The political science curriculum offers students a program of study that highlights the department’s particular strengths. The program is designed to develop a student’s ability in three areas: 1) Political analysis: students will learn to think critically about political life, especially in relation to the use and abuse of power, rights and responsibilities, different forms of diversity, and communities and nations in a global context. 2) Critical skills: the program emphasizes the development critical skills that will be an asset for future employment, including effective written and oral communication skills, analytical and numerical skills, and collaborative skills. 3) Democratic awareness: students will learn how power and authority are exercised and the possibilities of acting politically to bring about change.

The department offers a broad range of courses that focus on different themes. Students who major or minor in political science may choose to focus on one theme, or may take courses from several of the following themes. We currently offer courses in the following themes:

• Canadian Democracy in the North American Context;
• Development, Inequality and the Global South;
• Gender, Diversity and Inclusion;
• Global Politics;
• Law, Social Justice and Ethics;
• Political Economy and Political Power;
• Political Organizing and Communication;
• Political Thought;
• Public Policy and Administration;
• Violence and Security.

Capstone courses are offered in several themes, allowing students in their final year to reflect on their program of study and the application of this knowledge to career and life goals. For further information regarding the capstone courses, please consult the departmental supplemental calendar or Web site.

A number of 1000- and 2000-level courses are available to all students who wish to deepen their knowledge of political issues. As well, many of the upper-level courses are also open to non-majors who wish to further explore various political issues. For more detailed information, please consult the departmental supplemental calendar or Web site.

The Political Science program equips students with a broad set of analytical skills, critical skills and democratic awareness that gives our graduates the opportunity to pursue employment in a range of areas, including: the public service, international agencies, advocacy organizations, the media, and political organizations. Graduates of the program will be especially qualified to pursue graduate work in political science, or further studies in law, education or journalism.

For specific program requirements, please consult the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies Programs of Study section.

The department also offers a Specialized Honours BA degree program in Global Political Studies.

• Political Science (BA) and (iBA) degree requirements
• Rules and regulations in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies
• Search for courses offered in Political Science
• Other programs offered in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies

Political science is offered by the Faculties of Glendon and Liberal Arts and Professional Studies.