Fall/Winter Timetable

POL2811Y1Y L0101

M.A. Research Seminar II

Themes

In the globalization era, the most profound challenges to human survival – climate change, public health, food security, and resource scarcity, to name a few – are rooted in science and driven by technology. Moreover, underdevelopment and insecurity, far more than religious extremism or political violence, represent fundamental threats to world order. In this context, the capacity to generate, absorb and use science and technology (S&T) could play a crucial role in improving security and development prospects. Addressing the needs of the poor, and bridging the digital divide should similarly become a pre-occupation of diplomacy.

Although poverty reduction contributes to development, and development is the flip side of security, S&T issues are largely alien to, and almost invisible within most international policy institutions. Foreign ministries, development agencies, and indeed most multilateral organizations are without the scientific expertise, technological savvy, cultural pre-disposition or R&D network access required to manage effectively. If this is to change, and in order to examine the remedial possibilities, future opinion leaders and senior officials must be critically aware of both the dynamic inter-relationships among principal actors and the key questions and issues at play.

The seminar will involve selected readings, intensive exchange, the preparation of a research essay and the presentation of policy briefs by participants. Sessions will typically begin with a discussion led by the instructor, drawing upon his professional experience in both research and field applications. A multiplicity of media, as well as guest speakers, will be implicated where possible. Premiums will be placed on interaction, innovation, insight and initiative.

Course Details:
This intensive course is offered jointly with Peace and Conflict Studies and is open to ten (10) 4th-year POL students (pending Departmental approval), and counts as a half credit course. It is comprised of eight (8) three-hour sessions.

Schedule:
Tuesday, January 11, 2011, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 13, 2011, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 20, 2011, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 27, 2011, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 3, 2011, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Eligibility and Enrolment procedures:
POL undergraduate students who are interested in taking this course should submit a copy of their transcript with a request to take the course to Elizabeth Jagdeo (Political Science Undergraduate Office, SSH 3027, no later than 5 p.m., Friday, October 29, 2010. Because of the intensive nature of the course, students are expected to have at least a 3.3 CGPA. Please note priority will be given to POL specialists and Joint Specialists. Students will be notified by the department of the outcome of their application by Monday, November 8, 2010.