Course Code: POLS 150
Academic Year: 2025-2026
Canadians are fortunate to live in a country where they may choose their degree of participation in government. Some become activists either in a political party or in support of causes; others seek elected office, work in campaigns or contribute money or time to parties or candidates. On the other end of the scale, people can choose to do little or nothing in politics and only suffer the mild consequence of being ignored by those in power. The choice is ours, but in either case a general understanding of political ideas, institutions and issues is helpful, even essential.This course focuses on political theories about the best form of government, the limits placed on government and the rights of the citizen and the state. Basic political institutions and how they function to resolve conflict in Canada and internationally are emphasized. Political ideologies, such as liberalism, conservatism, socialism and fascism, and the governments they give rise to, are emphasized. In the twenty-first century, all the ideologies are changing under the force called globalization. Is democracy bound to emerge as economies change, or is this hope far too simplistic? International development, international relations and the causes/prevention of wars and/or terrorism will also be examined.Police Foundation students who have taken POLS 107 The Political Game CANNOT take this course.