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Department of Political Science | Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Simon Fraser University Calendar | Spring 2025

Political Science Major

Bachelor of Arts

Program Declaration

Students can apply for the political science major program after completing the following four political science courses with minimum C grades:

POL 100 - Introduction to Politics and Government (3)

A comprehensive introduction to the study of politics and government for both political science majors and students specializing in other disciplines. The course will explore the major concepts, methods, approaches and issues in political science, as well as the primary components of government structure and the political process. Students with credit for POL 101W may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Logan Masilamani
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D109 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D900 Logan Masilamani
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Surrey
D901 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Surrey
D902 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey
D903 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Surrey
D904 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Surrey
D905 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey
POL 200W - Investigating Politics: Research Design and Qualitative Methods (4)

Introduces different aspects of research design in political science, as well as different qualitative research techniques and the epistemological perspectives that inform them. Introduces important analytical and conceptual skills necessary to understand and evaluate political science research. Students with credit for POL 200 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

POL 201 - Introductory Quantitative Methods in Political Science (4)

Introduces quantitative research techniques in political science. Introduces important analytical and conceptual skills necessary to understand and evaluate quantitative political science research. Corequisite: POL 200W or permission of department. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
B100 Mark Pickup
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 3:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 5:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B104 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 5:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby
POL 210 - Introduction to Political Philosophy (3)

An examination of concepts presented by the major political thinkers of the western world. The course surveys those ideas which remain at the root of our political institutions, practices and ideals against a background of the periods in which they were expressed. Prerequisite: POL 100 or permission of department. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
B100 Genevieve Fuji Johnson
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
F100 Remi Leger
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
F101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby

Program Requirements

A minimum of 120 units, including a minimum of 45 upper division units, as specified below.

Lower Division Requirements

Students complete a minimum of seven courses, including

POL 100 - Introduction to Politics and Government (3)

A comprehensive introduction to the study of politics and government for both political science majors and students specializing in other disciplines. The course will explore the major concepts, methods, approaches and issues in political science, as well as the primary components of government structure and the political process. Students with credit for POL 101W may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Logan Masilamani
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D109 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D900 Logan Masilamani
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Surrey
D901 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Surrey
D902 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey
D903 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Surrey
D904 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Surrey
D905 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey
POL 200W - Investigating Politics: Research Design and Qualitative Methods (4)

Introduces different aspects of research design in political science, as well as different qualitative research techniques and the epistemological perspectives that inform them. Introduces important analytical and conceptual skills necessary to understand and evaluate political science research. Students with credit for POL 200 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

POL 201 - Introductory Quantitative Methods in Political Science (4)

Introduces quantitative research techniques in political science. Introduces important analytical and conceptual skills necessary to understand and evaluate quantitative political science research. Corequisite: POL 200W or permission of department. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
B100 Mark Pickup
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 3:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 5:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B104 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 5:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby
POL 210 - Introduction to Political Philosophy (3)

An examination of concepts presented by the major political thinkers of the western world. The course surveys those ideas which remain at the root of our political institutions, practices and ideals against a background of the periods in which they were expressed. Prerequisite: POL 100 or permission of department. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
B100 Genevieve Fuji Johnson
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
F100 Remi Leger
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
F101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby

and one of

POL 221 - Introduction to Canadian Government (3)

An introduction to the institutional order and political structure of the Canadian state. The course will include topics such as the constitution, parliament, cabinet, judiciary, public service and federal-provincial relations. Prerequisite: POL 100 or 151 or permission of department.

POL 222 - Introduction to Canadian Politics (3)

An introduction to the social and participatory basis of Canadian politics, covering topics such as political culture, regionalism and other political divisions, political parties, elections, interest groups and new social movements. Prerequisite: POL 100 or 151 or permission of department.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
B100 Andrew Heard
TBD
B101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
B102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
B103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
B104 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
POL 253 - Introduction to Public Policy (3)

Explores the political dimensions of public policy making in Canada. Reviews theories and techniques in policy analysis, and focuses on the contemporary dynamics of public policy in various economic and social sectors from the point of view of political ideas, interests, institutions, and decision-making. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
F100 Aude-Claire Fourot
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
F101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby

and one of

POL 121 - Political Engagement: From the Streets to the Ballot Box (3)

An introduction to political action and behaviour. Politics involves the struggle for power and influence. Nowhere is this more evident than when individuals mobilize and engage in political action, whether in a revolution to overthrow an authoritarian regime, protesting on the street against the government, or voting on Election Day. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

POL 141 - International Relations (3)

Explores causes and consequences of international political conflict, including war, terrorism, protectionism, nationalism, economic disparity, migration, and humanitarian crises. Evaluates how states and non-state actors navigate and influence these conflicts and the role of international law, diplomacy, and organizational cooperation. Analyzes worldviews on war, peace, human rights, and world order. Students who have taken POL 241 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.

and at least one additional lower division course in political science.

Upper Division Requirements

Students cannot complete upper division courses until lower division prerequisites are complete. Specified prerequisites or department permission is required for course entry.

Students complete a minimum of 45 upper division units including at least 32 political science units, no fewer than 16 of which must have a POL designation. Eight of these 32 political science units must be at the 400-level.

Students may also apply the following courses toward their major requirements.

GEOG 381 - Territory, Power, State (4)

Surveys the manner in which power relations are expressed territorially. Attention given to such topics as state sovereignty, colonialism, rights, and law. Prerequisite: At least 45 units. Students with credit for GEOG 381W may not take this course for further credit.

or GEOG 381W - Territory, Power, State (4)

Surveys the manner in which power relations are expressed territorially. Attention given to such topics as state sovereignty, colonialism, rights, and law. Prerequisite: At least 45 units. Students with credit for GEOG 381 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

GSWS 350 - Public Policy for Women (4)

Examines issues where ideas about males and females either explicitly or implicitly influence policy makers. Focuses on current public policies and their relationship to women on topics such as sexuality and violence, economic security, race and inequality, and climate change. Prerequisite: 30 units. Students with credit for POL 350 may not take this course for further credit. Students who have taken this topic under GSWS (or WS) 320 may not take this course for further credit.

IS 302 - Humanitarian Intervention: An Introduction (4)

Explores how international actors respond to humanitarian emergencies, such as famine, displacement, and genocide. Examines the political, legal, and ethical challenges of humanitarian action by focusing on contemporary cases and on key types of response, from the delivery of aid to sanctions and the use of military force. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

IS 303 - Ethnic Minorities, Identity Politics, and Conflict in Southeast Asia (4)

Surveys the ethnic minorities of Southeast Asia, focusing on their relations with other ethnic groups, especially majority populations, and governments. Examines the treatment of ethnic minorities and the responses of the minorities, including ethnic-based secession movements. Reviews cross-border and broader international issues relating to minorities, such as their status as refugees and cross-border support for insurgencies. Prerequisite: 45 units.

IS 304 - Russian Foreign and Security Policies (4)

Introduces the Russian Federation's foreign and security policies. Reviews key actors, institutions, and stages in the development of Russian foreign policy development as well as the gap between rhetoric and realities in Russian foreign policy. Prerequisite: 45 units. Recommended: IS 200 and HIST 335.

IS 313W - Nationalism, Democracy and Development in Modern India (4)

An examination of the differing narratives of nation and modernity in the struggle for independence from colonial rule in India, and their implications for the post-colonial state, for politics and for India's economic development. Prerequisite: 45 units. Recommended: IS 210 or 220. Writing.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Anushay Malik
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Vancouver
IS 314 - National, Regional, and International Politics in Southeast Asia (4)

Provides an overview of national and political issues in Southeast Asia. Surveying politics in individual countries and regional political institutions, focus is given to particular themes such as democratization and civil society, communism and other forms of authoritarianism, the role of the military, decentralization, religion and politics, the impact of China on the region, and security concerns. Prerequisite: 45 units.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Darren Byler
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Vancouver
IS 315 - Introduction to Middle East Politics (4)

Introduces the political, economic, and ideological dynamics of contemporary Middle Eastern states. Examines the legacy of colonialism, state formation, central ideological trends such as Arab nationalism and political Islam, the dynamics of state-society contention, and the challenges of economic development. Prerequisite: 45 units.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Nazanin Shahrokni
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Vancouver
IS 322 - Central Asia: Conflict and Security (4)

Examines post-Soviet Central Asian states, with particular reference to the relationship among democratization, development, autocracy and conflict, and the role of external actors in transnational security issues in the region. Prerequisite: 45 units. Recommended: IS 200. Students with credit for IS 412 may not take this course for further credit.

IS 410 - Politics, Institutions and Development (4)

The quality of institutions' exercises a crucial influence on the prospects for development. Aims are to interrogate this claim through analysis of different paths of economic growth and change across the developing world. Examination of the ways in which politics influences economic growth and distribution; the relationships between political systems and patterns of development; and the politics of institutions and state formation. Prerequisite: 90 units.

IS 414 - Current Regional Issues in Southeast Asia (4)

Reviews important current regional issues in Southeast Asia with particular attention to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Prerequisite: 45 units.

IS 415 - Islamist Trend in Middle East Politics (4)

Focuses upon the political Islamist movements that have swept much of the Middle East and North Africa since the mid-1970s. Examines a broad range of movements, from liberal to militant trends, drawing on the experiences of countries throughout the region. Prerequisite: 45 units. Recommended: HIST 151 or IS 315.

LBST 310 - The Politics of Labour (3)

Explores working class politics and the labour movement in the context of neoliberal economic and public policy, recurring economic crises, the changing nature of work, and declining union membership. Explores electoral politics and organized labour's relationship to political parties. Examines community unionism and workers' roles in social movements focused on civil rights, gender, and the environment, among others. Prerequisite: 30 units. Strongly Recommended: LBST 101. Breadth-Social Sciences.

SA 302W - Global Problems and the Culture of Capitalism (SA) (4)

An introduction to the political economy and culture of capitalism in relation to global problems. Case studies may focus on issues of population, famine, disease, poverty, environmental destruction, social inequality, and nation-state violence. Resistance, rebellion and social movements in response to these problems also will be addressed. Writing/Breadth-Social Sci.

NOTE: SFU students accepted in the accelerated master’s within the Department of Political Science may apply a maximum of 10 graduate course units, taken while completing the bachelor’s degree, towards the upper division electives of the bachelor’s program and the requirements of the master’s degree. For more information go to: https://www.sfu.ca/gradstudies/apply/programs/accelerated-masters.html.

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Degree Requirements

For all bachelor of arts (BA) programs, students complete 120 units, which includes

  • at least 60 units that must be completed at Simon Fraser University
  • at least 45 upper division units, of which at least 30 upper division units must be completed at Simon Fraser University
  • at least 60 units (including 21 upper division units) in Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences courses
  • satisfaction of the writing, quantitative, and breadth requirements
  • an overall cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and upper division overall CGPA of at least 2.0, and program CGPA and upper division program CGPA of at least 2.0 on the course work used to satisfy the minimum program requirements. FASS departments may define additional GPA requirements for their respective programs.

Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements

Students admitted to Simon Fraser University beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements for university-wide information.

WQB Graduation Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit

Requirement

Units

Notes
W - Writing

6

Must include at least one upper division course, taken at Simon Fraser University within the student's major subject; two courses (minimum three units each)

Q - Quantitative

6

Q courses may be lower or upper division; two courses (total six units or more)
B - Breadth

18

Designated Breadth

Must be outside the student's major subject, and may be lower or upper division:

Two courses (total six units or more) Social Sciences: B-Soc
Two courses (total six units or more) Humanities: B-Hum
Two courses (total six units or more) Sciences: B-Sci

6

Additional Breadth

Two courses (total six units or more) outside the student's major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements).

Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas.

Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit

  • At least half of the program's total units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.
  • At least two thirds of the program's total upper division units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.

Elective Courses

In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.