Political Science: Bachelor of Arts Major
Description
The B.A. Major in Political Science offers the chance to explore the political world through an innovative suite of offerings that combines a solid foundation in scholarship with 'hands-on' learning opportunities in debate, diplomacy, and policy. The Bachelor of Arts Major in Political Science is designed with a special focus on emerging power dynamics at the national, trans-national, and global levels, and is therefore an ideal choice for those with a serious interest in engaging with the many dimensions of power in the modern world.
As a Political Science B.A. Major, you will begin your studies with a broad range of introductory courses that expose you to the key sub-fields within the discipline (Canadian and comparative politics, international relations, and political thought), before gradually transitioning to more specialized courses in the second- and third-year levels, and advanced-level seminar work in the fourth year of study. You will also take at least one 'experiential' course instilling hands-on skills in debate, diplomacy, and policy, as well as one upper-level course on emerging trans-national sites of power.
Admission Requirements
Students pursuing a major in Political Science must be admitted to the Faculty of Arts.
Declaration Requirements
Students intending to graduate with this Faculty of Arts Bachelor’s degree must declare the credential by the time they complete 60 credits of undergraduate coursework. At the time of declaration, the student must satisfy all of the following requirements:
- In good academic standing with the University
- Completion of a minimum of 18 credits of undergraduate coursework, including the following with a minimum grade of “C”:
- 3 credits of ENGL at the 1100 level or higher
- 6 credits at the 1100 level or higher in the Major area
Curricular Requirements
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree must complete all requirements in the Bachelor of Arts framework in addition to their major or minor program requirements.
Students must complete a total of 48 specified credits for the BA Major in Political Science. These include a minimum of 30 credits in POLI courses at the 3000 or 4000 levels, of which at least 9 credits must be at the 4000 level.
1100 Level
Required: |
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9 credits of any 1100-level POLI courses. | 9 credits | |
Please see the Course Descriptions section of the Calendar for a full listing of 1100-level POLI Courses. |
2000 Level
Required: |
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SOCI 2260 | Research Methods in Sociology | 3 credits | |
And: |
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6 credits of any 2000-level POLI courses. | 6 credits | ||
Please see the Course Descriptions section of the Calendar for a full listing of 2000-level POLI Courses. |
3000 and 4000 Level
Required: |
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A minimum of 30 credits of POLI courses at the 3000 or 4000 level, including the following. At least 9 credits of POLI courses must be at the 4000 level. | 30 credits | ||
At least 3 credits chosen from: |
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POLI 3131 | The Politics of Continental Integration | 3 credits | |
POLI 3160 | International Organization | 3 credits | |
POLI 4225 | Nationhood, Nationalism and Beyond (under development) | 3 credits | |
And: At least 3 credits chosen from the following applied courses: |
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POLI 3500 | Public Debates in Politics | 3 credits | |
POLI 4110 | Applied Policy Seminar II | 3 credits | |
POLI 4500 | Model United Nations | 3 credits | |
POLI 4510 | Practicum in Political Science (under development) | 3 credits | |
And: |
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24 further credits of any 3000- or 4000-level POLI courses. Students must complete at least 9 credits of POLI courses at the 4000 level; these may include courses from the above groups. | 24 credits | ||
Please see the Course Descriptions section of the Calendar for a full listing of 3000- and 4000-level POLI Courses. |
Streams
Students can choose to focus their studies within Political Science in different ways. There are courses that fit into the International Studies "stream" and the North American Studies "stream." These streams are not separate credentials or noted on your official transcript, but can indicate to possible graduate programs or employers your area of interest.
International Studies stream | North American Studies stream |
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Credential Awarded
Upon successful completion of the major program students are eligible to receive a Bachelor of Arts. Transcripts will indicate a Major in Political Science.
At a Glance
Faculty of Arts
Political Science
Program Type:
- Undergraduate
Credential Granted:
- Baccalaureate Degree
Offered At:
- Langley
- Richmond
- Surrey
Start Date(s):
- September
- January
- May
Intake Type:
- Open intake
Format:
- Full-time
- Part-time
Minimum Credits Required:
- 120
Instructional Cycle:
- Semester-based
Curriculum Effective Date:
- 01-Jan-2015