Political Science

An overview of the main themes in political science and international relations.

An introduction to Canadian politics including the function of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial levels. Topics examined include political economy in Canada, federal-provincial relations, Quebec and separatism, and Canadian political parties.

An introduction to the principal issues in international politics.

This course will provide an examination of modern political, government and development issues in selected states in South East Asia. The course will also examine emerging political and economic developments.

This course analyzes the political dimensions of the reciprocal influence between Canadian society and its environment. The values that form the bases for different positions in debates on environmental issues are examined. Canadian environmental policy is compared to that of other countries.

The Arctic seabed contains a treasure trove of natural resources, such as oil fields, natural gas, and iron ore becoming more accessible as the ice covering melts permanently. Five Arctic nations, Canada predominant, are claiming the right to exploit. This course examines the contested nature of political sovereignty. There are disputes among states over just where the precise boundaries lie. Some of the disputes that will be considered involve the Beaufort Sea, the Northwest Passage and the Arctic Seabed. What positive contribution could the Canadian government make to ensure that the Arctic remains peaceful? Non-governmental institutions could play a beneficial role. While some political actors view the Arctic primarily as a source of natural resources, the same region is the home of aboriginal people. Which policy alternatives will best prepare the Inuit and other Canadian aboriginals to take advantage of climate change in the Arctic?

This course fosters informed decision by examining the political system of the United States and covers all the major institutions and processes in American politics and government: Congress, the presidency, the courts, federalism, political parties, elections, interest groups, the media, political values and culture, public opinion and public policy-making.

Basic ideas of political thought are analyzed in this course by following the development of citizenship, a vital element of democracy. Should the duties and rights of citizens be minimized to achieve greater individual freedom? How would a definition of citizenship including the experiences and contributions of women and men influence democracy? What obligations do citizens have to future generations and other inhabitants of planet Earth? On what ethical framework should the judgments and actions of citizens be founded? Discussion will be in light of the writings of eminent theorists, such as Aristotle, St. Thomas Aquinas, Burke, Locke, Pope Leo XIII, Machiavelli, Maistre, Maritain, Mill, Rousseau, and Wollstonecraft.