Political Science
Innovate | Challenge | Change | Explore | Disrupt
Local Government Program
Gender and Politics

Department of Political Science

In the Department of Political Science, we teach our students about the political world, the ways in which institutions and behaviours come together, and about the methodological skills required for research in the social sciences.

We offer courses in the main fields of political science -- political theory, international relations, Canadian politics, comparative politics, local government, and public administration -- and we are a leader in research methodology.

We aim to deepen students' understanding of (1) key ideas and values, such as democracy, freedom, justice, and equality; and (2) central institutions and practices, such as the state, law, constitutions, elections, leadership, interest groups, public opinion, political conflict, war, and peace.

We also enable students to focus on some of the critical issues currently facing modern societies; from the threats of climate change and nuclear war, to the promise of global justice, human rights, and the welfare state.