Political Science

Program Overview

St. Francis Xavier University's Political Science program offers a comprehensive exploration of power in politics and public life, with sub-fields in political theory, Canadian government, comparative politics, and international relations. Through a dynamic learning environment with close faculty interaction, students develop critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills, preparing them for careers in law, public administration, journalism, and more. The program emphasizes social justice and community-mindedness, fostering engaged citizens in a globalized world.

Program Outline

Political Science at St. Francis Xavier University:

Degree Overview:

About Political Science:

• Political science focuses on how power is used in politics and public life.
• Analyzes government structures, historical trends, the role of ideas and ideologies in politics, both nationally and globally.
• Dynamic scholarly environment with research and teaching.
• Offers major, advanced major, honours degree, joint major, and honours with subsidiary options.

• Positive, accessible learning environment.
• Close contact with professors and fellow students.

Sub-fields:

• Political Theory: Explores the great political thinkers and ideas from classics to contemporary debates about freedom, equality, rights, identity, community, and justice.
• Canadian Government and Politics: Examines Canadian politics, government institutions, and societal pressures.
• Comparative Politics: Analyzes government evolution and diversity in both developed and developing states, exploring differences and similarities between systems in different regions.
• International Relations: Studies the international state system, relations among states, institutions, and power in the global arena.
Explores political, military, cultural, economic, and ideological factors affecting behavior of states and organizations in world politics.

First Year:

• Introduces key concepts, theories, and methods for studying power in society.
• Examines ideologies, government institutions, political regimes, and processes in both the developed and developing world.

Outline:

Structure:

• Four sub-fields: Political theory, Canadian government and politics, comparative politics, and international relations.
• Course offerings cover a wide range of topics within each sub-field.

Modules:

• Introduction to Canadian Government and Politics
• Introduction to Comparative Politics
• Introduction to Global Politics
• Theories of Power
• Political Economy
• Public Policy
• International Law
• Politics of the European Union
• Politics of Asia
• Politics of the Middle East

Assessment:

• Methods: Essays, exams, presentations, research projects, group work.
• Criteria: Varies depending on the course and assessment type, but generally focuses on critical thinking, analytical skills, research skills, and written and oral communication skills.

Teaching:

Methods:

• Lectures, seminars, tutorials, group work, independent research, guest speakers, field trips.
• Emphasis on student engagement, critical thinking, and application of theory to real-world situations.

Faculty:

• Highly qualified professors with expertise in various areas of political science.
• Active in research and publishing.

Unique Approaches:

• Focus on social justice and community-mindedness.
• Interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
• Opportunities for internships and research experiences.
• Small class sizes allow for personalized attention from professors.

Careers:

• Political science prepares students for various careers, including:
• Consultant
• Journalist
• Lawyer
• Media
• Political Communications
• Provides a good foundation for further study in law, public administration, journalism, etc.

Other:

• The Political Science department is a dynamic scholarly environment where research and teaching flourish together.
• Students can feel comfortable debating current issues in the classroom and beyond to broaden their understanding of the political world.
• The program provides students with the knowledge and skills to be critical thinkers, effective communicators, and engaged citizens in a globalized world.
• The Political Science department at StFX is committed to social justice and community-mindedness, values that are reflected in the curriculum and the overall learning experience.