2012-2013 Academic Year Calendar - Marianopolis

Social Science: Political Sciencediscussed. Sample topics includesexism in advertising, sexual harassment,pornography and censorship.The Problem of God340-220-MS (3-0-3) 2 creditsHow can there be a problem with God?God is an infinite being, the totality ofall perfections – unless, of course, Godis just a figment of the humanimagination. In contemporary Westernculture there is a very pronouncedconflict between science and religionabout the nature and (especially) theexistence of God. In this course wefirst examine the origin and nature ofthis conflict; we then explore thepossibility of resolving this conflict.What is Justice?340-225-MS (3-0-3) 2 creditsWe consider "justice" to be centralto the successful functioning of ademocratic society, but what do weactually mean by this term? Thiscourse explores different theoriesof justice, past and present, andexamines how they relate in a concreteway to the interaction between theindividual and the social/politicalcommunity. Issues discussed includethe origin of justice, social contracttheory, the purpose or function ofjustice, and the question of punishinginjustice.Topics in Philosophy340-929-MS (3-0-3) 2 creditsPlato’s Republic is a classic ofphilosophic literature. One of thereasons for this is that Plato discussesvirtually every aspect of human lifeand experience in this dialogue, andexamines the connections betweenthem. Through a close reading of theRepublic students in this course getthe opportunity to explore theseissues together, and to select one (ormore) of them to explore at greaterdepth through a term paper (or aseries of discussion questions).Political Science (385)Political Science analyzes the strugglefor power and authority withinsociety. Probably the most valuableattribute of political science is itscapacity to make people aware of thepotential of, and obstacles to, theirown participation in the politicalprocess. With this awareness, citizensmay have some influence on the manyways in which politics affects theirdaily lives.Introduction to InternationalRelations385-950-MS (3-0-3) 2 credits(Introductory Course)This course is designed to providestudents with a basic introduction toPolitical Science through the study ofInternational Politics. The studentwill be introduced to various conceptsand approaches in order to understandparticular issues and events and placethem within a broader context. Thecourse will focus upon two majorapproaches used in the study ofInternational Politics. The first is the“realist approach” that emphasizespower and self-interest as basicconcepts in the interactions betweenstates. The second is the “liberalapproach” that focuses attention uponinternational cooperation, morality,and certain institutions such as theUnited Nations.Three levels of analysis are alsointegral to the course. First, the“international system” deals with theinteractions among states. Second,the “individual level of analysis”investigates the values andperceptions of state leaders. Finally,“domestic sources of foreign policy”provide an internal context fordecision making focusing on suchcomponents as the mass media,interest groups, political parties, etc.Using the two approaches outlinedabove and the three levels of analysis,specific international issues will beexplored.Understanding Power385-941-MS (3-0-3) 2 creditsThis course examines politicalideologies and principles on whichpower and political systems arebased. Different forms ofgovernments and regimes, fromdemocracies to dictatorships, areintroduced, but primary emphasiswill be placed on Canada’s liberaldemocracy. Students learn to use thetools of political science to study thenature of political participation andconflict, particularly in Canada. Inaddition, the major issues andproblems currently facing Canadaand different nation states aroundthe world are analyzed. Finally,concepts are applied to four mootcourt simulations.Third World Politics385-946-MS (3-0-3) 2 creditsThis course introduces students to themajor issues and concerns ofcontemporary politics in the ThirdWorld or global south. The coursebegins by discussing the differentdefinitions and theories ofdevelopment, in addition to theidentification and definitions of theglobal south. It then looks at thevarious actors (local, regional andinternational) who have an impact onthe politics of internationaldevelopment and examines thechallenges and opportunities facingthe global south today. As well, thecourse focuses on the politics of Latin72