Overview
As a subfield of Political Science, the International Politics program offers students the opportunity to gain a strong foundation and to combine empirical, practical, and theoretical approaches.
Only available as a minor.
At a Glance
Curriculum
At ÕýÆ·À¶µ¼º½, International Politics combines international-related courses in political science, as well as economics or modern languages.
International politics courses include such topics as:
- intro to political science and international relations
- foreign policy
- global governance
- international political economy
Students can take specialized area courses in Africa, the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.
International Politics is available as a minor only.
Not sure about the difference between a major, a minor, an honours, and a certificate?
*Students who complete a major in International Relations may not complete a minor in International Politics.
POLS 1001 — Foundations of Politics
This course is an introduction to the foundations of politics through the medium of political theory, Canadian politics, comparative politics, or international politics.
POLS 2301 — Introduction to International Relations
This course introduces several of the major theories, structures, processes, and issues in international relations. After introducing the current theoretical approaches to the study of global politics, the course addresses a series of topics from among the following: systems of global governance; the concept 'terrorism'; non-state actors in global politics such as corporations, social movements, and non-governmental organizations; human rights and human security; gender and international politics; poverty,'development', and inequality; and the environment.
POLS 3221 — African Politics
This course introduces the study of African politics and development. It examines a number of country case studies and important contemporary issues. Its topics may include critical analysis of colonial and pre-colonial historical contexts, the nature of the post-colonial state in Africa, and the manner in which Africa is integrated into the global economy.
POLS 3321 — International Politics of the Middle East
This course examines the factors shaping international politics in the Middle East. It considers issues such as war, conflict resolution, regional alliance behaviour, and the relationships between regional states and the great powers, examining them from the perspective of traditional theories of international relations that emphasize balance of power politics, as well non-traditional theories that emphasize political and economic underdevelopment and dependency.
POLS 4321 — Security and Development in the Global South
This course examines the relationship between political, economic, and social development and security. It studies the security environment of a developing world that faces a unique constellation of security threats created by the presence of weak states, divided societies, political and economic dependency, and the pressures of globalization. It uses the perspective of traditional theories that privilege the security of states and regimes as well as non-traditional theories that focus on human and environmental security. The course also examines potential strategies for coping with the various types of insecurity experienced by developing states and societies.
FREN 1651 — Preparatory French/ Français préparatoire
This French grammar course designed for non-Francophones who did not complete high school French, is an intensive review of basic grammatical structures with a particular emphasis on verb conjugation, pronouns, adjectives and syntax.
Find a full list of international politics courses in our .
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. James Devine
Associate professor, Politics and International Relations
Careers
Whether you're entering the job market or continuing your education, your ÕýÆ·À¶µ¼º½ degree will stand out.
ÕýÆ·À¶µ¼º½ has been recognized by Maclean's as the top primarily undergraduate university in Canada more times than any other university.
With and career development opportunities available in every degree, you'll also graduate with hands-on learning and real-world experience.
Our graduates also boast extraordinarily high acceptance rates to top graduate programs and professional schools such as law and medicine.
Popular career paths in international politics include:
- foreign service officer
- international development worker
- public policy analyst
- foreign affairs analyst/specialist
- immigration officer/specialist
- international project manager
- public policy/business analyst
- cultural affairs/foreign service officer
- immigration/citizenship
- officer community
- development officer
- human rights officer
- government relations officer
Testimonials
International Politics allowed me to explore the world of international relations and diplomacy through detailed coursework in languages, case studies and simulations. Additonally, the professors are very passionate and display personal attention to every student in this program.
Extras
International experiences
International Relations students are encouraged to gain international experience.
International opportunities include:
- study abroad and exchange programs
- summer field schools
- independent study and undergraduate research
- international internships
- international conferences
- work and volunteering
Many travel opportunities at ÕýÆ·À¶µ¼º½ are made more affordable through travel grants, bursaries, and awards that can help pay for your international experience.
/current-students/department-politics-and-international-relations
Admission Requirements
Academic Awards
Mount A is #2 in student awards
²Ñ²¹³¦±ô±ð²¹²Ô’s ranks ÕýÆ·À¶µ¼º½ second in student and faculty awards in its latest University Rankings. To date, 56 ÕýÆ·À¶µ¼º½ students have become Rhodes Scholars — one of the best per capita records in Canada.