Political Science Courses
Department Website
www.douglascollege.ca/programs/political-science
POLI 1101 Introduction to Political Science (3 credits)
This course provides an introductory overview of the nature of politics and government, how to create good governments, and how best to structure political institutions (and limit their powers). The course examines basic political concepts, theories and ideologies, institutions of government, and the structures and processes of politics and policy-making. The course also prepares students for further study in political science by providing conceptual and analytical tools appropriate to the field.
Prerequisite: None
Lecture: 2; Seminar: 2
Offered: Fall, Winter and Summer Terms
POLI 1102 Introduction to Canadian Government (3 credits)
This course will concentrate on the structure and functions of the principal institutions of the Canadian Government. Students will have the opportunity to examine Canada's constitutional history and contemporary constitutional challenges, the Office of the Prime Minister and its powers, the Cabinet, the Bureaucracy, Parliament and the Courts. The course will provide the student with a firm understanding of the structure of the Canadian Government. Students are encouraged to take both POLI 1102 (Introduction to Canadian Government) and POLI 2202 (Canadian Politics) to enhance their transfer to university if majoring in Political Science.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: None
Lecture: 2; Seminar: 2
Offered: Fall, Winter and Summer Terms
* Note: POLI 1102 and 2202 combined permit a Political Science major to enter upper division courses in Canadian Government and Politics in BC Universities.
POLI 1103 Introduction to World Politics (3 credits)
This course will introduce students to the fundamental concepts of international politics and provide a broad overview of theoretical approaches to studying international relations. The course examines the role of states and non-state actors in the contemporary international system, and provides an introduction to current issues in international security and economic relations. This course is designed to assist students in recognizing the importance of world politics and to develop the tools to analyze and understand current events.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: None
Lecture: 2; Seminar: 2
Offered: Fall and Winter Terms
Note: Students who successfully complete POLI 1103 may take third- and fourth-year international relations courses at all BC universities.
POLI 2200 Politics and Ethics (3 credits)
This course will examine political controversies that raise fundamental ethical issues in contemporary public life and the political choices of public officials. The course will analyse the ethical dimensions of public policy, and will examine basic questions such as the proper place of ethics in politics, the difference in ethical behaviour in the public and private spheres and whether the state should be neutral with respect to moral beliefs. Specific topics and issues will include the limits of political power, the rule of law, conflict of interest, minority cultural rights, health care and debate over the welfare state.
Prerequisites: POLI 1101 or POLI 1102 or POLI 1103 (or Permission of Instructor)
Lecture: 2 Seminar: 2
Offered: Fall Term
POLI 2201 Introduction to Political Theory (3 credits)
This course introduces students to selected great thinkers of Western political theory who inspired others to critically assess their political thinking and understanding of citizenship. Their ideas will serve as the starting point for appraising the relationship between politics and philosophy and the search for justice and the good life. What makes authority legitimate? What freedoms can citizens claim? What are rights? What does justice require? This course is intended for students without any formal background in political theory or philosophy.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite:POLI 1101 or permission of Instructor
Lecture: 2; Seminar: 2
Offered: Winter Term
*Note: POLI 2201 transfers as one of the lower-division course requirements for a Major Program in Political Science at SFU.
POLI 2202 Introduction to Canadian Politics (3 credits)
This course will introduce the student to Canada's political tradition and culture, political socialization and participation, class and ethnic politics, the Quebec question, the electoral process, political parties and pressure groups in the Canadian system. Students are encouraged to take both Canadian Government (POLI 1102) and Canadian Politics (POLI 2202) to enhance their transfer to university if majoring in Political Science.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: None
Lecture: 2; Seminar: 2
Offered: Winter Term
POLI 2203 Current International Issues (3 credits)
This course examines conflict and collaboration in the international system and includes an analysis of some of the current issues in the areas of security, north-south relations, the global economy and the environment. The role of international organizations in the field of conflict resolution are also examined.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: POLI 1103 or permission of Instructor
Lecture: 2; Seminar: 2
Offered: Fall or Winter Terms
Note: Students interested in international relations should take this course for transfer credit at SFU, UBC, UNBC and UVic.
POLI 2209 US Government and Politics (3 credits)
The United States is Canada's largest trading partner, a military ally, a major cultural influence, as well as an important factor in international politics. This course provides students with an introduction to the principal institutions and processes of the US political system including the Presidency, Congress, judiciary, bureaucracy, federalism, political parties, interest groups and electoral system. Students will have an opportunity to examine some of the enduring issues of American politics and the role of the US in international politics.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: POLI 1101 or permission of Instructor
Lecture: 2; Seminar 2
Offered: Winter Term
POLI 2210 Introduction to Comparative Politics (3 credits)
Why are some countries democratic and others authoritarian? How and in what ways do different political systems affect citizen welfare? How do we assess competing and rival political systems? This course explores key questions, issues, methods, and developments in the study of comparative politics and government. The nature of politics and governance across different political regimes will be compared using analytical methods that will deepen students’ knowledge of governing and policy alternatives.
To find out where this course transfers, check the BC Transfer Guide.
Prerequisite: POLI 1101 or permission of Instructor
Lecture: 2; Seminar: 2
Offered: Summer Term