Political Science


Faculty List
  • E. Acorn, B.A. (Victoria), M.A. (Dalhousie), J.D. (Toronto), Ph.D. (Cornell), Assistant Professor
  • A. Ahmad, B.A., M.A. (Toronto), Ph.D. (McGill), Associate Professor
  • E.G. Andrew, B.A. (British Columbia), Ph.D. (London), Professor Emeritus
  • N. Bernhardt, B. A. (Queens), Ph.D (York) 
  • C. Cochrane, B.A. (St. Thomas), M.A. (McGill), Ph.D. (Toronto), Associate Professor
  • S.J. Colman, M.A. (Oxon), Professor Emeritus
  • C. Cowie, B.A. (Western), M.A. (Manitoba), Ph.D. (Alberta), Assistant Professor
  • D. Fu, B.A. (Minnesota), M.Phil, Ph.D. (Oxford), Associate Professor
  • M. Hoffmann, B.S. (Michigan Technological), Ph.D. (George Washington), Professor
  • R. Hurl, B.A. (Toronto), M.A., Ph.D. (Cornell), Lecturer
  • F. Kahraman, B.A. (Boğaziçi), M.A., Ph.D. (Washington), Assistant Professor
  • P. Kingston, B.A. (Toronto), M.A. (London), D.Phil. (Oxford), Professor
  • M.L. Kohn, B.A. (Williams College), M.A., Ph.D. (Cornell), Professor
  • R. Levine, B.A. (Rochester), Ph.D. (Duke), Associate Professor, Teaching Stream
  • R. Manzer, B.A., B.Ed. (New Brun.), M.A. (Oxon.), Ph.D. (Harvard), Professor Emeritus
  • A. McDougall, B.A. (Toronto), M.A. (Queens), LL.B. (Queens), Ph.D. (Toronto), Assistant Professor 
  • C. Norrlöf, B.A., M.A. (Lund), Ph.D. (Geneva), Professor
  • S. Renckens, B.A., M.A., M.Sc. (Leuven), Ph.D. (Yale), Associate Professor
  • N. Roberts, B.A. (Brown), M.A., Ph.D. (Chicago), Professor
  • A. Rubinoff, A.B. (Allegheny), M.A., Ph.D. (Chicago), Professor Emeritus
  • R. Schertzer, B.A. (Carleton), M.Sc., Ph.D. (London School of Economics), Associate Professor
  • T. Shanks, B.A. (Berkeley), Ph.D. (Northwestern), Associate Professor
  • G. Skogstad, B.A., M.A. (Alberta), Ph.D. (British Columbia), Professor Emerita
  • S. Solomon, B.A. (McGill), M.A., Ph.D. (Columbia), Professor Emerita
  • T. Soremi, B.A. (Obafemi Awolowo), M.A. (Sussex), Ph.D. (Exeter), Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream
  • P. Triadafilopoulos, B.A. (Toronto), M.A., (Brock), Ph.D. (New School NY), Associate Professor
  • L. Way, B.A. (Harvard), M.A., Ph.D. (UC Berkeley), Professor


Chair: Christopher Cochrane
Program Advisor Email: pol-advisor@utsc.utoronto.ca
For more information, visit the Department of Political Science website.

Political Science is the study of enduring issues of power and authority, citizenship and governance, justice and legitimacy, and patterns of conflict and co-operation that arise around these issues from ancient to modern times. Political Science is divided into the following areas of focus:

  • Canadian Government and Politics: content covers the political-institutional foundations, political processes and public policies of Canada.
  • Comparative Politics: courses cover problems of political change and development in areas such as Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Political participation and mobilization, transitions to democracy and ethnic and religious conflict are some of the themes dealt with in comparative politics courses.
  • International Relations: courses focus on studying the foreign policies of particular nation-states and the patterns of conflict and co-operation among states.
  • Political Theory: courses explore the ideas, such as justice and legitimacy, that are fundamental to political thought and practice, giving special attention to reading and interpreting the classic expositions of politics from ancient Greek philosophers to post-modern social theorists.
  • Public Law: courses cover the foundations of justice and human rights, the role of courts in democratic politics and policymaking in Canada, and the study of law and politics within a comparative and international context.
  • Public Policy: courses examine the context, institutions, and processes of policy-making and implementation, as well as concepts and criteria for policy evaluation.
  • Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis: courses focus on the logic of argumentation and evidence in political science, public policy, and public law.

Political Science Areas of Focus:

Canadian Government and Politics

POLB56H3* Understanding Canadian Politics
POLB57H3* The Canadian Constitution and the Charter of Rights 
POLC21H3* Voting and Elections 
POLC32H3* The Canadian Judicial System
POLC52H3   Indigenous Nations and the Canadian State
POLC53H3* Canadian Environmental Policy
POLC54H3* Intergovernmental Relations in Canada
POLC56H3* Indigenous Politics and Law
POLC57H3* Intergovernmental Relations and Public Policy
POLC58H3* The Politics of National Identity and Diversity
POLC59H3* Sources of Power: The Crown, Parliament and the People
POLD46H3* Public Law and the Canadian Immigration System
POLD50H3* Political Interests, Political Identity, and Public Policy
POLD51H3* Topics in Canadian and Comparative Politics
PPGB66H3* Public Policy Making
POLD52H3* Immigration and Canadian Political Development
POLD53H3  Political Disagreement in Canada
POLD54H3  Michi-Saagiig Nishnaabeg Nation Governance and Politics
POLD55H3  The Politics of Equality and Inequality in Canada
POLD58H3  The New Nationalism in Liberal Democracies
POLD59H3  Politics of Disability
(PPGC66H3)*
PPGC67H3* Public Policy in Canada

Comparative Politics 

POLB90H3  Comparative Development in International Perspective
POLB91H3  Introduction to Comparative Politics
POLC21H3* Voting and Elections 
POLC16H3  Chinese Politics
POLC21H3* Voting and Elections 
POLC22H3  Ethnic Conflict and Democratization in Europe After the Cold War
POLC34H3* The Politics of Crime
POLC39H3* Comparative Law and Politics
POLC42H3  Topics in Comparative Politics
POLC43H3  Prejudice and Racism
POLC58H3* The Politics of National Identity and Diversity
POLC65H3* Political Strategy
POLC69H3* Political Economy: International and Comparative Perspectives
POLC83H3* Applications of American Foreign Policy
POLC90H3  Development Studies: Political and Historical Perspectives
POLC91H3  Latin America: Dictatorship and Democracy
POLC92H3  U.S. Government and Politics
POLC93H3* Public Policies in the United States
POLC94H3  Globalization, Gender and Development
POLC96H3  State Formation and Authoritarianism in the Middle East
POLC97H3  Protest Politics in the Middle East
POLD44H3* Comparative Law and Social Change
POLD50H3* Political Interests, Political Identity, and Public Policy
POLD51H3* Topics in Canadian and Comparative Politics
POLD58H3  The New Nationalism in Liberal Democracies
POLD67H3* The Limits of Rationality
POLD90H3* Public Policy and Human Development in the Global South
POLD91H3 Protests and Social Movements in Comparative Perspective
POLD92H3 Survival and Demise of Dictatorships
POLD94H3  Selected Topics on Developing Areas
PPGB66H3* Public Policy Making
(PPGC66H3)*
PPGD64H3* Comparative Public Policy

International Relations

POLB80H3 Introduction to International Relations I
POLB81H3 Introduction to International Relations II
POLC09H3 International Security: Conflict, Crisis and War
POLC33H3* Politics of International Human Rights
POLC38H3* International Law
POLC69H3 Political Economy: International and Comparative Perspectives
POLC80H3 International Relations of Africa
POLC83H3* Applications of American Foreign Policy
POLC87H3 Great Power Politics
POLC88H3 The New International Agenda
POLC98H3 International Political Economy of Finance
POLD09H3 Advanced Topics in International Security
POLD38H3* Law and Global Business
POLD87H3 Rational Choice and International Cooperation
POLD89H3* Global Environmental Politics 

Political Theory

POLB30H3* Law, Justice and Rights
POLB72H3 Introduction to Political Theory
POLC31H3 Contemporary Africana Social and Political Philosophy
POLC35H3* Law and Politics: Contradictions, Approaches, and Controversies
POLC37H3 Global Justice
POLC70H3 Political Thought: Democracy, Justice and Power
POLC71H3 Political Thought: Rights, Revolution and Resistance
POLC72H3 Liberty
POLC73H3 Modern Political Theory
POLC74H3 Contemporary Political Thought
POLC79H3 Feminist Political Thought
POLD02Y3* Senior Research Seminar in Political Science
POLD45H3* Constitutionalism
POLD67H3* The Limits of Rationality
POLD70H3 Topics in Political Theory
POLD74H3 The Black Radical Tradition
POLD75H3  Property and Power

Public Law

POLB30H3* Law, Justice and Rights
POLB56H3* Understanding Canadian Politics
POLB57H3* The Canadian Constitution and the Charter of Rights 
POLC30H3 Law, Politics and Technology 
POLC32H3* The Canadian Judicial System
POLC33H3* Politics of International Human Rights
POLC34H3* The Politics of Crime
POLC35H3* Law and Politics: Contradictions, Approaches, and Controversies
POLC36H3* Law and Public Policy
POLC38H3* International Law
POLC39H3* Comparative Law and Politics
POLC56H3* Indigenous Politics and Law
POLC59H3* Sources of Power: The Crown, Parliament and the People,
POLD30H3* Legal Reasoning
POLD31H3* Mooting Seminar
POLD38H3* Law and Global Business
POLD42H3  Advanced Topics in Public Law
POLD44H3* Comparative Law and Social Change
POLD45H3* Constitutionalism
POLD46H3* Public Law and the Canadian Immigration System

Public Policy

POLB40H3* Quantitative Reasoning for Political Science and Public Policy
POLC11H3 Applied Statistics for Politics and Public Policy
POLC12H3 Global Public Policy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
POLC13H3 Program Evaluation
POLC36H3* Law and Public Policy
POLC53H3* Canadian Environmental Policy
POLC54H3* Intergovernmental Relations in Canada
POLC57H3* Intergovernmental Relations and Public Policy
POLC65H3 Political Strategy
POLC83H3* Applications of American Foreign Policy
POLC93H3* Public Policies in the United States
POLD50H3* Political Interests, Political Identity, and Public Policy
POLD52H3* Immigration and Canadian Political Development
POLD67H3* The Limits of Rationality
POLD89H3* Global Environmental Politics 
POLD90H3* Public Policy and Human Development in the Global South
PPGB11H3 Policy Communications with Data
PPGB66H3* Public Policy Making
(PPGC66H3)*
PPGC67H3*  Public Policy in Canada 
PPGD64H3* Comparative Public Policy
PPGD68H3 Capstone: The Policy Process in Theory and Practice

Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis

POLB40H3* Quantitative Reasoning for Political Science and Public Policy
POLC11H3* Applied Statistics for Politics and Public Policy
POLC13H3 Program Evaluation
POLC35H3* Law and Politics: Contradictions, Approaches, and Controversies
POLC78H3 Political Analysis I
POLD30H3 Legal Reasoning
POLD56H3 Politics and Computational Social Science
POLD78H3 Advanced Political Analysis
POLD87H3 Rational Choice and International Cooperation
PPGB11H3 Policy Communications with Data

Special Topics and General Courses

POLA01H3 Critical Issues in Politics I
POLA02H3 Critical Issues in Politics II
POLC40H3 Current Topics in Politics
POLD02Y3* Senior Research Seminar in Political Science
POLD41H3 Advanced Topics in Politics
POLD82H3 Politics and Literature

Guidelines for First-Year Course Selection

Students who intend to complete the Political Science programs should include the following in their first-year course selection: 1.0 credit at the A-level in Political Science.

Program Combination Restrictions in Political Science

The Department of Political Science hosts the Specialist, Major, and Minor programs in Political Science, the Major and Major (Co-Op) Programs in Public Policy, and the Major and Minor programs in Public Law.

The Specialist, Major and Minor programs in Political Science cannot be combined.

The Major and Minor programs in Public Law cannot be combined.

Students are eligible to combine the Programs in Public Policy and Public Law with Programs in Political Science. Students combining programs in Political Science, Public Policy and Public Law (2 major programs or 1 major and 2 minors) must ensure the combinations of programs used to meet the degree requirement include at least 12.0 distinct credits.

For more information on the Major Program in Public Policy and the Major Program in Public Policy (Co-op), refer to the Public Policy section of the Calendar.

For more information on the Major and Minor Programs in Public Law, refer to the Public Law section of the Calendar.

Students will be able to request the Major Program in Public Law in Spring 2025.  

Experiential Learning and Outreach

For a community-based experiential learning opportunity in your academic field of interest, consider the course CTLB03H3, which can be found in the Teaching and Learning section of the Calendar.

political science Programs

SPECIALIST PROGRAM IN POLITICAL SCIENCE (ARTS) - SCSPE2015

Program Requirements
Students must complete at least 12.0 full credits in Political Science including:

1. Introduction to Political Science (1.0 credit):
POLA01H3 Critical Issues in Politics I
POLA02H3 Critical Issues in Politics II

2. Political Theory (1.0 credit):
POLB72H3 Introduction to Political Theory
0.5 credit from among the courses listed in the Political Theory Area of Focus Table

3. Canadian Politics (1.0 credit):
POLB56H3 Canadian Politics and Government
POLB57H3 The Canadian Constitution and the Charter of Rights

4. International Relations (1.0 credit):

POLB80H3 Introduction to International Relations I
POLB81H3 Introduction to International Relations II

5. Comparative Politics (1.0 credit):
POLB90H3 Comparative Development in International Perspective
POLB91H3 Introduction to Comparative Politics

6. At least two of the following from Research Methods (1.0 credit):
POLB40H3 Quantitative Reasoning for Political Science and Public Policy
[STAB23H3 Introduction to Statistics for the Social Sciences or equivalent]
POLC78H3 Political Analysis I

7. Applications (5.0 credits):
5.0 credits in POL or PPG courses at the C- and/or D-level

8. Advanced Applications (1.0 credit)
At least 1.0 credit in POL or PPG courses at the D-level

MAJOR PROGRAM IN POLITICAL SCIENCE (ARTS) - SCMAJ2015

Program Requirements
Students must complete at least 8.0 credits in Political Science as follows:

1. Introduction to Political Science (1.0 credit):
POLA01H3 Critical Issues in Politics I
POLA02H3 Critical Issues in Politics II

2. Political Theory (1.0 credit):
POLB72H3 Introduction to Political Theory
0.5 credit from among the courses listed in the Political Theory Area of Focus Table

3. Canadian Politics (1.0 credit):
POLB56H3 Canadian Politics and Government
POLB57H3 The Canadian Constitution and the Charter of Rights

4. At least two of International Relations and/or Comparative Politics (1.0 credit):
POLB80H3 Introduction to International Relations I
POLB81H3 Introduction to International Relations II
POLB90H3 Comparative Development in International Perspective
POLB91H3 Introduction to Comparative Politics

5. At least two of the following from Research Methods (1.0 credit):
POLB40H3 Quantitative Reasoning for Political Science and Public Policy
[STAB23H3 Introduction to Statistics for the Social Sciences or equivalent]
POLC78H3 Political Analysis I

6. Applications (2.5 credits):
2.5 credits in POL or PPG courses of which at least 2.0 must be at the C- and/or D-level

7. Advanced Applications (0.5 credit)
At least 0.5 credit in POL or PPG courses at the D-level

MINOR PROGRAM IN POLITICAL SCIENCE (ARTS) - SCMIN2015

Program Requirements
The Program requires the completion of 4.0 credits, including at least 2.0 credits at the C- or D-level.

1. Introduction to Political Science (0.5 credits from):
POLA01H3 Critical Issues in Politics I
POLA02H3 Critical Issues in Politics II

2. Core Courses (1.5 credits from):
POLB56H3 Canadian Politics and Government
POLB57H3 The Canadian Constitution and the Charter of Rights
POLB72H3 Introduction to Political Theory
POLB80H3 Introduction to International Relations I
POLB81H3 Introduction to International Relations II
POLB90H3 Comparative Development in International Perspective
POLB91H3 Introduction to Comparative Politics

3. Applications (2.0 credits):
2.0 credits at the C-level and/or D-level in POL or PPG courses

 

Political Science Courses

POLA01H3 - Critical Issues in Politics I

An introduction to crucial political issues of the day (e.g. globalization, migration, political violence, corruption, democracy, global justice, climate change, human rights, revolution,  terrorism) and key concepts in Political Science. Students will be introduced to and practice techniques of critical reading and analytic essay writing. Topics will vary by semester and professor.

Exclusion: POL101Y, POL115H, POL112H, POL113H, POL114H
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences
Note: POLA01H3 and POLA02H3 are not sequential courses and can be taken out of order or concurrently.

POLA02H3 - Critical Issues in Politics II

An introduction to crucial political issues of the day (e.g. globalization, migration, political violence, corruption, democracy, global justice, climate change, human rights, revolution, terrorism) and key concepts in Political Science. Students will develop techniques of critical reading and analytic essay writing. Topics will vary by semester and professor.

Exclusion: POL101Y, POL115H, POL112H, POL113H, POL114H
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences
Note: POLA01H3and POLA02H3 are not sequential courses and can be taken out of order or concurrently.

POLB30H3 - Law, Justice and Rights

This is a lecture course that helps students understand the theoretical justifications for the rule of law. We will study different arguments about the source and limitations of law: natural law, legal positivism, normative jurisprudence and critical theories. The course will also examine some key court cases in order to explore the connection between theory and practice. This is the foundation course for the Minor program in Public Law.
Areas of Focus: Political Theory and Public Law

Prerequisite: Any 4.0 credits
Exclusion: PHLB11H3 (students who have taken PHLB11H3 prior to POLB30H3 may count PHLB11H3 in place of POLB30H3 in the Minor in Public Law)
Recommended Preparation: 0.5 credit in Political Science
Breadth Requirements: History, Philosophy and Cultural Studies
Note: Priority will be given to students enrolled in the Minor program in Public Law. Additional students will be admitted as space permits.

POLB40H3 - Quantitative Reasoning for Political Science and Public Policy

This course introduces students to tools and foundational strategies for developing evidence-based understandings of politics and public policy. The course covers cognitive and other biases that distort interpretation. It then progresses to methodological approaches to evidence gathering and evaluation, including sampling techniques, statistical uncertainty, and deductive and inductive methods. The course concludes by introducing tools used in advanced political science and public policy courses.
Areas of Focus: Public Policy, and Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis

Prerequisite: Any 4.0 credits
Exclusion: POL222H1, SOCB35H3
Breadth Requirements: Quantitative Reasoning

POLB56H3 - Canadian Politics and Government

The objective of this course is to introduce students to the fundamentals of the Canadian political system and the methods by which it is studied. Students will learn about the importance of Parliament, the role of the courts in Canada’s democracy, federalism, and the basics of the constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and other concepts and institutions basic to the functioning of the Canadian state. Students will also learn about the major political cleavages in Canada such as those arising from French-English relations, multiculturalism, the urban-rural divide, as well as being introduced to settler-Indigenous relations. Students will be expected to think critically about the methods that are used to approach the study of Canada along with their strengths and limitations.
Area of Focus: Canadian Government and Politics

Prerequisite: Any 4.0 credits
Exclusion: (POLB50Y3), (POL214Y), POL214H
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLB57H3 - The Canadian Constitution and the Charter of Rights

This class will introduce students to the Canadian constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Students will learn the history of and constitutional basis for parliamentary democracy, Canadian federalism, judicial independence, the role of the monarchy, and the origins and foundations of Indigenous rights. The course will also focus specifically on the role of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and students will learn about the constitutional rights to expression, equality, assembly, free practice of religion, the different official language guarantees, and the democratic rights to vote and run for office. Special attention will also be paid to how rights can be constitutionally limited through an examination of the notwithstanding clause and the Charter’s reasonable limits clause.
Areas of Focus: Canadian Government and Politics and Public Law

Prerequisite: Any 4.0 credits
Exclusion: (POLB50Y3), (POLC68H3), (POL214Y)
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLB72H3 - Introduction to Political Theory

This course presents a general introduction to political theory and investigates central concepts in political theory, such as liberty, equality, democracy, and the state.  Course readings will include classic texts such as Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Rousseau, and Marx, as well as contemporary readings.
Area of Focus: Political Theory

Prerequisite: Any 4.0 credits
Exclusion: PHLB17H3
Breadth Requirements: History, Philosophy and Cultural Studies

POLB80H3 - Introduction to International Relations I

This course examines different approaches to international relations, the characteristics of the international system, and the factors that motivate foreign policies.
Area of Focus: International Relations

Prerequisite: Any 4.0 credits
Exclusion: (POL208Y)
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLB81H3 - Introduction to International Relations II

This course examines how the global system is organized and how issues of international concern like conflict, human rights, the environment, trade, and finance are governed.
Area of Focus: International Relations

Prerequisite: POLB80H3
Exclusion: (POL208Y)
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences
Note: Note: It is strongly recommended that students take POLB80H3 and POLB81H3 in consecutive semesters.

POLB90H3 - Comparative Development in International Perspective

This course examines the historical and current impact of the international order on the development prospects and politics of less developed countries. Topics include colonial conquest, multi-national investment, the debt crisis and globalization. The course focuses on the effects of these international factors on domestic power structures, the urban and rural poor, and the environment.
Area of Focus: Comparative Politics

Prerequisite: Any 4.0 credits
Exclusion: POL201H or (POL201Y)
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLB91H3 - Introduction to Comparative Politics

This course examines the role of politics and the state in the processes of development in less developed countries. Topics include the role of the military and bureaucracy, the relationship between the state and the economy, and the role of religion and ethnicity in politics.
Area of Focus: Comparative Politics

Prerequisite: Any 4.0 credits
Exclusion: (POL201Y)
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLC09H3 - International Security: Conflict, Crisis and War

This course explores the causes and correlates of international crises, conflicts, and wars. Using International Relations theory, it examines why conflict occurs in some cases but not others. The course examines both historical and contemporary cases of inter-state conflict and covers conventional, nuclear, and non-traditional warfare.
Area of Focus: International Relations

Prerequisite: POLB80H3 and POLB81H3
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLC11H3 - Applied Statistics for Politics and Public Policy

In this course, students learn to apply data analysis techniques to examples drawn from political science and public policy. Students will learn to complete original analyses using quantitative techniques commonly employed by political scientists to study public opinion and government policies. Rather than stressing mathematical concepts, the emphasis of the course will be on the application and interpretation of the data as students learn to communicate their results through papers and/or presentations.
Area of Focus: Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis

Prerequisite: STAB23H3 or equivalent
Exclusion: (POLB11H3)
Breadth Requirements: Quantitative Reasoning

POLC12H3 - Global Public Policy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This course will introduce students to the global policymaking process, with an emphasis on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students will make practical contributions to the policy areas under the SDGs through partnerships with community not-for-profit organizations, international not-for-profit organizations, or international governmental organizations. Students will learn about problem definition and the emergence of global policy positions in the SDG policy areas. They will assess the roles of non-state actors in achieving the SDGs and analyze the mechanisms that drive the global partnership between developing countries and developed countries.
Area of Focus: Public Policy

Prerequisite: 8.0 credits including [1.0 credit from POLB80H3, POLB81H3, POLB90H3 or POLB91H3]
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences
Course Experience: Partnership-Based Experience

POLC13H3 - Program Evaluation

This course introduces students to the frameworks and practice of program evaluation. It focuses on the policy evaluation stage of the policy cycle. The course explains the process of assessing public programs to determine if they achieved the expected change. Students will learn about program evaluation methods and tools and will apply these in practical exercises. They will also learn about the use of indicators to examine if the intended outcomes have been met and to what extent. Students will engage in critical analysis of program evaluation studies and reports.

Areas of Focus: Public Policy and Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis

Prerequisite: PPGB66H3 and a minimum CGPA of 2.5
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences
Course Experience: Partnership-Based Experience

POLC16H3 - Chinese Politics

This course covers a range of topics in contemporary Chinese politics and society post 1989. It exposes students to state of the art literature and probes beyond the news headlines. No prior knowledge of China required.
Area of Focus: Comparative Politics

Prerequisite: 1.0 credit from POLB80H3, POLB81H3, POLB90H3, or POLB91H3
Exclusion: JPA331Y, JMC031Y
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLC21H3 - Voting and Elections

Why do some citizens vote when others do not? What motivates voters? This course reviews theories of voting behaviour, the social and psychological bases of such behaviour, and how candidate and party campaigns influence the vote. By applying quantitative methods introduced in STAB23H3 or other courses on statistical methods, students will complete assignments examining voter behaviour in recent Canadian and/or foreign elections using survey data and election returns.
Areas of Focus: Canadian Government and Politics; Comparative Politics

Prerequisite: [STAB23H3 or equivalent] or POL222H1 or (POL242Y)
Exclusion: (POL314H), (POL314Y)
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLC22H3 - Ethnic Conflict and Democratization in Europe After the Cold War

This course explores post-Cold War politics in Europe through an examination of democratization and ethnic conflict since 1989 - focusing in particular on the role of the European Union in shaping events in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. The first part of the course will cover theories of democratization, ethnic conflict as well as the rise of the European Union while the second part of the course focuses on specific cases, including democratization and conflict in the Balkans and Ukraine.
Area of Focus: Comparative Politics

Prerequisite: Any 8.0 credits
Exclusion: (POLB93H3)
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLC30H3 - Law, Politics and Technology

Today's legal and political problems require innovative solutions and heavily rely on the extensive use of technology. This course will examine the interaction between law, politics, and technology. It will explore how technological advancements shape and are shaped by legal and political systems. Students will examine the impact of technology on the legal and political landscape, and will closely look at topics such as cybersecurity, privacy, intellectual property, social media, artificial intelligence and the relationship of emerging technologies with democracy, human rights, ethics, employment, health and environment. The course will explore the challenges and opportunities that technology poses to politics and democratic governance. The topics and readings take a wider global perspective – they are not confined only on a Canadian context but look at various countries’ experiences with technology.
Area of Focus: Public Law

Prerequisite: POLB30H3 and POLB56H3
Corequisite: N/A
Exclusion: N/A
Recommended Preparation: POLC32H3, POLC36H3
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLC31H3 - Contemporary Africana Social and Political Philosophy

This course investigates the relationship between three major schools of thought in contemporary Africana social and political philosophy: the African, Afro-Caribbean, and Afro-North American intellectual traditions. We will discuss a range of thinkers including Dionne Brand, Aimé Césaire, Angela Davis, Édouard Glissant, Kwame Gyekye, Cathy Cohen, Paget Henry, Katherine McKittrick, Charles Mills, Nkiru Nzegwu, Oyèrónke Oyewùmí, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, Cornel West, and Sylvia Wynter.

Area of Focus: Political Theory

Prerequisite: 8.0 credits including 1.0 credit in Political Science [POL or PPG courses]
Breadth Requirements: History, Philosophy and Cultural Studies

POLC32H3 - The Canadian Judicial System

This course explores the structure, role and key issues associated with the Canadian judicial system. The first section provides the key context and history associated with Canada’s court system. The second section discusses the role the courts have played in the evolution of the Canadian constitution and politics – with a particular focus on the Supreme Court of Canada. The final section analyzes some of the key debates and issues related to the courts in Canada, including their democratic nature, function in establishing public policy and protection of civil liberties.
Areas of Focus: Canadian Government and Politics and Public Law

Prerequisite: [POLB56H3 and POLB57H3] or (POLB50Y3)
Recommended Preparation: POLB30H3
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLC33H3 - Politics of International Human Rights

This course aims to provide students with an overview of the way human rights laws, norms, and institutions have evolved. In the first half of the class, we will examine the legal institutions and human rights regimes around the world, both global and regional. In the second half, we will take a bottom-up view by exploring how human rights become part of contentious politics. Special attention will be given to how human rights law transform with mobilization from below and how it is used to contest, challenge and change hierarchical power relationships. The case studies from the Middle East, Latin America, Europe and the US aim at placing human rights concerns in a broader sociopolitical context.

Areas of Focus: International Relations and Public Law

Prerequisite: POLB30H3
Recommended Preparation: POLB90H3 and POLB91H3
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLC34H3 - The Politics of Crime

This course will explore how the world of criminal justice intersects with the world of politics. Beginning with a history of the “punitive turn” in the criminal justice policy of the late 1970s, this course will look at the major political issues in criminal justice today. Topics studied will include the constitutional context for legislating the criminal and quasi-criminal law, race and class in criminal justice, Canada’s Indigenous peoples and the criminal justice system, the growth of restorative justice, drug prohibition and reform, the value of incarceration, and white-collar crime and organizational liability. More broadly, the class aims to cover why crime continues to be a major political issue in Canada and the different approaches to addressing its control.

Areas of Focus: Comparative Politics and Public Law

Prerequisite: POLB30H3 and [[POLB56H3 and POLB57H3] or (POLB50Y3)]
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLC35H3 - Law and Politics: Contradictions, Approaches, and Controversies

This course examines different methods and approaches to the study of law and politics. Students will learn how the humanities-based study of law traditionally applied by legal scholars interacts or contradicts more empirically driven schools of thought common in social science, such as law and economics or critical race theory. Students will understand the substantive content of these different approaches and what can be gained from embracing multiple perspectives.

Areas of Focus: Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis, Political Theory, and Public Law

Prerequisite: POLB30H3 and POLB56H3 and POLB57H3
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences
Note: Enrolment is limited to students enrolled in the Major Program in Public Law.

POLC36H3 - Law and Public Policy

This course examines how different types of legal frameworks affect processes and outcomes of policy-making. It contrasts policy-making in Westminster parliamentary systems and separation of powers systems; unitary versus multi-level or federal systems; and systems with and without constitutional bills of rights.

Areas of Focus: Public Policy and Public Law

Prerequisite: [POLB56H3 and POLB57H3] or (POLB50Y3)
Recommended Preparation: PPGB66H3/(POLC66H3)/(PPGC66H3)
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLC37H3 - Global Justice

This course examines theoretical debates about the extent of moral and political obligations to non-citizens. Topics include human rights, immigration, global poverty, development, terrorism, and just war.
Area of Focus: Political Theory

Prerequisite: [(POLB70H3) and (POLB71H3)] or POLB72H3 or [1.0 credit at the B-level in IDS courses]
Exclusion: (PHLB08H3)
Breadth Requirements: History, Philosophy and Cultural Studies

POLC38H3 - International Law

This course introduces students to the foundations of international law, its sources, its rationale, and challenges to its effectiveness and implementation. Areas of international law discussed include the conduct of war, trade, and diplomacy, as well as the protection of human rights and the environment.
Areas of Focus: International Relations and Public Law

Prerequisite: POLB30H3 or POLB80H3
Exclusion: POL340Y
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLC39H3 - Comparative Law and Politics

This course examines the interaction between law, courts, and politics in countries throughout the world. We begin by critically examining the (alleged) functions of courts: to provide for “order,” resolve disputes, and to enforce legal norms. We then turn to examine the conditions under which high courts have expand their powers by weighing into contentious policy areas and sometimes empower individuals with new rights. We analyze case studies from democracies, transitioning regimes, and authoritarian states.

Areas of Focus: Comparative Politics and Public Law

Prerequisite: POLB30H3
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLC40H3 - Current Topics in Politics

Topics and Area of Focus will vary depending on the instructor.

Prerequisite: One B-level full credit in Political Science
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLC42H3 - Topics in Comparative Politics

Topics will vary depending on the regional interests and expertise of the Instructor.
Area of Focus: Comparative Politics

Prerequisite: One B-level full credit in Political Science
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLC43H3 - Prejudice and Racism

To best understand contemporary political controversies, this course draws from a variety of disciplines and media to understand the politics of racial and ethnic identity. The class will explore historical sources of interethnic divisions, individual level foundations of prejudice and bias, and institutional policies that cause or exacerbate inequalities.

Prerequisite: Any 8.0 credits
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLC52H3 - Indigenous Nations and the Canadian State

This course is an introduction to Indigenous/Canadian relations and will give students a chance to begin learning and understanding an important component of Canadian politics and Canadian political science. A vast majority of topics in Canadian politics and Canadian political science can, and do, have a caveat and component that reflects, or should reflect, Indigenous nations and peoples that share territory with the Canadian state. Both Indigenous and Settler contexts will be used to guide class discussion. The course readings will also delve into Canadian/Indigenous relationships, their development, histories, contemporary existence, and potential futures.

Prerequisite: [POLB56H3 and POLB57H3] or (POLB50Y3)
Exclusion: POL308H1
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLC53H3 - Canadian Environmental Policy

This course examines the ideas and success of the environmental movement in Canada. The course focuses on how environmental policy in Canada is shaped by the ideas of environmentalists, economic and political interests, public opinion, and Canada's political-institutional framework. Combined lecture-seminar format.

Areas of Focus: Canadian Government and Politics; Public Policy

Prerequisite: (POLB50Y3) or [POLB56H3 and POLB57H3] or ESTB01H3 or [1.5 credits at the B-level in CIT courses]
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLC54H3 - Intergovernmental Relations in Canada

This course examines relations between provincial and federal governments in Canada, and how they have been shaped by the nature of Canada's society and economy, judicial review, constitutional amendment, and regionalisation and globalization. The legitimacy and performance of the federal system are appraised. Lecture-seminar format.
Areas of Focus: Canadian Government and Politics; Public Policy

Prerequisite: [POLB56H3 and POLB57H3] or (POLB50Y3)
Exclusion: POL316Y
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLC56H3 - Indigenous Politics and Law

This course explores key historical and contemporary issues in indigenous politics. Focusing on the contemporary political and legal mobilization of Indigenous peoples, it will examine their pursuit of self-government, land claims and resource development, treaty negotiations indigenous rights, and reconciliation. A primary focus will be the role of Canada’s courts, its political institutions, and federal and provincial political leaders in affecting the capacity of indigenous communities to realize their goals.

Areas of Focus: Canadian Government and Politics, and Public Law

Prerequisite: [POLB56H3 and POLB57H3] or (POLB50Y3)
Exclusion: POL308H, ABS353H, ABS354H
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLC57H3 - Intergovernmental Relations and Public Policy

This course examines intergovernmental relations in various areas of public policy and their effects on policy outcomes. It evaluates how federalism affects the capacity of Canadians to secure desirable social, economic, environmental and trade policies. Lecture-seminar format.
Areas of Focus: Canadian Government and Politics; Public Policy

Prerequisite: [[(POLB50Y3) or [POLB56H3 and POLB57H3]]
Exclusion: POL316Y
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLC58H3 - The Politics of National Identity and Diversity

This course explores the foundational concepts of nation and nationalism in Canadian and comparative politics, and the related issues associated with diversity. The first section looks at the theories related to nationalism and national identity, while the second applies these to better understand such pressing issues as minorities, multiculturalism, conflict and globalization.

Areas of Focus: Canadian Government and Politics; Comparative Politics

Prerequisite: (POLB92H3) or [POLB56H3 and POLB57H3] or (POLB50Y3)
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLC59H3 - Sources of Power: The Crown, Parliament and the People

Who are we as a people today? What role have consecutive vice regals played in more than 400 years of shaping our nation and its institutions? This course examines how the vice regal position in general, and how selected representatives in particular, have shaped Canada’s political system.

Areas of Focus: Canadian Government and Politics

Prerequisite: [POLB56H3 and POLB57H3] or (POLB50Y3)
Exclusion: POLC40H3 (if taken in 2014-Winter or 2015-Winter sessions)
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLC65H3 - Political Strategy

This course focuses on analyzing and influencing individual and collective choices of political actors to understand effective strategies for bringing about policy changes. We will draw on the psychology of persuasion and decision-making, as well as literature on political decision-making and institutions, emphasizing contemporary issues. During election years in North America, special attention will be paid to campaign strategy. There may be a service-learning requirement.
Area of Focus: Public Policy

Prerequisite: Any 4.0 credits
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLC69H3 - Political Economy: International and Comparative Perspectives

This course provides an introduction to the field of political economy from an international and comparative perspective. The course explores the globalization of the economy, discusses traditional and contemporary theories of political economy, and examines issues such as trade, production, development, and environmental change.

Areas of Focus: Comparative Politics; International Relations

Prerequisite: [1.0 credit from: POLB80H3, POLB81H3, POLB90H3, POLB91H3, or (POLB92H3)]
Exclusion: POL361H1
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLC70H3 - Political Thought: Democracy, Justice and Power

This course introduces students to central concepts in political theory. Readings will include classical and contemporary works that examine the meaning and justification of democracy as well as the different forms it can take. Students will also explore democracy in practice in the classroom and/or in the local community.

Area of Focus: Political Theory

Prerequisite: POLB72H3 or PHLB17H3
Exclusion: POL200Y, (POLB70H3)
Breadth Requirements: History, Philosophy and Cultural Studies

POLC71H3 - Political Thought: Rights, Revolution and Resistance

This course introduces students to central concepts in political theory, such as sovereignty, liberty, and equality. Readings will include modern and contemporary texts, such as Hobbes' Leviathan and Locke's Second Treatise of Government.
Area of Focus: Political Theory

Prerequisite: POLB72H3 or PHLB17H3
Exclusion: POL200Y, (POLB71H3)
Breadth Requirements: History, Philosophy and Cultural Studies

POLC72H3 - Liberty

The course investigates the concept of political liberty in various traditions of political thought, especially liberalism, republicanism, and Marxism.  The course will investigate key studies by such theorists as Berlin, Taylor, Skinner, Pettit, and Cohen, as well as historical texts by Cicero, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Hegel, Constant, Marx, and Mill.
Area of Focus: Political Theory

Prerequisite: POLB72H3 or (POLB70H3) or (POLB71H3)
Breadth Requirements: History, Philosophy and Cultural Studies

POLC73H3 - Modern Political Theory

This course is a study of the major political philosophers of the nineteenth century, including Hegel, Marx, J.S. Mill and Nietzsche.
Area of Focus: Political Theory

Prerequisite: [(POLB70H3) and (POLB71H3)] or POLB72H3
Exclusion: POL320Y
Breadth Requirements: History, Philosophy and Cultural Studies

POLC74H3 - Contemporary Political Thought

This course is a study of the major political philosophers of the twentieth century. The theorists covered will vary from year to year.
Area of Focus: Political Theory

Prerequisite: [(POLB70H3) and (POLB71H3)] or POLB72H3
Exclusion: POL320Y
Breadth Requirements: History, Philosophy and Cultural Studies

POLC78H3 - Political Analysis I

This course examines the principles of research design and methods of analysis employed by researchers in political science. Students will learn to distinguish between adequate and inadequate use of evidence and between warranted and unwarranted conclusions.
Area of Focus: Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis

Prerequisite: 8.0 credits including 0.5 credit in POL, PPG, or IDS courses
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences
Course Experience: University-Based Experience

POLC79H3 - Feminist Political Thought

This course examines the challenges and contributions of feminist political thought to the core concepts of political theory, such as rights, citizenship, democracy, and social movements. It analyzes the history of feminist political thought, and the varieties of contemporary feminist thought, including: liberal, socialist, radical, intersectional, and postcolonial.
Area of Focus: Political Theory

Prerequisite: POLB72H3 or [(POLB70H3) and (POLB71H3)] or PHLB13H3 or WSTA03H3
Exclusion: POL432H
Breadth Requirements: History, Philosophy and Cultural Studies

POLC80H3 - International Relations of Africa

This course introduces students to the International Relations of Africa. This course applies the big questions in IR theory to a highly understudied region. The first half of the course focuses on security and politics, while the latter half pays heed to poverty, economic development, and multilateral institutions.
Area of Focus: International Relations

Prerequisite: 1.0 credit from POLB80H3, POLB81H3, POLB90H3, or POLB91H3
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLC83H3 - Applications of American Foreign Policy

This course examines the foreign policy of the United States by analyzing its context and application to a specific region, regions or contemporary problems in the world.
Areas of Focus: International Relations; Public Policy; Comparative Politics

Prerequisite: Any 4.0 credits
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences
Course Experience: University-Based Experience

POLC87H3 - Great Power Politics

This course explores the possibilities and limits for international cooperation in different areas and an examination of how institutions and the distribution of power shape bargained outcomes.

Area of Focus: International Relations

Prerequisite: POLB80H3 and POLB81H3
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLC88H3 - The New International Agenda

Traditional International Relations Theory has concentrated on relations between states, either failing to discuss, or missing the complexities of important issues such as terrorism, the role of women, proliferation, globalization of the world economy, and many others. This course serves as an introduction to these issues - and how international relations theory is adapting in order to cover them.
Area of Focus: International Relations

Prerequisite: 1.0 credit from POLB80H3, POLB81H3, POLB90H3, or POLB91H3
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLC90H3 - Development Studies: Political and Historical Perspectives

This course provides students with a more advanced examination of issues in development studies, including some of the mainstream theoretical approaches to development studies and a critical examination of development practice in historical perspective. Seminar format.
Area of Focus: Comparative Politics

Prerequisite: POLB90H3 and POLB91H3
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLC91H3 - Latin America: Dictatorship and Democracy

This course explores the origins of Latin America's cycles of brutal dictatorship and democratic rule. It examines critically the assumption that Latin American countries have made the transition to democratic government.
Area of Focus: Comparative Politics

Prerequisite: 1.0 credit from POLB80H3, POLB81H3, POLB90H3, or POLB91H3
Exclusion: POL305Y
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLC92H3 - U.S. Government and Politics

This course analyses the American federal system and the institutions and processes of government in the United States.
Area of Focus: Comparative Politics

Prerequisite: Any 8.0 credits
Exclusion: (POL203Y) and POL386H1
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLC93H3 - Public Policies in the United States

This course focuses on selected policy issues in the United States.
Areas of Focus: Comparative Politics; Public Policy

Prerequisite: One full credit in Political Science at the B-level
Exclusion: POL203Y
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences
Course Experience: University-Based Experience

POLC94H3 - Globalization, Gender and Development

This course explores the gendered impact of economic Globalization and the various forms of resistance and mobilization that women of the global south have engaged in their efforts to cope with that impact. The course pays particular attention to regional contextual differences (Latin America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East) and to the perspectives of global south women, both academic and activist, on major development issues.
Area of Focus: Comparative Politics

Prerequisite: POLB90H3
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLC96H3 - State Formation and Authoritarianism in the Middle East

This course examines the origins of, and political dynamics within, states in the contemporary Middle East. The first part of the course analyses states and state formation in historical perspective - examining the legacies of the late Ottoman and, in particular, the colonial period, the rise of monarchical states, the emergence of various forms of "ethnic" and/or "quasi" democracies, the onset of "revolutions from above", and the consolidation of populist authoritarian states. The second part of the course examines the resilience of the predominantly authoritarian state system in the wake of socio-economic and political reform processes.
Area of Focus: Comparative Politics

Prerequisite: 1.0 credit from POLB80H3, POLB81H3, POLB90H3, POLB91H3 or (POLB92H3)
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLC97H3 - Protest Politics in the Middle East

This course examines various forms of protest politics in the contemporary Middle East. The course begins by introducing important theoretical debates concerning collective action in the region - focusing on such concepts as citizenship, the public sphere, civil society, and social movements. The second part of the course examines case studies of social action - examining the roles played by crucial actors such as labour, the rising Islamist middle classes/bourgeoisie, the region's various ethnic and religious minority groups, and women who are entering into the public sphere in unprecedented numbers. The course concludes by examining various forms of collective and non-collective action in the region from Islamist social movements to everyday forms of resistance.
Area of Focus: Comparative Politics

Prerequisite: 1.0 credit from POLB80H3, POLB81H3, POLB90H3, POLB91H3 or (POLB92H3)
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLC98H3 - International Political Economy of Finance

The course explains why financial markets exist, and their evolution, by looking at the agents, actors and institutions which generate demand for them. We also consider the consequences of increasingly integrated markets, the causes of systemic financial crises, as well as the implications and feasibility of regulation.

Area of Focus: International Relations

Prerequisite: [POLB80H3 and POLB81H3] and [MGEA01H3 or MGEA02H3] and [MGEA05H3 or MGEA06H3]
Exclusion: POL411H1
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLD01H3 - Research Seminar in Political Science

This course provides an opportunity to design and carry out individual or small-group research on a political topic. After class readings on the topic under study, research methods and design, and research ethics, students enter "the field" in Toronto. The seminar provides a series of opportunities to present and discuss their unfolding research.

Prerequisite: 1.5 credits at the C-level in POL courses
Course Experience: University-Based Experience

POLD02Y3 - Senior Research Seminar in Political Science

This course provides an opportunity for students to propose and carry out intensive research on a Political Science topic of the student’s choosing under the supervision of faculty with expertise in that area. In addition to research on the topic under study, class readings and seminar discussions focus on the practice of social science research, including methods, design, ethics, and communication.

Prerequisite: Open to 4th Year students with a CGPA of at least 3.3 in the Specialist and Major programs in Political Science or Public Policy or from other programs with permission of the instructor.
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences
Course Experience: University-Based Experience

POLD09H3 - Advanced Topics in International Security

This seminar course investigates the most urgent topics in the field of International Security, including American hegemonic decline, rising Chinese power, Russian military actions in Eastern Europe, great power competition, proxy wars, and international interventions. The readings for this course are drawn from the leading journals in International Relations, which have been published within the past five years. The major assignment for this course is the production of an original research paper on any topic in international security, which would meet the standard of publication in a reputable student journal.

Area of Focus: International Relations

Prerequisite: POLC09H3 and [an additional 1.0 credit at the C-level in POL or IDS courses]
Exclusion: POL466H1, POL468H1
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLD30H3 - Legal Reasoning

This course will introduce students to the ideas and methods that guide judges and lawyers in their work. How does the abstract world of the law get translated into predictable, concrete decisions? How do judges decide what is the “correct” decision in a given case? The class will begin with an overview of the legal system before delving into the ideas guiding statute drafting and interpretation, judicial review and administrative discretion, the meaning of “evidence” and “proof,” constitutionalism, and appellate review. Time will also be spent exploring the ways that foreign law can impact and be reconciled with Canadian law in a globalizing world.

Areas of Focus: Public Law, and Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis

Prerequisite: POLB30H3 and an additional 1.5 credits at the C-level in POL courses
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences
Course Experience: University-Based Experience
Note: Priority will be given to students enrolled in the Minor in Public Law.

POLD31H3 - Mooting Seminar

This course will offer senior students the opportunity to engage in a mock court exercise based around a contemporary legal issue. Students will be expected to present a legal argument both orally and in writing, using modern templates for legal documents and argued under similar circumstances to those expected of legal practitioners. The class will offer students an opportunity to understand the different stages of a court proceeding and the theories that underpin oral advocacy and procedural justice. Experiential learning will represent a fundamental aspect of the course, and expertise will be sought from outside legal professionals in the community who can provide further insight into the Canadian legal system where available.
Area of Focus: Public Law

Prerequisite: POLB30H3 and POLC32H3 and an additional 1.5 credits at the C-level in POL courses
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences
Course Experience: Partnership-Based Experience
Note: Enrolment is limited to students enrolled in the Major Program in Public Law.

POLD38H3 - Law and Global Business

This course examines how law both constitutes and regulates global business. Focusing on Canada and the role of Canadian companies within a global economy, the course introduces foundational concepts of business law, considering how the state makes markets by bestowing legal personality on corporations and facilitating private exchange. The course then turns to examine multinational businesses and the laws that regulate these cross-border actors, including international law, extra-territorial national law, and private and hybrid governance tools. Using real-world examples from court decisions and business case studies, students will explore some of the “governance gaps” produced by the globalization of business and engage directly with the tensions that can emerge between legal, ethical, and strategic demands on multinational business.

Areas of Focus: International Relations and Public Law

Prerequisite: POLC32H3 and 1.0 credit at the C-level in POL courses
Recommended Preparation: POLB80H3
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences
Course Experience: University-Based Experience

POLD41H3 - Advanced Topics in Politics

Topics and Area of Focus will vary depending on the instructor.

Prerequisite: 1.5 credits at the C-level in POL courses
Exclusion: (POLC41H3)

POLD42H3 - Advanced Topics in Public Law

Topics and area of focus will vary depending on the instructor and may include global perspectives on social and economic rights, judicial and constitutional politics in diverse states and human rights law in Canada.
Area of Focus: Public Law

Prerequisite: 1.0 credits from the following [POLC32H3, POLC36H3, POLC39H3]
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences
Course Experience: University-Based Experience

POLD43H3 - Writing about Politics

Some of the most powerful political texts employ literary techniques such as narrative, character, and setting. This class will examine political themes in texts drawn from a range of literary genres (memoire, literary non-fiction, science fiction). Students will learn about the conventions of these genres, and they will also have the opportunity to write an original piece of political writing in one of the genres. This course combines the academic analysis of political writing with the workshop method employed in creative writing courses.

Prerequisite: [1.5 credits at the C-level in POL, CIT, PPG, GGR, ANT, SOC, IDS, HLT courses] or [JOUB39H3 or ENGB63H3]
Recommended Preparation: At least one course in creative writing at the high school or university level.
Breadth Requirements: History, Philosophy and Cultural Studies

POLD44H3 - Comparative Law and Social Change

This seminar examines how legal institutions and legal ideologies influence efforts to produce or prevent social change. The course will analyze court-initiated action as well as social actions “from below” (social movements) with comparative case studies.

Areas of Focus: Comparative Politics and Public Law

Prerequisite: POLB30H3 and [POLC33H3 or POLC38H3 or POLC39H3] and [0.5 credit in Comparative Politics]
Exclusion: POL492H1
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences
Note: Priority will be given to students enrolled in the Minor Program in Public Law.

POLD45H3 - Constitutionalism

This course studies the theory of constitutionalism through a detailed study of its major idioms such as the rule of law, the separation of powers, sovereignty, rights, and limited government.
Areas of Focus: Political Theory and Public Law

Prerequisite: [[(POLB70H3) and (POLB71H3)] or POLB72H3 or POLB30H3] and [1.5 credits at the C-level in POL courses]
Breadth Requirements: History, Philosophy and Cultural Studies

POLD46H3 - Public Law and the Canadian Immigration System

Immigration is one of the most debated and talked about political issues in the 21st century. Peoples’ movement across continents for a whole host of reasons is not new; however, with the emergence of the nation-state, the drawing of borders, and the attempts to define and shape of membership in a political and national community, migration became a topic for public debate and legal challenge. This course dives into Canada’s immigration system and looks at how it was designed, what values and objectives it tries to meet, and how global challenges affect its approach and attitude toward newcomers. The approach used in this course is that of a legal practitioner, tasked with weighing the personal narratives and aspirations of migrants as they navigate legal challenges and explore the available programs and pathways to complete their migration journey in Canada.
Areas of Focus: Canadian Government and Politics, and Public Law

Prerequisite: 1.0 credits from the following: POLC32H3, POLC36H3, POLC39H3
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences
Course Experience: University-Based Experience

POLD50H3 - Political Interests, Political Identity, and Public Policy

This course examines the interrelationship between organized interests, social movements and the state in the formulation and implementation of public policy in Canada and selected other countries.
Areas of Focus: Canadian Government and Politics; Public Policy

Prerequisite: [(POLB50Y3) or [POLB56H3 and POLB57H3]] and [1.5 credits at the C-level in POL or PPG courses]
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLD51H3 - Topics in Canadian and Comparative Politics

This seminar course explores selected issues of Canadian politics from a comparative perspective. The topics in this course vary depending on the instructor.

Areas of Focus: Canadian Government and Politics; Comparative Politics

Prerequisite: [(POLB50Y3) or [POLB56H3 and POLB57H3]] and [1.5 credits at the C-level in POL courses]
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLD52H3 - Immigration and Canadian Political Development

Immigration has played a central role in Canada's development. This course explores how policies aimed at regulating migration have both reflected and helped construct conceptions of Canadian national identity. We will pay particular attention to the politics of immigration policy-making, focusing on the role of the state and social actors.

Areas of Focus: Canadian Government and Politics; Public Policy

Prerequisite: [[(POLB50Y3) or [POLB56H3 and POLB57H3]] and [1.5 credits at the C-level in POL or PPG courses]] or [15.0 credits including SOCB60H3]
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLD53H3 - Political Disagreement in Canada

Why do Canadians disagree in their opinions about abortion, same-sex marriage, crime and punishment, welfare, taxes, immigration, the environment, religion, and many other subjects? This course examines the major social scientific theories of political disagreement and applies these theories to an analysis of political disagreement in Canada.

Area of Focus: Canadian Government and Politics

Prerequisite: [(POLB50Y3) or [POLB56H3 and POLB57H3]] and [1.5 credits at the C-level in POL courses]
Recommended Preparation: STAB23H3 or equivalent
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLD54H3 - Michi-Saagiig Nishnaabeg Nation Governance and Politics

The campuses of the University of Toronto are situated on the territory of the Michi-Saagiig Nation (one of the nations that are a part of the Nishnaabeg). This course will introduce students to the legal, political, and socio-economic structures of the Michi-Saagiig Nishnaabeg Nation and discuss its relations with other Indigenous nations and confederacies, and with the Settler societies with whom the Michi-Saagiig Nishnaabeg have had contact since 1492. In an era of reconciliation, it is imperative for students to learn and understand the Indigenous nation upon whose territory we are meeting and learning. Therefore, course readings will address both Michi-Saagiig Nishnaabeg and Settler contexts. In addition to literature, there will be guest speakers from the current six (6) Michi-Saagiig Nishnaabeg communities that exist: Alderville, Mississaugas of the Credit, Mississaugi 8, Oshkigamig (Curve Lake), Pamitaashkodeyong (Burns/Hiawatha), and Scugog.

Prerequisite: [(POLB50Y3) or [POLB56H3 and POLB57H3]] and [1.5 credits at the C-level in Political Science (POL and PPG courses)]
Recommended Preparation: POLC52H3 or POL308H1
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences
Course Experience: University-Based Experience

POLD55H3 - The Politics of Equality and Inequality in Canada

This seminar provides an in-depth examination of the politics of inequality in Canada, and the role of the Canadian political-institutional framework in contributing to political, social and economic (in)equality. The focus will be on diagnosing how Canada’s political institutions variously impede and promote equitable treatment of different groups of Canadians (such as First Nations, women, racial and minority groups) and the feasibility of possible institutional and policy reforms to promote goals of social and economic equity.

Area of Focus: Canadian Government and Politics

Prerequisite: [(POLB50Y3) or [POLB56H3 and POLB57H3]] and [1.5 credits at the C-level in POL courses]
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLD56H3 - Politics and Computational Social Science

This course applies tools from computational social science to the collection and analysis of political data, with a particular focus on the computational analysis of text. Students are expected to propose, develop, carry out, and present a research project in the field of computational social science.
Area of Focus: Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis

Prerequisite: [STAB23H3 or equivalent] and 1.5 credit at the C-level
Breadth Requirements: Quantitative Reasoning

POLD58H3 - The New Nationalism in Liberal Democracies

This course examines the recent rise of ethnic nationalism in western liberal democracies, with a particular focus on the US, Canada, UK and France. It discusses the different perspectives on what is behind the rise of nationalism and populism, including economic inequality, antipathy with government, immigration, the role of political culture and social media.

Areas of Focus: Canadian Government and Politics

Prerequisite: 1.0 credit at the C-level in POL or PPG courses
Recommended Preparation: POLC58H3
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLD59H3 - Politics of Disability

An in-depth analysis of the place and rights of disabled persons in contemporary society. Course topics include historic, contemporary, and religious perspectives on persons with disabilities; the political organization of persons with disabilities; media presentation of persons with disabilities; and the role of legislatures and courts in the provision of rights of labour force equality and social service accessibility for persons with disabilities.
Area of Focus: Canadian Government and Politics

Prerequisite: 8.0 credits, of which at least 1.5 credits must be at the C- or D-level
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLD67H3 - The Limits of Rationality

This course critically examines the relationship between politics, rationality, and public policy-making. The first half of the course surveys dominant rational actor models, critiques of these approaches, and alternative perspectives. The second half of the course explores pathological policy outcomes, arrived at through otherwise rational procedures.
Areas of Focus: Comparative Politics; Political Theory; Public Policy

Prerequisite: PPGB66H3/(PPGC66H3/(POLC67H3) or [(POLB70H3) and (POLB71H3)] or POLB72H3] or [POLB90H3 and POLB91H3] and [1.0 additional credit at the C-level in POL or PPG courses]
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLD70H3 - Topics in Political Theory

This seminar explores the ways in which political theory can deepen our understanding of contemporary political issues. Topics may include the following: cities and citizenship; multiculturalism and religious pluralism; the legacies of colonialism; global justice; democratic theory; the nature of power.
Area of Focus: Political Theory

Prerequisite: [(POLB70H3) or (POLB71H3) or POLB72H3] and [1.5 credits at the C-level in POL courses]

POLD74H3 - The Black Radical Tradition

The Black radical tradition is a modern tradition of thought and action which began after transatlantic slavery’s advent. Contemporary social science and the humanities overwhelmingly portray the Black radical tradition as a critique of Black politics in its liberal, libertarian, and conservative forms. This course unsettles that framing: first by situating the Black radical tradition within Black politics; second, through expanding the boundaries of Black politics to include, yet not be limited to, theories and practices emanating from Canada and the United States; and third, by exploring whether it is more appropriate to claim the study of *the* Black radical tradition or a broader network of intellectual traditions underlying political theories of Black radicalism.

Area of Focus: Political Theory

Prerequisite: [POLB72H3 or POLC31H3] and [1.0 credit at the C-level in Political Science (POL and PPG courses)]
Breadth Requirements: History, Philosophy and Cultural Studies

POLD75H3 - Property and Power

This course examines the concept of property as an enduring theme and object of debate in the history of political thought and contemporary political theory. Defining property and justifying its distribution has a significant impact on how citizens experience authority, equality, freedom, and justice. The course will analyze different theoretical approaches to property in light of how they shape and/or challenge relations of class, race, gender, and other lines of difference and inequality.

Prerequisite: 0.5 credit from: [POLB72H3, POLC70H3, POLC71H3 or POLC73H3]
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLD78H3 - Advanced Political Analysis

This seminar course is intended for students interested in deepening their understanding of methodological issues that arise in the study of politics or advanced research techniques.

Prerequisite: POLC78H3 and [1.0 credit at the C-level in POL courses]
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLD82H3 - Politics and Literature

Examines political dynamics and challenges through exploration of fiction and other creative works with political science literature. Topics and focus will vary depending on the instructor but could include subjects like climate change, war, migration, gender, multiculturalism, colonialism, etc.

Prerequisite: 1.5 credits at the C-level in POL courses
Corequisite: n/a
Exclusion: n/a
Recommended Preparation: n/a
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLD87H3 - Rational Choice and International Cooperation

This course is an introduction to rational choice theories with applications to the international realm. A main goal is to introduce analytical constructs frequently used in the political science and political economy literature to understand strategic interaction among states.
Area of Focus: International Relations

Prerequisite: POLB80H3 and POLB81H3 and [1.5 credits at the C-level in POL courses]
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLD89H3 - Global Environmental Politics

Examines the challenges faced by humanity in dealing with global environmental problems and the politics of addressing them. Focuses on both the underlying factors that shape the politics of global environmental problems - such as scientific uncertainty, North-South conflict, and globalization - and explores attempts at the governance of specific environmental issues.
Area of Focus: International Relations; Public Policy

Prerequisite: [[POLB80H3 and POLB81H3] or ESTB01H3]] and [2.0 credits at the C-level in any courses]
Exclusion: POL413H1
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLD90H3 - Public Policy and Human Development in the Global South

While domestic and international political factors have discouraged pro human development public policies in much of the global south, there have been some important success stories. This course examines the economic and social policies most successful in contributing to human development and explores the reasons behind these rare cases of relatively successful human development.
Areas of Focus: Comparative Politics; Public Policy

Same as IDSD90H3

Prerequisite: [1.0 credit from: IDSB01H3, IDSB04H3, POLB90H3, POLB91H3] and [2.0 credits at the C-level in any courses]
Exclusion: IDSD90H3
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLD91H3 - Protests and Social Movements in Comparative Perspective

This course examines contentious politics from a comparative perspective, beginning with the foundational theories of Charles Tilly, Sidney Tarrow, and Doug McAdam. It explores questions such as why people protest, how they organize, and the outcomes of contention. The second half of the course challenges students to examine popular contention across a range of states in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America. It asks students to interrogate the applicability of the dynamics of contention framework to illiberal states in a comparative context.
Area of Focus: Comparative Politics

Prerequisite: 1.5 credits at the C-level in POL courses
Exclusion: POL451H1
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLD92H3 - Survival and Demise of Dictatorships

This course will provide an introduction to theories of why some dictatorships survive while others do not. We will explore theories rooted in regime type, resources, state capacity, parties, popular protest, and leadership. We will then examine the utility of these approaches through in-depth examinations of regime crises in Ethiopia, Iran, China, the USSR, and South Africa.
Area of Focus: Comparative Politics

Prerequisite: [POLB90H3 or POLB91H3] and [an additional 2.0 credits at the C-level in any courses]
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLD94H3 - Selected Topics on Developing Areas

Topics vary according to instructor.
Area of Focus: Comparative Politics

Prerequisite: POLB90H3 and [POLB91H3 or 0.5 credit at the B-level in IDS courses] and [2.0 credits at the C-level in any courses]
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences

POLD95H3 - Supervised Research

A research project under the supervision of a member of faculty that will result in the completion of a substantial report or paper acceptable as an undergraduate senior thesis. Students wishing to undertake a supervised research project in the Winter Session must register in POLD95H3 during the Fall Session. It is the student's responsibility to find a faculty member who is willing to supervise the project, and the student must obtain consent from the supervising instructor before registering for this course. During the Fall Session the student must prepare a short research proposal, and both the supervising faculty member and the Supervisor of Studies must approve the research proposal prior to the first day of classes for the Winter Session.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor
Course Experience: University-Based Experience

POLD98H3 - Supervised Reading

Advanced reading in special topics. This course is meant only for those students who, having completed the available basic courses in a particular field of Political Science, wish to pursue further intensive study on a relevant topic of special interest. Students are advised that they must obtain consent from the supervising instructor before registering for this course.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
Exclusion: POL495Y

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