Politics impacts all aspects of life, and importantly, quality of life. In Political Studies at Trent, you will find yourself debating and exploring ideas around democracy and global politics as you examine power relations and relationships between the state, business, and citizens. It is exciting and enlightening to learn how these relationships influence each of our lives, and more broadly, political, economic, and social change nationally and internationally. Our small class sizes and interactive student-professor relationships build confidence, skills, and knowledge for a variety of careers.
Degree Type
- B.A.
- B.A. (Honours)
The Department of Political Studies offers courses in four areas of investigation: International Law and Policy, Political Theory, Public Policy, and World Politics:
International Law and Policy
The specialization provides a foundation in international legal frameworks, political institutions, and policy processes that shape economic and social systems.
Through an interdisciplinary approach, students will gain deeper insights into the political and policy dynamics that influence influencing human rights and global governance. Students will explore the role of law and human rights institutions in shaping international relations and justice. Experiential learning opportunities, including policy-focused courses and placements, enable students to apply legal and political analysis to pressing international and global challenges, preparing them for careers in law, diplomacy, public policy, and international organizations.
Students who have fulfilled the requirements for a single- or joint-major Honours degree in Human Rights & Global Justice, Political Studies, or Global Development Studies may graduate with a Specialization in International Law and Policy if they have successfully completed the following 4.5 credits:
0.5 HURI credit from HURI 1001H or 1002H
0.5 HURI-GDST credit consisting of HURI-GDST 3121H
1.0 POST credit consisting of POST 2232H and 3605H
2.5 credits from:
GDST-HURI 4220Y, 0.5 credit from category A, 0.5 credit from category B, and 0.5 additional credit from category A or B
OR
POST 4850H, 0.5 credit from category A, 0.5 credit from category B, and 1.0 additional credit from category A or B
CATEGORY A | CATEGORY B |
|
|---|---|---|
GDST-POST 3115H GDST-POST 4260H HURI-CRIM-GDST-SOCI 2005H HURI-GDST 2251H HURI 4001H | POST 2282H POST 3092H POST 3123H POST 3422H POST-GDST 4255H |
Politcal Theory
The Specialization in Political Theory is open to students in the Political Studies program.
Students who have fulfilled the requirements for either the single-major Honours, joint-major Honours, single-major General, or joint-major General degree in Political Studies may graduate with a Specialization in Political Theory if they have successfully completed the following 4.0 credits:
2.0 POST credits consisting of POST 1001H, 1002H, 2351H, and 2352H
2.0 credits from POST 2150H, 3140H, 3180H, 3465H, 3475H, 3571H, 4331H, reading courses (POST 3900Y, 3901H, 3902H, 3903H, 4900Y, 4901H, 4902H, 4903H), research practicum courses (POST 4800Y, 4801H, 4802H), or thesis (POST 4020D) primarily focused on Political Theory
Public Policy
The Specialization in Public Policy is designed for students in Political Studies who are interested in careers in the public service, think tanks, and non-governmental and inter-governmental organizations.
Students who have fulfilled the requirements for a single- or joint-major Honours degree in Political Studies may graduate with a Specialization in Public Policy if they have also successfully completed the following 4.0 credits:
0.5 POST credit consisting of POST 3605H
3.5 POST credits from Group A and Group B, with at least 1.0 credit from Group A
GROUP A | GROUP B |
|
|---|---|---|
4081H 4255H 4555H 4850H _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ | 3200H 3210H 3420H 3431H 3602H 3604H 3621H 3661H 3665H 3672H 3850H 3881H 4240Y 4252H 4260H 4431H 4452H 4610H 4621H 4772H 4872H 4873H |
World Politics
The Specialization in World Politics is open to students in the Political Studies program.
Students who have fulfilled the requirements for the single- or joint-major Honours or General degree in Political Studies may graduate with a Specialization in World Politics if they have successfully completed the following 4.0 credits:
2.0 POST credits consisting of POST 1001H, 1002H, 2231H, and 2232H
2.0 POST credits from:
2282H
3030H
3123H
3161H
3285H
3290H
3420H
3604H
3850H
4240Y
4252H
4255H
4272H
4873H
reading courses (POST 3900Y, 3901H, 3902H, 3903H, 4900Y, 4901H, 4902H, 4903H), research practicum courses (POST 4800Y, 4801H, 4802H), or thesis (POST 4020D) primarily focused on World Politics
The Department of Political Studies also runs a Joint Major in International Political Economy.
Find more about the courses we offer using our Academic Calendar.