Canadian Politics

 

Courses in this area explain and assess the constitutional, institutional, legal, political, cultural, behavioral, social, and economic features of Canadian politics and government. They address persistent issues such as regionalism, leadership, party competition, pressure groups, divisions of interest and identity, and political reform. Attention is given, in various courses, to all or one of three levels of Canadian government.

POLS 2003: INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC POLICY AND THE PUBLIC GOOD 
This course examines the notion of a “public” and asks: what’s the role of government in a liberal democratic society? Students are introduced to the public policy process with a focus on how issues emerge, ideas are framed, priorities are established, and agendas are set and managed.

POLS 2223 Canadian Politics
An introduction to the core institutions and processes of Canadian government, such as the constitution, Parliament, prime minister, judiciary, and federalism. By asking who is and is not represented in Canadian politics, this course examines how well these institutions and processes function to promote democratic governance. Antirequisite(s): POLS 2006

POLS 3063 INDIGENOUS LAW AND GOVERNANCE IN CANADA 
Students focus on how the rich, complex nature of Indigenous knowledge (IK) informs contemporary Indigenous legal thought and governance across Canada. After an overview of diverse Indigenous knowledge systems, students are introduced to interpretations and expressions of IK in the law and governance. Prerequisite: Second-year standing (i.e. >24h completed).

POLS 3103 HUMAN RIGHTS NORTH CANADA
In this seminar course, students focus on human rights violations and eco-justice issues faced by Inuit in their homelands across Arctic regions in Canada. In their study of Inuit philosophy, political and administrative innovations and policy approaches, students seek to understand the value of ever-evolving, ancient Inuit Traditional Knowledge, called Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, in addressing a range of contemporary policy issues. Prerequisite: Second-year standing (i.e., >24h completed).

POLS 3133 LEADERS AND CABINETS IN CANADA
This course examines executive-level governance in the Canadian federal system. It explains the work of prime ministers, premiers, ministers and cabinets, and touches on the role of opposition party leaders in a system of responsible government as well as glass ceilings. Key political actors and public policy decisions in Canadian history are profiled, including notable leaders and ministers across Canada. Prerequisites: POLS 2223 with a minimum grade of B, or permission of the instructor.

POLS 3153 CANADIAN FOREIGN POLICY
This course explores Canada’s involvement in global politics, taking a critical analysis that interrogates the trends and activities that have defined Canada’s international role and the various forces and actors that shaped Canada’s global engagement. Canada’s national focus on multilateralism, peacekeeping and human security will be examined. Other themes include Canada’s role in foreign wars, global governance, and international development. Prerequisites: POLS 2683 Global Politics.

POLS 3203 POLITICAL LEADERSHIP IN ATLANTIC CANADA
This course studies diverse forms of leadership in governance and politics across the Atlantic Canada region. It explores ideals of democratic leadership for small polities. Case studies of political leadership in New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island are placed in comparative context with Ottawa, other provinces and the territories. Prerequisites: POLS 2223 with a minimum grade of B, or permission of instructor.

POLS 3233 POLITICAL MANAGEMENT IN CANADA
This course profiles the work of partisan advisors and political staff to leaders, situating Canadian practice in comparative context. Topics may include political management theory, strategic communications, campaign management, public opinion research, political marketing, permanent campaigning, advocacy, ethical codes of conduct. Emphasis is placed on concise writing. Prerequisites: POLS 2223 with a minimum grade of B or permission by instructor.

POLS 3303 POLITICS OF BELONGING IN CANADA
To explore the politics of belonging, students will focus on how the Canadian state engages with Indigenous peoples, Black Canadians, and other racialized communities in similar and different ways. Students will be introduced to the philosophical and conceptual tenets of intersectionality and decolonization, evaluate Canada’s record on multiculturalism, and explore diverse modes of resistance to persistent colonial and racial inequities. Prerequisite: Second-year standing (i.e. >24h completed).

POLS 3463 LAW AND POLITICS IN CANADA
An introduction to the structure and functions of the judiciary and its role in the Canadian political process. Topics include the nature of judicial power and its constitutional framework in Canada, judicial appointments, and judicial policy-making. Prerequisite: Second-year standing (i.e. >24h completed).

POLS 3503 THE CANADIAN CIVIL SERVICE
An introduction to the public service in which senior appointed public officials plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate, through middle managers, the major activities of federal, provincial and territorial governments in Canada. Students will explore concepts, contexts, organizational cultures, structures and processes, rules, roles and relationships with a focus on understanding the relationship between public administration and good governance.  Prerequisite: Second-year standing (i.e. >24h completed).

POLS 3563 WOMEN, GENDER AND THE LAW IN CANADA 
This course examines legal issues that are especially relevant to women. Students will analyze laws, policies, and court rulings on issues including adoption, marriage, and prostitution. This approach will allow students to understand the issues themselves, how law is gendered, and the workings of government and politics. Prerequisite: Second-year standing (i.e. >24h completed).

POLS 3603 CANADIAN PROVINCIAL POLITICS
A comparative study of politics in selected Canadian provinces. The consequences of varying historical and cultural contexts will be examined with special attention to the similarities and differences in social economic structures, party systems and movements, leadership styles, political attitudes, and electoral behaviour. Prerequisite(s): Second-year standing (i.e. >24h completed)

POLS 3703 ISSUES IN CANADIAN POLITICS
The study of politics by way of a systematic investigation of one or more issues of topical relevance in Canadian public policy. The particular issues of the course will be available from the department in the semester prior to its being offered. Prerequisite: Second-year standing (i.e. >24h completed).

POLS 3803 CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES
The origins, development, and present legal positions of the various forms of local, regional and metropolitan systems of municipal government in Canada. Special attention is paid to the problems of urban government, the territorial extent of local government, and local community development. The position of municipal government within the federal states. Prerequisite: Second-year standing (i.e. >24h completed).

POLS 3903 CANADIAN POLITICAL PARTIES
A survey of the evolution of Canadian political parties, with particular emphasis on patterns of support, ideological change, and styles of leadership. Prerequisite: POLS 2006 with a minimum grade of B, or permission of the instructor.

POLS 4023 GETTING ELECTED IN CANADA
In this course, students will research election literature to prepare a campaign plan as part of an academic exercise to get a candidate elected to a Canadian legislature. Topics may include the history of Canadian elections, electoral systems, election rules, voter behaviour, candidate nominations, campaign jobs, leaders’ debates, constituency campaigns, diverse representation and digital campaign trends.
Prerequisites: POLS 2223 with a minimum grade of B, or permission of the instructor.

POLS 4103 FEDERALISM IN CANADA
Students in this seminar on contemporary Canadian federalism will focus on the values and practices of intergovernmental relations among federal, provincial, territorial and Indigenous governments. Prerequisites: Second-year standing (i.e., >24h completed).

POLS 4203 POLITICS IN MARITIME CANADA
An exploration of political changes in Maritime Canada. Particular attention is paid to regional political cultures, electoral styles, party politics, leadership, federalism, Maritime Union, and public policy. Prerequisite: POLS 2006 with a minimum grade of B, or permission of the instructor.

POLS 4303 CDN POLITICS: ISSUES/APPROACHES
Explores both classical and modern analyses of Canadian politics. The course attempts to understand the interconnections between political culture, political institutions, party politics, and public policy in Canada and to draw conclusions about the nature of political power in Canada. Prerequisite: POLS 2006 with a minimum grade of B, or permission of the instructor.

POLS 4403 CANADIAN CONSTITUTIONAL LAW
An examination of the role performed by the judicial and legislative branches in constitutional protections in Canada. Topics include leading constitutional decisions of the Supreme Court of Canada and the major trends in Canadian constitutional law including the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the division of powers. Prerequisite: POLS 2006 with a minimum grade of B, or permission of the instructor.

POLS 4603 FIRST NATIONS PEOPLES: LAW, POLITICS AND POLICY IN CANADA
This seminar course explores the socio-political, historical, legal, economic and cultural aspects of the decolonization and self-determination efforts of First Nations peoples in Canada. Students will explore the multiple dimensions of aboriginality, the evolution of Aboriginal-State relations, the legal battles for Aboriginal rights to land, resources, and self-government, and the evolving political status and aspirations of First Nations’ peoples. Prerequisite: Second-year standing (i.e. >24h completed).

POLS 4803 CANADIAN PUBLIC POLICY 
The social, political, cultural, and institutional forces which shape the form and content of public policy, the rationality of the policy process, the mushrooming of state activities, and the actual impact of governmental programs. Prerequisite: POLS 2006 with a minimum grade of B, or permission of the instructor.