BA in Political Science with Co-operative Education
BA Honours in Political Science
BA Honours in Political Science with Co-operative Education
Concurrent BA in Political Science and Bachelor of Education
BA in International Relations
BA in International Relations with Co-operative Education
Concurrent BA in International Relations and Bachelor of Education
BA in International Indigenous Studies
BA in International Indigenous Studies with Co-operative Education
Concurrent BA in International Indigenous Studies and Bachelor of Education
Note: Minors are offered in Political Science, Security Studies, and International Indigenous Studies.
Introduction
The Department of Political Science offers courses in the principal fields of the discipline: Canadian government, political theory, comparative politics, and international relations. The BA (Political Science) program is designed to expose students to each of these fields, as well as to encourage an appreciation of the broader themes and issues that cut across them (see Courses Constituting the Field of Political Science for list of categories).
The Department of Political Science offers an Interdisciplinary Major in International Relations. The BA (International Relations) is designed to expose students to the diversity of approaches to the study of international relations while also providing an opportunity for individualized programs that reflect student interests. The program is structured around a common core set of courses, a regional cluster focused on a specific area of the world, and a thematic specialization focused on major approaches to the study of international relations.
The Department offers an interdisciplinary major in International Indigenous Studies. The BA (International Indigenous Studies) focuses on the culture, history, politics, and knowledge traditions of Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island and around the world. Students will deploy methods and tools from a wide variety of academic disciplines as they engage with issues of importance to Indigenous peoples.
In addition to the above, the Department also administers a Minor in Security Studies. Its interdisciplinary structure allows students to explore the multiple and interrelated dimensions of security through a variety of theoretical lenses, and across a range of geographical and historical contexts. The Minor will be of particular interest to students wishing to pursue advanced study in the Field or to those seeking employment in the security sector.
Students should consult an undergraduate program advisor in the Arts Students’ Centre for information and advice on their overall program requirements. Advising contact information can be found online: arts.ucalgary.ca/advising.
The Minor in Security Studies cannot be taken in conjunction with minors in History or Political Science.
Admission to Honours
The Faculty of Arts procedures for Admission to BA Political Science (Honours) established in section 3.3.2 Honours Degrees are applicable and provide the overall framework. Students wishing to be considered for admission into BA Political Science (Honours) program must have completed at least 30 units. The GPA for admission and continuation is typically higher than the 3.30 minimum set by the Faculty. Please see Department website for current admission and continuation GPA for Honours. Students wishing to apply to an Honours program must apply through their Student Centre for a change of program to Honours by February 1.
Courses Constituting the Field of Political Science
All courses labelled Political Science (POLI).
The following categories are provided for use in selecting courses to meet program expectations:
Note: Political Science 302, 402 and 502 will be designated as Canadian Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory and Other depending on the topic covered.
Courses Constituting the Field of International Relations
All courses labelled International Relations (INTR).
The thematic clusters reflect major approaches to and foci within International Relations:
1. International Political Economy
This cluster focuses on the economic relations of states and other actors in the world economy, and the ramifications of these relations, including their political aspects.
This cluster focuses on the traditional core concerns of International Relations, including the use and threat of force, and the interaction of states.
The regional clusters group courses to give students a deeper understanding of contemporary historical, cultural, political, economic and geographical force at work within a principal area of the world:
Note: Global Development Studies 401 and 501 may be used towards either the International Institutions and Governance or International Political Economy cluster depending on the topic and subject to approval by the Program Co-ordinator.
Courses Constituting the Field of International Indigenous Studies
All courses labelled Indigenous Studies (INDG) and Indigenous Languages (INDL).
Faculty of Arts