Political Science | University of Lethbridge

Faculty of Arts & Science

Political Science

Make the right move Do you like working through complex problems or situations one step at a time? Do relationships between nations and societies interest you? Do you rise to the occasion when a tough challenge presents itself?

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Political Science at uLethbridge Political Science is the systematic study of government, politics and political behaviour.

It studies how a society governs itself at all levels and various ideas about how it should be governed in the future.

As a political science student, you will study how political conflict is organized and resolved in the “real world.” You will look at how rulers are chosen, governmental decisions are taken, and how decision-making processes are organized. You’ll learn how governments design and implement their laws and policies in Canada and abroad.

You will also consider how political leaders understand their obligations towards one another and how decisions are shaped by different views of “what’s right,” “what works” and “what’s possible” in different circumstances.

The Department of Political Science offers four subfields of study. It encourages you to choose a variety of courses from each area to ensure you gain a broad view of the discipline. These are Canadian politics, comparative politics, international relations and political theory.

Political Science Degrees. The Department of Political Science offers a major in political science for the 40-course Bachelor of Arts (BA) or the Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) degree programs. As a political science major, you can also do a Combined BA/BEd or BA/BMgt and choose political science for the BA or BSc. Alternatively, you can complete a general major in the social sciences and select political science as one of your three streams.

The department also participates in the delivery of Canadian studies and urban & regional studies. Canadian studies focus on developing a deeper appreciation of our Canadian identity across a wide range of disciplines. Urban & regional studies focus on the analysis of the physical, social, economic and political factors that shape our cities and regions.

Political Science Courses. Students selecting these degree programs will have the opportunity to take courses such as: • International Relations • Canadian Federalism • Comparative Politics & Govt • Politics of Canadian Trade Policy • Canadian Public or Foreign Policy • Religion & Politics • Canadian Constitutional Law • American Politics & Government • Local Government & Politics • Canadian Government • Developing Nations • European Politics • Introduction to Political Theory • International Political Economy • History of Political Thought • Mass Media & Politics • Canadian Political Behaviour • Social Movements

Minors. Adding a minor to your degree is a great way to explore academic interests beyond your major. A minor is a set of courses comprising a secondary focus of interest. It is generally not related to your major. A minor may be required or optional. Minors are not available in all programs.

The minor in political science is available as an add on to all majors in the BA, BSc and BASc except the major in political science and the general major in the social sciences if political science is chosen as one of the disciplinary streams.

Learn more at ulethbridge.ca/artsci/minors.

Honours Thesis. If your GPA is high enough in your fourth year, you can opt to complete an undergraduate thesis course. This is an excellent opportunity for you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree.

Learn more about political science at uLethbridge, visit ulethbridge.ca/politicalscience

Our Faculty & Their Research Faculty members at the University of Lethbridge are happy to involve undergraduate students in their research projects. Our faculty members often collaborate with other departments, community members and employers on research projects — giving you the opportunity to get additional hands-on experience.

Current Research & Areas of Interest: • Federalism & Canadian Intergovernmental Relations • Political Parties & Elections • Representation & Electoral Systems • Comparative Political Regimes • European Regional Integration • Political Development & Democratization • Comparative Political Economies • Judicial Decision-making

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Political Parties & Voting Behaviour Provincial Politics Philosophy of Law Friendship & Politics Liberal Education & Citizenship North American Integration & Public Policy Structural Policy Change Religion & Politics

Your Future Prospects Skills Acquired. Studying political science teaches you how to think critically and analytically. In this program, you will develop the skills needed to be able to look at realworld social, economic and political problems using political science principles. You will also improve your written and oral communication skills, as well as robust information acquisition and management skills — all highly valued in any business, industry or government department.

Related Fields. There are numerous career options open to political science graduates, like: • Public Service Employment • Political Advising • Foreign Service • Regulatory Analyst • Diplomatic Corps • Legal Investigator • Elected Office • Public Relations • Public Affairs & Relations • Social Services Administrator • Lobbyist • Public Affairs Reporter • Voting Research • Lawyer • Policy Studies • Municipal Official

Graduate Studies. The University of Lethbridge’s School of Graduate Studies offers an MA in political science — so why not consider pursuing grad school right here in Lethbridge! Whether you choose to do your advanced studies at uLethbridge or another institution, know that your undergraduate degree has set you on the path to post-graduate success.

Professional Disciplines. Your undergraduate degree in political science also provides an excellent foundation for law, journalism, business management and education.

Make the right move in Political Science.

“University, for most people, is a time for growth, self-exploration and enlightenment. My experience at the U of L was made most meaningful by building relationships with my professors, who took excellent care to be my mentors. They went above and beyond to provide me with opportunities to explore my areas of interest, which therefore personalized my education and strengthened it.”

- Brittany, Political Science

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Put Your Knowledge to Work Whether you’re looking for a more in-depth learning experience by assisting with research projects or by testing your knowledge in a real-life setting, we can help. Combined with your required coursework, the opportunities outlined below will provide you with a solid foundation for further studies and an excellent framework for a challenging and rewarding career — whatever direction you decide to go.

Applied Studies

Earn course credit for career-related paid, volunteer or community service work experience. This program is specially designed to allow you to integrate principles learned in the classroom in a practical work setting.

For more information, visit: ulethbridge.ca/appliedstudies

Co-operative Education (Co-op)

uLethbridge is proud to offer you the chance to participate in co-op. Co-op allows you to gain work experience directly related to your studies and make invaluable contacts in the workforce, all while earning a competitive salary.

Completion of the program allows you to receive a co-op designation on your degree and, most importantly, a kickstart to your career the minute you graduate.

For more information, visit: ulethbridge.ca/coop

Participate in Research

In addition to your regular courses, you can contribute to departmental research activities. For example, you can complete an independent study course or gain employment as a research assistant. If your GPA is high enough, you can also enrol in undergraduate thesis-based courses where research is a component of your studies.

Contact your department to learn more!

Academic Advising Your decision to explore a university education is the first step toward a great future — now let us help you navigate your degree options at uLethbridge and set you on the road to success. Do you have questions about what field of study best suits you? Would you like help with program and registration planning and just can’t find the answers? If so, you should speak to an academic advisor today — advisors have the answers to these questions and many more.

To learn more about the support services available to you through our academic advisors, visit: ulethbridge.ca/artsci/advising

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*This brochure should be used in conjunction with the University of Lethbridge calendar, which is the final authority regarding program requirements and academic regulations.