POLITICAL STUDIES

The Department of Political Studies at Queen’s offers a full curriculum in all areas of political sciences, designed to take you on different and exciting intellectual journeys. You might explore the foundations of early democratic thought, examine integration in the European Union, study how states make the transition to democracy, analyze sources of conflict and cooperation in the international system, investigate trends in voting behaviour, or explore the impact of welfare reforms on single mothers. You will develop critical thinking and writing skills, which are not only useful for a variety of pursuits after graduation, but crucial for citizenship in a democracy.


Third Year Abroad at Bader College (formerly the BISC)
Political Studies students who wish to spend one or two terms at Bader College in Herstmonceux, United Kingdom, (https://www.queensu.ca/badercollege/)should consult with the Department.Students may receive credit for courses in other subjects and may defer POLS 384 to their final year.

Documents Library
An extensive collection of government documents, which is strongest in Canadian federal, provincial and local government.The international collection of publications of the United Nations and several international agencies is also strong.The Library also has an archive of data, including census data, survey material, etc.The Library is housed in the Stauffer Library (Basement Level).

Political Studies (POLS)
POLS 349 Contemporary Antisemitism: Attitudes, Beliefs, and Practices Units: 3.00 This course addresses key questions about contemporary antisemitism.It examines various ways antisemitism has been conceptualized and identifies its main attributes.It also examines how its contemporary manifestations are similar and different from the past, and how they are expressed in the social and political arenas, and other domains.
Learning Hours: 120 (36 Lecture, 84 Private Study) Requirements: Prerequisite (12.0 units in POLS at the 200level or above and a minimum GPA of 2.0 on all units in POLS) or permission of the Department.
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science POLS 350 Political Theory: History Units: 3.00 An introduction to political theory, and a complement to POLS 250.Topics may vary year to year, but typically include historical thinkers from the late 18th century to the first half of the 20th century.POLS 350 surveys a diverse range of political traditions, such as conservatism, feminism, Black Political Thought, utilitarianism, and Marxism.Students will be expected to demonstrate an ability to both comprehend and critically evaluate the material.This seminar investigates the central place of gender in international relations (IR).It introduces students to gender analysis of global politics, and feminist approaches to IR by interrogating how ideas about masculinity and femininity affect foreign policy, nationalism, international power relations, war, and peace.While the study of IR has long focused on states and their political and economic power in the international system, this class moves between the centres of power and the margins of international politics to see how power flows between gendered bodies and institutions.

calendar POLS 352 Women and the History of Political Thought Units: 3.00 Drawing
Learning Hours: 120 (36 Lecture, 84 Private Study) Requirements: Prerequisite (12.0 units in POLS at the 200level or above and a minimum GPA of 2.0 on all units in POLS) or permission of the Department.Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science Political Studies 6 queensu.ca/academic-onhistorical texts, this course explores the representations of women and the constructions of femininity and masculinity, the body, and gender relations in the history of political thought, and explores contemporary feminist responses to these texts and ideas.Learning Hours: 120 (36 Lecture, 84 Private Study) Requirements: Prerequisite (12.0 units in POLS at the 200level or above and a minimum GPA of 2.0 on all units in POLS) or permission of the Department.Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science POLS 353 History of Political Thought Units: 3.00 An analysis of the origin and development of certain major ideas in the western political tradition.Learning Hours: 120 (36 Lecture, 84 Private Study) Requirements: Prerequisite (12.0 units in POLS at the 200level or above and a minimum GPA of 2.0 on all units in POLS) or permission of the Department.Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science POLS 354 Democratic Theory Units: 3.00 An exploration of the normative underpinnings of democracy, based on a survey of selected historical texts, contemporary theories, and current problems.Learning Hours: 120 (36 Lecture, 84 Private Study) Requirements: Prerequisite (12.0 units in POLS at the 200level or above and a minimum GPA of 2.0 on all units in POLS) or permission of the Department.Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science

POLS 355 Issues in Contemporary Political Theory Units: 3.00 This
course discusses important contemporary issues that arise in political theory.Examples include: liberty and paternalism, toleration, punishment, multiculturalism, climate change, intergenerational justice (or injustice) and violence.Learning Hours: 120 (36 Lecture, 84 Private Study) Requirements: Prerequisite (12.0 units in POLS at the 200level or above and a minimum GPA of 2.0 on all units in POLS) or permission of the Department.Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science POLS 359 Issues in Political Theory Units: 3.00 The course will focus on central issues that arise in political theory: citizens' relation to the state and to each other.Specifically, the course will discuss problems of liberty, toleration, punishment, and multiculturalism;

Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science POLS 380 Puzzles in Political Economy Units: 3.00 The
An examination of the history and political economy of the mass media, exploring the impact of a partisan press, ownership and use of technology on how our identity has been shaped.It will draw upon a comparative assessment of the mass media in advanced liberal democracies.NOTE Only offered at Bader College, UK.
course introduces students to the scientific method and its application to various puzzles in Canadian and comparative political economy.Following a primer on research methods, several empirical and theoretical puzzles are examined (e.g.relationships between voting and economic interests, the origins and drivers of government taxation, etc.).Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science POLS 382 Gender and Social Policy Units: 3.00 This course explores feminist questions about the role of social policy in alleviating gender inequalities.Through an intersectional analysis of gender, race and class, this course examines how social policies address poverty, un/ employment, immigration and colonialism.Each student will explore one Canadian social policy in detail.Learning Hours: 120 (36 Lecture, 84 Private Study) Requirements: Prerequisite (12.0 units in POLS at the 200level or above and a minimum GPA of 2.0 on all units in POLS) or permission of the Department.Exclusion GNDS 421/3.0.Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science POLS 383 Law and the Governmental Process Units: 3.00 An examination of the role of law in politics, the differences between legal and political reasoning, the law and politics of constitution-making, and the political character of criminal and civil law.Topics include the victim's rights movement, pornography and censorship, and the role of litigation in political life.Learning Hours: 120 (36 Lecture, 84 Private Study) Requirements: Prerequisite (12.0 units in POLS at the 200level or above and a minimum GPA of 2.0 on all units in POLS) or permission of the Department.Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science POLS 384 Strategies of Political Research Units: 3.00 An exploration of major issues and schools of thought in the philosophy of social science and an examination of contemporary approaches to the study of politics.NOTEThis course is open to POLS Majors and Joint Honours who have completed 1.0 100-level credit in Political Studies.Learning Hours: 120 (36 Lecture, 12 Tutorial, 72 Private Study) Requirements: Prerequisite (12.0 units in POLS at the 200level or above and a minimum GPA of 2.0 on all units in POLS) or permission of the Department.Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science POLS 386 Political Economy and Mass Media Units: 3.00 Learning Hours: 120 (36 Lecture, 84 Private Study) Requirements: Prerequisite ([12.0 units in POLS at the 200-level or above and a GPA of 2.0 on all units in POLS] or permission of the Department) and registration at Bader College.Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science POLS 387 Politics and Culture Units: 3.00The course explores contemporary approaches to understanding the politics of culture.In the everyday behaviours, attitudes and practices that form our culture, politics play a role.The course considers a range of diverse theoretical perspectives on the interrelationship of culture with social, political, and economic power.Learning Hours: 120 (36 Lecture, 84 Private Study) Requirements: Prerequisite (12.0 units in POLS at the 200level or above and a minimum GPA of 2.0 on all units in POLS) or permission of the Department.Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science POLS 388 Politics of Migration Units: 3.00 A broad but detailed introduction to the politics of international and internal migration on a global scale.The first half of the course deals with core issues such as the differences between migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees; why people move; migrant legal status and rights; migration and integration policy and governance; and effects of and responses to migration.The second half applies this foundation to the world's major regions, including Canada, the rest of the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region.Learning Hours: 120 (36 Lecture, 84 Private Study) Requirements: Prerequisite (12.0 units in POLS at the 200level or above and a minimum GPA of 2.0 on all units in POLS) or permission of the Department.Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and SciencePOLS

391 Introduction to Electoral Systems Units: 3.00 This
course introduces students to the various families of electoral systems in use around the world.It examines their variations and assesses the consequences of electoral systems on political parties, legislatures and governments.levelorabove and a minimum GPA of 2.0 on all units in POLS) or permission of the Department.Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and SciencePOLS 393 Topics in Comparative Politics Units: 3.00 A comparative examination of the politics and government of different countries, or theories or themes in comparative politics.The focus of this course will vary from year to year; consult the departmental website for further details.Learning Hours: 120 (36 Lecture, 84 Private Study) Requirements: Prerequisite (12.0 units in POLS at the 200level or above and a minimum GPA of 2.0 on all units in POLS) or permission of the Department.Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science Learning Hours: 120 (36 Lecture, 84 Private Study) Requirements: Prerequisite (12.0 units in POLS at the 200level or above and a minimum GPA of 2.0 on all units in POLS) or permission of the Department.Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science POLS 395 Topics in International Political Economy Units: queensu.ca/academic-calendarPolitical Studies 9

POLS 397 Topics in Gender and Politics Units: 3.00
An investigation of selected problems in feminist and gender analysis, examining the different authors and issues.The focus of this course will vary from year to year; consult the departmental website for further details.Learning Hours: 120 (36 Lecture, 84 Private Study) Requirements: Prerequisite (12.0 units in POLS at the 200level or above and a minimum GPA of 2.0 on all units in POLS) or permission of the Department.Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science

POLS 398 Introduction to International Law and Politics Units: 9.00
This course provides foundational knowledge about the relationship between international politics and international law.It then explores more specific aspects of international law, including international criminal law and the Law of Armed Conflict, and situates the central statutes, customs, and institutions of international law within the broader context of global governance.NOTE Only offered at Bader College, UK as part of the Field School in International Law and Politics.

POLS 400 Seminar in Political Science Units: 3.00
This seminar will examine key texts in the discipline of political science.The focus of this course will vary from year to year.See the departmental website for further details.
registration in a POLS Major, Joint Honours, or POPE Plan) and ([POLS 250/3.0 and POLS 350/3.0]or POLS 250/6.0*)and a (minimum GPA of 2.50 on all units in POLS).Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science POLS

402 Science and Justice Units: 3.00
The word 'science' comes from the Latin scientia, which means 'having knowledge'.What is the relation between science and normative political ideals such as democracy, justice and equality?The topics covered in any given year will vary, but may include the ethical, legal and social consequences of advances in the biomedical or environmental sciences.
Learning Hours: (LECTURE) 120 (36L;84P).LEARNING HOURS (SEMINAR) 120 (36 Seminar, 12 Group Learning, 72 Private Study) Requirements: Prerequisite (Level 4 or above and registration in a POLS Major, Joint Honours, or POPE Plan) and ([POLS 250/3.0 and POLS 350/3.0]orPOLS 250/6.0*)and a (minimum GPA of 2.50 on all units in POLS).Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science POLS 403 Gender Politics: Questions and Challenges Units: 3.00 An investigation of selected issues in gender analysis, considering a variety of perspectives and case studies.The focus of this course will vary from year to year.Consult the departmental website for further details.

calendar POLS 405 International Relations: Questions and Challenges Units: 3.00 Issues
in global politics, international relations, international diplomacy, or foreign policy will be examined in this course.The focus of this course will vary from year to year; consult the departmental homepage for further details.a (minimum GPA of 2.50 on all units in POLS).Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science POLS

414 Politics in Quebec Units: 3.00
An introduction to the political history of Quebec: the development of ideologies (including nationalism), constitutional developments, and the building of the Quebec state during the Quiet Revolution.Some contemporary issues in Quebec politics, and the relationship between Quebec and the rest of Canada.Prerequisite (Level 4 or above and registration in a POLS Major, Joint Honours, or POPE Plan) and ([POLS 250/3.0 and POLS 350/3.0]or POLS 250/6.0*)and a (minimum GPA of 2.50 on all units in POLS).Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science POLS 434 Multiculturalism Units: 3.00 This course explores the political implications of multiculturalism from a variety of perspectives, including theory, policy, and historical meaning.Issues include: history and policy of multiculturalism in the Canadian, US and global contexts; the construction of 'race' and anti-racism; and the role of multiculturalism in citizenship inclusion and exclusion.Learning Hours: (LECTURE) 120 (36L;84P).LEARNING HOURS (SEMINAR) 120 (36 Seminar, 12 Group Learning, 72 Private Study) Requirements: Prerequisite (Level 4 or above and registration in a POLS Major, Joint Honours, or POPE Plan) and ([POLS 250/3.0 and POLS 350/3.0]orPOLS 250/6.0*)and a (minimum GPA of 2.50 on all units in POLS).Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science POLS 435 The Palestinian-Israeli Conflict Units: 3.00The course introduces students to some of the important questions about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.What is the history of the conflict?How did distinct national identities emerge?What issues are at stake for the actors involved?How do domestic factors shape Palestinian-Israeli relations?Why have peacemaking efforts been unsuccessful?

POLS 437 The Politics of Representation Units: 3.00
Across democracies, marginalized groups -such as Black people, Indigenous people, people of colour, women, LGBTQ + people, and people with disabilities -are under-represented in elected office.This course examines contemporary debates about the importance, causes, and consequences of the representation of marginalized groups in Canadian politics.Learning Hours: 120 (36 Seminar, 84 Private Study) Requirements: Prerequisite (Level 4 or above and registration in a POLS Major, Joint Honours, or POPE Plan) and ([POLS 250/3.0 and POLS 350/3.0]or POLS 250/6.0*)and a (minimum GPA of 2.50 on all units in POLS).

POLS 444 Ethnicity and Development Units: 3.00
This course explores the dominant themes in the field of ethnic politics and development.We examine the role of social norms, group-differentiated rights, electoral politics and patronage, status inequality, and the historical role of ethnicity in the state-building process on development outcomes.Learning Hours: 120 (36 Seminar, 84 Private Study) Requirements: Prerequisite (Level 4 or above and registration in a POLS Major, Joint Honours, or POPE Plan) and ([POLS 250/3.0 and POLS 350/3.0]or POLS 250/6.0*)and a (minimum GPA of 2.50 on all units in POLS).
Learning Hours: 120 (36 Seminar, 12 Online Activity, 72 Private Study) Requirements: Prerequisite (Level 4 or above and registration in a POLS Major, Joint Honours, or POPE Plan) and ([POLS 250/3.0 and POLS 350/3.0]or POLS 250/6.0*)and a (minimum GPA of 2.50 on all units in POLS).Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science

academic-calendar POLS 510 Directed Special Reading Units: 6.00
Students arrange their course of reading in consultation with members of the Department.They are expected to write reports on their readings and to discuss them in seminars.Prerequisite (Level 4 or above and registration in a POLS Major, Joint Honours, or POPE Plan) and ([POLS 250/3.0 and POLS 350/3.0]or POLS 250/6.0*)and a (minimum GPA of 2.50 on all units in POLS).

POLS 590 Thesis Units: 9.00
The thesis is optional and counts as one course toward an honours concentration in Political Studies.The thesis subject must be selected at the end of the penultimate year after consultation with members of the Department, and the thesis must be submitted by 31 March of the final year.The student can choose to pay for the binding of the departmental copy.
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and SciencePOLS

594 Independent Study Units: 3.00
Exceptionally qualified students entering their third-or fourth-year may take a program of independent study provided it has been approved by the Department or Departments principally involved.A Department may approve an independent study program without permitting it to be counted toward a concentration in that Department.It is, consequently, the responsibility of students taking such programs to ensure that the concentration requirements for their degree will be met.NOTE Requests for such a program must be received one month before the start of the first term in which the student intends to undertake the program.
Requirements: Prerequisite Permission of the Department or Departments principally involved.Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science

POLS 596 Independent Study Units: 12.00
Requirements: Prerequisite Permission of the Department or Departments principally involved.Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science Political Studies 20 queensu.ca/academic-

calendar POLS 597 Independent Study Units: 18.00
Exceptionally qualified students entering their third-or fourth-year may take a program of independent study provided it has been approved by the Department or Departments principally involved.The Department may approve an independent study program without permitting it to be counted toward a concentration in that Department.It is, consequently, the responsibility of students taking such programs to ensure that the concentration requirements for their degree will be met.NOTE Requests for such a program must be received one month before the start of the first term in which the student intends to undertake the program.
Requirements: Prerequisite Permission of the Department or Departments principally involved.Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science POLS

598 Internship in Political Studies Units: 3.00
An internship and online experiential learning course.Internships should be in a setting relevant to political studies.Roles may include assisting with the day-to-day tasks of an organization, special projects, event planning, community activism, report writing, and/or other responsibilities that provide practical experience and enhance students' skillset.NOTE Students will be given a grade of Pass/Fail for work done.Learning Hours: 120 (24 Online Activity, 60 Off-Campus Activity, 36 Private Study) Requirements: Prerequisite (Registration in a POLS Major, Joint Honours, or POPE Plan, and 12.0 units in POLS at the 200-level or above and a minimum GPA of 2.00 on all units in POLS) or permission of the Department.

Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPEC) PPEC 200 Introduction to the Study of Politics, Philosophy and Economics Units: 3.00
This course will emphasize the analysis of conceptual complementarities, the assessment of arguments, and the application of principles in factual contexts that are the focus of study within the disciplines of Politics, Philosophy and Economics.
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and SciencePPEC

300 Topics in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics Units: 3.00
This course is devoted to the study of ethical and political aspects of economic institutions.It focuses on practical applications of ideas within the context of contemporary issues, and it will include a diversity of ideological views.NOTE This course is the required third-year core course for the PPEC degree plan, but it is open to other students with the prerequisites.Learning Hours: 120 (36 Lecture, 36 Online Activity, 48 Private Study) Requirements: Prerequisite PPEC 200/3.0.Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science

PPEC 400 Research Seminar in Politics, Philosophy and Economics Units: 3.00
Politics, Philosophy and Economics approach problems from discipline specific perspectives, but the questions asked have fundamental similarities.In this course students will be exposed to research methods from all three different disciplines, while completing a research intensive project.Peer review and presentation skills will be emphasized.Learning Hours: 120 (12 Lecture, 12 Seminar, 12 Group Learning, 84 Private Study) Requirements: Prerequisite Level 4 or above and registration in the PPEC Specialization Plan and a minimum Plan GPA of 2.60 and permission of the Department.
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science queensu.ca/academic-calendarPolitical Studies 21