Political Science

This course is an introductory survey of the main currents and important themes in political science, emphasizing the sub disciplines of international relations, comparative politics, and political theory.

A selective presentation of critical encounters between philosophy and politics, dedicated to the quest for articulation and founding of the just/good society. Among the theorists examined are Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes and Locke.

A survey of the developmental challenges facing societies in Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia and Africa, and the efficacy of various development strategies and policies in meeting these challenges.

An introduction to U.S. government and politics within an analytical framework that helps us understand how institutions structure incentives and decisions in the U.S. system. This class examines the political forces that forged contemporary American institutions to understand how these political institutions continue to provide stability while allowing opportunities for political change. We investigate whether these forces make American institutions different and why. Special attention is paid to current events and contemporary policy dilemmas.

This course delves into key questions, theories and methods in comparative politics through an exploration of European politics and society. We cover theories of transition to democracy, nation-state development, institutions and their effects, parties and electoral behaviour, and social movements. We also analyze Europe’s contemporary developments: economic crisis, rise of populism, Brexit, and issues of immigration.

The course analyzes the impact of the individual, the nation-state, and the international and transnational systems on international conflict and conflict resolution, and examines the major problems the international community confronts in a rapidly changing international environment.

Canada's political system including the Constitution and its institutional pillars: cabinet and parliament, federalism, the courts and the Charter of Rights. Topics include political parties, the electoral system, identity and citizenship, ideology and political culture, regionalism, language politics, Indigenous peoples, diversity, and media.  

This course provides a comparative analysis of selected countries of East and Southeast Asia, with an emphasis on changing views of citizenship as they have been shaped by political, socio-economic and cultural transformations in the region. The first term deals with the idea of the developmental state, inequality, democratization and nationalism. The second term takes up questions related to governance and corruption, culture, demographic changes and nascent forms of regionalism and globalization.

Introduces the foundations of quantitative empirical research methods - increasingly popular and important part of political science research and public policy debates - to enable you to interpret and evaluate the results of the studies that employ these methods. Topics include scientific study of politics, empirical research designs, and regression analysis.

This course introduces students to politics using a comparative approach; it examines the variety of political regimes that exist around the world, with particular attention to Canada. Emphasis is placed on how distinctive regimes reflect the different past and present social and economic settings of countries.

Building up on POL222H1, students will continue to build theoretical foundations of quantitative empirical research, such as probability theory and statistical inference. They will also learn the basic use of statistical software and have become able to conduct a basic data analysis by themselves by the end of semester.

Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. Details at http://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/course/rop. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

An introduction to the field of comparative politics. Content in any given year depends on instructor.

The continuing relevance of pre-colonial Africa; the nature and legacy of colonial rule; African nationalism and the consolidation of power in the newly-independent states; government, party and the people; the role of the military; national integration; dependency and neo-colonialism; socialism and development; democracy and human rights.

This course explores China’s efforts to construct a modern and effective political order in the face of powerful demographic and revolutionary challenges. The clash between competing ideologies, political and social movements and institutional alternatives in the context of rapid social and economic change are analyzed.

Examines contemporary feminist perspectives in political theory as responses to the limitations of western tradition of modern political theory.

The history of Ukraine from earliest times to the present. Economic, political, and cultural movements; Kievan Rus’, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Cossack state, national revival, twentieth century statehood, and unification. As this course is designed as an introductory course, the professor welcomes first- and second-year students to enroll, as well as upper-level students. (Given by the Departments of History and Political Science)

The colonial heritage, the failure of nation-states to develop as integrated and autonomous power structures, dependent capitalism and political order, contrasting types of domination, rigid monopolization and the flexible use of the state by the ruling sectors, national revolution and the socialist alternative.

Examines issues of contemporary urban politics and governance through intensive analysis of politics in Toronto. The city’s politics are analyzed in terms of demography, social composition and economic character. Possible topics include the prospects for local democracy, relations with senior governments and with other GTA municipalities, and specific policy areas (transportation, education, social welfare).

Explores key issues in Indigenous politics in Canada. Provides students with an overview of historical and contemporary socio-political issues in Indigenous societies and institutions such as Indigenous self-governance, land claims and treaty negotiations.

Canada's response to the challenges of globalization and the post-cold war world. The major alternative theoretical approaches, the changing doctrines and patterns of Canadian foreign policy from 1945 to the present, the making of Canadian foreign policy, relations with the United States, within NAFTA, and with other global regions.

The attitudes and behaviour of the mass public in Canada and other western democracies, with emphasis on voting and elections. Themes include the nature of social, psychological, and economic forces on public opinion and voting, political participation, mass media, public opinion polling, electoral systems, the role of parties, leaders, and issues in elections. Students will have the opportunity to work with data from the Canadian Election Studies and other sources.

An interdisciplinary examination of the development of political visibility by gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and the transgendered in the contemporary period; and an analysis of public policy on and state regulation of sexual diversity in Canada, the U.S., Europe, with additional attention paid to developments in Latin America, East Asia, and Africa. (Given by the Department of Political Science and the Sexual Diversity Studies Program)

Constitutional, political, administrative, and financial aspects of federal-provincial relations, regionalism, and cultural dualism.

Draws from the major theoretical traditions in public policy and policymaking of the advanced industrial world, and applies these theories in understanding the developing world context and the new challenges of global change.

The development of political thought from the Enlightenment and through the 19th century; implications for political thought in the 20th century. Democratic and anti-democratic tendencies.

An exploration of the issue of justice among nations. Is such justice genuine or is it largely spurious? What are the prospects for a just international order? Careful examination and thorough discussion of texts on these issues.

The course provides an in-depth understanding of the history, political institutions, and policies of the European Union. It also explores the key contemporary social and political debates facing the European Union today such as the eurozone crisis, the rise of euroskepticism, issues of democratic legitimacy, Brexit, issues of enlargement, immigration and the recent migrant crisis.

The foreign policy of the United States: tradition and context of American decision-making, the process by which it is formulated, application to a number of specific regions and problems in the world.

The course introduces students to politics and government in South Asia in the period after independence from colonial rule. It focuses on the experiences of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

The course reviews selected novels that deal with personal and collective experiences of conflict. It focuses on representations of how conflict is experienced. It gives students a practical understanding of the human dimension of selected major conflicts and explores possibilities for personal and social resistance to injustice and violence. Special attention is paid to questions of identity formation and moral choice in contexts of war and nationalism.

Is it possible to provide politics with a solid moral foundation? If so, what are the moral principles that should guide political order? The course examines these questions through the study of key figures in 20th-century political thought, including Max Weber, Hannah Arendt, Frantz Fanon, Mahatma Gandhi, Michel Foucault, Isaiah Berlin, John Rawls, and Jürgen Habermas.

The course covers topics of interest in China from the Communist takeover in 1949 through to the reform period of the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. It will also address aspects of China’s diplomacy related to its growing economic power.  (Given by the Department of Political Science and the Contemporary Asian Studies Program)

An examination of politics in Canada’s two most populous provinces. Drawing insights from comparative political economy scholarship, the course compares their politics in term of their distinctive historical origins, and their political economies, party systems, cultures, and relations with the federal government.

Content in any given year depends on instructor.

The moral foundations, historical events, political forces and legal ideas that have shaped the Canadian constitution; the roots, legacies, and judicial interpretation of the Constitution Act 1867, the Constitution Act 1982, and in particular the Charter of Rights and Freedoms; the constitutional framework of federalism; the politics of constitutional change; multiculturalism, 'rights talk', and the judicialization of politics.

The course introduces students to the politics of ethnic identity and the circumstances under which ethnicity is mobilized for political goals. It includes a discussion of ethnic and religious identity, their politicization, the causes of conflict, and institutional solutions to the management of ethnic conflict.

International law as an instrument of conflict resolution. Recognition, sovereign immunity, subjects of international law, jurisdiction.

A comparative examination of the development of a variety of social movements, and their engagement with state institutions. Among the activist movements being examined are those dealing with gender, the environment, and labour.

A comparative examination of the development of a variety of social movements, and their engagement with state institutions. Among the activist movements being examined are those dealing with gender, the environment, and labour.

An introduction to Israeli politics, society, institutions and political practice from the perspective of the development of Israeli identity (identities). Particular attention will be given to the sources of Israeli identity, to the main players involved in its politics, and to the role of regional war and the peace process in its development and inner conflicts.

An examination of how political life is being transformed in the global urban age. Concepts such as territory, the state, citizenship, agency, sovereignty, and power will be reconsidered through a particularly urban lens.

 An introduction to gender and politics that examines women as political actors and their activities in formal and grassroots politics. The course also explores the impact of gender in public policy and how public policies shape gender relations. Cases to be drawn on include Canada, other countries in North America and Europe, and the developing world.  

Explores tensions between democracy and authoritarianism after communist rule. Topics include: legacy of Soviet Union; political leadership; presidential power and executive - legislative conflict; federalism; elections and parties; civil society; ethnonationalism; corruption and organized crime.

Leading texts and issues in classical political thought, as expressed in the various classical genres, including epic, tragedy, comedy, history, dialogues, and treatises.

The evolution and setting of Canada's federal and provincial party systems. Topics include historical and theoretical perspectives, ideology, leadership selection, elections, financing, media, and representing interests.

The evolution and setting of Canada's federal and provincial party systems. Topics include historical and theoretical perspectives, ideology, leadership selection, elections, financing, media, and representing interests.  

Selected issues in South Asian politics. Content in any given year depends on instructor.

The course provides an overview of the salient issues in the past enlargement rounds, furnishing the context for the study of current and future integration efforts. Readings will cover the current round of enlargement to the Central and East European countries, efforts related to South-Eastern Europe, as well as Turkey. Issues between the EU and Ukraine and Russia will also be studied, as will the relationship between the Union and its Southern Rim. Security issues related to NATO integration and operations will also be covered.

Selected issues in Latin American politics. Content and instructor varies from year to year.

Selected issues in Latin American politics. Content and instructor varies from year to year.

The course introduces the contemporary history of world economic order and the ideas underpinning that order. It also provides an orientation to the field of study devoted to understanding and explaining underlying political dynamics.

The course builds on themes introduced in POL361H1. It focuses on key aspects of world economic order, like policies governing trade, capital flows, migration, development, and telecommunications. Methods for analyzing the background and implications of such policies are introduced.

This course examines the evolving role of religions in contemporary public, political contexts. Themes include: democracy and secularism; religion, human rights, law and justice; party politics, identity-formation and citizenship; gender and sexuality; interreligious conflict. (Given by the Departments of Political Science and Religion)

This course focuses on the dynamic changes that have been taking place in Australia since 1901. It examines Australia's rich indigenous and non-indigenous history; the complexity and challenges of Australia's migration and multiculturalism; key issues and practices in contemporary Australian politics; the complex interplay between institutional processes, political interest and the media; and the dynamics of Australia's engagement with the region and the rest of the world. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

This course applies a relational perspective of economic action which emphasizes context, path-dependence and contingency. It explores the intentions, opportunities and constraints of economic agency by analyzing the interdependencies between institutions at different levels and industrial organization, interaction, innovation and evolution, thus exploring the spatial construction of the political economy.

The goal of this course is to explore the structure of the German political economy in the context of EU integration and economic globalization.  Drawing upon the varieties-of-capitalism approach, the main themes in the course will analyze the institutional conditions for growth.  In a comparative perspective, the course explores the role of collective agents, corporate governance, collective bargaining, social security systems, population structure, immigration, reunification and their regional manifestations.

Emotions are central to political life but have often been marginalized in political theory. This course explores various ways in which emotions are relevant to political theory and examines a number of contemporary debates around the new possibilities in bringing a positive consideration of the emotions back into political theory.

This course examines the role of a variety of religious forms and spiritual practices in the politics of postcolonial societies, tracing their genealogies from the colonial period to the present. Cases taken principally from Africa and Asia. (Given by the Departments of Political Science and Religion)

Set against the backdrop of the rise of China, this course examines the dynamics of global change from comparative and Chinese perspectives. Themes include international security, political economy, political development and democracy, global climate change, economic development, poverty and inequality, corruption, technology innovation, among others. (Given by the Department of Political Science and the Contemporary Asian Studies Program)

An introduction to the field of comparative politics. Content in any given year depends on instructor.

An introduction to the field of comparative politics. Content in any given year depends on instructor.

An introduction to the field of comparative politics. Content in any given year depends on instructor.

Content in any given year depends on instructor.

Content in any given year depends on instructor.

A detailed examination of particular authors or topics in political theory. Content in any given year depends on instructor.

A detailed examination of particular authors or topics in political theory. Content in any given year depends on instructor.

Examines in depth enduring and emerging issues in Canadian politics. Content in any given year depends on instructor.

Examines in depth enduring and emerging issues in Canadian politics. Content in any given year depends on instructor.

This course focuses on non-state actors in global environmental governance, considering the motivations, actions, and strategies of non-governmental organizations, grassroots communities, and corporations. The course uses analytic tools from international relations and comparative politics to understand patterns of environmental protest, resistance, and change over time.

This course is designed to comprehensively explore the theoretical, conceptual and empirical dimensions through the political history of the Greek state from the 19th c. to the present, and, to provide students with the critical skills to follow, understand and systematically analyze contemporary Greek politics. The class will alternate between highlights of Greek political history, theoretical foundations of major themes in Comparative Politics, and their empirical application to the politics of the Modern Greek state.

Credit course for supervised participation in a faculty research project. Offered only when a faculty member is willing and available to supervise. Interested faculty review plans with the Undergraduate Director, and then make the opportunity known to students as appropriate. Check with Undergraduate Office for more details and faculty proposal form. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Credit course for supervised participation in a faculty research project. Offered only when a faculty member is willing and available to supervise. Interested faculty review plans with the Undergraduate Director, and then make the opportunity known to students as appropriate. Check with Undergraduate Office for more details and faculty proposal form. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Credit course for supervised participation in a faculty research project. Offered only when a faculty member is willing and available to supervise. Interested faculty review plans with the Undergraduate Director, and then make the opportunity known to students as appropriate. Check with Undergraduate Office for more details and faculty proposal form. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

An instructor-supervised group project in an off-campus setting. Details at http://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/course/rep. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

An instructor-supervised group project in an off-campus setting. Details at http://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/course/rep. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. Details at http://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/course/rop. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Selected issues in comparative politics. Content and instructor varies from year to year. (Given by the Department of Political Science and the Centre for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies)

Selected issues in comparative politics. Content and instructor varies from year to year. (Given by the Department of Political Science and the Centre for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies)

Course surveys the main puzzles and theories on the origins, nature and effects of parties and party systems. We explore how institutions, societal cleavages and strategic action shape parties. We study the impact of parties on policy outcomes, and we examine issues of party collapse, ethnic parties, clientelism, and dominant parties.

Selected issues in comparative politics. Content and instructor varies from year to year. (Given by the Department of Political Science and the Centre for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies)

Study of a small number of texts illuminating the origins and/or legacy of Socratic political philosophy.

Study of a small number of texts illuminating the origins and/or legacy of Socratic political philosophy.

Liberalism, it is sometimes said, stands or falls with the distinction between public and private. The seminar examines how these terms are conceptualized and how they affect the practice of liberal democracy, especially in Canada and the U.S. We will spend the first term developing a conceptual toolkit that will help us understand some of the ways in which public and private are conventionally understood. In the second term we will explore some of the new (and often unexpected) ways in which public and private are playing out these days in public policy – for instance, in education, health, welfare, multiculturalism, professional sports, and war-making.

The course first explores the conditions under which federalism and decentralization is good or bad for a variety of policy outcomes. Second, we analyze how voters, candidates and parties behave within a federal institutional context. Finally, we seek to understand the origins and development of federal and decentralized institutions.

The course explores technological change, its socio-economic consequences, spatial implications and aspects of economic policies. As future growth in the knowledge-based economy will be increasingly associated with new products, services and processes, questions of innovation performance and support policy are decisive at the firm, regional and national levels.

The course explores the centrality of science and technology in political affairs generally and its current significance for public policy in particular. It applies the conceptual tools of political economy to analyze the nature of technological change in industrial democracies. It assesses the social and political consequences of the current wave of technological innovation and alternative responses of industrial democracies. (Offered in alternate years)

Selected issues in comparative politics. Varies from year to year.

Selected issues in comparative politics. Varies from year to year.

The course explains why financial markets exist, and their evolution, by looking at the agents, actors, and institutions that generate demand for them. We also consider the consequences of increasingly integrated markets, the causes of systemic financial crises, as well as the implications and feasibility of regulation.

Human rights have become dominant in international politics since the end of World War II. The process of creating and implementing human rights is political. We explore historical, philosophical, and empirical explanations of the roots, effects, and implications of human rights today through a variety of topics.

Examines the challenges faced by humanity in dealing with global environmental problems and the politics of addressing them. Focuses on both the underlying factors that shape the politics of global environmental problems such as scientific uncertainty, North-South conflict, and globalization and explores attempts at the governance of specific environmental issues.

The countries of Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East; their impact on the international system, and the external and internal factors that influence their international behaviour, with particular focus on civil wars.

Themes considered include what notion of religion is necessary for secular governance, and how secularity relates to particular discourses of citizenship and practices of political rule. Case studies include the effects of colonial rule on religious life; Jewish emancipation in Europe; and religious freedom in France and North America. (Given by the Departments of Political Science and Religion)

Registration in this course is through the Department of Religion.

Covers advanced level treatment of quantitative empirical research methods in political science. The emphasis is given to theoretical foundations, various research designs, and statistical methods of “causal inference.” Students will also be exposed to prominent applications of these methods and learn how to use statistical software to apply these methods in data analysis.

The course offers an introduction to the seminal work of Jewish philosophy, 'The Guide of the Perplexed' by Moses Maimonides. We will delve into some of the basic themes of Jewish philosophical theology and religion as they are treated by Maimonides.

The course explores the intersections of globalization and indigenous politics and introduces students to critical considerations of globalization from the perspective of indigenous peoples. It investigates the dominant economic paradigm as the historical outcome of colonization and examines political and economic alternatives and challenges that various indigenous struggles embody and embrace. Issues explored in the course include indigenous epistemologies, impacts of globalization on indigenous peoples, international indigenous organizing, democratization and political participation, human rights, indigenous economies, contested sovereignties and indigenous social movements. It examines indigenous communities as heterogeneous locations where not only impacts of globalization but forms of engagement and resistance take various forms.

The course provides an in-depth introduction to theories of the origins of democracy and dictatorship. In the first part of the course, we examine and compare theories rooted in economic development, voluntarism, institutional design, and historical institutionalism. The latter half of the course applies these different approaches to debates over the origins of Nazi rule in Germany in the 1930s, military dictatorship in Chile in the 1970s, and non-democratic rule in contemporary Russia.

Canada as a key case in comparative federalism studies, with a particular focus on the management of diversity and conflict. Federal theory is applied to analyze federal institutions and dynamics in Canada (and other cases). Topics include the distribution of power, the judiciary’s role and group representation.

A comparative examination of major texts of the Jewish tradition, ranging from the Torah to modernity, and texts of the classical or Western traditions raising similar questions. Close reading of a small number of capital works, with special attention to the problem of reason and revelation.

Issues and themes in China's modernization effort with emphasis on 20th century social, political and economic developments.

Feminist theory offers basic challenges to the foundations of modern political and legal thought. It suggests a different conception of human nature and a different model of epistemology and of appropriate forms of argument about the traditional issues of legal and political theory: justice, power, equality and freedom. Introduction to the foundations of feminist theory, an analysis of its implications for traditional liberal theory, and an application of feminist theory to law.

Selected issues and topics in U.S. politics. Varies from year to year.

This course explores, through the writings of its foremost advocates and adversaries, the Enlightenment, the movement to found political life on the principles of scientific reason, universally applicable and accessible to human beings.

This seminar course examines the political power of business from an international and comparative perspective. Topics include the role of public authority in governing business behavior, the formation of business interests, corporate lobbying, structural and ideational business power, corporate social responsibility, and transnational private governance.

Law in the governance of Russia, in the Soviet and post Soviet periods, including constitutional development, courts, business disputes, crime and criminal justice, corruption, cultural obstacles to legal order, and legal transition in comparative perspective. (Given by the Department of Political Science and the Centre for European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies)

Selected issues in comparative politics. Varies from year to year.

Selected issues in comparative politics. Varies from year to year.

The course examines contemporary Canadian social policy in light of the scholarly literature on the welfare states of advanced industrial societies. Topics include the variety of welfare state regimes in rich nations, and their comparative performance in reducing inequality and poverty, in labour market and economic outcomes, and in addressing the specific circumstances of women. Specific Canadian policy fields examined will include pensions, social assistance, child care and health insurance.

Selected issues in Asian politics. Content in any given year depends on instructor.

The seminar focuses on five countries in the Andean region of Latin America: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. First part deals with the challenges to democracy in the region. Second part explores potential solutions - in particular the drafting of new constitutions by popularly elected constituent assemblies.

Selected issues in comparative politics. Varies from year to year.

Selected issues in comparative politics. Varies from year to year.

The course examines the politics of economic growth in developing countries. It focuses on political factors to analyze why some developing countries have done better in terms of growth than others. Conceptual frameworks of growth and related themes such as regime type, institutions, inequality and ethnicity will be addressed.

The goal of this course is to introduce students to some of the themes and approaches of critical theory (power, subjectivity, ideology, and hegemony).

The course explores the rise, evolution, and performance of the dominant neoliberal approach to development and poverty reduction. It also assesses the feasibility and efficacy of alternative development strategies. Case studies are drawn from Latin America, Asia, and Africa.

This course uses theories of representation as well as gender and politics analyses of elected women as starting points to evaluate appointed women elites at the international level, notably with reference to linkages between those decision-makers and feminist perspectives on domestic and global politics.

This course traces from earliest times to the present the evolution of a people called Carpatho-Rusyns and their historic homeland Carpathian Rus’, located in the heart of Europe.  The historic survey will deal with political, socioeconomic, and cultural developments, all the while testing the hypothesis that nationalities are imagined communities.  (Given by the Departments of History and Political Science)

Provides an introduction to various perspectives on contentious politics, social movements, and civil society. Students will acquire a solid foundation in the theories of contention as well as examine case studies of civil society in a comparative context.

World War I and the Russian Revolution: the Ukrainian independence movement; the Soviet Ukraine and west Ukrainian lands during the interwar period; World War II and the German occupation; the Soviet Ukraine before and after the death of Stalin. Socio-economic, cultural, and political developments. (Given by the Departments of History and Political Science)

This course surveys two of the key themes related to the process of innovation in a knowledge-based economy: the process by which new knowledge is generated and effectively transferred to those organizations with the potential to commercialize it; and secondly, the paradoxical relationship between knowledge creation and proximity in a modern global economy. (Offered in alternate years)

Examines disciplinary and developmental boundaries relating to cities. By bringing together a cross-disciplinary faculty who focus on cities within Political Science, History, Philosophy, Literature, Design, Environment and Health, Geography or Social Work, the course explores inter-disciplinary city issues: global change; environment; economic adjustment; state reform and city politics; citizenship; community development; economic development; physical form, territory and political-economy of cities. (Given by the Departments of Literature, Philosophy, Political Science, Urban Studies, Faculty of Social Work and Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design)

The development, operation, and participants of the Group of Eight (G8) and Group of Twenty (G20) of institutions, their growth and performance as centres of global governance, and their relationship with the United Nations (UN) and Bretton Woods galaxy in providing public goods in economic, social, environmental and security realms.

The course offers a philosophical perspective on the advantages and disadvantages of markets as ways of organizing economic activity. It asks in what ways markets and market-like arrangements can contribute to or create obstacles to the achievement of justice and human well-being.

The course will examine debates on postsecularism and religion’s public, political role as articulated by political thinkers such as Jurgen Habermas, by focusing on politically radical or revolutionary challenges to liberalism in the 20th and 21st century, especially from the postcolonial world, whose theoretical arguments are grounded upon or draw their inspiration from religious traditions, doctrines and practices.

This seminar in theory will explore the modern history of the concept of ‘fanaticism’ and its role in the development of political modernity. A focus on the concept of the “fanatic” (and its cognates) from the perspective of its various uses in political and religious thought from the Early Modern period through the Enlightenment and up to the present day, provides a fascinating opportunity for a critical review of the secular, rationalist, and scientific assumptions underwriting modern political forms and concepts, especially those of liberal democracy. At the same time, the course will offer critical insight into the ways in which religious and political differences among colonial “others” were, and continue to be, central to the elaboration of Western theoretical discourse on fanaticism and extremism as forms of “political pathology”. (Given by the Departments of Political Science and Religion)

The relationship of military force to politics: Nuclear war and deterrence, conventional war, revolutionary war, terrorism and counter-insurgency are examined from the perspectives of the U.S., Russia and other contemporary military powers.

Studies on a modern political thinker or thinkers since Machiavelli.

The course focuses on texts in the history of political thought drawn from the tradition of civic republicanism. The texts treated vary from year to year.

The course examines the central political science theories of parties and party systems with a particular focus on the origins and evolution of party politics in Canada.  It covers classic and contemporary theories of party formation, organization, and competition.  Topics include the thesis of party decline, mass-elite dynamics, the emergence of new parties, and political polarization.

This course examines the varied drivers and challenges of urban policy and policymaking processes, focusing primarily on the U.S. and Canada but also extending globally. It includes discussion of the policy challenges confronting cities in the contemporary context, theoretical approaches to understanding their origins and solutions, and an exploration of the available solutions.

For advanced students of international relations. Various topics are taken up each year, the content of which depends on the instructor.

This course examines Canadian immigration and multiculturalism from theoretical, empirical and applied perspectives. It includes a discussion of normative foundations, an analysis of the components of the policy framework, and an assessment of the impact of immigration and multiculturalism on other aspects of social, cultural and political life.

This course explores the internationalization of ethnic conflict and the international drivers of civil war. It covers diaspora politics, contagion and demonstration effects, regional security complexes, separatism and irredentism, and international interventions. Students are expected to write an original social science research paper, and participate in discussions, simulations, and teamwork.

The course aims to explore the requirements of justice and fairness in international affairs. It is common to theorize international relations in terms of interests and power. But even the most cursory look at what important actors actually do in their international interactions reveals that they use normative language all the time. This has not gone unnoticed, with investigations of ethics in the international arena multiplying in recent years. Drawing on readings from political philosophy, legal theory, and normative international relations theory, the course will take up practical ethical dilemmas encountered in world affairs. The main focus of the course will be on institutions. Examples will be drawn from the issue areas of trade, health, and the environment, among others.

An analysis of urban processes in comparative perspective. This course uses critical urban theory to understand contemporary urban politics and urban social movements in a variety of contexts.

Topics discussed will include the historical origins of advanced capitalist political economies, the 'Varieties of Capitalism' debate, current trajectories of different political economies, labour politics and regulation, the politics of macro-economic policy, the political economy of growth, and Canada's political economy.

Major theories of public policy-making and related approaches to policy analysis are examined from the perspective of political science. Key contributions to the theoretical literature pertaining to leading models are read and discussed. Models of public policy-making are successively applied to analysis of cases of Canadian and comparative policy development.

The development of post-modern thought, particularly in French social philosophy, is examined. Topics such as the nature of exchange, the impact of technology, virtual reality, and the digital class are explored. Authors include Jean Baudrillard, Paul Virilio, Gilles Deleuze, Arthur Kroker, Francois Lyotard.

The course is designed for advanced students with serious interests in the public policy field. Specific topics covered will vary from year to year.

The course is designed for advanced students with serious interests in the public policy field. Specific topics covered will vary from year to year.

The course is designed for advanced students with serious interests in the subfield of international political economy. Specific topics covered will vary, but all involve the deep interplay between politics and economics in the contemporary world.

Various topics are taken up each year, the content of which depends on the instructor.

The course examines the contemporary politics of the Middle East and North Africa. It seeks to examine the relative importance of political, socio-economic and ideological factors in the context of such issues as the resilience of authoritarism, the rise of civil society, and the resurgence of Islamic activism. Theoretical discussion is followed by case studies.

We will critically examine what “comparative political theory” is and what it would mean to genuinely “deparochialize” political theory, that is, to de-center Euro-American thought in the study of political ideas. The course neither presupposes background knowledge of any non-Western thought tradition, nor does it aspire to provide students with sufficient knowledge of particular traditions to ground serious scholarly contributions to this emerging field. To provide that background would require a series of specialized courses in, e.g., East Asian political thought, Indian political thought, Latin American political thought, Indigenous political thought, African political thought, and so on. Rather, the course aims at sharpening our understanding of (a) the purposes served by “deparochializing” political theory; and (b) the various methods by which we can seek to serve these purposes.

The Geopolitics of ICTs course is an intensive examination of the ways in which states and non-state actors are contesting the newly evolving terrain of global digital-electronic-telecommunications. Topics covered include Internet censorship and surveillance, information warfare, computer network attacks, hacktivism, and governance of global communications. The course is organized as a series of intensive modules. One feature of the class will be a "hands-on" analysis of censorship circumvention and network interrogation techniques at the Citizen Lab (http://www.citizenlab.org/).

Examines the mutually constitutive relationship between HIV/AIDS and the social, economic and political characteristics of its “host” society. Class readings focus on South Africa but students will each research key features of the epidemic in the developing country of their choice.

A seminar on a central problem in political thought. It proceeds through the reading of a small number of major texts. Content in any given year depends on instructor.

A seminar on a central problem in political thought. It proceeds through the reading of a small number of major texts. Content in any given year depends on instructor.

A seminar on a central problem in political thought. It proceeds through the reading of a small number of major texts. Content in any given year depends on instructor.

A seminar on a central problem in political thought. It proceeds through the reading of a small number of major texts. Content in any given year depends on instructor.

For advanced students of international relations. Various topics are taken up each year, the content of which depends on the instructor.

For advanced students of international relations. Various topics are taken up each year, the content of which depends on the instructor.

For advanced students of international relations. Various topics are taken up each year, the content of which depends on the instructor.

For advanced students of international relations. Various topics are taken up each year, the content of which depends on the instructor.

In depth examination of specific themes relating to contemporary African politics. Content in any given year depends on instructor.

In depth examination of specific themes relating to contemporary African politics. Content in any given year depends on instructor.

In depth examination of specific themes relating to contemporary African politics. Content in any given year depends on instructor.

In depth examination of specific themes relating to contemporary African politics. Content in any given year depends on instructor.

Examines in depth enduring and emerging issues in Canadian politics. Content in any given year depends on instructor.

Examines in depth enduring and emerging issues in Canadian politics. Content in any given year depends on instructor.

Examines in depth enduring and emerging issues in Canadian politics. Content in any given year depends on instructor.

Examines in depth enduring and emerging issues in Canadian politics. Content in any given year depends on instructor.

Selected issues in comparative politics. Varies from year to year.

Selected issues in comparative politics. Varies from year to year.

An in-depth examination of a "big issue" in Political Science.  Content in any given year depends on instructor.

An in-depth examination of a "big issue" in Political Science.  Content in any given year depends on instructor.

Open only when a Political Science full-time faculty member is willing and available to supervise. Students must find an appropriate supervisor in the Department of Political Science and obtain the approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies before enrolling. Obtain details and an application form from the Department Undergraduate Office.  Application forms can also be downloaded from the Department's website at www.politics.utoronto.ca. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Open only when a Political Science full-time faculty member is willing and available to supervise. Students must find an appropriate supervisor in the Department of Political Science and obtain the approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies before enrolling. Obtain details and an application form from the Department Undergraduate Office.  Application forms can also be downloaded from the Department's website at www.politics.utoronto.ca. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Open only when a Political Science full-time faculty member is willing and available to supervise. Students must find an appropriate supervisor in the Department of Political Science and obtain the approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies before enrolling. Obtain details and an application form from the Department Undergraduate Office.  Application forms can also be downloaded from the Department's website at www.politics.utoronto.ca. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Content in any given year depends on instructor. Intensive courses are offered by distinguished visitors from around the world. Students in their 4th year are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity to study with one or more outstanding visiting international scholars that the Department brings from time to time. The intensive course usually runs for approximately 3-4 weeks.

Content in any given year depends on instructor. Intensive courses are offered by distinguished visitors from around the world. Students in their 4th year are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity to study with one or more outstanding visiting international scholars that the Department brings from time to time. The intensive course usually runs for approximately 3-4 weeks.

A 40 to 60 page (15,000 to 20,000 word) research paper (75% of the final mark) written under the supervision of a political science faculty member and a companion thesis seminar (25% of final mark). The seminar provides a forum for students to periodically present and discuss their on-going research and to examine issues and approaches related to the structure, organization and presentation of the thesis. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.