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.

Emerging evidence 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 is an excellent way of 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
taking this course as a prerequisite and I am glad that I had to,because now I am not intimidated By Politics.

Educating students
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 todays 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 - Immigration Officer, Police Officer, 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, Immigration and Refugee 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.

ABST 100 INTRODUCTION TO ABORIGINAL STUDIES

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.