DEPARTMENT OF
POLITICAL SCIENCE
WELCOMES
YOU
WHAT IS POLITICAL SCIENCE?
Political science is the
field of the social
sciences concerning the
theory and practice of
politics and the
description and analysis
of political systems and
political behaviour.
WHAT IS POLITICS?
“Politics is the art of
looking for trouble,
finding it whether it exists or
not,
diagnosing it incorrectly
and applying the wrong
remedy.”
- Earnest Benn
“Politics is more
difficult than
physics.”
- Albert Einstein
“Politics is the art of the
possible.”
- Otto von Bismarck
“...the good of man must
be the end of the
science of Politics.”
- Aristotle
Politicians are like diapers.
They should both be changed
frequently
and for the same
reason.
- Anonymous
“The things that will destroy us are:
Politics without principle;
pleasure without conscience;
wealth without work;
knowledge without character;
business without morality;
science without humanity;
and worship without sacrifice”.
- Mahatma Gandhi
“When the power of love overcomes the love
of power the world will know peace”.
~Jimi Hendrix
“Democracy is two
wolves and a lamb
voting on what to have
for lunch. Liberty is a
well-armed lamb
contesting the
vote!”
~Benjamin Franklin
Student Testimonials
What our students say about
Political Science
“I picked politics
because
I want to be an intellectual.
I do not choose
to go about my life being unable to
converse with with people
without even a base to speak upon”
Rebecca F.
Student Testimonials
What our students say about
Political Science
“With the flood of world events
that are sensationalized
in our news media, political science
is a great avenue to study what takes
place behind the scenes and to understand
how to point out flaws in the coverage” .
Student Testimonials
What our students say about
Political Science
“At first, I just took political science
because I had to.
The first month of the class,
I discovered it was actually a lot of fun!
We even get to create our own countries
and run them how we want to”
Student Testimonials
“I am studying politics
to be able to make proper decisions not
otherwise capable’.
“Emergingevidence
‘As someone
pursuing
a career in
Journalism’
of corruption,
contaminating
public administration
here in
Canada
and abroad”
Student Testimonials
“If you like to argue, it is the class for you”
“It isanexcellentwayof
“Learning
learning and
new things
understanding
about my own views
current events
on politics and
as well as
government is what
the events of the
I like about
past”
the course”
Student Testimonials
“Politics is Fun”
“I am
“Educating students
taking this course
as a prerequisite
and I am glad that
I had to,because now
I am not intimidated
By Politics.”
in
political science
is the only way
ignorance
and prejudice
can be
broken down”
Student Testimonials
“Political Science is interesting.”
“I have always wanted to vote,
but I have not had enough
“It allows you
knowledge to know
to understand
how to make
an educated vote.
the contemporary
Now, I am
political issues”
looking forward
the next election”
Why study Political Science?
Political Science ranks as
one of the most popular of
all undergraduate majors,
and
the most popular
social science major
in the world.
In Europe,
Over 34% of all graduates in 2003
were graduating from social sciences.
Of them, 82% took 3 or more
political science courses.
- Eurostat, EU
Political Science major requires:
• an interest in political and social issues and ethical reasoning
•strong analytical and communicative skills
Studying political science prepares students
to think independently, helps to develop skills such as flexibility,
critical judgment, and the ability to understand the world from a
variety of political, cultural and social perspectives.
Political science is ideal for:
Anyone,
interested in issues like education,
environment, civil rights, war and peace,
globalization, justice and equality
Anyone,
interested in careers like law, teaching,
journalism, public policy and any other
careers that depend upon analytic,
research and communication skills.
What can you do with a degree in
Political Science?
In today’s dynamic job market, employers prefer
people with analytical skills who know how to
learn and adapt to the quickly changing job
market.
Studying political science helps students to
develop transferable skills and provides an
excellent background in many exciting careers.
I. Academe
-Universities and Colleges
-Think-Tanks and Research Institutions
II. International Agencies
- Inter-governmental organization
- Non-governmental Organizations
- International Aid Organizations
III. Media
- Newspapers
- Broadcasting
- Publishing Houses
IV. Private Sector
- For Profit or not-for Profit Organizations
- Law Firms, Legal Aid Organizations
- Market Research Firms, Consulting Firms
- Insurance Companies, Banks
- Public Relations Firms,
- Community Organizations
V.Federal,Provincial & Local Government
- Foreign Service, Military Service
- Crown Corporations & Regulatory Agencies
- Law Enforcement Agencies
What do Political Science Graduates
Do?
- University/College Professor, Teacher
- Policy Advisor, Policy Analyst, Urban Planner
- ImmigrationOfficer,PoliceOfficer,Customs Officer
- Development Officer, Foreign Service Officer
- Public Affairs Consultant, Political Consultant
- Tax Specialist, Lawyer, Lobbyist
- Journalist, Documentary Maker, Editor
- Market Research Analyst, Banker
- Legislative Assistant, Pollster, Consultant
- United Nations Officer,International Aid Officer
- Researcher, Political Correspondent
- Program Manager, Parole Officer
- Intelligence Officer, Human Resources Specialist
Some Cool Places to Work:
- The United Nations,
- Amnesty International,
- World Trade Organization,
- World Bank, The International Monetary Fund,
- CBC, CNN, Globe and Mail and other media outlets,
- International Banks and Financial Organizations,
- Canadian Embassies and Consulates,
- Canadian Customs, ImmigrationandRefugee Board,
- Canadian Security Intelligence Service,
- Okanagan College!!!
Canadian Trivia
This Prime Minister was allegedly involved in the Airbus Scandal.
Some might think that NAFTA and the GST might also be some
infamous acts of his .
Brian Mulroney
This Prime Minister was forced to resign in 1926, over a scandal
discovered in the customs department of his administration.
Later he was re-elected .
Mackenzie King
This prime minister introduced a new flag, the Canada Pension Plan
and universal medicare.
Lester B. Pearson
The Political Science faculty is committed to helping
learners develop their ability to understand the world
from a variety of political, social and cultural perspectives
Ayla H. Kilic, Chair
Phone: (250) 762-5445, local 4366, Kelowna
Office: C239, e-mail: akilic@okanagan.bc.ca
Rosalind Warner
Phone: (250) 762-5445, Local 4763,
Office: B233, e-mail: ROWarner@okanagan.bc.ca
Graham Gomme
Phone: (250) 832-2126, Local 8263, Salmon Arm
Office: 001-B, e-mail: GGomme@okanagan.bc.ca
Ethan Baptiste
Phone: (250) 832-2126, Local 4682, Kelowna
Office: 124 C, e-mail:ebaptiste@okanagan.bc.ca
COURSE OFFERINGS
POLI 101 Introduction to Politics
As a comprehensive introduction, this course explores the major
concepts, issues and institutions of the process of politics and
various methodologies used in understanding the political world.
Taking a comparative approach, this course studies the
traditional components of politics as well as contemporary
issues such as transitional politics, terror and politics, ethnic
nationalism, and religion and politics.
POLI 111 The Government of Canada
This course introduces students to the basic institutions and
processes of government in Canada. It deals with the major
challenges Canada faces in its political process. Specific
emphasis is given to the origins, development and changing
nature of Canadian political institutions. Constitutional , regional,
gender and aboriginal issues, and the impact of economic and
social cleavages on political behavior are analyzed.
ABST100INTRODUCTIONTOABORIGINALSTUDIES
This course provides students with an overview of the discipline of Aboriginal
Studies including the history, cultures and experiences of Aboriginal people.
Offered at Kelowna Campus
POLI 202 Women and Politics
This course provides a critical examination of women as political
actors in contemporary societies. Using gender as a unit of
analysis, the course will study changing societal and political roles
of women, traditional and non-traditional ways of participation of
women in politics, and the impact of women's movements in
defining the political agenda from various theoretical perspectives.
POLI 204 Canadian Environmental Policy
This course explores the process of environmental policy-making
and the major factors that influence governments in developing
and implementing environmental policy in Canada. After
introducing the historical development and current issues of
environmental policy in Canada, the course examines basic
perspectives, processes and institutions and major developments
in Canadian environmental policy and politics. The roles, interests
and powers of main stakeholders in shaping environmental
policies are also studied.
POLI 210 Canada and the United States
This course fosters an understanding of the complex and multilayered
relationship between Canada and the United States with particular
emphasis upon the distinguishing features of Canadian and American
social, economic, and political interests, and security related concerns.
POLI 211 Comparative Government
This course examines the function of different political systems. It
introduces key concepts in comparative politics, surveying the
historical trajectories of social and political institutions, political
representation and participation. Further examination includes how
elements of political culture and identity and interactions among policy
actors and institutions shape public policies of developed and
developing countries.
POLI 219 Canadian Public Administration
This course introduces students to the theory and practice of
public administration and the machinery of government in
Canada. Topics covered include the structures and processes
of government bureaucracies, key components and concepts of
modern public sector administration and the changing roles
Canadian bureaucrats play in policy formulation and
implementation processes.
POLI 220 The Politics of Human Rights
This course introduces students to the issues of human rights
with respect to international, regional and national politics, and
legal conventions. It studies the origins of the current human
rights regime; the transformations and extensions of human
rights into the second and "third generation rights"; the
institutionalization of human rights in the global arena and the
limitations of the international treaty system. The last section of
the course examines several distinct human rights issues such
as torture, genocide, humanitarian intervention, and punitive
and restorative justice.
POLI 221 Global Politics
This course explores developments in global politics and provides a
context for better understanding of the impact of global developments on
individuals. Different theoretical perspectives are used to analyze the
interplay of nation-states, multinational corporations, international
organizations and non-governmental organizations in shaping current
global issues including terrorism, poverty and global governance.
POLI 222 Global Political Economy
This course develops an understanding of the interaction of economics
and politics in shaping global relations. After studying the historical
development of global economy from a political perspective, basic
concepts and theoretical approaches of the field are explored. An
interdisciplinary approach is employed to examine the trade, finance,
security and knowledge structures in the current global political
economy.
POLI 240 Contemporary Political Ideologies
This course reviews political phenomena through different lenses, by
examining the major ideologies that have determined politics within the
last two centuries. The ideologies examined include, but are not limited
to, liberalism, conservatism, fascism, communism, feminism,
environmentalism, and religious fundamentalism. Each ideology is
studied with reference to its historical development, its major tenets, and
its applications to the political arena.
POLI 326 Politics of the Middle East
This course focuses on current issues in the Middle East and sheds light
on the root causes of these issues. It provides a comprehensive analysis
of historical, cultural, economic, sociological and political factors in a
broader context and illustrates the interplay of different actors at different
levels in shaping the politics in the region.
POLI 339 Sustainable Development
This course explores the major challenges that have to be confronted in
achieving sustainable development, the existing national and
international responses to these challenges, and the search for a better
system of governance for sustainability. Following an exploration of
theoretical approaches and practical applications of sustainability, the
course studies the problems of sustainable development in contemporary
societies and the social, cultural, economic and institutional aspects of
sustainable development.
POLI 346 Institutions of Global Governance
This course assists students to develop an understanding of the concept
of global governance, the evolution of global governance institutions and
their roles in the contemporary world as well as their failures and
successes in responding to the challenges posed by global
developments. It explores the structures, processes, and functions of
global institutions, and the problems and prospects of cooperation at the
global level.