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A summary of each course to help with your selection.
Course ID
Course
POLS 308
POLS 308
Political Economy of Developing Nations
Course Credits: 3
This course provides an analysis of the relationship of government policies and economic development in selected Asian, African, and Latin American countries. Topics include the role of leadership and public policy; challenges of development; obstacles to democratization; and the interaction of domestic and global political/economic structures.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 101 and 211, or third-year standing.
POLS 310
POLS 310
Issues in Social Justice
Course Credits: 3
An examination of ethical issues that pertain to social justice, addressing such topics as the distribution of wealth, the difference between equality and equity, the effects of globalization, and the morality of war.
Cross-listed: PHIL 310
Prerequisite(s): 3 sem. hrs. of political studies or philosophy; or third year standing
POLS 312
POLS 312
Globalization and Global Governance
Course Credits: 3
Examines the causes and consequences of globalization and the transitional institutions established to cope with this process. The course examines the meaning of global governance and how this differs from governance of domestic societies. It also identifies the significant international institutions involved in global governance and assesses their contribution. The role of various international governmental and non-governmental organizations are studied in relation to such issues as global trade, the environment, human rights, economic development, and international migration.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 101 and 211, or instructor's consent.
POLS 314
POLS 314
International Political Economy
Course Credits: 3
A study of the globalization of the world economy and the political factors that shape this process. Students become familiar with the recent history of international trade, global economic relations, and the role of various players in foreign economic policy making. Using case studies of representative governments, students explore models of fiscal and monetary policy and types of trade protection. Other topics include political factors affecting emerging and transitional economies, role of trade groupings, impact of multinational corporations, negotiations in the World Trade Organization, and the problems related to global industries such as airlines or oil.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 101 and 211, or instructor's consent.
POLS 320
POLS 320
Social and Political Philosophy
Course Credits: 3
An examination of foundational ideas and problems in political life and thought. Both classical and contemporary texts are used. Concepts treated include the state, society, the citizen, democracy, liberty, equality, authority, obligation, and disobedience.
Cross-listed: PHIL 320.
Prerequisite(s): 3 sem. hrs. of political studies or philosophy; or third year standing
POLS 334
POLS 334
Canadian Government and Politcs
Course Credits: 3
Provides the student with a detailed examination of the political issues that divide and unite Canadians. Course topics include discussion of alternative theoretical approaches to Canadian politics; regionalism, citizenship, and political participation; the French-English Cleavage; provincialism versus federalism; aboriginal politics; gender and class issues; the United States' and Canada's uneasy relationship; multiculturalism and bilingualism as key indicators of Canadian political culture; the Executive in Parliament dispute; legislative politics and judicial interpretation; law and constitution.
Cross-listed: HIST 334.
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of political studies including POLS 234, or instructor's consent
POLS 352
POLS 352
Government and Politics of the USA
Course Credits: 3
An introduction to American politics, including the major branches of government: the presidency, the Congress, and the Supreme Court. The dynamics of American political institutions and their interaction. The prime emphasis is on national politics, particularly the interaction of the executive and legislative branches, including presidential decision-making.
Cross-listed: HIST 352.
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of political studies including POLS 234, or instructor's consent.
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
POLS 355
POLS 355
American Foreign Policy
Course Credits: 3
A study of principal themes in United States foreign policy with in-depth review of post Second World War Presidential periods. Students analyze the causes and results of American policy choices in the context of evolving world order. The course explores philosophy and leadership styles.
Cross-listed: HIST 355
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of political studies including POLS 234, or instructor's consent.
POLS 378
POLS 378
Politics and Development of the Asia-Pacific Region
Course Credits: 3
This course explores the contemporary political, economic, and social conditions of countries in east and southeast Asia as case studies of development. Central to the course is the so-called Asian Miracle: what are its causes and why have some countries been left behind? Other topics include Japan's and Singapore's models of development; response to China's economic and political power in the region; international relations including selected conflict areas; and the prospects for regional integration. Countries typically covered in this region face the Pacific in a chain from Indonesia in the south to Korea and Japan in the north.
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of political studies.