POL S - Political Science

An introduction to major political concepts and to the study of politics. Note: Not open to students with credit in POL S 100 or 103.

Core concepts in the field of Indigenous politics. Prerequisite: POL S 101 or Department consent.

Explores how texts from the history of western political theory, from ancient Greece to the 20th century, help to deepen and diversify our understanding of themes like justice, freedom, equality, property, rights, and democracy. Not to be taken by students with credit in POL S 210. Prerequisite: POL S 101 or consent of Department.

Explores how texts in contemporary western political theory help to deepen and diversify our understanding of current political themes like war, climate change, sex, work, or democratic reform. Not to be taken by students with credit in POL S 210. Prerequisite: POL S 101 or consent of Department.

An introduction to the politics and theoretical underpinnings of critical disability studies. Topics may include: normalcy, cure, transhumanism, accessibility, queer and crip theory, transnational disability studies, and newgenics. Prerequisite: POL S 101 or consent of Department.

Selected public policies of city governments and the political and administrative processes through which they are produced. Prerequisite: POL S 101 or consent of Department.

Examines the constitutional and institutional foundations of Canadian government. Not to be taken by students with credit in POL S 220. Prerequisite: POL S 101 or consent of Department.

Examines the context and dynamics of Canadian politics. Not to be taken by students with credit in POL S 220. Prerequisite: POL S 101 or consent of Department.

Examines the concepts and approaches used to compare political issues across countries and regions. Not to be taken by students with credit in POL S 230 or 240. Prerequisite: POL S 101 or consent of Department.

Introduces the Chinese political system, institutional structure, and political history.

An examination of gender, diversity and relations of power in political life. Prerequisite: POL S 101 or consent of Department.

An introduction to contemporary international relations that attempts to develop an understanding of political events at the international level. The course covers the nature of foreign policy, the dynamics of interactions between states, the causes of war, imperialism and the role of non-state actors. Not to be taken by students with credit in POL S 260. Prerequisite: POL S 101 or consent of Department.

A variable content course, which may be repeated if topics vary. Prerequisite: POL S 101 or Department consent.

Power, politics and political activism. Approaches to participatory and democratic citizenship.

A variable content course, which may be repeated if topics vary. Prerequisite: One of POL S 211, 212 (or 210) or Department consent.

Diverse perspectives on rights, revolution, and democracy through the work of theorists like Burke, Wollstonecraft, de Tocqueville, Douglass, Marx, and Mill. Prerequisite: POL S 210 or 211 or 212 or consent of Department.

Focuses on struggles over citizenship, the self, and social justice through the work of theorists like Arendt, Beauvoir, Freud, Fanon, Foucault, Rawls, and Tully. Prerequisite: POL S 210 or 211 or 212 or consent of Department.

Why, how, and which Canadians vote and run for office; campaign strategies; role of media; election policies, dynamics, and outcomes. Prerequisite: POL S 224 or 225 or consent of Department.

A variable content course, which may be repeated if topics vary. Prerequisite: One of POL S 224, 225 (or 220) or Department consent.

Examines major health care issues and the interaction of the key ideas, institutions and interests that shape the Canadian health care system. Prerequisite: One of POL S 224, 225 (or 220) or Department consent.

Historical and contemporary issues associated with Indigenous politics in Canada. Prerequisite: Any 200-level course in POL S or NS or Department consent.

Areas of focus include: organizational forms and managerial approaches for the public sector, fostering partnerships with the private/civil society sectors, and the behaviour of micro-level actors embedded in government. Prerequisite: Any 200-level POL S course or consent of the Department.

Indigenous political dynamics and realities at the global level. Particular attention to Indigenous-state relations under settlercolonialism, and current Indigenous issues and resistance. Prerequisite: Any 200-level course in POL S or NS or consent of Department.

Indigenous women's/LGBTAIQ2S' voices and politics as they cut across theories, methodologies and practices. Prerequisite: Any 200-level course in POL S or NS or Department consent.

The actors, institutions, and processes of American politics and governance, and the forces that influence them. Prerequisite: Any of the 200-level POL S core courses or consent of Department.

This course examines different approaches to understanding the links between politics, society and ecology. Prerequisites: One of POL S 235 (or 230 or 240) or Department consent.

Comparative study of political institutions of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, and their interaction with NAFTA. Prerequisite: One of POL S 235, 261 (or 230, 240, or 260) or Department consent

A variable content course, which may be repeated if topics vary. Prerequisite: Any 200-level course in POL S or consent of Department.

The focus of this course changes yearly to reflect current issues in comparative politics and faculty research interests. Information about the specific topics can be obtained from the Department. A variable content course, which may be repeated if topics vary. Prerequisite: One of POL S 235 (or 230 or 240) or Department consent.

This course examines contemporary controversies in international politics. Information about specific topics are available from the Department. A variable content course, which may be repeated if topics vary. Prerequisite: One of POL S 261 (or 260) or Department consent.

The theories that shape international development, and the actors and institutions involved. Prerequisite: One of POL S 230, 235, 261 (or 240 or 260) or Department consent.

This course provides an introduction to the ideas, institutions, and forces which are shaping the new international political economy. It examines the politics of trading blocks such as NAFTA and the EU, North-South relations, and the interactions of markets and states in the global economy. Prerequisite: One of POL S 235, 261 (or 230, 240, or 260) or Department consent.

Political questions animating money and finance in Canada and globally, e.g., financialization, financial crises, consumer debt, popular resistance. Prerequisite: Any 200-level POL S course or Department consent.

An examination of European Union institutions, processes, politics, and policy issues. Prerequisite: One of POL S 235, 261 (or 230, 240, or 260) or Department consent.

Democratic transition, consolidation and backsliding in Central Europe, with a focus on nationalism, the politics of memory, European integration and Euroscepticism. Prerequisite: Any 200- level course in POL S or consent of Department.

A comprehensive introduction to East Asian politics in the postwar period, covering Greater China (Mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong), Japan and the two Koreas. Prerequisite: One of POL S 235 (or 240), East Asian Studies Major/Minor or Department consent.

Evolution, future, and global significance of Middle Eastern regional politics. Prerequisite: One of POL S 235 (or 240) or Department consent.

Relationships between law and politics in Canada and the United States including dispute resolution, societal and governmental influences on the judiciary, the policy-making role of courts, and the criminal process. Prerequisite: One of POL S 224, 225, 235, (or 220, 230 or 332) or Department consent.

Topics include party systems; ideologies and programs, members and supporters, organization and resources, and electoral and governmental activities. Prerequisite: One of POL S 224, 225 (or 220) or Department consent.

A variable content course, which may be repeated if topics vary. Prerequisite: Any 200-level POL S course or Department consent.

Research design and research methods for Political Science Honors Students. Note: Restricted to Honors Students in Third Year or those with consent of Department.

A variable content course, which may be repeated if topics vary. Prerequisite: One of POL S 211, 212 (or 210) or Department consent.

A critical examination of contemporary trends in political philosophy. A variable content course, which may be repeated if topics vary. Prerequisite: One of POL S 211, 212 (or 210) or Department consent.

The applied study of selected political research methods. Preparation, analysis, and communication of quantitative data about politics and public policy. Prerequisite: Any 200-level POL S course or Department consent.

This course draws on theoretical frameworks in critical disability studies to engage with the complex issues surrounding disability. Prerequisite: POL S 216 or consent of Department.

A variable content course that may be repeated if topics vary. Prerequisite: Any 200-level course in POL S or Department consent.

Political roles played by mainstream and social media in Canada. Prerequisite: POL S 224 and 225.

The political implications of judicial decisions in the areas of civil liberties, federal-provincial relations and international agreements. Prerequisite: One of POL S 224, 225 (or 220) or Department consent.

The focus of this seminar changes yearly to reflect current issues in Canadian politics and faculty research interests. A variable content course, which may be repeated if topics vary. Prerequisite: One of POL S 224, 225, (or 220) or Department consent.

Key debates about the determinants and patterns of Canadian and comparative political behaviour, such as political knowledge and attitudes, electoral behavior, and political activism. Prerequisite: Any 200-level POL S course or Department consent.

The analysis of the development and theories of Canadian Federalism. Attention will be given to current problems of the federal system. Prerequisite: One of POL S 224, 225 (or 220) or Department consent.

Examining public policy making structures and processes. Prerequisite: One of POL S 224, 225 (or 220) or Department consent.

Social policy theories and practices designed to integrate ethnic minorities and immigrant communities, in Canada and globally. Prerequisite: POL S 235 or 261 or consent of Department.

The study of selected aspects of Alberta government and politics. Topics may range from political institutions, through political parties, to areas of public policy. Prerequisite: One of POL S 224, 225 (or 220) or Department consent.

The theory and practice of city politics in modern Canada. The course will normally employ as resource persons senior elected and appointed officials from governments. Prerequisite: One of POL S 220, 224, 225, 230, 235, 240 (or 223) or Department consent.

A variable content course, which may be repeated if topics vary. Prerequisite: One of POL S 327, POL S 329, POL S 331 or consent of Department

Engaging the works of critical Indigenous thinkers. Prerequisite: One of POL S 327, POL S 329, POL S 331 or Department consent.

Selected topics of contemporary interest in Canadian public policy. Information about the specific topic is available from the Department. A variable content course, which may be repeated if topics vary. Prerequisite: One of POL S 224, 225 (or 220) or Department consent.

The relationship between gender and public policy in Canada. Of particular concern are effects of restructuring, decentralization, privatization and deregulation on women. Prerequisite: One of POL S 224, 225 (or 220 or 350) or Department consent.

The relative power, impact and interconnections of both territorial (regional) divisions and other non-territorial divisions (e.g. gender, race, ethnicity, and class). Prerequisite: One of POL S 224, 225 (or 220) or Department consent.

Theories of nationalism and the nation-state in an era of globalization. Prerequisite: One of POL S 235 (or 230 or 240) or Department consent.

Politics of race, racialisation and anti-racism in international and comparative perspective. Prerequisite: One of POL S 235, 261 (or 230, 240 or 260) or Department consent.

A variable content course, which may be repeated if topics vary. Prerequisite: One of POL S 235, 261 (or 230, 240, or 260) or Department consent.

Ways in which mass media socially construct and politicize gender. Prerequisite: Any 200-level POL S or WGS.

A variable content course, which may be repeated if topics vary. Prerequisite: One of any 200-level POL S course, POL S 350 or Department consent.

Examines the causes and responses to international migration, and probes the ethical questions raised by borders and surveillance, who gets in, and how newcomers are treated. Restricted to students with 60 units of course weight completed or consent of the department.

The contemporary foreign policies of the United States and their causes. Prerequisite: One of POL S 261 (or 260) or Department consent.

A variable content course, which may be repeated if topics vary. Prerequisite: One of POL S 261 (or 260) or Department consent.

Historical and contemporary political issues of global security are examined from various theoretical perspectives. Prerequisite: One of POL S 261 (or 260) or Department consent.

Contemporary international politics of the Middle East. Prerequisite: One of POL S 260, 261; 380; or Department consent.

Competing analytical frameworks within international political economy; social and ideological dimensions of governance in a globalized world. Prerequisite: One of POL S 261 (or 260) or Department consent.

Approaches and debates in international relations and security studies, such as feminist foreign policy, gender and militarism, anti-war activism, conflict resolution and peacebuilding, feminist intersectional perspectives. Prerequisite: Any 200-level POL S course or consent of the Department.

China's approach to foreign affairs and rising global influence, with a focus on Chinese leaders and institutions, China's geopolitical partnerships, and international relations theory. Prerequisite: POL S 235, 237, 261 or consent of Department.

An examination of theoretical debates on international cooperation and international institutions and their application to contemporary international politics. Prerequisite: One of POL S 261 (or 260) or Department consent.

Sources of and debates on ethical issues in international relations, especially surrounding human rights, economic justice and war. Prerequisite: One of POL S 261 (or 260) or Department consent.

Selected topics of current interest in comparative politics and government. A variable content course, which may be repeated if topics vary. Prerequisite: One of POL S 235 (or 230 or 240) or Department consent.

Domestic politics and foreign policy of China and/ or Japan. Note: Not open to students with credit in POL S 473. Prerequisite: One of POL S 235 (or 240 or 375) East Asian Studies major/minor or Department consent.

Political ideas and practice in Islamic countries, including historical and contemporary constructions of Islam. Prerequisite: Any 200-level course in POL S or Department consent.

Organizational features, actor/stakeholder relationships, and management challenges contemporary NGOs face. Prerequisite: POL S 235 or 261 or consent of Department.

A variable content course, which may be repeated if topics vary. Prerequisite: POL S 332 or Department consent.

Current debates in Europe, including the emergence of new radical right parties, green parties and movements, market liberalization and political change in Eastern and Central Europe, and the resurgence of nationalist discourses. A variable content course, which may be repeated if topics vary. Prerequisite: One of POL S 235 (or 230) or Department consent.

A variable content course, which may be repeated if topics vary. Prerequisite: One of POL S 235 (or 230) or Department consent.

Mexico's post-revolutionary politics, its current dynamics, and their continental impacts. Prerequisite: One of POL S 235 (or 230 or 240) or Department consent.

Preparation of the Honors Essay, required in the fourth year of the Honors program. Prerequisite: POL S 399.

Preparation of the Honors Essay, required in the fourth year of the Honors program. Prerequisite: POL S 399.

Empirical, practical, and critical perspectives on the study of public policy.

The applied study of selected political research methods. Preparation, analysis, and communication of quantitative data about politics and public policy.

This advanced course draws on theoretical frameworks in critical disability studies to engage with the complex issues surrounding disability.

A variable content course that may be repeated if topics vary.

Examining public policy making structures and processes.

Social policy theories and practices designed to integrate ethnic minorities and immigrant communities, in Canada and globally.

The institutions, processes, and dynamics involved in developing public policy in Canada.

Selected topics in the practice of public administration; content may vary from year to year.

The interface between the political system, policy development, and implementation of public policy in Alberta.

Current debates in Alberta politics and public policy. Prerequisite: POLS 529 [Politics, Policy, and Governance in Alberta] or consent of Department.

The management of policymaking processes amid legal and political pressures.

The study and practice of public policy by, and as it relates to, Indigenous peoples.

A variable content course, which may be repeated if topics vary.

Engaging the works of critical Indigenous thinkers.

The relative power, impact and interconnections of both territorial (regional) divisions and other non-territorial divisions (e.g., gender, race, ethnicity, and class).

Theories of nationalism and the nation-state in an era of globalization.

Politics of race, racialisation and anti-racism in international and comparative perspective.

In-depth examination of a selected public policy domain; content may vary from year to year.

Key debates about the determinants and patterns of Canadian and comparative political behaviour, such as political knowledge and attitudes, electoral behavior, and political activism.

Examines the causes of and responses to international migration, and probes the ethical questions raised by borders and surveillance, who gets in, and how newcomers are treated.

Ways in which mass media socially construct and politicize gender. Prerequisite: Any 200-level POL S or WGS.

Selected topics and approaches in comparative public policy; content may vary from year to year.

Contemporary international politics of the Middle East.

Current approaches to the study of foreign policy that focuses the explanations upon factors within the state.

Political ideas and practice in Islamic countries, including historical and contemporary constructions of Islam.

Organizational features, actor/stakeholder relationships, and management challenges contemporary NGOs face.

An introduction to the professional skills and ethics training expected in Political Science as an academic discipline. POL S 599 is graded on a pass/fail basis.

Traditional and critical perspectives.

A review of major thinkers and themes. Core course for PhD students preparing comprehensive exams in political theory.

The advanced study of politics, government and political science in Canada.

Current debates in Canadian politics and public policy.

A review and critique of the traditional theories of international politics and their contemporary challenges.

Required course for PhD students.

A survey of various theoretical perspectives on gender, ranging from liberal to postmodern, as well as issues and debates in gender research. Also addressed are questions of difference, identity, and conflict arising from, among others, race, class, sexuality, and north-south relations.

Students must complete a minimum 30-hour research project with a policy organization chosen in consultation with the Program Coordinator. POL S 803 is graded on a pass/fail basis. Prerequisite: consent of Department

Students must complete a minimum 30-hour research project with a policy organization chosen in consultation with the Program Coordinator. POL S 804 is graded on a pass/fail basis. Prerequisite: consent of Department.

Analysis of selected research problems and design of research projects in policy studies, planned by the student in consultation with the instructor. Prerequisite: consent of Department.

Integrate and synthesize public policy concepts, principles, and theories and apply critical thinking and communication skills in a project of relevance to the study and practice of policy studies. Prerequisite: consent of Department.