Politics and Governance as a discipline draws on the theories, methods and practices of a broad range of social sciences. Consequently, the program builds on a one-year Arts platform that is shared with other Humanities and Social Science programs, with specialized study in Politics and Governance in the subsequent years. Like all programs at Ryerson, the Politics and Governance program has a tripartite curriculum structure.

Since the launch of the Politics and Governance program in 2005, its structure has been amended twice.  Students’ individual graduation requirements are established by the curriculum in effect at the time of admission, unless a “Requirement Term Change Form” (available in the Department) has been completed and submitted.

For a checklist of the 4-year Politics and Governance curriculum:

• Click here if you were admitted to the program prior to Fall 2006
• Click here if you were admitted to the program between Fall 2006 and Fall 2010
• Click here if you were admitted to the program in Fall 2011 or later

The latter two checklists are in MS-Excel format so they can be completed electronically and saved for future reference and additions.

The explanation that follows pertains to the current curriculum.
Click here for a graphic depiction and explanation of the curriculum structure.

YEAR 1: EXPLORATION

Courses in the first year are grouped as follows:

Core Competencies
Required core competencies courses introduce you to critical and analytical thinking (SSH105), and Academic Writing and Research skills (SSH205).  In addition, two core competencies courses are available as electives in the “Social Science” group (see “Social Sciences” below):  Social Scientific Inquiry (SSH100) and Learning and Development Strategies (SSH102).

Politics and Governance
In order to begin the specialised study of Politics and Governance in second year, you must complete successfully POG 100 (People, Power, and Politics) or POG 110 (Canadian Politics).  Ideally, both should be completed in first year.

Humanities
Choose two to four courses from Arts and Contemporary Studies (ACS), English (ENG), French (FRE), History (HST), and Philosophy (PHL).  To ensure breadth, no more than two courses may be taken from any subject area. 

Social Sciences
In addition to the two required Politics and Governance courses, choose two to four courses from disciplines including Criminal Justice (CRM), Economics (ECN), Environmental Urban Sustainability (EUS), Geography (GEO), Psychology (PSY), and Sociology (SOC).  Two core competencies courses are also available for selection in this group (see “Core Competencies” above).  To ensure breadth, no more than two courses may be taken from any subject area.

Professionally-Related
One or two professionally-related elective courses from outside the Faculty of Arts will enable you to acquire foundation skills and knowledge that relate to secondary areas of interest or a Minor.

YEAR 2: FOUNDATION

Courses in the second year are grouped as follows:

Core Competencies
Further core competencies courses introduce you to basic qualitative research methodologies (SSH301) and basic skills in quantitative research methodologies and statistics (POG230).

Politics and Governance
In year two, you will complete the introductory courses in each sub-field: Canadian (POG210), Policy (POG214), Global (POG225), Theory (POG235), and Comparative (POG240).

Professionally-Related
Acquire foundation skills and knowledge that relate to secondary areas of interest or a Minor through the selection of one professionally-related elective course, from any of the three Professionally-Related Tables (Table I = Intro Humanities and Social Science courses; Table III = Intro courses from disciplines outside the Faculty of Arts; Table IV = advanced courses from all disciplines).

Liberal Studies
Two lower-level liberal studies courses are required. Be sure to consult the Restrictions to Liberal Studies Table A to determine which courses are eligible for credit in this category.

YEARS 3 and 4: SPECIALIZED STUDY IN POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE

Politics and Governance
In the final two years, you’ll develop a sharper focus on Politics and Governance, beginning with two required courses, one examining social identity and citizenship, and one providing an introduction to the Voluntary and Nonprofit sector.  You will then proceed to a menu of courses representing the five sub-fields: Canadian, Comparative, Global, Policy, and Theory.  A total of ten professional electives must be selected from Table II, at least five of which must be at the “400” level.  Completion of these courses will expand your understanding and help you develop advanced research skills. 

Note:  With advance written approval of the Department, Public Administration (PPA) courses may be substituted for Table II Professional courses and/or Upper Level Politics Liberal Studies courses (POL) may be substituted for Table II Professional courses at the “300” level only.

Professionally-Related
Select four professionally-related courses from a wide range of areas including Accounting, Business Communication, Criminal Justice, Economics, English, Environmental Urban Sustainability, History, Human Resources Management, Law, Management of Information Systems and Telecommunications, Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Management, Occupational Health and Safety, Philosophy, Psychology, and Sociology (Tables III and IV).

Courses selected from the professionally-related category may be used to satisfy the requirements of a Minor.

Liberal Studies
FOUR upper-level liberal studies courses are required. Be sure to consult the Restrictions to Liberal Studies Table B to determine which courses are eligible for credit in this category.