI 250 recommended. Three credits.
360
Russian Politics
This course explores
the reasons for the collapse, and the pursuit of political and economic alternatives
to state socialism in the Russian Federation. Students are encouraged to develop
their own project, examining the manner in which forms of ownership, constitutional
developments, party formation, political personalities, and domestic and international
pressure influence events in Russia’s developing system. Six credits. Offered
in alternate years.
Sample course outline.
361 Eastern European Politics
A comparative study of government and politics in Central and Eastern Europe
during communism and post-communist times. Topics include parties and
elections, political representation, opposition and dissent, political police
and citizen surveillance, nationalism and ethnic conflict, the cult of
personality and political succession. Prerequisite: PSCI 210
recommended. Three credits.
Sample course
outline.
362
Contemporary China
A study of the origins and development of the gradual but revolutionary political
and economic reforms in China since 1978, with emphasis on the changing roles
of the Communist Party, the central bureaucracy and local governments, the
military, the emerging entrepreneurial class, and the 80 million members of
the overseas Chinese community. Prerequisite: PSCI 250 recommended. Three credits.
Sample course
outline.
363 Japan and East Asia (formerly 381)
Examines a world power in its regional context and the diplomatic
interactions among Japan, China, and the US in the world's fastest growing
economic centre. The course also explores the domestic, politics of Japan and
other states in the region. Prerequisite: PSCI 250 recommended.
Prerequisite: PSCI 250 recommended. Three credits.
Sample course outline.
370
Third World Politics
A critical introduction to the political economy of new nations. Topics include:
the impact of colonization; theories of development and dependency; the role
of the state; the debt crisis and the IMF; north-south dialogue; and prospects
for democracy in the Third World. Two case studies drawn from Asia, the Middle
East, and Africa will be considered in detail. Six credits.
Sample course outline.
372 Iran and the Muslim World
A critical study of Iranian politics since the 1979 Revolution with particular
focus on the role of Shiite Islam and Iranian culture in shaping the Iranian
state, its internal dynamics, and its political influence in Lebanon and Iraq.
This course will also consider Iranian relations with the West and Israel.
Students will be introduced to the basic tenets of Islam. Prerequisite: PSCI
210 recommended. Three credits.
Sample course outline.
380 African Politics and Society
A critical exploration of the history, politics, economics and culture of
sub-Saharan African states, in the context of Africa's place in global
politics and the world economy. Topics will include the colonial
legacies, development strategy, state and national formation, economic
autonomy, the impact of AIDS, the IMF and World Bank policies. Several
case studies, drawn from Southern, Central and East Africa, will be the focus
of intensive study each year. Prerequisite: 12 credits PSCI or
permission of the instructor. Offered in alternate years. Six credits.
390
Politics and Society in Latin America
This course offers an introduction to the unity and diversity of Latin
American politics. It will focus on country studies in addition to
examining specific issues related to the challenges of democratization and
development in the region. Prerequisite: PSCI 210 recommended. Six credits.
Sample course outline.
395 Mexican Politics
This course looks at Mexico’s distinct political tradition. It presents
and discusses Mexico’s main political actors (political parties, groups,
social movements) and institutions (democratic, republican, federal,
presidential), and examines the political challenges of democratization and
liberalization. Prerequisite:PSCI 210 recommended. Three credits.
399
Research Methods and Statistics
Covers research methods controversies in the field of political science
today. Students learn to use statistics and computers in political science
research, broadening their employment opportunities and introducing them to
post-graduate research methods. Requires no mathematics or computer
skills. Three credits.
Sample course outline.
401
Political Theory I (Seminar)
This seminar will involve an advanced, in-depth analysis of selected
concepts, problems, themes and controversies in Western classical, medieval
and early modern political theory, and their current relevance to the
discipline of political science and politics. Prerequisite: PSCI 200
recommended. Three credits.
402
Political Theory II (Seminar)
This seminar will critically analyze selcted themes, issues and
controversies in contemporary political theory as well consider non-western
political thought and its relevance to Western political science and politics.
Prerequisite: PSCI 200 recommended. Three credits.
421
Canadian Politics I (Seminar)
This seminar will consider theoretical perspectives on Canadian politics and
the Canadian state, followed by an examination of Canadian political
institutions and their settings. Prerequisite: PSCI 210 recommended. Three credits.
Sample course
outline.
422 Canadian Politics II (Seminar)
This seminar deals with social power in Canada and the politics of
identity and rights, as well as various issues and policy problems stemming
from globalization and Canada's relations with the United States.
Prerequisite: PSCI 220 or 240 recommended. Three credits.
442 Advanced Public Policy (Seminar)
This seminar is a cross-disciplinary, social science seminar focusing
on a single public policy issue that varies from year to year. Senior honours
students in the social sciences can gain admittance to the seminar as well as
others at the course co-ordinator's discretion, based on a set of academic
achievement criteria. This three-credit course is organized around two visits
to campus, one each in the fall and spring terms, of a public sector policy
analyst who will bring the practitioner's perspective to the seminar. Students
will prepare and present formal reports in policy recommended form. A faculty
co-ordinator will guide and supervise student work. Prerequisite: PSCI 220
recommended. Cross-listed as IDS 405. Three credits over the full academic
year.
451
International Relations (Seminar).
This seminar seeks to introduce the student to the advanced theories and
great works of International Relations. Prerequisite: PSCI
210 or 250 recommended. Three credits.
452
International and Comparative Politics II (Seminar).
This seminar discusses major issues in
comparative politics and examines the advanced theories, methods, and concepts
in the field. Prerequisite: PSCI
210 or 250 recommended. Three credits.
499 Directed Study See section 3.5
For additional information, please consult the Academic Calendar
Student Information