Political Science

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DEGREES OFFERED

BACHELOR OF ARTS (BA) IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

BACHELOR OF ARTS (BA) IN POLITICAL SCIENCE WITH CO-OPERATIVE EDUCATION

BACHELOR OF ARTS HONOURS (BA) (HONS) IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

THE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL INDIGENOUS STUDIES PROGRAMS ARE LOCATED WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT

MASTER OF ARTS (MA) IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

PHD IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

Political Science is about how individuals, societies, and the state should and do deal with conflict and cooperation. At its most basic level Political Science entails asking who gets what, when, how and why?

POLITICAL SCIENCE ASKS WHO GETS WHAT, WHEN AND WHY? The study of local, regional, national and international political systems involves investigation of how individuals, social movements, groups and parties relate to each other and to government; how governmental systems operate; and how and why policies such as welfare, health and multiculturalism work. Political scientists analyze the causes and consequences of war, disputes over territory and resources, problems of environmental degradation, poverty, terrorism and refugees, and the nature and consequences of globalization. Political Science researchers make use of such concepts as justice, liberty, equality, representation and democracy, and explore ideologies that try to make sense of the political world, such as conservatism, liberalism, socialism, fascism, feminism and environmentalism.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science provides students with an understanding and appreciation of the art of politics by enabling them to explore the location and use of power in society. The course offerings in Political Science span four sub-fields of the discipline: Canadian Politics, Public Policy and Law; International Relations; Comparative Politics and Political Thought. The boundaries of these fields are not rigid; although a specific course may be grouped under a general sub-field heading, the course content may likely touch upon many fields, for no aspect of politics or Political Science can be studied in perfect isolation.

The Department of Political Science at the University of Calgary is a dynamic teaching and research-oriented department with great ideological and intellectual diversity. We are proud to be a department of scholars who have developed the national and international profile

necessary to sustain a high quality teaching and research program

YOUR EXPERIENCE IN POLITICAL SCIENCEExamples of courses:

POLITICAL SCIENCE 283 – Study the major trends and issues in world politics, such as international tensions, migration, ethnic conflicts, human rights and sustainable development.

POLITICAL SCIENCE 321 – Examine the formal institutions of the Canadian state. These include Parliament, the executive, the Constitution and the courts. Study how these shape Canadian political processes.

POLITICAL SCIENCE 424 – An introduction to historical and contemporary socio-political issues associated with indigenous peoples and state-society relations.

POLITICAL SCIENCE 470 – Examine various cases of genocide and mass violence as well as the problems of justice and reconciliation in post-genocide societies.

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A POLITICAL SCIENCE DEGREE? Political Science at the University of Calgary prides itself in offering a set of courses and learning experiences aimed at widening student’s horizons. Because our course offerings and methodologies are diverse, students entering our program are not directed into a narrow occupational field, but rather, have a choice of a number of different, though related fields. Former graduates work in a diverse range of professions, from law to public service (some have even become cabinet ministers in the federal government) to corporate positions. This broad preparation makes political science an ideal degree for those wishing to keep their career options as open as possible.

RESEARCH AREASFaculty members are active in research and applied policy development. They publish research extensively in Canadian and international journals and have been in the top two Canadian political science departments for publishing in the Canadian Journal of Political Science. Their expertise has helped shape many of the central debates in contemporary Canadian politics.

Professors in the University of Calgary Political Science Department conduct research in Canadian politics, comparative politics, international relations and political thought. Some specific areas of specialization include:

• Electoral behavior• Federalism• Public opinion• Public policy• Provincial politics• Canadian foreign and security policy• International political theory and law• Circumpolar Politics• American government• Ethics• Women and politics• Terrorism• Weapons proliferation• Political violence• Strategic Studies• Genocide and human security• U.S. security policy• The changing character of warfare• Judicial processes• Constitutional law• Political communication• Indigenous Politics• City Politics• Global Political Economy

Political Science

CO-OPERATIVE EDUCATIONThe Department encourages you to participate in its co-op program which will provide you with the opportunity to gain work experience while completing your degree. For more information contact: artscoop@ucalgary.ca or arts.ucalgary.ca/co-op.

SPEAKER SERIESThe Political Science department regularly hosts experts from within Canada and abroad who give talks on topics in Canadian politics, international relations and world events.

CLUBSThe Political Science Association (PSA) is a non-partisan club that is comprised of undergraduate students from all areas of campus who are interested in politics. The club participates in hosting the annual Calgary high school model UN Conference, public talks by local politicians and offers a space to socialize and meet like-minded peers.

The International Relations Club (IRC) is a student club that is comprised of undergraduate students who are interested in international relations. This club provides a means for students to share ideas on the international system outside of the classroom among peers.

CAREERSIf they choose to, students completing a BA in Political Science may obtain specific, career-oriented training in a number of areas. Training in primary research skills – whether archival, qualitative, or quantitative – as well as in analytical and communication skills can be used in a range of areas and careers. These include public opinion polling, market research, public relations, management, human resources, political risk analysis, political advocacy, and working with political parties. As well, political science graduates work for the many companies that now have government relations departments or are employed as lobbyists and political analysts for companies and interest groups wishing to influence government. Public services across Canada are hiring creating opportunities for those with an understanding of the principles and institutions of government to gain employment. Degrees with an emphasis on international and comparative politics as well as international political economy provide good access to job opportunities in foreign affairs, international organizations and corporations and a stepping stone to further study, such as in international law or the study of foreign languages. Many of our students go on to successfully complete Law and MBA programs.

Students of exceptional ability who are interested in an academic career have good prospects. The Honours program remains the best path to academic careers as well as to the learned professions such as law.

BA MAJORING IN POLITICAL SCIENCEA minimum of 7 (and maximum of 10) full-course equivalents in Political Science are required, and must include:

1. Any two of the following:

a. POLI 201 Introduction to Government and Politics

b. POLI 213 Political Ideologies

c. POLI 279 Politics of the Global South

d. POLI 283 Issues and Trends in World Politics

2. POLI 321 Politics and Government in Canada

3. Any three of the following:

a. POLI 310 History of Political Thought

b. POLI 359 Introduction to Comparative Politics plus one other half-course equivalent in Comparative Politics at the 300, 400, or 500 level

c. POLI 381 Introduction to International Relations plus one other half-course equivalent in International Relations at the 400 or 500 level

d. POLI 399 Quantitative Research Methods

4. Two full-course equivalents in Political Science at the 400 and/or 500 level (these normally have 300 level prerequisites)

5. As well, majors must complete the Faculty of Arts requirements.

HONOURS IN POLITICAL SCIENCEStudents may apply for admission to the Honours program following the completion of the first five full-year course equivalents, provided a grade point average (GPA) of 3.4 has been achieved. Maintenance of a 3.4 GPA is required for continuation in the Honours program.

To apply, please contact the Honours Coordinator, Dr. Pablo Policzer at Policzer@ucalgary.ca. The Faculty of Arts Student Centre will normally consider applications for admission at the time of Fall session registration.

A BA (Hons.) requires the completion of 9 full-course equivalents. Honours students may take up to a maximum of twelve full-course equivalents in Political Science. In addition to those required by the BA, these include:

1. All four sets of core courses:

a) POLI 310 History of Political Thought

b) POLI 359 Introduction to Comparative Politics plus one other half-course equivalent in Comparative Politics at the 400 or 500 level

c) POLI 381 Introduction to International Relations plus one other half-course equivalent in International Relations at the 300, 400, or 500 level

d) POLI 399 Quantitative Research Methods

2. And the Honours seminar POLI 590 as well as POLI 591, the Honours Thesis

3. Students must also pass two half-courses in a language other than English, or equivalent.

POLITICAL SCIENCE AS A MINOR Students may formally declare a Minor Field and have this officially recorded on the transcript of record.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL INDIGENOUS STUDIES The Political Science Department also administers these programs. For further information, see their brochures.

POLITICAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATION (PSA) The Political Science student organization is located in Room SS 707.

GRADUATE STUDIES, POLITICAL SCIENCEPlease consult the Graduate Director at poli-grad@ucalgary.ca if you are interested in graduate studies at the University of Calgary.

STUDENT ADVISINGucalgary.ca/future-students

Mark Baron, Undergraduate Director, Email: baronm@ucalgary.ca

Ella Wensel, Manager, Administrative Services Email: ewensel@ucalgary.ca

APPEAL OF GRADESConsult the formal appeals procedure in the Calendar or consult the Head of the Political Science Department, Dr. Brenda O’Neill at bloneill@ucalgary.ca

Political Science

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NEED MORE INFORMATION?

FACULTY OF ARTS Department of Political ScienceSocial Sciences 756University of Calgary2500 University Drive NWCalgary, AB T2N 1N4T +403.220.5920 poli.ucalgary.ca

FACULTY OF ARTS T +403.220.6151 F +403.282.8606

FACULTY OF ARTS STUDENTS’ CENTRE Social Sciences Building 102E ascarts@ucalgary.ca T +403.220.3580

ADMISSIONSE future.students@ucalgary.ca T +403.210.7625ucalgary.ca/admissions

AWARDS AND FINANCIAL AIDucalgary.ca/awards

ARTS AND SCIENCE HONOURS ACADEMY (ASHA)ucalgary.ca/asha

arts.ucalgary.ca