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.

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News and Updates

The Hill Times

Professor Erika Simpson shares concerns on the Northwestern Ontario nuclear waste site selection in her Hill Times op-ed. Did You Know? Stephen Lecce, newly-appointed Minister of Energy for the Ontario government, is a former undergraduate student of ours & the former president of the UG Student’s Association!

New Book - Ukraine not 'the' Ukraine

Professor Marta Dyczok has a new book that is available for free download until December 13, 2024. You can access and download the book through this link. A historical tour of Ukraine from the medieval Kyivan prince Volodymyr the Great through to Ukraine's twenty-first-century rock star president Volodymyr Zelensky.

CNN.COM 

Professor Matt Lebo was quoted on the lead story on cnn.com in this article Trump is going after Canada now – but everyone else is next. “I wouldn’t say that Trump being elected was changing the Canadian government, but he’s certainly changing the conversation, he’s changing what the next election will be about and this government’s response.”

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