Political Science


Faculty and Staff List

Professors Emeriti
R.S. Beiner, B.A., D.Phil., F.R.S.C.
G. White, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.

Professors
N. Adiv, B.A., M.S., Ph.D. 
N. Anderson, B.A., Ph.D.
M. Balaguera, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.
G. Dancy, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.
S.F. Bernstein, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.
R. Besco, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.
A. Braun, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.
A. Chang, B.A., M.A. 
J. Clark, B.A., M.A., Ph.D. 
N. Compaoré, B.A., M.A., Ph.D. 
R.B. Day, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.
S. Kotsovilis, B.A. M.A., Ph.D.  
E. Nacol, B.A., M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D.
A. Olive, B.A., M.A., Ph.D. 
M. Philips, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.
A. Reisenbichler, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.
E. Schatz, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.
A. Smith, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.
D.A. Wolfe, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.

Chair
Steven Bernstein
Maanjiwe nendamowinan, Room 5176
chair.pol.utm@utoronto.ca

Associate Chair, Academic
Emily Nacol
Maanjiwe nendamowinan, Room 5158
emily.nacol@utoronto.ca

Associate Chair, Research
Janine Clark
Maanjiwe nendamowinan, Room 5168
janine.clark@utoronto.ca

Department Manager
Alexander Zaranek
Maanjiwe nendamowinan, Room 5184
905-301-9718
manager.pol.utm@utoronto.ca

Academic Counsellor
Kristina McCutcheon
Maanjiwe nendamowinan, Room 5156
advisor.pol.utm@utoronto.ca

 

Political science is fundamentally a study of power. Political science scholars and students focus on core concepts like authority, legitimacy, liberty, equality, citizenship, governance and justice. Building on philosophical and theoretical foundations, political scientists are able to shed light on pressing questions about nationalism and globalization, the sources of political conflict, the outcomes of distributive justice and the role of collaboration at all orders of governance from local to global.  At UTM, political science students learn to tackle key concepts and learn skills through five subfields of the discipline: Political Theory, Canadian Politics, International Relations, Comparative Politics and Public Policy & Administration.
In line with UTM’s core values, the Department of Political Science at UTM embraces community, creativity, communication, innovation and sustainability.
These values are foundational and essential in our teaching and research.

Department of Political Science Program Objectives

  • Enable students to understand and navigate the changing political world around them.
  • Expose students to the main subfields of political science and provide opportunities for specialization.
  • Enable students to be more reflective and engaged local and global citizens using the analytical tools and knowledge they get from a political science education.

Department of Political Science Core Concepts

  • Diversity (gender, race, inclusion, minority rights, etc.)
  • Justice (rule of law, authority, procedural justice, equity, distribution, etc.)
  • Democracy (freedom of speech, free press, elections, etc.)
  • Institutions (Parliament, NGOs, courts, etc.)
  • Ideologies (liberalism, communism, populism, socialism, etc.)
  • Non-institutional politics (social movements, public opinion, markets, norms, etc.)

Department of Political Science Core Skills

  • ability to write clearly and communicate ideas and arguments
  • gather, interpret and present evidence
  • search and find appropriate sources in response to a research question or problem
  • read critically and evaluate arguments
  • oral presentation/public speaking
  • experiential learning

Notes:

  • 200-level POL courses require standing in either 1.0 POL credit or in at least 4.0 credits.
  • 400-Level Topics Courses. The number of courses and the actual content of the courses will vary from year to year.

Program website: www.utm.utoronto.ca/political-science

Political Science Programs

Economics and Political Science - Specialist (Arts)

Economics and Political Science - Specialist (Arts)

Enrolment Requirements:

Limited Enrolment — Enrolment in this program is limited. Students enrolling at the end of first year (4.0 credits) must obtain:
Students enrolling at the end of second year (8.0 credits) must obtain:

Enrolment in the UTMCIP stream of this program is limited to students who have completed 4.0 credits, including:

Students who have achieved a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 are encouraged to apply. Students must be in good standing with no outstanding academic integrity cases.

Completion Requirements:

14.5 credits are required.
ISP100H5 (0.5 credit)
Economics: 7.0 credits
  1. ECO100Y5 or ( ECO101H5 and ECO102H5)
  2. MAT133Y5 or ( MAT132H5 and MAT134H5) or ( MAT135H5 and MAT136H5) or ( MAT137H5 and MAT139H5)
  3. ( ECO200Y5 or ECO204Y5 or ECO206Y5) and ( ECO202Y5 or ECO208Y5 or ECO209Y5) and [ ECO220Y5 or ECO227Y5 or (1.0 credit from STA256H5 or STA258H5 or STA260H5)]
  4. ( ECO302H5 and ECO303H5) or ECO322Y5 or ECO323Y5
  5. 1.0 credit of ECO at the 300/400-level
Political Science: 7.0 credits in POL, including at least 1.0 credit at the 400 level and no more than 1.0 credit at the 100 level.
  1. POL200Y5 and ( POL215H5 and POL216H5) and ( POL243H5 and POL244H5) and POL309Y5
  2. 1.0 credit each (total 2.0 credits) from two of the following three fields:
    a. Comparative Politics - ( POL203Y5 or POL203H5) or ( POL218Y5 or POL218H5 or POL219H5) or POL300Y5 or POL300H5 or [ POL302Y5 or ( POL313H5 and POL314H5)] or POL302H5 or ( POL303Y5 or POL303H5) or ( POL304Y5 or POL304H5)or POL332Y5 or ( POL354Y5 or POL354H5) or POL360H5 or POL361H5 or POL362H5 or POL373H5 or POL390H5 or POL391H5 or POL438Y5 or POL438H5 or POL440Y5 or POL443Y5 or POL443H5 or POL444H5 or POL445H5 or POL446H5 or POL447H5 or POL448H5
    b. International Relations - ( POL208Y5 or POL209H5 or POL210H5) or POL305H5 or POL307H5 or ( POL310Y5 or POL311H5 or POL312H5) or ( POL327Y5 or POL327H5) or POL340Y5 or ( POL343Y5 or POL344H5 or POL345H5) or POL370H5 or POL406H5 or POL407H5 or POL486Y5 or POL486H5 or POL487H5
    c. Public Policy and Public Administration - POL316Y5 or ( POL317Y5 or POL317H5) or POL318H5 or POL336Y5 or POL346Y5 or POL353Y5 or ( POL355Y5 or POL355H5) or ( POL368H5 or POL368Y5) or ( POL369Y5 or POL370H5 or POL371H5 or POL372H5) or POL493H5 or JEP351H5 or JEP356H5 or JEP452H5 or JPE250Y5 or JPE251H5 or JPE252H5
  3. 1.0 credits of POL

ERSPE0751

History and Political Science - Specialist (Arts)

History and Political Science - Specialist (Arts)

Enrolment Requirements:

Limited Enrolment — Enrolment in this program is limited.

For program entry in the 2023-2024 Academic Year (and beyond): 4.0 credits are required, including the following:

  • 1.0 credits of POL (with a minimum grade of at least 70% in each course)
  • 1.0 credits of HIS (with a minimum grade of at least 70% in each course)
  • ISP100H5
  • A CGPA of at least 2.00

Students enrolling at the end of second year (8.0 credits) must obtain the following:

  • 2.0 credits of POL (with a minimum grade of at least 70% in each course)
  • 2.0 credits of HIS (with a minimum grade of at least 70% in each course)
  • ISP100H5
  • A CGPA of at least 2.30

Completion Requirements:

14.0-14.5 credits, meeting the following requirements:

For students entering the program in 2023-2024 (and beyond): ISP100H5

History: 7.0 credits

  1. 0.5 credit from HIS101H5 or HIS102H5 or HIS103H5 or HIS104H5 or HIS105H5 or HIS106H5 or HIS107H5 or HIS108H5. It is recommended that one of these courses be completed in the first year.
  2. 1.0 credits at the 200+level from two different geographical areas below:
  3. 2.0 credits at the 300+level
  4. 1.0 credits of HIS at the 400-level
  5. 2.5 additional credits of HIS at the 200+level

Note: 2.0 HIS credits must correspond in region or field to the 2.0 POL credits. Students are invited to contact the Historical Studies Academic Advisor for further information.

Political Science: 7.0 credits

7.0 credits in POL are required, including at least 1.0 credit at the 300 level and 1.0 credit at the 400 level and no more than 1.0 POL credit at the 100 level.

  1. POL200Y5 and POL215H5 and POL216H5 and POL243H5 and POL244H5
  2. 1.0 credit from two of the following three fields:
  3. 2.0 additional credits of POL

Note:

Specialists may substitute acceptable non-HIS courses at UTM for up to 1.0 credit of HIS. Students are invited to contact the Historical Studies Academic Advisor for further information.


ERSPE1045

Political Science - Specialist (Arts)

Political Science - Specialist (Arts)

Enrolment Requirements:

Limited Enrolment — Enrolment in this program is limited.

4.0 credits are required, including the following:

  • 1.0 credit of POL (with a minimum grade of 70% in each course)
  • ISP100H5
  • A CGPA of at least 2.00

Students applying to enrol after second year (8.0 credits) must complete the following:

  • 2.0 credits of POL (with a minimum grade of 70% in each course)
  • ISP100H5
  • An AGPA of at least 2.30

Completion Requirements:

11.0 credits are required; including no more than 1.0 POL credit at the 100 level and 4.0 credits at the 300/400 level, of which 2.0 credits must be at the 400 level.

  1. ISP100H5
  2. POL200Y5 and [ POL208Y5 or ( POL209H5 and POL210H5)] and [ POL214Y5 or ( POL215H5 and POL216H5)] and [ POL218Y5 or ( POL218H5 and POL219H5)] and [ POL242Y5 or ( POL243H5 and POL244H5)] and POL320Y5 and ( POL342H5 or POL343H5)
  3. 1.0 credit from the following courses in the field of Public Policy and Public Administration: POL316Y5 or ( POL317Y5 or POL317H5) or POL318H5 or POL336Y5 or POL346Y5 or POL353Y5 or ( POL355Y5 or POL355H5) or ( POL368Y5 or POL368H5) or ( POL369Y5 or POL371H5 or POL372H5) or POL493H5 or JEP351H5 or JEP356H5 or JEP452H5 or JPE250Y5 or JPE251H5 or JPE252H5
  4. 3.0 credits of additional POL courses where 2.0 credits must be at 400 level

Note:

Students are not permitted to take any of the following courses elsewhere:

1. POL200Y5

2. POL209H5

3. POL210H5

4. POL215H5

5. POL216H5

6. POL218H5

7. POL219H5

8. POL243H5

9. POL244H5

10. POL320Y5

If any of the above credits are completed outside of UTM, students will be required to complete the UTM version of the course and it will be designated as an EXT course. Special consideration may be given to new students assessed for transfer credit at UTM.


ERSPE2015

Political Science - Major (Arts)

Political Science - Major (Arts)

Enrolment Requirements:

Limited Enrolment — Enrolment in this program is limited.

4.0 credits are required, including the following:

  • 1.0 credit of POL (with a minimum grade 65% in each course)
  • ISP100H5
  • A CGPA of at least 2.00

Students applying to enrol after second year (8.0 credits) must complete the following:

  • 2.0 credits of POL (with a minimum grade of 70% in each course)
  • ISP100H5
  • An AGPA of at least 2.30

Completion Requirements:

7.5 credits are required, including no more than 1.0 POL credit at the 100 level and at least 2.0 credits at the 300 or 400 level.

  1. ISP100H5
  2. POL200Y5 and [( POL215H5 and POL216H5) or POL214Y5] and POL243H5 and POL244H5
  3. 1.0 credit each (totaling 2.0 credits) from two of the following three fields:
    1. Comparative Politics - ( POL203Y5 or POL203H5) or ( POL218Y5 or POL218H5 or POL219H5) or POL300Y5 or POL300H5 or [ POL302Y5 or ( POL313H5 and POL314H5)] or POL302H5 or ( POL303Y5 or POL303H5) or ( POL304Y5 or POL304H5) or POL309Y5 or POL332Y5 or ( POL354Y5 or POL354H5) or POL360H5 or POL361H5 or POL362H5 or POL373H5 or POL390H5 or POL391H5 or POL438Y5 or POL438H5 or POL440Y5 or POL443Y5 or POL443H5 or POL444H5 or POL445H5 or POL446H5 or POL447H5 or POL448H5
    2. International Relations - ( POL208Y5 or POL209H5 or POL210H5) or POL305H5 or POL307H5 or ( POL310Y5 or POL311H5 or POL312H5) or ( POL327Y5 or POL327H5) or POL340Y5 or ( POL343Y5 or POL344H5 or POL345H5) or POL370H5 or POL406H5 or POL407H5 or POL486Y5 or POL486H5 or POL487H5
    3. Public Policy and Public Administration - POL316Y5 or ( POL317Y5 or POL317H5) or POL318H5 or POL336Y5 or POL346Y5 or POL353Y5 or ( POL355Y5 or POL355H5) or ( POL368H5 or POL368Y5) or ( POL369Y5 or POL371H5 or POL372H5) or POL493H5 or JEP351H5 or JEP356H5 or JEP452H5 or JPE250Y5 or JPE251H5 or JPE252H5
  4. 2.0 additional POL credits

Note:

Students are not permitted to take any of the following courses elsewhere:

1. POL200Y5

2. POL209H5

3. POL210H5

4. POL215H5

5. POL216H5

6. POL218H5

7. POL219H5

8. POL243H5

9. POL244H5

10. POL320Y5

If any of the above credits are completed outside of UTM, students will be required to complete the UTM version of the course and it will be designated as an EXT course. Special consideration may be given to new students assessed for transfer credit at UTM.


ERMAJ2015

Political Science - Minor (Arts)

Political Science - Minor (Arts)

Completion Requirements:

4.0 POL credits are required including at least 1.0 credit at the 300 or 400 level and no more than 1.0 credit at the 100 level.


ERMIN2015

Political Science Courses

JEP351H5 • Comparative Environmental Policy

This course is an introduction to comparative environmental policy. The focus of the course will be comparing different country’s policies on climate change, biodiversity, water, and pollution. Larger themes related to sustainable development and environmental justice will be covered in detail.

Prerequisites: 9.0 credits including (JP251H5 and JPE252H5) or JPE250Y5
Exclusions: ENV351H5
Recommended Preparation: This course is recommended for students with an interest in comparative politics and policy. Previous courses in comparative and international political science, geography and sociology will be an asset.

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

JEP356H5 • Environmental Justice

Environmental Justice is about the fair treatment of all people in the creation and implementation of environmental policies. It also provides a critical framework to analyze and understand inequalities of an environmental kind. These inequalities are often based around identities of race, class and gender, such that marginalized groups are made to bear the burden of environmental externalities like pollution. Why are First Nations in Canada less likely to have access to safe drinking water? Why are industrial plants often in low-income neighborhoods? After critical examinations of the theories and foundations of environmental justice, this course uses a case study approach to understanding the concepts and the ways in which it has shaped modern society.

Prerequisites: 9.0 credits

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12T
Mode of Delivery: In Class

JEP452H5 • Politics and Policy of Wildlife Conservation

This course is an in-depth analysis of conservation policy in Canada. The course begins with an overview biodiversity crisis facing the planet and then moves to an overview of Canada's approach to managing biodiversity across the country. We will carefully examine the federal Species at Risk Act as well as the provincial and territorial wildlife legislation. The remaining of the course will be aimed at making improvements to the Canadian strategy. During the course of the semester, the students will focus on the recovery of endangered species in Canada through the development of a recovery strategy for a specific species.

Prerequisites: 14.0 credits including ENV100Y5 and JPE251H5
Exclusions: ENV452H5

Course Experience: University-Based Experience
Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

JPE251H5 • Introduction to Canadian Environmental Law and Policy I

This course serves as an introduction to environmental policy and law in Canada. The primary intent is to provide an overview of the political context in which environmental policy and law is made and implemented. The emphasis in this course will be on environmental policy. The course begins with an outline of the Canadian parliamentary system and policymaking process. A series of case studies, from biodiversity to climate change, are then explored as a way to see the policy process in action. [24L]

Prerequisites: 3.5 credits
Exclusions: JPE250Y5 or POL250Y5 or ENV250Y5 or ENV320H1

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/11T
Mode of Delivery: In Class

JPE252H5 • Introduction to Canadian Environmental Law and Policy II

This course builds on the themes and concepts introduced in JPE251H5. The primary intent is to provide an overview of the political context in which environmental policy and law is made and implemented. The emphasis in this course will be on environmental law. [24L]

Prerequisites: JPE251H5
Exclusions: JPE250Y5 or POL250Y5 or ENV250Y5 or ENV320H1

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/11T
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL111H5 • Canada in Comparative Perspective

Examines major facets of Canadian government and politics within a broad comparative context asking what is different or unique about Canada and what resembles political systems elsewhere in the world, primarily western industrialized countries. Comparative analysis is used to foster a deeper understanding of Canada and its politics.

Exclusions: POL224Y1 or POL224H1

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/11T
Mode of Delivery: Online, In Class

POL112H5 • Democracy in Theory and Practice

Examines current ideas about what constitutes 'democracy' and how real-world political systems measure up to democratic ideals. Through examination of formal government institutions and informal political practices, assessments will be made of the strengths and weaknesses in modern democracies. Case studies may be drawn from Canada or from other countries which claim to be democratic.

Exclusions: POLA51H3

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/11T
Mode of Delivery: Online, In Class

POL113H5 • Ideas and Ideologies

In this course students are introduced to basic concepts in politics such as authority, sovereignty, legitimacy, citizenship, jurisdiction, civil rights and civil liberties. These concepts are then used to examine the fundamental differences between major political ideologies, such as democracy, liberalism, socialism, fascism, conservatism, anarchism and communism.


Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/11T
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL114H5 • Politics in a Global World

Examines the politics of globalization in its various forms (economics, cultures, environmental and military) as well as the consequences of, management of and resistance to, globalization. Address topics such as whether globalization challenges the capacity of national societies and their governments to deal with global issues such as the environment, redistribution of wealth, security and human rights, both within countries and across borders.

Exclusions: POLA83H3

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/11T
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL115H5 • Evidence and Argument in the Study of Politics

To understand politics in our information-abundant world, we need ways to make sense of the political information that surrounds us. In this course, we ask what makes for good evidence and what makes for convincing argument. We do so by raising a series of weekly topics on which there is a mass of available information - topics like climate change, political correctness, populism, and democracy promotion, among others - and discussing fundamentally different perspectives on each topic. In the end, students will develop a fuller sense of what constitutes a well-argued and evidence-supported analysis of the political.

Prerequisites: n/a

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/11T
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL116H5 • Politics & Social Justice

​In this course students are introduced to the concept of social justice as a political issue. The course is designed to develop modes of analysis that focus on human rights, economic and social (in)equity, fairness and inclusion. Key concepts may include power, identity, conflict, community, consent, advocacy, inequality, solitary, structural racism, and intersectionality. Specific issues to be considered may include gender equality, racism, justice between generations, spatial inclusion, wealth distribution, and equity in the international realm. The substantive themes and perspective may vary from year to year.

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12T
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL200Y5 • Justice and Power in Political Life

Studies the themes of power and justice in the history of political thought, from the ancient world until the 1700s. Readings may include work from Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, and Locke.

Prerequisites: 1.0 POL credit or 4.0 credits
Exclusions: POL200Y1 or POLB72H3 or POLC70H3 or POLC71H3

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 48L/23T
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL203H5 • Politics and Government of the United States

A comparative study of the development of American government and the main elements of the American political tradition; the structure and functioning of executives, legislatures, courts, bureaucracies, parties and pressure groups in federal and state government; characteristic processes of American politics such as voting, bargaining and regulation; and resultant patterns of public policy.

Prerequisites: 1.0 POL credit or 4.0 credits
Exclusions: POL203Y5 or POL203Y1 or POL347H1 or POLC92H3 or POLC93H3

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/11T
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL209H5 • Introduction to International Relations

This course provides a general overview of the study of international relations. It builds a theoretical, conceptual, and empirical foundation for understanding the actors, processes, and structures that shape and constrain global politics.

Prerequisites: 1.0 POL credit or 4.0 credits
Exclusions:

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/11T
Mode of Delivery: Online, In Class

POL210H5 • Contemporary Challenges in International Relations

This course explores contemporary challenges in the study of international relations. Building off of theoretical foundations, it provides an analytic exploration of key puzzles and topical issues that currently confront international relations scholarship.

Prerequisites: POL209H5
Exclusions: POL208Y5 or POL208Y1 or POLB80H3 or POLB81H3

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/11T
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL215H5 • Canadian Government

This course will focus on Canadian Institutions, the Constitution, Federalism, the Courts, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, etc. This course will contribute to the students' understanding of their immediate political surroundings. This course will enhance the students' ability to engage and participate in the democratic system by teaching them about the foundations of the Canadian system of government.

Prerequisites: 1.0 POL credit or 4.0 credits
Exclusions:

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/11T
Mode of Delivery: Online, In Class

POL216H5 • Canadian Politics

This course will focus on political parties, elections, gender, cleavages, etc. This course will enhance the knowledge of the Canadian system of politics to give students better skills and objectives.

Prerequisites: POL215H5
Exclusions: POL214Y5 or POL214Y1 or POL224Y1 or POLB50Y3

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/11T
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL218H5 • Introduction to Comparative Politics: Institutions

Comparative politics compares the ways people and institutions interact, in different countries and regions of the world (including both developing and developed), to produce what we call "politics." This course focuses on political institutions. Topics include: the formation, development and eventual decay of political institutions such as the nation-state, political regimes, parties, party systems and local governments; the power of the state; the emergence and dynamics of democratic and authoritarian institutions; the emergence and dynamics of capitalist institutions.
Prerequisites: 1.0 POL credit or 4.0 credits
Exclusions: POL218Y5 or POL219H1

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12T
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL219H5 • Introduction to Comparative Politics: Processes and Identities

Comparative politics compares the ways people and institutions interact, in different countries and regions of the world (including both developing and developed), to produce what we call "politics." This course focuses on political processes and identities. Topics include: the ideas and interests shaping political behaviour; the causes of and dynamics of political mobilization, social mobilization, and revolution; the relationship between identity categories such as ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and class and political processes.

Prerequisites: 1.0 POL credit or 4.0 credits
Exclusions: POL218Y5 or POL218H1

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/12T
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL243H5 • Research Methods for Political Science I

This course offers an introduction into scientific inquiry and research in the field of politics. It explores a wide range of quantitative and qualitative methods with the aim of providing basic literacy and comprehension of methods important in encountering -and eventually, conducting – research in political science.
Prerequisites: 1.0 POL credit or 4.0 credits
Exclusions: POL242Y5 or POL222H1

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/11T
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL244H5 • Research Methods for Political Science II

In this course, students learn to conduct political analysis using methods common in the social sciences. This includes data such as surveys, international or social media datasets, and methods such as crosstabs and regression. Rather than stressing mathematical concepts, the emphasis of the course is on application, interpretation, and data visualization.

Prerequisites: POL243H5
Exclusions: POL242Y5 or POL232H1

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/11T
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL300H5 • Topics in Comparative Politics

Topics will vary from term to term. Consult the UTM Timetable.

Prerequisites: 2.0 credits in POL
Recommended Preparation: POL218Y5 or POL218H5 or POL219H5

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL301H5 • Topics in Political Theory

Content of course will vary from year to year. Consult the UTM Timetable.

Prerequisites: POL200Y5 or POL200Y1

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL302H5 • Topics in Comparative Politics

Topics will vary from term to term. Consult the UTM Timetable.

Prerequisites: 2.0 credits in POL
Recommended Preparation: POL218Y5 or POL218H5 or POL219H5

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL303H5 • The Politics of Islam

The course examines the theory and practice of Islamic politics in the modern era. It also looks at Western foreign policy and Western cultural reactions to politics in the Muslim world. The aim is to acquaint students with the diversity within the Muslim world and help them better understand some of the most pressing political issues raised by contemporary Islam.

Prerequisites: 2.0 POL credits
Exclusions: POL303Y5 or POLC96H3 or POLC97H3

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL304H5 • Politics of South Asia

This course surveys systems of government and political processes across South Asia, with attention to state formation, nationalism, ethnicity, democracy vs. authoritarian forms of governance, social movements, political violence, insurgencies, political economy, corruption, and other important issues affection South Asian states currently. The focus will be mostly on India and Pakistan and possibly some of the other countries in South Asia.

Prerequisites: 2.0 credits in POL or permission of the instructor.
Exclusions: POL304Y5 or POL328H1

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL305H5 • Topics in International Relations

Content of course will vary year to year. Consult with the UTM Timetable.

Prerequisites: POL208Y5 or POL208Y1 or (POL209H5 and POL210H5) or (POL218H1 and POL219H1)

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL307H5 • Topics in International Relations

Topics will vary from term to term. Consult the UTM Timetable.

Prerequisites: 2.0 credits in POL
Recommended Preparation: POL208Y5 or POL209H5 or POL210H5

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL309Y5 • The State, Planning and Markets

A study of the political economy of planning and markets, the history of both forms of organization, the political philosophies of liberalism and Marxism upon which they have been based, and the issues of economic efficiency, justice and democratic control in capitalism and socialism.

Prerequisites: POL200Y5 or POL200Y1

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 48L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL311H5 • Military Power

This course explores the foundations, application, and limits of military power in the international system. It examines theories about the use of force, military effectiveness, and the relationships between military power, politics, and technology.

Prerequisites: 2.0 credits in POL
Recommended Preparation: POL208Y5 or POL209H5 or POL210H5

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL312H5 • Managing Military Conflict

Analysis of different aspects of conflict management, including security regimes, U.N. peacekeeping, mediation, bilateral as well as multilateral techniques.

Prerequisites: 2.0 credits in POL
Exclusions: POL310Y5 or POLC09H3
Recommended Preparation: POL208Y5 or POL209H5 or POL210H5

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL313H5 • European Politics I

This course introduces students to the political foundations of democratic government and capitalism in Western Europe. The course covers the historical origins of the modern nation state in Europe and the region’s bumpy road to democracy and prosperity. It also focuses on key similarities and differences in the political institutions, political development, and economic and social models of major European countries.

Prerequisites: 2.0 credits in POL
Exclusions: POL302Y5 or POL207Y1 or POL324H1 or POLB93H3
Recommended Preparation: POL218Y5 or POL218H5 or POL219H5

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL314H5 • European Politics II

This course explores the functions (and dysfunctions) of the European Union, a regional organization shaping the political life of its 27 European member states. The course also covers contemporary challenges to democracy and prosperity in Europe, such as populism, economic crises, Brexit, and geopolitical conflicts.

Prerequisites: 2.0 credits in POL
Exclusions: POL302Y5 or POL207Y1 or POL324H1 or POLB93H3
Recommended Preparation: POL218Y5 or POL218H5 or POL219H5 or POL313H5

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL317H5 • Comparative Public Policy and Administration

Major theories and concepts in the fields of public administration and public policy, drawing on the experience of advanced industrialized nations.

Prerequisites: 3.0 POL credits, including 1.0 credit in comparative politics or public policy
Exclusions:

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL318H5 • Power and Conflict in Federalism

This course looks at how Canadian federalism has evolved and adapted to policy-making challenges, including urbanization, regionalism, and demographic changes among the Canadian population. In additional to the Constitution and the role of federal and provincial governments, we also examine the involvement of municipalities, First nations, and non-governmental actors including private and third sector groups.

Prerequisites:

Exclusions: POL316H1 or POL428H1

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL320Y5 • Modernity and Resistance

This course covers the history of political thought in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Prerequisites: POL200Y5 or POL200Y1
Exclusions: POL320Y1 or POL320H1 or POL321H1 or POLC73H3

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 48L/23T
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL322H5 • The Idea of Human Rights

We sometimes make claims about “human rights,” but why? This course will cultivate an understanding of the origins and development of the human rights idea over time. Why do states engage in political violence, and how did the language of human rights emerge in response to that violence? Where did the concept of human rights originate, and how did it get written into law? Are human rights truly universal? After confronting these questions, the course will shift to theories of how the global human rights regime is meant to operate. For example, how might it work to shame, sanction, or used armed intervention to advance the cause of human rights?

Prerequisites: 2.0 credits in POL
Exclusions: POL421H1 or POLC33H3

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL323H5 • The Practice of Human Rights

This course operates like a human rights clinic, considering concrete examples of human rights in practice. Through case studies of countries like Guatemala, Libya, Bosnia, Uganda, and Indonesia, we will consider the following questions: What is the current state of the human rights movement today? What role does human rights law and social activism play in changing practices? And what are the most effective and ineffective human rights interventions? Students will analyze current trends, like the pursuit of criminal accountability for atrocity criminals, and they will propose how to prevent backlash against human rights defenders around the world.

Prerequisites: POL322H5
Exclusions: POL421H1 or POLC33H3

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL327H5 • Comparative Foreign Policy

Comparative study of the foreign policies of Russia/USSR, the United States, Great Britain, France and Germany.

Prerequisites: POL208Y5 or POL209H5 or POL210H5 or POL218Y5 or POL208Y1 or POL218H5 or POL219H5
Exclusions: POL327Y5 or POL327H1 or POL326Y1 or POLC82H3 or POLC83H3

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL340Y5 • International Law

International law as an instrument of conflict resolution. Recognition, sovereign immunity, subjects of international law, and jurisdiction are some of the subjects examined.

Prerequisites: POL208Y5 or (POL209H5 and POL210H5) or POL218Y5 or (POL218H5 and POL219H5)
Exclusions: POL340Y1

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 48L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL342H5 • Data Visualization and Analysis for the Social Sciences

A practical introduction to visualizing and analyzing data about people, societies, and governments. Students will learn to interpret data to describe and explain the world.

Prerequisites: POL242Y5 or (POL243H5 and POL244H5)
Exclusions: POL419H1

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 36P
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL343H5 • Qualitative Methods

This course focuses on the research process with attention to writing research proposals and qualitative research methods.

Prerequisites: POL242Y5 or POL243H5
Recommended Preparation: POL115H5

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L/11T
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL344H5 • Concepts, Actors, & Challenges in Global Governance

An introduction to the study of Global Governance. It presents Global Governance both as an area of study within International Relations theory, and as a set of norms and procedures that guide ongoing practices within international politics. The course will take students through the early development of the concept in the 1990s to present times. It will also cover key challenges to Global Governance.

Prerequisites: POL208Y5 or POL209H5 or POL210H5 or POL208Y1 or POL218H1 or POL219H1
Exclusions: POL343Y5 or POL343Y1 or POLC87H3

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL345H5 • Global Governance in Practice

This course builds on earlier conceptual discussions in POL344H5, to illustrate how Global Governance is practiced within specific empirical contexts. Students will take a deep dive into pressing examples of Global Governance practices and challenges (e.g., the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the global political economy).

Prerequisites: POL344H5
Exclusions: POL343Y5 or POL343Y1 or POLC87H3

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL346H5 • Urban Politics I

This course examines urban politics and policy, with a focus on structures of governance. Students will be introduced to key concepts in urban politics scholarship, including electoral politics, finance, participation, and the built environment. Examples are taken from the Greater Toronto Area, as well as cities across Canada and North America.
Prerequisites: 2.0 credits in POL
Exclusions: POL346Y5 or POL349H1 or POL349Y1

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL347H5 • Urban Politics II

This course examines urban politics and policy problems such as inequality, sustainability, immigration, and regionalism. Readings and other course content will focus on contemporary cases of urban policy challenges and conflict in cities and urban regions.

Prerequisites: POL346H5
Exclusions: POL346Y5 or POL349H1 or POL349Y1

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL354H5 • Russian Politics

After covering crucial background on tsarist Russia and the Soviet system, the course considers the legacies of Soviet rule. We then address questions of identity politics in Russia, the country’s changing political economy, the shape of authoritarian institutions, the dynamics of protest and repression, how the authoritarian regime in Russia manages flows of information, and the nature of colonialism in the Russian context.

Prerequisites: 3.0 POL credits or relevant coursework in Russian history, society, or culture
Exclusions: POLC58H3 or POL354Y5 or POL354H1
Recommended Preparation: POL218Y5 or POL218H5 or POL219H5

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL355H5 • Multiculturalism and Citizenship

How are laws, policies, and social norms affected by the overwhelmingly multicultural character of contemporary societies? This course examines how the realities of contemporary multiculturalism have reshaped civic life, both in Canada and in other societies. The course will attempt to cover both empirical and theoretical-normative approaches to these issues.

Prerequisites: 2.0 POL credits
Exclusions: POL355Y5 or POLC58H3

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL360H5 • State, Nation and Regime Change in Latin America

This course offers a comparative and transnational analytical approach to the historical foundations of nation and state building as well as patterns of regime change in Latin America. Specific topics may include revolutions, populism, (neo)colonialism, “racial democracy,” Indigenismo, dependency, among others.

Prerequisites: 2.0 POL credits or 8.0 credits
Exclusions: POL305Y1 or POLC91H3

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL361H5 • Democracy and its interruptions in Latin America

This course surveys a range of important issues in contemporary Latin America with a focus on the promises and failures of democracy under neoliberalism and post-neoliberalism. Specific topics may include Indigenous politics, Black politics, feminist politics, class conflict, “iron fist” regimes, the War on Drugs, among others.

Prerequisites: 2.0 POL credits or 8.0 credits
Exclusions: POLC91H3

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL362H5 • Borders, Migrants and Refugees

This course exposes students to the tensions between the mobility of people across international borders, and the hardening regimes of governance facing migrants. The course pays special attention to the intersections of class, race and gender at stake in the politics of migration.

Prerequisites: POL114H5 or POL218Y5 or (POL218H5 and POL219H5) or POL209H5
Exclusions: POL390H5 (Summer 2020) or POL377H1 (Summer 2021)
Recommended Preparation: POL116H5

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL367H5 • Feminist Political Theory

This course examines the various interventions that have marked the development of feminist political thought from the mid-20th century onward. These include efforts to complicate the category 'woman', to understand gender in its intersections with race and class, to develop queer feminist accounts of ‘sex’ and ‘sexuality’, and to investigate the meaning of 'feminism' as a political project in and of itself.

Prerequisites: 3.0 POL credits
Exclusions: PHL267H5 or PHL367H5 or WGS200Y5 or POLC79H3 or PHLB13H3 or PHL367H1
Recommended Preparation: POL200Y5 or relevant coursework in WGS

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL368H5 • Gender and Politics

An introduction to gender and politics that examines women as political actors and their activities in formal and grassroots politics.

Prerequisites: 2.0 credits in POL
Exclusions:

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL370H5 • Resource Politics in Postcolonial Africa

This course identifies natural resource exploitation as a prominent focus in discourses and policies concerned with African countries in the post-independence era (~1960s onwards), particularly when dealing with issues of conflict, democratization, economic development, poverty and regime crisis.

Prerequisites: A minimum 1.0 POL credit at the 200-level 

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL371H5 • Contemporary Mediated Politics

This course examines the contemporary relationship between politics and media.

Prerequisites: 2.0 POL credits or (2.0 CCT or VCC credits)
Exclusions: POL369Y5 or POL213Y1

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL372H5 • Communicating Politics

This course explores how political actors such as political parties, pressure groups and governments use media to secure their political objectives.

Prerequisites: 2.0 POL credits or (2.0 CCT or VCC credits)
Exclusions: POL369Y5 or POL213Y1
Recommended Preparation: POL371H5

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL373H5 • Introduction to Politics of the Middle East and North Africa

Students will examine the political dynamics of selected states in the Middle East and North Africa. Issues to be covered include: state-building; Arab nationalism; Zionism; Islamism; tribalism; gender; the politics of oil. Specific themes relevant to contemporary politics will vary from year to year.

Prerequisites: POL218Y5 or (POL218H5 and POL219H5)
Recommended Preparation: NMC278H1

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL390H5 • Topics in Comparative Politics

Content of course will vary from year to year. Consult the UTM Timetable.

Prerequisites: 3.0 POL credits
Recommended Preparation: POL218Y5 or POL218H5 or POL219H5

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL391H5 • Topics in Comparative Politics

Content of course will vary from year to year. Consult with the Political Science Handbook.

Prerequisites: POL218Y5

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL392H5 • Topics in Political Theory

Content of course will vary from year to year. Consult the UTM Timetable.

Prerequisites: 3.0 POL credits
Recommended Preparation: POL200Y5

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL393H5 • Topics in Canadian Politics

Content of course will vary from year to year. Consult the UTM Timetable.

Prerequisites: 3.0 POL credits or 8.0 credits
Recommended Preparation: POL214Y5 or POL215H5 or POL216H5

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL394H5 • Topics in Political Science

Content of course will vary from year to year. Consult the UTM Timetable.

Prerequisites: 3.0 POL credits or 8.0 credits

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL399H5 • Research Opportunity Program

This course provides a richly rewarding opportunity for students in their third year to work in the research project of a professor in return for POL399H course credit. Students enrolled have an opportunity to become involved in original research, learn research methods and share in the excitement and discovery of acquiring new knowledge. Participating faculty members post their project descriptions for the following summer and fall/winter sessions in early February and students are invited to apply in early March. SeeExperiential and International Opportunities for more details.

Prerequisites: 1.0 POL credit
Exclusions: students are not allowed to take POL399Y5 and POL399H5 concurrently

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL399Y5 • Research Opportunity Program

This course provides a richly rewarding opportunity for students in their third year to work in the research project of a professor in return for POL399Y course credit. Students enrolled have an opportunity to become involved in original research, learn research methods and share in the excitement and discovery of acquiring new knowledge. Participating faculty members post their project descriptions for the following summer and fall/winter sessions in early February and students are invited to apply in early March. See Experiential and International Opportunities for more details.

Prerequisites: 1.0 POL credit

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL401Y5 • Senior Major Research Paper

This course provides students with the basic skills and knowledge necessary to complete a major independent research paper. The course will have a broad theme (power, equality, justice, federalism, etc.) and students will pursue a research project of their own interest that relates to the course theme. This Y course will meet weekly in the first semester and every other week in the winter semester. Under the course instructors’ supervision, students will identify potential research questions, acquire methodological and research skills appropriate for addressing the research questions, and conduct primary research. Students will present their paper in an open forum late in the second term. This course is intended for students with a strong academic background who intend to pursue graduate studies.

Prerequisites: a minimum of 6.0 POL credits and 3.3 minimum CGPA and permission of instructor
Enrolment Limits: Enrolment is limited to Political Science Specialists, Joint Specialists and Political Science Majors.

Course Experience: University-Based Experience
Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 48L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL402H5 • Topics in Political Science

Content of course will vary from year to year. The contact hours for this course may vary in terms of contact type (L,S,T,P) from year to year, but will be between 24-36 contact hours in total. Consult the UTM Timetable.

Prerequisites:
3.0 POL credits including 1.0 POL credit at the 300-level

Enrolment Limits: Enrolment is limited to Political Science Specialists, Joint Specialists and Political Science Majors.

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL403H5 • Topics in Political Science

Content of course will vary from year to year. The contact hours for this course may vary in terms of contact type (L,S,T,P) from year to year, but will be between 24-36 contact hours in total.Consult the UTM Timetable.

Prerequisites:
3.0 POL credits including 1.0 POL credit at the 300-level

Enrolment Limits: Enrolment is limited to Political Science Specialists, Joint Specialists and Political Science Majors.

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL404H5 • Political Theory for the Present

Covers 20th- and 21st-century political theory. Topics will vary by faculty offering the course and may include but are not limited to topics in feminist political theory, post-colonial and de-colonial political theory, and political economy.

Prerequisites: POL200Y5
Recommended Preparation: POL320Y5 or other 300-level coursework relevant to the course theme

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL405Y5 • Political Science Internship

Through a part-time, unpaid internship (150 hours), students apply the knowledge and skills gained through previous coursework in political science. Participants will develop skill sets through a professional setting combined with class meetings that include workshops, writing, oral presentations, reading and reflection. Placements are made in both the public and private sectors, such as local or regional government offices, law firms, civil society organizations or non-profit agencies.

Normally, the 150 hours will be completed by attending the work placement one full day each week from September to April. Students must confirm internship arrangements well in advance and secure departmental approval for their internship position prior to the start of term. Students will be admitted to through an online application.


Prerequisites: 6.0 credits in POL
Exclusions: Other department's internship courses, including HIS498Y5 or ECO400Y5 or SOC480Y5 or JEG401Y5
Enrolment Limits: Enrolment is limited to Political Science Specialists, Joint Specialists and Political Science Majors

Course Experience: Partnership-Based Experience
Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 150P/18S
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL406H5 • Insurgents, Criminals, and Warlords

This course provides a theoretical and empirical overview of the role played by violent non-state actors in international politics. Examining insurgents, criminals, and warlords, the course explores why these actors resort to violence, the strategies and tactics they employ, and the connections that link them together.

Prerequisites: POL209H5

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24S
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL407H5 • The Politics of Oil & Mining Extraction: Contracts, Conflict, Consent

What can we learn about global politics from an oil or a mining contract? Who are the main actors in such contracts? What are key differences between oil and mining contracts? What is the future of oil and mining contracts? This course addresses these questions, by examining the complex politics of oil and mining contracts. Key theoretical concepts and themes explored in this course are sovereignty, ownership, resistance, and the future of resource extraction.

Prerequisites: A minimum 1.0 POL credit at the 300-level
Recommended Preparation: POL370H5

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24S
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL414H5 • The Future of Work

This course is a critical study of the meaning and value of work in social and political life. Sources include both historical and contemporary political theories of work and labour.

Prerequisites: POL200Y5
Exclusions: POL485H5 (Winter 2021)
Recommended Preparation: POL320Y5

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24S
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL438H5 • Topics in Comparative Politics

Content of course will vary from year to year. The contact hours for this course may vary in terms of contact type (L,S,T,P) from year to year, but will be between 24-36 contact hours in total. Consult the UTM Timetable.

Prerequisites: 3.0 POL credits including 1.0 POL credit at the 300-level
Enrolment Limits: Enrolment is limited to Political Science Specialists, Joint Specialists and Political Science Majors.

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL440H5 • The Politics of Transition in Eastern Europe I: Attempts to Impose a Marxist-Leninist Revolution

The political order, largely imposed or supported by the Soviet Union in the wake of World War II, throughout Eastern Europe, promised positive revolutionary change in all political, economic and social interactions, and indeed in restructuring peoples' psychology. By 1989 it was evident that the revolution and its promises had not materialized and the dissatisfaction and disillusionment of the populations in the region led to regime implosions in a domino-like fashion in state after state, setting the stage for a new fundamental transformation.

Prerequisites: POL208Y5 or (POL209H5 and POL210H5) or POL218Y5 or (POL218H5 and POL219H5) or permission of instructor
Exclusions: POL440Y5
Recommended Preparation: POL354H5 or POL354Y5
Enrolment Limits: Enrolment is limited to Political Science Specialists, Joint Specialists and Political Science Majors.

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL441H5 • The Politics of Transition in Eastern Europe II: The Struggle for Democracy

The struggle for democracy in an expanded new Eastern Europe, especially after the collapse of the Soviet Union itself, created great opportunities for the fundamental transformation of the political, economic and social order, but it also has been painful and unpredictable. There have been impressive successes but also problems of break-ups and integration and occasionally, retrenchment. At the same time the region has also been a laboratory for fundamental transition.

Prerequisites: POL440H5 or permission of instructor
Exclusions: POL440Y5
Recommended Preparation: POL354H5 or POL354Y5
Enrolment Limits: Enrolment is limited to Political Science Specialists, Joint Specialists and Political Science Majors.

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL444H5 • Protest and Revolution in the Middle East and North Africa

Looking at uprisings and protests in the Middle East and North Africa, students will examine different theories of contentious politics to better understand why and how uprisings happen in the region. The course will focus on the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings/revolutions in addition to recent uprisings in countries that did not experience the Arab Spring.

Prerequisites: POL218Y5 or (POL218H5 and POL219H5) or POL390H5 or POL391H5 and POL373H5
Exclusions: POL438H5 (Winter 2021 and Winter 2022)
Recommended Preparation: NMC278H1

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24S
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL445H5 • The Politics of Queer and Trans Migrations

This course offers a critical perspective about migration studies by centering the experiences of queer and trans migrants, and by adopting a feminist, queer and trans theory lens. Sources foreground intersections of gender, sexuality, race, class and nation.

Prerequisites: POL362H5 or POL390H5 (Summer 2020) or POL377H1 (Summer 2021)
Recommended Preparation: POL116H5

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24S
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL446H5 • Politics of the South Asian Diaspora in Comparative Perspective

This course examines the politics of South Asian diasporas in Canada, scaled at local, provincial, and national levels. Major themes include democratic representation, multiculturalism, social mobilization, and dilemmas of cultural autonomy. Other diasporic groups globally - both South Asian and otherwise - are examined for the purpose of comparison.

Prerequisites: 4.0 credits in POL including 1.0 POL credit at the 300-level
Recommended Preparation: POL304Y5
Enrolment Limits: Enrolment is limited to Political Science Specialists, Joint Specialists and Political Science Majors.

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL447H5 • Collective Action and Political Change

This course introduces students to the study of collective action, the conditions under which it is possible, and its role in bringing about political change. It addresses foundational concepts and theories, as well as cases of collective action with a focus on the experiences of subaltern groups in the Americas and beyond.

Prerequisites: 4.0 POL credits, including 1.0 POL credit at the 300-level
Exclusions: POL443Y5 (2018-2019; Winter 2020; 2020-2021; 2021-2022; 2023-2024)
Recommended Preparation: [POL218Y5 or (POL218H5 and 219H5)] and [POL242Y5 or POL243H5]

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL448H5 • Protest and Social Movements in Comparative and Transnational Perspective

This course focuses on key threads of subaltern collective action in comparative and transnational perspective, with a focus on Latin America. It delves into revolutionary, feminist, solidarity, decolonial, anti-racist, body-centered, anti-extractivist struggles, among others, from the late 20th Century to the present day.

Prerequisites: 4.0 POL credits, including 1.0 POL credit at the 300-level
Exclusions: POL443Y5 (2018-2019; Winter 2020; 2020-2021; 2021-2022; 2023-2024)
Recommended Preparation: POL447H5 or POL116H5 or POL218Y5 or [POL218H5 and POL219H5]

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL475H5 • Global Environmental and Sustainability Politics

This course examines the challenges faced by humanity in dealing with global environmental and sustainability problems and the politics of addressing them. Focuses on both the underlying factors that shape the politics of these problems - such as scientific uncertainty, North-South conflict, equity concerns, globalization and production and consumption patterns - and explores attempts at the governance of specific global or transnational environmental and sustainability issues by state and non-state actors.

Prerequisites: 3.0 POL credits, including 1.0 POL credit at the 300-level
Recommended Preparation: POL208Y5 or (POL209H5 and POL210H5)
Enrolment Limits: Enrolment is limited to Political Science Specialists, Joint Specialists and Political Science Majors.

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL476H5 • Moral Reason and Economic History I

A study of the interaction between political philosophy and economic history. The course involves alternative conceptions of the relation between individuals and the community, between the economy and the political order, between what 'is' and what 'ought to be.'

Prerequisites: POL309Y5 or POL320Y5 or permission of the instructor
Exclusions: POL478Y5

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL477H5 • Moral Reason and Economic History II

A study of the interaction between political philosophy and economic history. The course involves alternative conceptions of the relation between individuals and the community, between the economy and the political order, between what 'is' and what 'ought to be.'

Prerequisites: POL476H5
Exclusions: POL478Y5

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL483H5 • Comparative Political Theory

This course introduces students to comparative political thought, a field of study in political theory that de-centres "Western" perspectives in favour of a more global, comparative approach to studying political questions, problems and concepts. Course materials might include political texts from East Asia, South Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, read alongside texts from "the West."

Prerequisites: POL200Y5 and POL320Y5
Exclusions: POL480H1

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24S
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL484H5 • Topics in Political Thought

Topics will vary from term to term. Consult the UTM Timetable.

Prerequisites: 3.0 credits in POL, including 1.0 POL credit at the 300-level.
Recommended Preparation: POL200Y5 and POL320Y5

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL485H5 • Topics in Political Thought

Content of course will vary from year to year. The contact hours for this course may vary in terms of contact type (L,S,T,P) from year to year, but will be between 24-36 contact hours in total. Consult the UTM Timetable.

Prerequisites: POL320Y5 or permission of the instructor
Enrolment Limits: Enrolment is limited to Political Science Specialists, Joint Specialists and Political Science Majors.

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL486H5 • Topics in International Relations

Content of course will vary from year to year. The contact hours for this course may vary in terms of contact type (L,S,T,P) from year to year, but will be between 24-36 contact hours in total. Consult the UTM Timetable.

Prerequisites: 3.0 POL credits, including 1.0 POL credit at the 300-level
Recommended Preparation: POL208Y5 or POL208Y1 or POL209H5 or POL210H5

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL487H5 • Topics in International Relations

Content of course will vary from year to year. The contact hours for this course may vary in terms of contact type (L,S,T,P) from year to year, but will be between 24-36 contact hours in total. Consult the UTM Timetable.

Prerequisites: POL208Y5 or POL208Y1 or (POL209H5 and POL210H5) or (POL218H1 and POL219H1)
Enrolment Limits: Enrolment is limited to Political Science Specialists, Joint Specialists and Political Science Majors.

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL490H5 • Topics in Canadian Politics

Content of course will vary from year to year. The contact hours for this course may vary in terms of contact type (L,S,T,P) from year to year, but will be between 24-36 contact hours in total. Consult the UTM Timetable.

Prerequisites: 3.0 POL credits, including 1.0 POL credit at the 300-level
Recommended Preparation: POL214Y5 or POL215H5 or POL216H5
Enrolment Limits: Enrolment is limited to Political Science Specialists, Joint Specialists and Political Science Majors.

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL493H5 • Social Risk and Social Protection

This class is a study of the welfare state. We will study old and new social risks, such as poverty, homelessness, and unemployment, and consider the types of social protections that are offered against those risks. The class will cover broad theories of the welfare state and social policy, and will also consider specific areas of policy and what governments and non-governmental groups are doing to protect against old and new risks.
Prerequisites: POL215H5 and POL216H5
Recommended Preparation: POL111H5 and POL318H5

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24S
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL494H5 • Topics in Canadian Politics

Content of course will vary from year to year. The contact hours for this course may vary in terms of contact type (L,S,T,P) from year to year, but will be between 24-36 contact hours in total. Consult the UTM Timetable.

Prerequisites: 3.0 POL credits, including 1.0 POL credit at the 300-level
Recommended Preparation: POL214Y5 or POL215H5 or POL216H5

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL495Y5 • Undergraduate Reading Course

This is a student-initiated course of reading and research on a specialized topic of interest to the student. It is normally only open to students enrolled in Political Science Specialist and Major programs. Students wishing to enrol must find a faculty member willing to supervise the course, develop a program of study in consultation with the supervisor and obtain written approval for the course from the chair.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor and of the Chair
Enrolment Limits: Enrolment is limited to Political Science Specialists, Joint Specialists and Political Science Majors.

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 48L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL496H5 • Undergraduate Reading Course

This is a student-initiated course of reading and research on a specialized topic of interest to the student. It is normally only open to students enrolled in Political Science Specialist and Major programs. Students wishing to enrol must find a faculty member willing to supervise the course, develop a program of study in consultation with the supervisor and obtain written approval for the course from the chair.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor and of the Chair
Enrolment Limits: Enrolment is limited to Political Science Specialists, Joint Specialists and Political Science Majors.

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Total Instructional Hours: 24L
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL499H5 • Research Opportunity Program

This course provides a richly rewarding opportunity for students in their third year to work in the research project of a professor in return for POL499H5 course credit. Students enrolled have an opportunity to become involved in original research, learn research methods and share in the excitement and discovery of acquiring new knowledge. Participating faculty members post their project descriptions for the following summer and fall/winter sessions in early February and students are invited to apply in early March. See Experiential and International Opportunities for more details.

Exclusions: students are not allowed to take POL499Y5 and POL499H5 concurrently
Enrolment Limits: Enrolment is limited to Political Science Specialists, Joint Specialists and Political Science Majors.

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Mode of Delivery: In Class

POL499Y5 • Research Opportunity Program

This course provides a richly rewarding opportunity for students in their third year to work in the research project of a professor in return for POL499Y5 course credit. Students enrolled have an opportunity to become involved in original research, learn research methods and share in the excitement and discovery of acquiring new knowledge. Participating faculty members post their project descriptions for the following summer and fall/winter sessions in early February and students are invited to apply in early March. See Experiential and International Opportunities for more details.

Exclusions: students are not allowed to take POL499Y5 and POL499H5 concurrently
Enrolment Limits: Enrolment is limited to Political Science Specialists, Joint Specialists and Political Science Majors.

Distribution Requirement: Social Science
Mode of Delivery: In Class

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