Course Descriptions - Undergraduate Calendar 2011-2012

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Notes

  1. Courses normally meet three hours per week; however, each instructor determines the pattern of meetings for his/her courses.
  2. Some of the courses listed are not offered in the current academic year. Precise information on course offerings and more detailed descriptions of the content of Political Science courses are available in the Department at the time students select their classes.

PSCI 100s


PSCI 101 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 007719
Introduction to Political Ideas
In this course, students are introduced to a number of concepts which have a bearing on how we respond to our political environment, including liberalism, conservatism, Marxism, feminism, equality, liberty, rights and justice. Some of the constraints that affect the application of these concepts to public policy are also examined.

PSCI 110 LEC,SEM 0.50Course ID: 011331
Introduction to Politics in the Contemporary World
An examination of political systems and behaviors across the contemporary world. Themes and topics may include the nature and function of the state; institutions of democracy and authoritarianism; processes of economic development; the legacy of colonialism; political parties; values/ideologies; and finally, the intensifying impact of globalization on politics of the contemporary world.

PSCI 200s


PSCI 200 DIS,LEC 0.50Course ID: 013717
Political Science Nuts and Bolts
Students of politics seek to explain the 'who, what, where, when, and why' of the uses of political power. Theories and methods essential to the craft of political research will be examined, providing opportunities to practice basic skills to enhance the study of politics.
Prereq: PSCI 101 or 110

PSCI 225 LEC 0.50Course ID: 007738
Classics in Political Thought 1
A selection of some of the most influential texts in the canon of political thought from ancient to modern times.
Prereq: PSCI 101

PSCI 226 LEC 0.50Course ID: 007740
Classics in Political Thought 2
An examination of some of the most important themes in Western political thought in the modern period including contemporary debates on political obligation, human rights, economic justice, and the extent of personal liberty.
Prereq: PSCI 101 or 225

PSCI 231 LEC 0.50Course ID: 007744
Government and Business
An examination of government-business relations in various countries, including national and sub-national government policies relating to the promotion of competitiveness, productivity, international trade, foreign investment and commercial innovation.
Prereq: Level at least 2A

PSCI 250 LEC 0.50Course ID: 011344
The Comparative Politics of State and Nation
This core comparative politics course assesses various approaches in the study of politics within states. The emphasis is on political developments, institutions, and processes in various countries in the global South and advanced industrial worlds.
Prereq: PSCI 101 or 110

PSCI 252 LEC 0.50Course ID: 007724
Global South: Introduction to International Development
An introduction to politics of development. Topics may include colonialism, economic growth, democracy, population, gender, education, environmental issues, working children, and health.
Prereq: PSCI 101 or 110.
Antireq: PSCI 350, INDEV 100

PSCI 253 LEC 0.50Course ID: 011637
Politics in Russia
A comparative examination of political processes, institutions, and reforms in Russia, with a focus on the successes and failures of democratization.
Prereq: PSCI 101 or 110

PSCI 255 LEC 0.50Course ID: 007747
Comparative Politics of Advanced Industrial Nations
Comparisons of politics in industrialized countries: government institutions, elections, parties, ideologies, and political economy.
Prereq: PSCI 101 or 110

PSCI 257 DIS,LEC 0.50Course ID: 012170
Introduction to the Modern Middle East
This course examines the modern political history of the Middle East, with an emphasis on international affairs. It examines the colonisation of the Middle East, the rise of national self-determination and nation-states, enduring Arab-Israeli conflicts, the Cold War, and the impact of US foreign policy in shaping the modern Middle East.
Prereq: Level at least 2A
(Cross-listed with HIST 230)

PSCI 259 LEC 0.50Course ID: 012187
Government and Politics of Asia
A comparative perspective on the government and politics of Asia.
[Note: formerly PSCI 359]
Prereq: PSCI 101 or 110

PSCI 260 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 007749
Canadian Government & Politics
An examination of Canada's federal system, parliamentary government, and national political processes, such as the party system, interest groups, the electoral system and voting behaviour.
Prereq: PSCI 101 or 110

PSCI 264 LEC 0.50Course ID: 007752
American Government and Politics
An examination of the United States federal government and national political processes.
Prereq: PSCI 101 or 110

PSCI 281 DIS,LEC 0.50Course ID: 007756
World Politics
Billions of people live together in various degrees of disharmony in the anarchy - 'an', without, 'archos', governor - of world politics. The course considers the what, where, when and why of the patterns of power, of peace and war, of cooperation and conflict about the globe.
[Note: PSCI 101 or 110 strongly recommended]
Prereq: Level at least 2A

PSCI 282 DIS,LEC 0.50Course ID: 007757
Foreign Policy
An introduction to the study of a state's foreign policy as a two-level game played at the intersection of the domestic and international spheres.
Prereq: One of PSCI 101, 110, 281

PSCI 283 LEC 0.50Course ID: 012302
International Political Economy
An introduction to the politics of the world economy with special reference to the politics of international trade, multinational corporations, international monetary relations, global finance, comparative capitalisms, and regional economic integration.
Prereq: PSCI 101 or 110

PSCI 291 LEC 0.50Course ID: 007759
The Canadian Legal Process
A general introduction to the fundamental principles of the legal system in English-speaking Canada, from its common law origins to an overview of some of the broader substantive issues such as public vs. private law, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, dispute resolution processes, the role of lawyers and judges, principles of Criminal, Tort and Family law, and methods of accessing the Canadian legal system.
Prereq: Level at least 2A

PSCI 292 LEC 0.50Course ID: 007760
Issues in Canadian Criminal Law
An analysis of rational legal principles and concepts applicable to current emotional criminal issues such as abortion, euthanasia, pornography, seat belts, marijuana, police power, civil rights, criminal trials, capital punishment, and prisons.
Prereq: Level at least 2A

PSCI 300s


PSCI 314 LEC 0.50Course ID: 007733
Quantitative Analysis
An introduction to the use of quantitative methods in Political Science. Only a rudimentary understanding of mathematics is required.
[Note: Formerly PSCI 214]
Prereq: Level at least 2A; Not open to Math students.
Antireq:(for Arts and ENVS students)ARTS 280,BIOL 460, ECON 221, ENVS 278, ISS 250A/B, 250R, KIN 222, PSYCH 292, REC 371, SMF 230, SOC/LS 280, STAT 202, 204, 206, 211, 221,231, 241, SWREN 250A/B, 205R

PSCI 315 LEC 0.50Course ID: 007764
Research Design in Political Science
Introduction to the logic and limitations of experimental and non-experimental research designs. Selected studies of politics are examined to demonstrate how plausible threats to validity are made less plausible with appropriate design and data analysis.
Prereq: PSCI 214/314; Not open to Students in the Faculty of Mathematics

PSCI 321 LEC 0.50Course ID: 007768
Marxist Theory
A basic introduction to the political and social thought of Karl Marx from the early writings to Das Kapital.
Prereq: PSCI 226

PSCI 324 LEC 0.50Course ID: 007771
Contemporary Political Philosophy
This course provides an introduction to, and critical assessment of, the major schools of thought which dominate contemporary debates in political philosophy. Ideals of justice, freedom and community will be examined.
Prereq: PSCI 225 or 226

PSCI 331 LEC 0.50Course ID: 007774
Public Administration
An introduction to the principles and practices of public administration including a consideration of the fit between various forms of bureaucratic organization and democratic political institutions in Canada.
Prereq: PSCI 260 or 260A/B

PSCI 334 LEC 0.50Course ID: 011638
Public Policy
An examination of the policy-making process in liberal democratic societies, and an evaluation of the tools employed by policy analysts to understand that process.
Prereq: One of PSCI 250, 255, 260, 264

PSCI 350 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 007789
Political Economy of Development
A critical examination of development problems in the global South, with the focus on North-South relations. Topics include trade, investment, aid, industrialization, agribusiness, development assistance, education, health, and food production.
Prereq: One of PSCI 250, 252, 281.
Antireq: PSCI 350A, 350B, INDEV 200

PSCI 350W LEC 0.50Course ID: 014101
Theories of Justice (WLU)
Department Consent Required

PSCI 351 LEC,SEM 0.50Course ID: 007791
Power Sharing in Divided Societies
Examination of conflict within societies and various ways in which conflict is eased or worsened through the sharing of power. Emphasis will be on pluralism, corporatism, consociationalism, and federalism.
Prereq: Level at least 3A

PSCI 355 LEC 0.50Course ID: 009514
Politics Among the Soviet Successor States
An examination of the consequences of the collapse of the Soviet Union that focuses on the evolving relationships among the Soviet Union's successor states. [Formerly: PSCI 355B]
Prereq: One of PSCI 250, 281, 282

PSCI 356 LEC 0.50Course ID: 013474
Business and Politics of Japan
Examination of the dynamics of Japanese politics and administration, and of the emergence of Japan as a global competitor in the decades following World War II. Subjects include constitutional foundations, the activities of Japan Inc., and other forces behind the country's growing engagement in international affairs.
Prereq: PSCI 250 or 259/359

PSCI 358 LEC 0.50Course ID: 012183
Political Change in Greater China
An examination of the government and politics of Greater China, including mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau. Topics include their historical traditions, the transformation of political parties, state institutions, political leadership, the military, democracy movements, economic reforms and foreign relations.
Prereq: Level at least 3A

PSCI 360 LEC 0.50Course ID: 011768
Topics in Canadian Government and Politics
Topics vary from time to time: e.g. the federal system, parliamentary government to native self-government to ethnicity and multiculturalism.
Prereq: PSCI 260 or 260A/B

PSCI 363 LEC 0.50Course ID: 007797
Canadian Constitutional Law
An introduction to the nature and basic principles of constitutional law. This course will deal especially with the distribution of powers in the Canadian federation, and its evolution, notably by judicial decision. Leading cases will be examined.
Prereq: PSCI 260 or 260A/B

PSCI 367 LEC 0.50Course ID: 012063
Topics in American Government and Politics
An analysis of topics related to the American system of government and politics.
Prereq: PSCI 264

PSCI 368 LEC 0.50Course ID: 012449
Russian Politics through Literature
Russian literature and politics often seem inseparable, and this course illustrates this phenomenon by employing twentieth-century Russian literature to examine Soviet society. Representative works by writers such as Zalygin, Rasputin, Grekova, and Aitmatov will shed light on Soviet agricultural, educational, religious, and environmental policies.
[Note: Taught in English. This course will have a Slavic language component for students in REES academic plans.]
Prereq: Level at least 3A
(Cross-listed with REES 330)

PSCI 369 LEC 0.50Course ID: 012944
The Politics of Decolonization
This course examines the break-up of empires in the mid/late 20th century and assesses how the colonial experience has shaped relations between and among former imperial polities to the present. Focus is given to questions of political identity in colonial and post-colonial societies and how these identities shape current political challenges.
Prereq: PSCI 250 or 252

PSCI 370 LEC 0.50Course ID: 011639
Women and Politics
An examination of patterns of women's participation in both Western and non-Western societies.
Prereq: Two of PSCI 250, 252,255, 260, 264

PSCI 373 LEC 0.50Course ID: 011118
Political Parties, Voting and Election
Examination of the role of political parties, the dynamics of voting behaviour, and the nature of electoral competition in both the established and emerging democracies.
Prereq: Level at least 3A

PSCI 382 LEC 0.50Course ID: 007805
Politics of Canadian Foreign Policy
An examination of issues and the foreign policy-making process in Canada. Special attention is paid to the domestic context of foreign policy.
Prereq: PSCI 260A or 260B or 260; PSCI 281 or 282

PSCI 383 LEC 0.50Course ID: 012945
Transatlantic Relations
This course studies the relations between the countries of Europe and North America. Drawing on examples from the historical and contemporary contexts, we discuss history, institutions, politics, security, trade and the environment.
Prereq: One of PSCI 281, 282, 283.
Antireq: PSCI 390 taken Winter 2008

PSCI 387 LEC 0.50Course ID: 010348
Globalization
An examination of the relationship between globalization and changing forms of political authority, with particular attention to contemporary debates concerning the erosion of the territorial nation-state in world politics.
Prereq: One of PSCI 281, 282, 283, INDEV 200 or Level at least 3A International Development

PSCI 389 LEC 0.50Course ID: 012593
Global Governance
Global governance is governing beyond the state. An examination of diverse problems - global warming, international human rights, terrorism, property rights disputes, and health crises - which transcend borders and demand cooperative global solutions.
Prereq: Level at least 3A.
Antireq: PSCI 357 taken before winter 2010; PSCI 390, Section 001 taken Spring 2006 and Winter 2007

PSCI 390 LEC 0.50Course ID: 007806
Special Studies
From time to time courses of special study may be added to the program at the third-year level.
Prereq: A minimum of 0.50 unit of PSCI; Level at least 3A

PSCI 391 RDG 0.50Course ID: 007807
Special Studies
From time to time courses of special study may be added to the program at the third-year level. Students wishing to take such courses should consult the Department's Undergraduate Officer.
Department Consent Required

PSCI 400s


PSCI 401 PRJ 0.50Course ID: 013475
Projects in Political Science
Research project guided by faculty for a student or small group of students. Consult the Undergraduate Advisor on available projects.
Prereq: Level at least 4A Political Science majors

PSCI 421 SEM 0.50Course ID: 007813
Justice and Gender
Theories of justice are concerned with the distribution of the basic goods of society - money, power, status, leisure, and so on. The course considers how the gender system fares from the standpoint of liberal justice, and to what extent the promises of liberal justice can be used to overturn the unequal treatment of women.
Prereq: One of PSCI 225, 226, 291, 292, 370; Level at least 4A

PSCI 423 SEM 0.50Course ID: 007815
Democratic Theory and Practice
An examination of the justification and limitations of democratic government, as well as more practical applications of democratic theory to the workplace, judicial review, legal obligations, etc. The focus will be on problems of democratic theory and practice.
Prereq: PSCI 225 or 226; Level at least 4A

PSCI 426 LEC 0.50Course ID: 007816
Selected Subjects in Political Philosophy
A selective treatment of basic themes in political philosophy in the modern and pre-modern times.
Prereq: PSCI 323 or 324; Level at least 4A

PSCI 428 LEC 0.50Course ID: 007818
The State and Economic Life
An examination of the evolution of competing ideological traditions interpreting the relationship between the state and economic life within the global system from the 19th century to the current day.
Prereq: Four PSCI courses; Level at least 4A

PSCI 429 SEM 0.50Course ID: 011709
Genetics and Justice
The course is designed to explore the different challenges society faces as a consequence of human genetic research. This course examines key developments in the field of human genetics, and demonstrates why and how current theories of justice may require revision in light of these changes. Issues addressed include insurance and privacy, the therapy/enhancement distinction, the morality of inclusion, future generations, reproductive freedom and gene patents.
Prereq: Level at least 4A; one of PSCI 225, 226, 323, 324

PSCI 431 LEC 0.50Course ID: 007819
Canadian Public Policy
An examination of major trends in Canadian public policy in selected issue areas with a primary focus on the federal level.
Prereq: PSCI 260, 334; Level at least 4A

PSCI 432 LEC,TUT 0.50Course ID: 005377
Global Environmental Governance
Examination of the ways in which world society is striving to address environmental challenges by means of 'global governance' - that is, international organizations and institutions intended to deal with these challenges. The history of international environmental politics will be reviewed, specific organizations and other actors involved in global environmental governance will be examined and the management of particular global environmental challenges investigated.
Prereq: Level at least 3A
(Cross-listed with ERS 404)

PSCI 433 SEM 0.50Course ID: 007776
Topics in Canadian Public Administration
Selected issues in public administration with particular reference to recent developments in Canada.
[Note: Formerly PSCI 332]
Prereq: PSCI 331; Level at least 4A

PSCI 434 SEM 0.50Course ID: 007822
Comparative Public Administration
A comparative survey of public administration in both developed and developing areas. The focus is on the rise of the administrative state in a variety of cultural and political contexts.
Prereq: Four PSCI courses; Level at least 4A

PSCI 439 SEM 0.50Course ID: 012359
Global Social Policy
This course examines three interrelated aspects of global social policy: the global social issues resulting from increased economic integration, the role of international governmental and non-governmental actors in fashioning cross-national responses to these issues, and the effects of global and regional economic and political integration on domestic social policy.
Prereq: One of PSCI 334, 357, 387, 389; Level at least 4A.
Antireq: PSCI 492, section 001 taken Spring 2006

PSCI 451 SEM 0.50Course ID: 007827
Comparative Political Systems: Eastern Europe
A comparative examination of political institutions and processes in the states of Eastern Europe.
Prereq: Level at least 4A

PSCI 452 SEM 0.50Course ID: 012947
Comparative Political Parties
With a primary focus on advanced industrialized countries, this course examines the origin and function of parties, party organization, their social and economic basis, the party system and its evolution, radical left and right parties, and the decline or adaptation of parties.
Prereq: One of PSCI 250, 252, 255, 373; Level at least 4A.
Antireq: PSCI 490 taken Winter 2008

PSCI 454 SEM 0.50Course ID: 007830
Topics in Politics in Global South
An examination of social and political change with the focus on rural structures and processes.
Prereq: Level at least 4A

PSCI 455 SEM 0.50Course ID: 012949
Comparative Political Economy
Focusing especially on advanced industrialized countries, this course surveys the key topics in political economy including the influence of politics on social and economic policies in relation to welfare states, labour markets, training, corporate governance and technological innovation. The course also explores the social and economic consequences of politics such as poverty, inequality, growth and decline.
Prereq: Four PSCI courses; Level at least 4A.
Antireq: PSCI 491 taken Fall 2007

PSCI 456 SEM 0.50Course ID: 007831
Ethnic Conflict and Conflict Resolution
This course examines the causes of ethnic conflict but focuses in particular on the strategies which states use to manage or resolve such conflicts. The review of state strategies is comprehensive in nature, and includes approaches which are morally unacceptable as well as approaches which many consider morally desirable.
Prereq: Four PSCI courses; Level at least 4A

PSCI 458 SEM 0.50Course ID: 007832
Cultural Explanations of Politics
Critical assessments of selected explanations of political authority, political organization, political conflict and political violence in terms of cultural values.
Prereq: One of PSCI 250, 255, 281, 282; Level at least 4A

PSCI 459 SEM 0.50Course ID: 012188
Organized Crime and Politics
This course examines the relationships between organized crime and politics, focussing on how governments cope with transnational organized crime. Topics include the definitions of organized crime, triads and mafia, money laundering, drug trafficking, human smuggling, syndicate corruption, and terrorism.
Prereq: Level at least 4A

PSCI 461 SEM 0.50Course ID: 007834
Canadian National Politics
Selected aspects of Canadian national politics.
Prereq: PSCI 260; Level at least 4A

PSCI 462 SEM 0.50Course ID: 013476
Government and Politics of Indigenous Peoples
An introduction to the history and development of government policy and regulations that have altered the political and social structures of aboriginal societies. We explore contemporary challenges to government policy and regulations, as reflected in the struggles for land, aboriginal rights, and self-government, as well as the development of a global identity.
Prereq: Level at least 4A

PSCI 472 SEM 0.50Course ID: 007837
Women and Public Policy
An examination of public policy from the perspective of women's experiences and needs. The course reviews policy developments in Canada and elsewhere, and reflects on the significance of feminist approaches to public policy.

PSCI 481 SEM 0.50Course ID: 007841
Interstate War
An examination of research on the causes and consequences of interstate warfare.
Prereq: Level at least 4A; PSCI 281 or 282 or 380A

PSCI 482 SEM 0.50Course ID: 012950
Critical Security Studies
This course reviews critical analytical models for the study of security and covers a range of issues which might be considered non-traditional including environmental security, public safety, cyber security, and counter-terrorism.
Prereq: PSCI 281 or 282; Level at least 4A.
Antireq: PSCI 483 taken Fall 2007

PSCI 485 SEM 0.50Course ID: 007844
Selected Topics in International Political Economy
Contemporary perspectives and issues in international political economy, with particular attention to advanced industrial countries. Topics include political/economic cooperation, the politics of trade, and the politics of adjustment.
Prereq: PSCI 283 or 387; Level at least 4A

PSCI 486 LEC 0.50Course ID: 010240
Special Topics in International Diplomacy
This course will deal with contemporary perspectives and issues in diplomacy. Topics include public diplomacy, the use of technological innovation such as cyber-diplomacy, the widening of the definition of diplomats, multilateral diplomacy, and 'niche' diplomacy.
Prereq: One of PSCI 281, 282, 283; Level at least 4A

PSCI 487 SEM 0.50Course ID: 012951
International Relations Theory
This course examines the major schools of international relations theory with attention paid to both positivist and post-positivist approaches.
Prereq: PSCI 281 or 282; Level at least 4A.
Antireq: PSCI 490 taken Spring 2007

PSCI 489 SEM 0.50Course ID: 012635
Global Food Systems
Examines the global nature of food systems from production to consumption, including both industrial and alternative models. Specific themes covered in the course include technological change in agriculture, corporate concentration, international agricultural trade, food aid, fair trade, and organic production in the Global North and South.
Prereq: Level at least 4A.
Antireq: ERS 475, section 003 taken Fall 2006; PSCI 490, section 001 taken Fall 2006
(Cross-listed with ERS 489, GEOG 429)

PSCI 490 LEC 0.50Course ID: 007847
Special Subjects
From time to time courses of special study may be added to the program at the fourth-year level.
Prereq: A minimum of 0.50 unit of PSCI; Level at least 4A

PSCI 491 SEM 0.50Course ID: 007848
Special Subjects
From time to time courses of special study may be added to the program at the fourth-year level.
Prereq: A minimum of 0.50 unit of PSCI; Level at least 4A

PSCI 492 RDG 0.50Course ID: 007849
Special Subjects
From time to time courses of special study may be added to the program at the fourth-year level. Students wishing to add such courses should consult the Department's Undergraduate Officer.
Department Consent Required

PSCI 499A ESS 0.50Course ID: 007859
Special Honours Essay
Honours Political Science students wishing to undertake a senior honours essay in their fourth year should consult the Department's Undergraduate Officer.
[Note: A numeric grade for PSCI 499A will be submitted only after the completion of PSCI 499B.]
Department Consent Required
Prereq: Level at least 4A Honours Political Science students only

PSCI 499B ESS 0.50Course ID: 007860
Special Honours Essay
Honours Political Science students wishing to undertake a senior honours essay in their fourth year should consult the Department's Undergraduate Officer.
Department Consent Required
Prereq: PSCI 499A; Level at least 4A Honours Political Science students only