Courses

Fall 2024

POLS 211: Canadian Government

How has colonialism shaped the development of Canadian government and politics? How did Canada become bilingual and multicultural? How does political change happen in Canada? During this course, we will explore these questions and others. In the first part of the course, we will examine important historical events that continue to shape Canadian politics today. In the second part of the course, we will assess the development and functioning of Canada’s electoral and governing institutions. In the third part of the course, we will analyze how historical events and political institutions shape contemporary issues in Canadian politics, including Quebec-Canada relations and ongoing issues of settler colonialism.

The format of this course is unlike many university courses. This course uses what is called a flipped classroom. It integrates online learning with face-to-face learning. You can work at your own pace online and review complex concepts as necessary. In class, we will use our time together for activities (e.g., discussions, simulations, guest speakers, writing or skills workshops). This approach is known to be more engaging for students and improve student success.

Looking for a syllabus? One will be available in onQ a week before the class begins. There are no required textbooks. Also, when you sign up for the course, you will only sign up for one 1.5 hour lecture block (in addition to a 1 hour tutorial). This is because you’ll consume lecture content (videos) on your own before attending class activities.

POLS 403: LGBTQ+ Politics

When and how do we see progress on LGBTQ+ issues? What are key opportunities and challenges of pursuing LGBTQ+ issues in different venues (e.g., in courts, legislatures, etc.)? What are the benefits and drawbacks of forming coalitions? Which issues should LGBTQ+ activists prioritize, which strategies should they pursue, and why? This course explores these questions and others. We will focus especially on LGBTQ+ politics in Canada and the United States, but we will also speak about other contexts where applicable.

Looking for a syllabus? One will be available in onQ a week before the class begins. There are no required textbooks. Also, when you sign up for the course, you will only sign up for one 1.5 hour lecture block. This is because you’ll consume lecture content (videos) on your own before attending class activities.

POLS 810/910: Field Course in Canadian Politics

This course provides a survey of the major traditions and themes in Canadian politics through an examination of the institutions, groups, and processes that characterize the Canadian political system. We start with an introduction to the field of Canadian politics as a discipline, including accounts of the historical development of the field and an overview of major debates. From there, we move to an analysis of the primary institutions that structure politics in the country, including parliament, the executive, federalism, the courts, elections, media, and both parties and the party system as a whole. We also examine voting behaviour and public opinion, with an introduction to the cleavages and social forces that characterize our electoral politics, and Canadian politics more generally. Finally, the course examines the major social cleavages in Canadian society and the politics that have arisen from these forces, focusing in particular on multiculturalism and race, Quebec and Canada, Indigenous peoples, and women/gender.

Looking for a syllabus? One will be available in onQ a week before the class begins. There are no required textbooks.

Winter 2025

POLS 410: Comparing Canada

Comparisons between groups, municipalities, provinces/states, and countries are pervasive. They also have real-world consequences. Policymakers, for example, often question whether policies from one place can be used in other places. Activists mimic the strategies of those in other cities, provinces/states, or countries. And actors in political parties commonly make judgments about whether results in one riding or election can predict what will happen in other ridings or elections. How should we think about comparing across groups, municipalities, provinces/states, and countries? Do we gain useful insights through comparisons? Could we make better comparisons, or should we understand Canada without comparison?

This course explores these questions and others. In the first part of the course, we will consider broad arguments for and against comparison and become acquainted with language about research methods and design. In the second part of the course, we will evaluate and critique a range of comparisons, most of which involve Canada and the United States. These comparisons cover issues ranging from healthcare systems and party politics to issues of disability rights, abortion, same-sex marriage, shifting global race norms, and Indigenous self-government. Throughout the course, you will develop skills in evaluating research, designing a research project, and grant writing. These skills are useful in a range of fields including policymaking, political organizing, and academia.  

Looking for a syllabus? One will be available in onQ a week before the class begins. There are no required textbooks.