This course introduces students to the political dimension of human behaviour. It examines how people organize themselves for the purpose of making collective decisions for the protection and defense of their communities, how they mobilize resources to achieve common goals, how they pursue common values, and how they resolve the conflicts that inevitably arise from these political actions; in short, how people govern themselves.
385-1N1-DW
Introduction to Political Science
3 - 0 - 3
45
Description for Course:
This course will introduce students to political science as the study of power and governance. Students will learn key political concepts used to explain how decisions are made by and for groups of people. Students will be introduced to the basic institutions of democratic and non-democratic states, to political ideologies, and to governmental and non-governmental actors. Finally, they will reflect critically on a current local and/or global political issue.
385-306-DW
Canadian Democracy
3 - 0 - 3
45
Description for Course:
This course examines the nature and extent of democracy underlying the Canadian political system. It focuses on the stresses and strains on the federal structure stemming from the often conflicting needs and demands of people with strong regional identities. The course also examines the functioning of parliamentary government in terms of meeting the expectations of citizens and evaluates the democratic nature of political parties, interest groups, and the voting system.
385-311-DW
Global Politics
3 - 0 - 3
45
Description for Course:
This course is a study of politics among the nation-states in the world. It looks at the role of international organizations, such as the United Nations, NATO, OECD, as well as non-governmental organizations, and the emerging civil society in dealing with conflict and promoting cooperation. Particular attention will be given to the impact of globalization, in terms of both positive and negative effects, and to the growing opposition movements.
385-401-DW
Advanced Studies in Politics
3 - 0 - 3
45
Description for Course:
This course is designed for students who are interested in studying the relationship between law and politics. We will be critically examining landmark Supreme Court cases, and their impact on Canadian Public Law. We will also be looking at criminal law and the role of law enforcement, i.e., the role of police agencies and their interactions with Canadian citizens, and especially, Indigenous Peoples and racialized minorities. Students will produce a project that will be framed within the context of the structure of the court system in Canada, and the impact of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms on Canadian Public Law.
385-A02-DW
Canadian Democracy
3 - 0 - 3
45
Description for Course:
Students will understand the historical foundations of the Canadian government while analyzing the role and relationships of its major components. They will explain underlying values in Canadian politics, and evaluate the extent to which Canadian judicial institutions and political processes reflect the expectations of citizens.
