University of Toronto Department of Political Science

Non-Political Science Courses Approved for POL Program Requirements

(2012-2013)

GER 410H1 (S) –  TOPICS IN GERMAN INTELLECTUAL HISTORY

TIME:              Monday 2-4 p.m.

PROFESSOR: John Noyes

THEME: This course taught in English offers an examination of key moments and themes in German intellectual history from the Enlightenment to the present.

NEW451H1 (S): ADVANCE TOPICS IN AFRICAN STUDIES

(Postcolonial African Cities: Livelihoods, Citizenship and Governance)

TIME:                Thursday 2-4 p.m.

PROFESSOR:    Dickson Eyoh

THEME:  Africa is the fastest urbanizing region in the contemporary world. This course examines the key drivers of diverse trajectories of urbanization in the post-colonial era and their impacts on ongoing transformations of African socio-economic structures, cultural and religious identities and political systems.  Contrary to popular representations of postcolonial African cities as “off the map” dystopian spaces, their evolution has historically been determined by their myriad global connections. Particular attention will thus be paid to the ways in which “global connections” contour the livelihood strategies of city dwellers, meanings and claims of urban citizenship, and the challenges of urban policy and management.

PCJ 260Y – INTRODUCTION TO PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES

TIME:              Wednesday and Thursday  12:00 – 2:00 p.m.

PROFESSOR: TBA

THEME: A review of the full range of theories explaining the nature and causes of conflict and possibilities for its resolution; provides students with a set of theoretical tools for effective analysis of interpersonal, civil, and international conflict.

SLA200H1 (S) –  CULTURE AND POLITICS IN EUROPE

TIME:                          Wednesday 2-4 p.m.

COORDINATOR:        Maxim Tarnawsky

THEME:  An interdisciplinary introduction to the main topics and issues in the study of the interaction of cultural expression and political life. Special focus on the historical experience of countries and communities in Central and Eastern Europe. Works of literature, visual arts, drama, music, and film from different national traditions are examined as case studies in the mutually influential relationship between creative artistic activity and political dynamics in modern societies. Taught in English. All readings in English. No preparation necessary.

SLA380H1 F -  LANGUAGE, POLITICS AND IDENTITY

TIME:                          Monday 2-4 p.m.

INSTRUCTOR:            Christina Kramer

THEME:  Examines the multi-faceted nature of languages by comparing issues of language contact and conflict in the Former Soviet Union and in Central and Southeastern Europe. Explores issues such as language standards, language rights, language conflict, and linguistic identity.

TRN 421Y – THE PRACTICE AND INSTITUTIONS OF DIPLOMACY

(formerly JHP 420Y)

TIME:              Wednesday 4-6 p.m.

PROFESSOR: P. Somerville

THEME: Evaluation of the nature of foreign policy negotiation and decision-making from the perspective of the practitioner.

USA 403H1S – TOPICS IN AMERICAN II:

(Thinking Out Loud:  Think Tanks, Interest Groups and the Public Interest)

TIME:              Thursdays 2:00-4:00pm

PROFESSOR: Don Abelson

THEME:  The purpose of this seminar is to explore the extent to which think tanks and interest groups in the United States and in Canada rely on various governmental and non-governmental channels to promote policies they believe will advance the public interest.  For decades, political scientists, historians, and sociologists have paid close attention to how interest groups on both sides of the border have attempted to influence public opinion and public policy.  However, only recently have scholars from various academic disciplines begun to study how and under what conditions think tanks are able to make their presence felt in key policy-making circles.  As think tanks or public policy research and advocacy organizations have proliferated in significant numbers throughout the developed and developing world, important questions regarding their involvement and impact in shaping the public interest have been raised.  In this seminar, students will have an opportunity to study the complex world of think tanks and interest groups in the United States and in Canada and will be able to explore how these organizations have been able to establish strong ties to policy makers, the media, universities, to leaders of industry and commerce and to other key stakeholders. In the process, they will identify how these organizations become involved in different stages of the policy-making process and the many methodological obstacles scholars have to overcome to properly evaluate their impact on specific policies.  Think tanks and interest groups represent but two important types of organizations that compete for power and prestige in the increasingly crowded marketplace of ideas.  However, by the end of this seminar, students will appreciate why, in many instances, these organizations warrant closer consideration.

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