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 UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM CALENDAR 2003-2004 |
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Politics Courses
POL 010 Politics: Crisis and Change in our Time Lect: 3 hrs. This is an introductory course which examines some of the basic concepts of politics and the critical issues of today. The material studied includes an analysis of the nature of power, a discussion of various political ideologies, and a comparison of different systems of government, with an emphasis on the Canadian and American models. In addition, the course will survey the changing international situation, and examine the rise of trends like globalization.
POL 015 Politics: City Politics in Canada Lect: 3 hrs. This course for Journalism students is about the urban beat. The course explores what’s “news” in city politics, and how to creatively cover the story. Municipal governments have become major arenas of political activity, controversy and media coverage in Canada. The course examines the people, institutions, interests and issues that make news in city politics. Subjects covered include: the changing role of local government, who’s who at City Hall, the influence of interest and advocacy groups in urban politics, and a range of urban issues such as policing, homelessness, land development, transit, education, property taxes and culture. Most course assignments are in news story style. (PR)
POL 027 Politics: Authority, Influence and Power in Canadian Politics Lect: 3 hrs. This course examines the exercise of authority, influence and power in Canada. Who are the decision makers? How are decisions made? In whose interest are they made? How democratic is the decision-making process? In the course these questions will be explored by investigating the institutions and structure of authority, and the various avenues of political and economic influence within the Canadian political system. This course is equivalent to POL 302 and POL 402. (PR)
POL 032 Politics: Politics in Canada: The State and Public Policy Lect: 3 hrs. This senior course examines the role and purpose of the state, the major instruments of state policy, the constitutional and institutional frameworks within which public policy is developed, and the impact of globalization on the state’s policy-making capacity. The course also considers the structure of public and private power and the role of communications in advanced market societies. The course concludes with an examination of the challenges to democratic participation in Canadian political life. (PR) Exclusion: POL 180.
POL 100 Politics: Classical Political Thought Lect: 3 hrs. This course traces the development of our understanding of state and society through the classics of the Western tradition. Historical description, textual analysis and evaluative comment will be used to study the visions of humanity, state and society to be found in the writings of the great classic thinkers of the West. This course is the first half of POL 011. (LL)
POL 106 Politics: The Politics of Human Needs Lect: 3 hrs. Political systems may be judged by how well they meet their citizens’ basic human needs. What is the role of politics in satisfying human needs? How have major political theorists treated the relationship between human needs and government? What are the major obstacles in the contemporary world that stand in the way of meeting basic human needs and how might these be overcome? (LL)
POL 122 Politics: Local Government and Politics in Canada Lect: 3 hrs. The principal focus of the course is a critical examination of municipal institutions particularly in Canada’s large urban centres. Topics discussed include local government and democratic theory, the impact of globalization and urbanization, political and administrative structures, intergovernmental relations with emphasis on provincial-municipal relations, local finance, and major actors such as business, labour and citizens groups. The course will end with a study of the major challenges facing Canada’s metropolitan regions today. (PR)
POL 128 Politics: Politics and Film Lect: 3 hrs. Films often mirror society in both intentional and unintentional ways. Some are overtly political, some reflect changing values and some are made purely for entertainment. This course will reflect on the various political perspectives which enable students to critically assess films. It will unravel the relationship between politics and film. It will assess the role films play in reinforcing or debunking stereotypes. These themes will be examined in the context of the film industry in Canada. (LL)
POL 129 Politics: Immigration and the Canadian Experience Lect: 3 hrs. Canada is often described as a country of immigrants. By examining Canada’s immigrant tradition, this course introduces students to a number of distinctive characteristics of Canada as a political community. Topics and themes include: changes in Canadian immigration policies; immigration and Canadian identity; how global migration is transforming modern politics; and the nature of human rights in an age of migration. Is Canada becoming a uniquely multicultural political community? (LL)
POL 200 Politics: Modern Political Thought Lect: 3 hrs. This course examines the major political thinkers and ideologies of the Western political tradition. While each thinker’s ideas are placed in their historical context, a special emphasis will be given to extracting those aspects of each political theorist’s ideas which are relevant to understanding contemporary political issues. (LL)
POL 208 Politics: The Globalization of World Politics Lect: 3 hrs. This course examines political conflict and instability in world politics. What are the political consequences of globalization? Why is nationalism and ethnic intolerance on the rise? What explains the eruption of political unrest and war? These issues are explored through current examples of political upheaval around the world. (LL)
POL 220 Politics: Politics and Social Policy in Canada Lect: 3 hrs. This course examines the development and role of social policy in Canada. A major theme is the ideas, values and beliefs which shaped income support, health care and education policy and the impact of the welfare state on individual well being and opportunity. The course will focus on the politics of social policy and the factors which have led to the erosion of the welfare state in Canada. (PR)
POL 222 Politics: Urban Policy in Canadian Cities Lect: 3 hrs. Cities are increasingly becoming a prime arena of political conflict. This course examines the players and the issues underlying political conflict at the local level, and assesses municipal government’s role in responding to conflicting interests. Public policy issues such as planning, economic development, housing, transportation, racism, safety, education, public-private partnerships, and social services will be a major study. (PR)
POL 302 Politics: Power and Influence in Canadian Politics Lect: 3 hrs. In analysing Canada’s federal political system, this course assesses the ideas, interests, and institutions which help define the limits of both state and societal power. It will provide students with a clear understanding of the workings of the system of governance guiding their everyday lives as citizens and as professionals. Topics include political ideas, the social and economic context, the constitutional and institutional mechanisms of governance, and the dynamics of political participation that underlie our political system. (PR) Exclusion: POL 180.
POL 402 Politics: Political Conflict in Canada Lect: 3 hrs. This course examines the controversy and competing forces behind major issues in Canadian politics. A central theme is the role of the state in setting economic, social, and cultural policy, examining the issue of in whose interest government acts and why. Current issues are analyzed to illuminate the impact of ideology, interest groups, the media, political parties and citizen participation and a global political-economic environment on the nature of democracy, influence and power in Canada today. (PR) Exclusion: POL 180.
POL 440 Politics: Aboriginal Politics and Self-Government Lect: 3 hrs. This course examines the political, economic and social dynamics defining current relations between First Nations people and the Canadian state. It studies the impact of Canadian laws and policies on aboriginal society and examines the responses of aboriginal people ranging from individual legal challenges to collective, organized resistance. The core of the course focuses on evaluating different models of self-government in Canada and elsewhere in the world which arise out of the various philosophical worldviews of traditional aboriginal political culture. Discussions will address such key issues as economic supports, land claims, avenues for participation by urban aboriginals, and the role (if any) of Canadian laws and institutions.
POL 501 Politics: Women, Power and Politics Lect: 3 hrs. Have women come a long way? What is feminism? How do racial minority, aboriginal, immigrant, or lesbian women differ in the way in which they prioritize political and social issues? What about the impact of religion, class and disability? This course examines public policies in Canada relating to women and work (the “glass ceiling”, gender segregated labour force, domestic labour), sexuality (harassment, violence), health (reproductive technology), family, and political representation. How do different women identify directions for change? (UL)
POL 506 Politics: Issues in the Politics of Early Childhood Education Lect: 3 hrs. Increasingly, political solutions are being advocated to improve child care in Canada. This course examines key political issues and controversies affecting early childhood education. Topics examined include: the role of government in regulating, funding and delivering child care; the role and strategies of advocacy groups concerned with child care, education and family services; the role of trade unions in these fields. The course format emphasizes case studies and applied student learning by providing the theoretical underpinnings necessary for such work. (PR)
POL 507 Politics: Power and Change in Technological Society Lect: 3 hrs. How does technology shape society? How does it shape us? On what basis are decisions made in a technological society? What type of future will modern technology create? Who is in control? This course will examine the impact of technology on cultural, economic and political life in modern society. The political implications of future developments in reproductive and biotechnologies, global communications, automation, etc. will be evaluated. This course is the first half of POL 037. (UL)
POL 510 Politics: The Politics of Sexual Diversity Lect: 3 hrs. This course begins with an examination of homosexuality and hetero-sexuality as social constructs; examines the politicisation of sexual diversity and identity; and explores the place of diverse sexual identities in heterosexist society. Particular attention will be given to the way in which public policy at all levels is influenced (or not) by recognition of sexual minorities. (UL)
POL 511 Politics: Well-Being and Opportunity in Canada Lect: 3 hrs. Canadians are experiencing major changes in individual well-being and opportunity. A changing job market and growing differences in income combined with dramatic increases in university, tuition, decreases in benefits from income support programs and greater reliance on for-profit health care services have altered Canadians’ ability to secure their futures. This course examines the rise and decline of the welfare state: how and why these changes in well-being and opportunity are taking place. (UL)
POL 512 Politics: Aging, Politics and Public Policy Lect: 3 hrs. Canadian politics and public policy have hardly begun to reflect the social and economic consequences of an aging society. This course examines the politics of the well-being of older persons. It will provide students with an understanding of the social and economic factors affecting the well-being of older Canadians; the role of income support, healthcare, assisted living and the impact of political advocacy on the policy process. (PR)
POL 540 Politics: Issues and Problems in Third World Politics Lect: 3 hrs. Students will be introduced to the key issues in Third World Politics. What is the Third World? What are the political, economic, social and cultural factors that account for many problems currently facing the Third World? Why are debt, hunger, authoritarianism and political instability seemingly endemic to Third World countries? Who makes decisions about economic development, gender inequality, human rights, political stability and democracy? (UL)
POL 601 Politics: Contemporary Mass Movements Lect: 3 hrs. In December 1999, what has come to be known as the “anti-globalization movement” burst onto the world stage through its shut-down of the Seattle meetings of the World Trade Organization. This course will examine this movement, its historical roots, its mani-festations North and South, and the ways in which it is continuous and discontinuous with the “new social movements” of the late 20th century. Students will be introduced to the major approaches and debates in the academic study of social movements. Emphasis will be placed on understanding social movements historically and in context, especially in view of developments in political economy, expansions/contractions in popular democracy, and the impact of information technologies. (UL)
POL 607 Politics: Technology and Globalization Lect: 3 hrs. This course examines the role of technology within a global context. What will it mean to be part of a global audience, work in a global factory, shop in a global supermarket, be governed by a world government? Can technology help to solve problems of environmental depletion and pollution? What role does technology play in escalating militarism around the world? Can technology reduce the gap between the rich and the poor within nations and between nations? This course is the second half of POL 037. (UL)
POL 701 Politics: Liberalism in the Late Twentieth Century Lect: 3 hrs. Liberalism appears to have triumphed. Freedom of choice, privatization, the rule of the market, equality and full human development are all some of its striking claims. This course attempts to uncover the dynamics that underpin the spectacular spread of liberalism. The course also seeks to identify the weaknesses, ambiguities and doubts that increasingly haunt a triumphant liberalism. (UL)
POL 801 Politics: Prospects in a New Millennium Lect: 3 hrs. Socialism is both a reaction to the industrial revolution and a critique of Liberalism. It resonates through the nineteenth and twentieth centuries with a vision of a society where everyone is able to fully and freely develop their capacities. In an age of globalization, where liberalism has appeared to triumph, is socialism a viable alternative? This course will focus on both aspects of the socialist challenge: its critique of global capitalism and its vision of an alternate future. (UL)
POL 920 Politics: Political Economy of Science & Technology Lect: 3 hrs. This course explores the political economy of technology from the Scientific Revolution to the present. Attention will be paid to the transition from craft to mechanical production; the rise of the industrial research laboratory; the role of the state in supporting military and non-military research. The course will also examine the contribution of chemistry, physics and biology to the foundation of contemporary industries (chemical, electronics, nuclear, biotechnology) and the emergence of the engineering and scientific professions. (PR)
PPA 022 Politics: Theory and Practice of Public Administration Lect: 3 hrs. This course begins with a discussion of some fundamental concepts of political and administrative analysis-power, authority, ideology, bureaucracy, organization, and management. These concepts are then used to assess critically the organization of government in Canada. Major topics examined include the role of the state; organizational theory; the structure of government; personnel administration; financial administration and budgeting; and the policy-making process. This course is equivalent to PPA 322 and PPA 422. (PR)
PPA 030 Politics: Practicum Lab: 3 hrs. This public administration program requirement is based on the student’s public sector work experience. The student will submit evidence, acceptable to a Program Practicum Committee, of at least two years full-time appropriate public sector work experience relevant to the application of knowledge and skills in public administration. In this course, students undertake advanced analysis of their public sector work environment and experience. PPA 030 is graded either Pass, Fail or Fail-supplement. Any student not able to fulfill the Practicum requirements satisfactorily, will substitute the equivalent of nine one-term courses, consisting of professional and professionally related courses. Students are advised to take this course near the end of their program studies. (PR) Prerequisite: PPA 524, PPA 624, PPA 602.
PPA 031 Politics: Public Policy Research Paper Lab: 3 hrs. The student will propose a topic in public policy for independent study, research, and analysis. The research paper topic is authorized, supervised, and evaluated by a member of faculty. Students are advised to take this course near the end of their program studies. (PR) Prerequisites: PPA 524, PPA 623 and PPA 603, or Permission of Instructor.
PPA 322 Politics: Understanding Canadian Public Admin Lect: 3 hrs. This course is designed to introduce students to the structure and processes and major organizational issues and problems of public administration in Canada. In simple terms, public administration involves carrying out or implementing public policies. In broader terms, the study of public administration is concerned with the unique characteristics of public organizations and the impact of institutional structures and organizational dynamics on policy implementation. This involves an examination of theories, concepts and values underlying administrative practices in public organizations. (PR)
PPA 422 Politics: People, Policy and Money: Public Admin Lect: 3 hrs. This course examines and evaluates theories and practices of policy decision-making and management in the public sector. The examination of policy decision-making includes the structure and process of policy formulation and issues and problems of policy evaluation. The examination of public sector management will focus on the budgetary process and personnel management. The course will conclude with an examination of the problem of political and administrative accountability. (PR) Prerequisite: PPA 322.
PPA 521 Politics: Issues in Equity and Human Rights Lect: 3 hrs. Equity and Human Rights considerations are increasingly important features of public policy. This course examines the development of Canadian human rights thinking as reflected in key legislation (Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Canada Human Rights Act, provincial codes) and then explores the impact on a number of policy areas including employment, Aboriginal issues, gender relations, language rights, immigration and sexual diversity. (PR)
PPA 522 Politics: Provincial Government and Politics in Ontario Lect: 3 hrs. This course will look at the main elements of the political process in Ontario. An analysis will be made of the political institutions that have evolved in Ontario in response to the pressures and demands arising from different groups within and also outside of the Province. The course will follow both a critical and explanatory approach as it seeks to understand and evaluate the political process in Ontario. (PR)
PPA 524 Politics: Issues in Research Methodology Lect: 3 hrs. This course is designed to sharpen students’ analytical and critical skills through a discussion of the major issues of research methodology in public policy and public administration. Students will acquire the tools necessary to read and evaluate contemporary literature in the field. (PR)
PPA 525 Politics: Theories of the State Lect: 3 hrs. This course examines major theoretical perspectives on modern industrial states, including pluralism, neoliberalism, Marxism and feminism. An effort is made to relate each perspective to relevant political issues of the day. In the final section of the course a number of thematic issues are considered from the perspective of state theory such as the role of social movements in shaping state policies and the impact of globalization on democracy and the viability of the nation-state. (PR)
PPA 533 Politics: Labour, the State and the Politics of Work Lect: 3 hrs. This course examines how labour, employers and government interact to regulate how Canadians work. Students will acquire an enriched understanding of the employment environment in their career field. A historical context is first established to explain the evolution of work, unions and government labour policy in Canada. The course then examines the legislative framework before exploring such controversial employment issues as union organizing, public sector collective bargaining, strikes, minimum wage, overtime, health and safety. (PR)
PPA 600 Politics: Financial Planning, Mgt & Accountability Lect: 3 hrs. This course will provide students with an overview of public sector planning and budgetary processes, the financial management systems within governmental organizations, and mechanisms for ensuring accountability. Changing structures of accountability and the merging of private and public sector budgeting, planning and management principles will be critically evaluated. Students will also be given hands on training in accessing the financial and budgetary information relevant to public and parapublic organizations. (PR) Exclusions: PPA 634, PPA 644.
PPA 601 Politics: Private/Public Partnerships Lect: 3 hrs. This course is designed to critically examine new partnership relationships between government and non-governmental actors and alternative modes of service delivery in Canadian public administration. Questions discussed will include: What implications do partnerships hold for public services and public accountability? What are the trends and problems in such partnership relationships? What role will government have in the future in delivering ‘public services’? What alternative service delivery modes are available? How are democracy and citizenship rights being affected by the move towards partnerships and alternative service delivery modes? (PR)
PPA 602 Politics: Policy/Program Planning and Evaluation Lect: 3 hrs. In the current fiscal climate in which public and parapublic organizations operate, planning and evaluation of both policies and programs is critical. New standards of accountability and justification require public sector workers to engage in continuous planning and evaluation of policies and programs. This course provides students with the knowledge and skills required for designing planning and evaluation tools. The course will be focused on hands on learning and would be based on “real life” applications. (PR) Prerequisites: PPA 422, PPA 623.
PPA 603 Politics: Comparative Public Policy Lect: 3 hrs. Contemporary public policy has become inherently comparative in nature, as decision-makers and citizens demand that policy initiatives be justified in relation to what is happening in other jurisdictions. What are the trends and leading indicators of policy change today? Does globalization necessarily undermine the capacity of nation states to address domestic concerns? A comparative analysis of policy areas including health, immigration, human rights, environment may help explain why, and to what extent, political decision-makers really have choice. (PR) Prerequisite: PPA 422, PPA 623.
PPA 604 Politics: Current Issues in Public Administration Lect: 3 hrs. In recent years, the public sector has undergone significant changes. Nothing less than a ‘reinventing’ of how the administrative state functions, its role within society and the economy, and its size and scope is under way. Transformations within the public sector have been both broad and rapid. In this environment of fundamental restructuring, many new and pressing issues related to public administration continuously arise. This course is designed to be responsive to addressing key issues which emerge in the rapidly evolving public sector of today. Consequently, the issues covered by this course will change from year to year. (PR) Prerequisites: PPA 525, PPA 624, PPA 633, PPA 601.
PPA 623 Politics: Public Policy Lect: 3 hrs. This course offers a theoretical introduction to the Canadian public policy-making process, but also emphasizes the practical aspect through an examination of policy formulation and implementation, policy analysis, and program evaluation. To provide a practical examination of the role of the state in reconciling competing priorities within Canadian society, to reveal patterns and to match theory with practice, the course explores specific policy fields such as civil liberties and the civilian oversight of police; economic management and industrial policy; social and environmental policy. (PR) Prerequisite: PPA 422.
PPA 624 Politics: Theories of Bureaucracy and Organization Lect: 3 hrs. This course surveys different approaches to organization and bureaucracy in advanced industrial societies. The major focus is on the exercise of power and control in organizations and the implications of this for different organizational groups. The course also examines a number of areas about which traditional approaches have been relatively silent, especially those dealing with race, gender and class. Another major theme of the course involves analysis of the changing nature of work, focusing on how new information technologies have affected the distribution of power and control in the workplace. (PR) Prerequisite: PPA 422.
PPA 629 Politics: Administrative Law and Government Lect: 3 hrs. This course examines the statutory and regulatory basis of Canadian public administration. The course explores existing techniques of control of delegated power and their role in influencing conduct. It analyses the regulatory function of administration, as well as the institutional and procedural characteristics and practices of administrative tribunals and judicial review. (PR)
PPA 633 Politics: Public Sector Restructuring Lect: 3 hrs. This course examines public sector restructuring, focusing on its impact on work and labour markets. Topics discussed include privatization and offloading, implications for families and the nonprofit and voluntary sector, the convergence of social policy and labour market policy, social movements and general patterns of resistance. The course will include a practical component which integrates this knowledge with the student’s own career planning strategies. (PR) Prerequisite: PPA 533.
PPA 650 Politics: Intergovernmental Relations: Policies and Administration Lect: 3 hrs. This course examines both the formal and informal relations between the federal and provincial governments of Canada, as well as the effect these relations have on Canadian politics and public policies. Themes include national unity and regional diversity, elite decision making and democratic participation, the Aboriginal question, Quebec separation, and the effects of federal/provincial turf wars on social, environment and economic policies and programs. The course culminates in a 1st Minster’s Conference simulation. (PR)