Undergraduate Calendar 1998-1999

Undergraduate Officer
John S. Jaworsky, HH 307, ext. 6566

Notes

1. Courses normally meet three hours per week; however, each instructor determines the pattern of meetings for his/her courses.

PSCI100s

PSCI 101A 0.5
Introduction to Politics 1
In this course, students are introduced to a number of concepts which have a bearing on how we respond to our political environment, including liberalism, conservatism, Marxism, feminism, equality, liberty, rights and justice. Some of the constraints that affect the application of these concepts to public policy are also examined.


PSCI 101B 0.5
Introduction to Public Policy
This course is an introduction to the process of policy making. Students will be given an opportunity to examine, in the context of several examples, the factors affecting choices among policy alternatives. In addition, questions about the range of alternatives and the implementation of policies will be addressed.


PSCI 102 consists of a series of courses dealing with different aspects of politics. Students should select the course which most closely corresponds to their interest.
First-year winter term courses will be drawn from the following list:

PSCI 102D 0.5
The Political Process in the Modern Democracies
A study of power and influence in the modern democracies, based on an examination of three contending models of the political process -- the liberal-democratic or popular rule model, the pluralist model, and the elitist model.


PSCI 102E 0.5
Political Rights and Obligations
An introductory examination of the idea of individual rights as a limitation on legitimate governmental authority, the possible grounds for such claimed rights, and their relationships to political obligations (duties).


PSCI 102F 0.5
Introduction to Third World Politics
An introductory survey of Third World politics and society with an emphasis on Latin America and Africa.


PSCI 102K 0.5
Mass Political Violence
A distinctive social feature of our century is the amount of political violence. Man-made deaths number well over one hundred million. This course will describe and evaluate various theories of political violence.


PSCI 102M 0.5
Contemporary Issues in Canadian Public Policy
An evaluation of various public policy responses to selected issues, as well as the process of policy-making.


PSCI 102N 0.5
The Politics of Nationalism and Ethnicity
An examination of the roots of nationalism, and the impact of nationalism and ethnicity on the political process and political change.


PSCI 102Q 0.5
Politics of the Environment
An examination of politics of environmental concerns at the local, state, interstate and global level. Issues range from the politics of ozone layer protection to the politics of whaling commissions to resource scarcity and war.


PSCI200s

PSCI 214 2C,1L 0.5
Quantitative Analysis
An introduction to the use of quantitative methods in Political Science. Only a rudimentary understanding of mathematics is required.
Prereq: Second-year standing
Refer to overlapping content note under Grading Systems


PSCI 225 3C 0.5
Classics in Political Thought 1
A selection of some of the most influential texts in the canon of political thought from ancient to modern times.
Prereq: Second-year standing


PSCI 226 3C 0.5
Classics in Political Thought 2
An examination of some of the most important themes in political thought in the modern period including contemporary debates. Examples include political obligation, human rights, economic justice, and the extent of personal liberty.
Prereq: Second-year standing


PSCI 231 3C 0.5
Government and Business in Canada
An examination of the political environment in which business functions in Canada with particular emphasis on the constraints and opportunities presented by government intervention in and interaction with the private sector.
Prereq: Second-year standing


PSCI 255 0.5
The Politics of Advanced Industrial Nations 1
A systematic introduction to the political processes of industrial countries. The central focus will be on Western Europe, Japan and North America.
Prereq: Second-year standing


PSCI 256 0.5
The Politics of Advanced Industrial Nations 2
This course will examine a number of ways by which developed countries have tried to overcome contemporary problems. Particular attention will be paid to foreign economic policy.
Prereq: Second-year standing


PSCI 260A 0.5
Canadian Government and Politics 1
An analysis of the political environment in which the Canadian political system operates, including discussion of the Canadian political culture, federalism, the constitution, federal-provincial relations, and the role of the Governor General.
Prereq: Second-year standing


PSCI 260B 0.5
Canadian Government and Politics 2
An analysis of the decision-making machinery of the Canadian political system, including discussion of cabinet government, the role of the House of Commons, interest groups, the electoral system, the party system and voting behaviour.
Prereq: PSCI 260A or consent of instructor


PSCI 264 2C 0.5
American Government and Politics
The theory and practice of the American political system as revealed by the institutions and operations of American national government.
Prereq: Second-year standing


PSCI 268 2C,1T 0.5
British Government and Politics
An examination of the uniquely British characteristics of the British political system.
Prereq: Second-year standing


PSCI 281 2C 0.5
International Politics
This course studies the transformation of the international system stressing East-West, Rich-Poor, and North-South perspectives and interactions. Normally a one-hour tutorial session will be held each week.
Prereq: Second-year standing. Fourth-year students require consent of instructor


PSCI 282 2C 0.5
Foreign Policy
This course studies the roots of foreign policy behaviour of selected western and non-western (particularly Asian) states. Normally a one-hour tutorial session will be held each week.
Prereq: PSCI 281 or consent of instructor. Fourth-year students require consent of instructor


PSCI 291 3C 0.5
The Canadian Legal Process
An analysis of the manner in which the Common Law functions, together with an examination of the structure and jurisdiction of the Canadian court systems. Taught by a member of the legal profession.
Prereq: Second-year standing and above


PSCI 292 3C 0.5
Issues in Canadian Criminal Law
Rational principles and concepts applicable to current emotional criminal issues are analysed by a practising crown attorney, for example, abortion, euthanasia, pornography, seat belts, marijuana, police power, civil rights, criminal trials, jury, capital punishment, prisons, etc.
Prereq: Second-year standing and above


PSCI300s

PSCI 315 0.5
Research Design in Political Science
Introduction to the logic and limitations of experimental and non- experimental research designs. Selected studies of politics are examined to demonstrate how plausible threats to validity are made less plausible with appropriate design and data analysis.
Prereq: PSCI 214 or consent of instructor


PSCI 321 3L 0.5
Marxist Theory
A basic introduction to the political and social thought of Karl Marx from the early writings to Das Capital.


PSCI 322 3L 0.5
Marxism after Marx
A selective study of developments in Marxist theory and political movements after Marx.


PSCI 324 0.5
Contemporary Political Philosophy
This course provides an introduction to, and critical assessment of, the major schools of thought which dominate contemporary debates in political philosophy. Ideals of justice, freedom and community will be examined.
Prereq: Consent of instructor


PSCI 331 2C 0.5
Public Administration 1
An introduction to the principles and practices of administration in the public sector in Canada including studies of administrative structures, processes and norms, bureaucracy, regulation, crown corporations, public personnel administration, motivation and leadership.
Prereq: PSCI 260A and 260B or consent of instructor


PSCI 332 2S 0.5
Public Administration 2
Selected issues in public administration and policy with particular reference to Canada. Topics include: bureaucratic power; ethical conduct and accountability in the public service; professional, economic and social regulation; motivation and leadership in the public sector.
Prereq: PSCI 331 or consent of instructor


PSCI 333 0.5
Administrative Law
A study of Canadian administrative law including the delegation of political power to various administrative agencies which play a prominent role in controlling contemporary social and economic life. The supervisory role of the courts will also be examined.
Prereq: PSCI 331 or consent of instructor


PSCI 335 0.5
Interest Groups and Canadian Public Policy
An examination of the roles of interest groups and political parties in influencing government policy. The origins, tactics, structures and impact of these two avenues of political participation will be compared. Discussion will focus on Canadian examples.
Prereq: Third-year standing or consent of instructor
(Formerly PSCI 372)


PSCI 341 0.5
Provincial Politics
A comparative analysis of the political systems of the Canadian provinces.
Prereq: PSCI 260A and/or 260B


PSCI 342 2C 0.5
Politics in Quebec
A seminar dealing with the political and social development of Quebec. The emphasis will be on the problems and issues of contemporary Quebec.
Prereq: PSCI 260A and 260B or consent of instructor


PSCI 343 3C 0.5
Canadian Municipal Government
A study of the assumptions, structures and performance of municipal government in Canada with reference to metropolitan and regional structural innovations (particularly in Ontario).
Prereq: Third-year standing and above with at least one term course in Political Science


PSCI 344 3C 0.5
The Politics of Local Government
A study of the political process in selected Canadian local governments focusing on citizen participation, internal decision-making, leadership, and the allocation of power.
Prereq: PSCI 343 or consent of instructor


PSCI 350A 3C 0.5
The Politics of the Developing Areas 1
An examination of international and national sources of poverty in the Third World. Special attention is paid to Third World development policies. Topics include multinational corporations, foreign debt, industrialization and Green Revolution.
Prereq: Third-year standing and above


PSCI 350B 3C 0.5
The Politics of the Developing Areas 2
A study of public policy and community participation in the Third World. Government policies and non-government projects are analyzed with the focus on sustainable development, women and education.
Prereq: Third-year standing and above


PSCI 351 2S 0.5
Federal and Consociational Political Systems
Federal and Consociational Political Systems are examined with emphasis on processes of political integration, patterns of conflict resolution, and the impact of modernization on political development.
Prereq: Consent of instructor


PSCI 363 0.5
Canadian Constitutional Law
An introduction to the nature and basic principles of constitutional law. This course will deal especially with the distribution of powers in the Canadian federation, and its evolution, notably by judicial decision. Leading cases will be examined.
Prereq: PSCI 260A and 260B or 260A and consent of instructor


PSCI 365A 3C 0.5
Politics in the Soviet Successor States 1
An introduction to the study of political processes in the new states which emerged after the disintegration of the Soviet Union.
Prereq: Third-year standing or consent of instructor
(Formerly PSCI 362A)


PSCI 365B 3C 0.5
Politics in the Soviet Successor States 2
An examination of policy-making and implementation in the policy areas which pose the greatest challenges to the Soviet successor states.
Prereq: PSCI 365A or consent of instructor
(Formerly PSCI 362B)


PSCI 380A 0.5
World Politics
An examination of the structure of the world capitalist system concentrating upon war and peace between core states from 1815 until the present. A number of classic theories of imperialism are considered.
Prereq: Third- or fourth-year standing


PSCI 381 0.5
Foreign Policies of South Asian States
The course (1) defines the central issues in each country's foreign policy; (2) discusses the factors which shape the decision making processes; and (3) evaluates the impact of these policies on regional and international thinking.


PSCI 382 0.5
Politics of Canadian Foreign Policy
An examination of issues and the foreign policy-making process in Canada. Special attention is paid to the domestic context of foreign policy.


PSCI 384 0.5
Foreign Policies of Select Middle East States
An examination of the key determinants and decision-making processes of the foreign policies of Israel, Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Iran and Saudi Arabia.


PSCI 390-398 0.5
Special Studies
From time to time courses of special study may be added to the program at the third-year level. Students wishing to take such courses should consult the Department's Undergraduate Officer.


PSCI400s

PSCI 421 0.5
Justice and Gender
Theories of justice are concerned with the distribution of the basic goods of society -- money, power, status, leisure, and so on. One would expect that they would be of particular interest to feminist theory, which is also concerned with the distribution of these goods. This course will consider how the gender system fares from the standpoint of liberal justice, and to what extent the promises of liberal justice can be used to overturn the unequal treatment of women. The issues of equality and difference will also be explored.


PSCI 423 0.5
Democratic Theory and Practice
An examination of the justification and limitations of democratic government, as well as more practical applications of democratic theory to the workplace, judicial review, legal obligations, etc. The focus will be on problems of democratic theory and practice.
Prereq: Fourth-year standing or consent of instructor


PSCI 426 0.5
Selected Subjects in Political Philosophy
A selective treatment of basic themes in political philosophy in the modern and pre-modern times.
Prereq: PSCI 225, 226, 323, or 324, or consent of instructor


PSCI 427 0.5
Special Topics in Political Philosophy
A selective examination of basic problems in political philosophy in the modern and pre-modern periods.
Prereq: PSCI 225, 226, 323, or 324 or consent of instructor


PSCI 428 3S 0.5
State and Economic Life
An analytical and comparative study of the growth of government intervention in the economic process, and of the development of the welfare state.
Prereq: Consent of instructor


PSCI 431 0.5
Canadian Public Policy
An examination of the way that policy processes and institutions have responded to the problems of governing, especially at the federal level in Canada.
Prereq: PSCI 260A, 260B, 331 or consent of instructor


PSCI 434 0.5
Comparative Public Administration
A comparative survey of public administration in both developed and developing areas. The focus is on the rise of the administrative state in a variety of cultural and political contexts.
Prereq: PSCI 331 or consent of instructor


PSCI 435 3S 0.5
The Politics of Canadian Resource Development
An examination of various public policies designed to promote the exploitation and export of Canada's natural resources with an emphasis on the economic, political, social and environmental implications of these developmental strategies.
Prereq: Fourth-year standing or consent of instructor


PSCI 437 0.5
Government and the Arts in Canada
An analysis and evaluation of selected aspects of federal, provincial and municipal arts policies in Canada, including the institutional context, principles, practices, and contemporary policy issues.


PSCI 442 3S 0.5
Politics in Ontario
A critical examination of the distinctive elements of government and politics in the Province of Ontario.
Prereq: PSCI 260A and 260B or consent of instructor


PSCI 443 2S 0.5
Politics in Western Canada
A critical examination of the distinctive elements of government and politics in the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.
Prereq: PSCI 260A or consent of instructor


PSCI 451 0.5
Comparative Political Systems: Eastern Europe
A comparative examination of political institutions and processes in the states of Eastern Europe.
Prereq: Fourth-year standing or consent of instructor


PSCI 453 0.5
Comparative Politics of Latin America
A senior seminar on politics and development in Latin America. The focus is on industrial growth and political democracy in the context of changing global constraints and opportunities. Topics include: economic growth and free trade; foreign debt and structural adjustment; transitions to democracy and military "antipolitics"; refugees; and drug trafficking.
Prereq: Fourth-year standing or consent of instructor


PSCI 454 0.5
Rural Politics and Development
An analysis of the causes and political implications of rural poverty in Latin America, Africa and Asia. Special attention is paid to rural-based political violence and revolutionary movements.
Prereq: Fourth-year standing or consent of instructor


PSCI 458 0.5
Cultural Explanations of Politics
Critical assessments of selected explanations of political authority, political organization, political conflict and political violence in terms of cultural values.


PSCI 461 3S 0.5
Problems in Canadian Politics 1
Selected aspects of Canadian national politics.
Prereq: Fourth-year standing or consent of instructor


PSCI 462 3S 0.5
Problems in Canadian Politics 2
Selected aspects of Canadian provincial politics.
Prereq: Fourth-year standing or consent of instructor


PSCI 472 0.5
Women and Public Policy
An examination of public policy from the perspective of women's experiences and needs. The course reviews policy developments in Canada and elsewhere, and reflects on the significance of feminist approaches to public policy.


PSCI 473 2S 0.5
Voting Behaviour
A comparative study of the motivations underlying electoral choice in Canada, Great Britain and the United States.
Prereq: PSCI 214 or consent of instructor


PSCI 481 2S 0.5
Research Seminar on World Politics
An examination of research on the causes and consequences of interstate warfare.
Prereq: PSCI 380 or consent of instructor


PSCI 483 3S 0.5
Power Politics and World Order Studies
This theory course examines the evolution of the international system; the capacity of the system of states to cope with the demands on it; meanings of international and regional power and order. There is an emphasis on the international politics of regions.
Prereq: Fourth-year standing or consent of instructor


PSCI 484 3S 0.5
Contemporary Strategies: Theories and Policies
The course examines strategic studies and their premises, the evolution of strategic thinking, the role of national policies of military power. Strategic concepts are studied with specific reference to military policies of regional powers.
Prereq: Fourth-year standing or consent of instructor


PSCI 485 3S 0.5
Selected Topics in International Political Economy
Contemporary perspectives and issues in international political economy, with particular attention to advanced industrial countries. Topics include political/economic cooperation, the politics of trade, and the politics of adjustment.
Prereq: Fourth-year standing or consent of instructor


PSCI 490-498 0.5 each
Special Subjects
From time to time courses of special study may be added to the program at the fourth-year level. Students wishing to add such courses should consult the Department's Undergraduate Officer.


PSCI 499A/B 0.5/0.5
Special Honours Essay
Students wishing to undertake a senior honours essay in their fourth year should consult the Department's Undergraduate Officer.
A letter grade for PSCI 499A will be submitted only after the completion of PSCI 499B.

The Undergraduate Calendar is published by the
Office of the Registrar, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1 Canada
Inquiries: infoucal@www.adm.uwaterloo.ca
Revised February 1998