Non-stream Courses

These courses count towards the POLS major and may at the discretion of the head be applied to satisfy a stream requirement.

POLS 3013 THE POLITICS OF GENDER 
The literature regarding the participation of women in political life is surveyed. Attention is given to theoretical approaches to the critical understanding of gender and politics and to the political involvement of women in Canada and the United States, as well as in other political communities. Prerequisite: Second-year standing (i.e. >24h completed).

POLS 3033 RESEARCH AND METHODOLOGY IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES
The basics of the methodology of the social sciences. Material will cover different approaches to gathering data, as well as an introduction on how to analyze data. Emphasis is on the logic of political and social enquiry and the relationship between theory and the methods. Student involvement in a research project is an integral part of the course. Antirequisite(s): POLS 2013

POLS 3043 HONOURS SEMINAR
This course, for Politics majors only, will normally be taken by honours students in their third year and will focus on central debates in the discipline. In particular, students will be exposed to different approaches in the study of politics. Students will present their thesis proposals in class. A grade of B+ is required to continue in the honours program.

POLS 3213 THE POLITICS OF WATER  
This course will explore the dynamics of political conflicts over water scarcity, and will evaluate the ecological and economic impacts of different political approaches to ensuring water security. Drawing on case studies from Canada and around the world, particular attention will be paid to questions of water as a commodity and trade in water resources. Prerequisite: Second-year standing (i.e. >24h completed).

POLS 3833 READING COURSE IN SELECTED TOPICS  
Supervised readings by individual advanced students. The course content will be submitted by the student for the approval of the department and will be strictly supervised. Prerequisite: permission of the Department.

POLS 3936 READING COURSE IN SELECTED TOPICS
Supervised readings by individual advanced students. The course content will be submitted by the student for the approval of the department and will be strictly supervised. Prerequisite: permission of the Department.

POLS 3943 POLITICS OF THE MASS MEDIA  
The role, conduct, and political significance of the mass media will be considered from a number of theoretical perspectives. Attention will be paid to the practice and democratic role of the journalist, the relationship of language and politics, the impact of film and television on political culture, and the political economy of the mass media. Prerequisite: Second-year standing (i.e. >24h completed).

POLS 3993 DIGITAL DEMOCRACY
Different theoretical approaches will be studied which are relevant to understanding the relationship between politics, science and technology. We will then examine the effects of computers, expert systems, videoconferencing, satellites, and other such technologies on: public policy; democratic values; international relations, national defence and security; political processes, national sovereignty, gender, class and ethnic cleavages. Prerequisite: Second-year standing (i.e. >24h completed).

POLS 4913 OR 4916 SPECIAL TOPICS
Supervised readings by individual senior students. The course content, at a level consistent with other 4000-level POLS courses, will be submitted by the student for the approval of the department and will be strictly supervised.