Overview

You are passionate about engaging with the complex and contested issues that societies and governments face, and you understand the important role politics plays in creating and resolving them. In this discipline, you will gain insight into the political process and how political systems work. You will take part in debates, discussions, and team-oriented academic activities and have the opportunity to strengthen your skills outside the classroom by participating in MacEwan University’s award-winning Model United Nations club. The program will sharpen your critical thinking, research, and communication skills to prepare you for careers in law, diplomacy, public policy, non-governmental sector management, journalism, and more. At the end of the program, you will have the knowledge and skill sets to think critically, but not cynically, about how competing interests are reconciled and collective decisions are made in Canada and around the world.

Contact Information

Department of Anthropology, Economics, and Political Science
Room 7-368, City Centre Campus
10700 - 104 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2
T: 780-633-3890

Arts and Science Academic Advising
Room 6-211, City Centre Campus
T: 780-497-4505
E: artsandscience@macewan.ca

The Bachelor of Arts

Faculty of Arts and Science
MacEwan.ca/BA

MacEwan University’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) provides a liberal arts education that allows students to explore a variety of academic disciplines and acquire a broad knowledge base that will prepare them for employment or future post-secondary studies. The degree provides students with breadth, depth, and diversity in the humanities, sciences, social sciences, analytical studies, and fine arts, as well as courses focused on language and literature. BA students study subjects in major and/or minor disciplines and must be familiar with the academic and Faculty regulations and procedures published herein.

General Program Information

The BA program requires students to complete 120 credits of non-duplicative coursework. The degree emphasizes breadth and depth and has been designed for exceptional flexibility and customization. Students can complete a major and a minor, a double major, or a major and two minors. Students can choose a secondary major in an Arts or Science discipline, but the primary major must be in an Arts discipline.

All newly admitted students enter the BA program as “Undeclared.”  Undeclared means a student has not yet chosen their major(s) and minor(s). Students may declare any time after being accepted to the BA, and typically, they declare after completing a minimum of 45 credits. The declaration period for noncompetitive majors and minors is between September 1 and February 15 and between September 1 and January 15 for competitive majors and minors. The Arts and Science Academic Advising Office will send information about majors and minors via email and newsletters; please contact the Advising Office if you require further assistance with this decision.

Arts Disciplines

BA/BS Disciplines

Discipline	Major	Minor	Honours
Anthropology	⦿	⦿	⦿
Classics	-	⦿	-
Creative Writing	-	⦿	-
Economics	⦿	⦿	⦿
English	⦿	⦿	⦿
Film Minor for Arts and Science		⦿
French	-	⦿	-
Gender Studies	-	⦿	-
History	⦿	⦿	-
Philosophy	⦿	⦿	-
Political Science	⦿	⦿	⦿
Psychology	⦿	⦿	⦿
Sociology	⦿	⦿	⦿
Spanish	-	⦿	-

Science Disciplines 

BA Arts/Science Disciplines

Discipline	Major	Minor
Applied Statistics	⦿
Biological Sciences	⦿	⦿
Chemistry	⦿	⦿
Computer Science	⦿	⦿
Earth and Planetary Sciences		⦿
Mathematics	⦿	⦿
Physics		⦿
Planetary Physics		⦿
Statistics		⦿

Out of Faculty Minors

BA/BS Arts/Science Disciplines

Discipline	Minor
Accounting Minor for Arts and Science	⦿
Arts and Cultural Management	⦿
Business Law	⦿
Business Studies	⦿
Digital Experience Design	⦿
Finance Minor for Arts and Science	⦿
Human Resources Minor for Arts and Science	⦿
Marketing Minor for Arts and Science	⦿

Pre-Qualifying Minor Requirements for MacEwan Diploma Graduates Entering the Bachelor of Arts

Students who graduated with a MacEwan University diploma can enter the Bachelor of Arts, assess their course work based on the Cross-Faculty Course Recognition List (refer to the Bachelor of Arts Requirement tab), and use their diploma in place of a minor requirement. This process reduces the number of credits required for the degree from 120 to 102, depending on the courses completed. If accepted, these students will be required to complete only a major as the minor will be waived. To qualify for this process, students must have started their diploma no earlier than Fall 2004. At this time, the Travel and Office Administration diplomas are excluded from this offer. If you have questions or concerns about courses on the Cross-Faculty Course Recognition List, please contact artsandscience@macewan.ca.

Preparing for Professional Studies

Students intending to enter professional programs at other universities, such as law and education, can take their pre-professional studies in the Faculty of Arts and Science at MacEwan University. For example, a selection of courses facilitates the transition to an after-degree education program or, if the student prefers, transfer to a Bachelor of Education program after completing as many as 60 credits of coursework. Students are advised to consult the admissions requirements for the universities and programs of their choice and to select their MacEwan University courses accordingly. Completing pre-professional courses at MacEwan University does not guarantee admission to the subsequent professional program. Each professional program requires a separate application, and entry is competitive, not automatic.

Cross-Faculty Course Recognitions 

Cross-Faculty course recognition represents an agreement between programs within MacEwan University and consists of a number of approved courses that have the potential to be recognized within another degree. These courses are not considered transfers or equivalents as the original course will show within a student's transcript and their Academic Planning and Progress Report (APPR). How the courses listed below might be used within a student’s degree are determined by the student’s program of study. They are dependent on a number of factors including year of declaration, year of completion, and individual program requirements.

Cross-Faculty Course Recognition

Out-of-Faculty Course	Course Recognition	Course Used For
ACUP 117	ARTOP 1XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
ACUP 209	SCIOP 2XX	Options; fulfills Science Breadth
ACUP 220, ACUP 303, and ACUP 304 (must complete all three)	COSL 200 (6 credits)	Options
ACUP 320	SCIOP 3XX	Options; fulfills Science Breadth
AGAD 300	COSL 300	Options
AGAD 435	WINL 300	Options
ARTE 104	ARTOP 1XX	Options
ARTE 214	ARTOP 2XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
ARTE 224	ARTOP 2XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
ARTE 234	ARTOP 2XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
ARTE 304	ARTOP 3XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
ARTE 314	ARTOP 3XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
ARTE 324	ARTOP 3XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
CORR 102	SOCI 1XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CORR 104	SOCI 1XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CORR 110	SOCI 225	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CORR 120	SOCI 2XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CORR 202	ARTOP 2XX	Options
CORR 208	ARTOP 2XX	Options
CORR 214	COSL 200	Options
CORR 218	SOCI 321	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CORR 224	COSL 200	Options
CYCW 100	PSYC 2XX	Options or Psychology program requirements; fulfills Social Science or Science Breadth
CYCW 108 and CYCW 112	SOCI 1XX	Options; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CYCW 114	ARTOP 1XX	Options
CYCW 201	PSYC 2XX	Options or Psychology program requirements; fulfills Social Science or Science Breadth
CYCW 204	COSL 200	Options
CYCW 205	SOCI 2XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CYCW 208	COSL 200	Options
CYCW 211	PSYC 2XX	Options or Psychology program requirements; fulfills Social Science or Science Breadth
CYCW 302	ARTOP 3XX	Options
CYCW 303	ARTOP 3XX	Options
CYCW 339	ARTOP 3XX	Options
CYCW 340	SOCI 3XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CYCW 350	SOCI 2XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CYCW 360	SOCI 3XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
CYCW 361	SOCI 2XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
DESN 270	ARTOP 2XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
DESN 271	ARTOP2XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
ECCS 110	PSYC 1XX	Options or Psychology program requirements; fulfills Social Science or Science Breadth
ECCS 115	ARTOP 1XX	Options
ECCS 160	PSYC 2XX	Options or Psychology program requirements; fulfills Social Science or Science Breadth
ECCS 180	SOCI 2XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
ECCS 220	COSL 200	Options
ECCS 255	ARTOP 2XX	Options
ECCS 260	SOCI 2XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
ECCS 270	COSL 200	Options
ECDV 160	ARTOP 1XX	Options
ECDV 220	COSL 200	Options
ECDV 255	ARTOP 2XX	Options
ECDV 260	SOCI 2XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
ECDV 270	COSL 270	Options
ECDV 280	PSYC 2XX	Options or Psychology program requirements; fulfills Social Science or Science Breadth
FNCE 301	ECON 3XX	Options or Economics program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breath
HAPR 101	SCIOP 1XX	Options; fulfills Science Breadth
HAPR 104	ARTOP 1XX	Options
HAPR 114	WINL 200	Options
HAPR 201	ARTOP 2XX	Options
HAPR 212	WINL 200	Options
HEED 110	ARTOP 1XX	Options
HEED 120	SCIOP 1XX	Options; fulfills Science Breadth
HLSC 104	SCIOP 1XX	Options; fulfills Science Breadth
HLSC 105	SCIOP 1XX	Options; fulfills Science Breadth
HLSC 120	BIOL 1XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements; fulfills Science Breadth
HLSC 124	BIOL 1XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements; fulfills Science Breadth
HLSC 126	BIOL 1XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements; fulfills Science Breadth
HLSC 128	BIOL 2XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements; fulfills Science Breadth
HLST 150	SCIOP 1XX	Options; fulfills Science Breadth
HLST 210	ARTOP 2XX	Options
HLST 290	SCIOP 1XX	Options; fulfills Science Breadth
INFM 101	ARTOP 1XX	Options
INFM 202	ARTOP 2XX	Options
INFM 208	ARTOP 2XX	Options
INFM 209	ARTOP 2XX	Options
INFM 210	ARTOP 2XX	Options
INFM 260	COSL 200	Options
INTA 210	ARTOP 2XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
INTA 362	ARTOP 3XX	Options
MTST 120	BIOL 1XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements; fulfills Science Breadth
MTST 122	BIOL 1XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements; fulfills Science Breadth
MTST 125	BIOL 1XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements; fulfills Science Breadth
MTST 126	BIOL 1XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements; fulfills Science Breadth
MTST 151, MTST 162, MTST 260, MTST 261, and MTST 262	COSL 200	Options
MUSC 104	ARTOP 1XX	Options; fulfills Analytical Studies Breadth
MUSC 123	ARTOP 1XX	Options; fulfills Social Science Breadth
MUSC 124	ARTOP 1XX	Options; fulfills Social Science Breadth
PEDS 100	BIOL 1XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements; fulfills Science Breadth
PEDS 101	BIOL 1XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements; fulfills Science Breadth
PEDS 103	BIOL 2XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements; fulfills Science Breadth
PEDS 109	SCIOP 1XX	Options; fulfills Science Breadth
PEDS 200	BIOL 2XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements; fulfills Science Breadth
PEDS 203	SCIOP 2XX	Options; fulfills Science Breadth
PEDS 206	BIOL 2XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements; fulfills Science Breadth
PEDS 207	BIOL 2XX	Options or Biological Sciences program requirements; fulfills Science Breadth
PEDS 209	ARTOP 2XX	Options; fulfills Analytical Studies Breadth
PEDS 240	SCIOP 1XX	Options; fulfills Science Breadth
PERL 104	ARTOP 1XX	Options
PERL 204	ARTOP 2XX	Options
PERL 207	ARTOP 2XX	Options
PSSC 102	ARTOP 1XX	Options
PSSC 112	ARTOP 1XX	Options
PSSC 121	SOCI 1XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
PSSC 203	ARTOP 2XX	Options
PSSC 204	ARTOP 2XX	Options
PSSC 212	ARTOP 2XX	Options
PSSC 252	ARTOP 2XX	Options
PSSC 253	ARTOP 2XX	Options
PSSC 272	COSL 200	Options
PSSC 273	COSL 200	Options
SOWK 101	ARTOP 1XX	Options, fulfills Humanities Breadth
SOWK 111	ARTOP 1XX	Options
SOWK 112	ARTOP 1XX	Options
SOWK 203	ARTOP 2XX	Options
SOWK 204	SOCI 2XX	Options or Sociology program requirements; fulfills Social Science Breadth
TAST 101	ARTOP 1XX	Options
TAST 129 and TAST 130	COSL 200	Options
THAR 240	ARTOP 2XX	Options; fulfills Analytical Studies Breadth
THAS 101	ARTOP 1XX	Options
THAS 102	SCIOP 1XX	Options; fulfills Science Breadth
THAS 115	ARTOP 1XX	Options
THAS 203	COSL 200	Options
THAS 210	COSL 200	Options
THAS 211	COSL 200	Options
THAS 215	COSL 200	Options
THAS 222	ARTOP 2XX	Options
THPR 205	ARTOP 2XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
THPR 206	ARTOP 2XX	Options; fulfills Humanities Breadth
THPR 214	ARTOP 2XX	Options; fulfills Analytical Studies Breadth
THPR 224	COSL 200	Options

Political Science Requirements

Political Science Major

Political Science Honours

Political Science Minor

Political Science Major

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science program requires students to complete 120 credits of non-duplicative coursework. In addition to the Political Science Major, students will complete one of the following:

• one minor,
• two minors, or
• a secondary Arts major

Students are required to complete option courses as well as the major(s) and minor(s). All BA degrees require Breadth Requirements. Courses can satisfy both the breadth requirements and requirements for the major(s), minor(s), or options.

The Political Science Major is 42 to 60 non-duplicative political science credits with a minimum of 36 credits at the senior-level. Students must complete a minimum of 18 POLS credits at the 300-level or 400-level with a minimum of six POLS credits at the 400-level, including POLS 490.

POLS 221 and POLS 261 cannot be used to fulfill the senior-level POLS requirement.

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science Major

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Specific Major Requirements
POLS 101	Introduction to Politics	3
POLS 200	Comparative Political Systems	3
POLS 214	History of Political Thought I	3
POLS 215	History of Political Thought II	3
POLS 224	Canadian National Government I	3
POLS 225	Canadian National Government II	3
POLS 244	Introduction to Policy Studies	3
POLS 264	Introduction to Global Politics	3
POLS 389	Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods	3
or POLS 399	Empirical Research Methods in Political Science
POLS 490	Advanced Study in Political Science	3
General Major Requirements
Choose 12 to 30 credits from junior-or senior-level POLS with a minimum of 15 POLS credits at the 300-level or 400-level including a minimum of three credits at the 400-level.		12-30
Secondary Major or Minor(s)
Students have the option of completing a second Arts major, or one or two minors. Minor courses must be completed at the senior-level.		18-60
Options
Students can complete up to 15 credits in out-of-faculty options, with no more than 3 credits in physical activity (PACT) courses.		0-60
Total Credits		120

Political Science Honours

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) Political Science Honours degree program requires students to complete 120 credits of non-duplicative coursework. The Political Science Honours program is comprised of 36 credits designated as Specific Honours Requirements (including a 3-credit thesis course), 27 Honours Options, and 54 Options courses taken from outside POLS. 

For consideration of admittance/acceptance into Political Science Honours, students must present the following:

1. Completion of a minimum of 45 university-level credits applicable to the program of study, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
2. 24 of the 45 credits must have been completed in the last 12 months
3. A minimum of six POLS credits completed at the senior-level
4. A minimum GPA of 3.3 across all senior-level POLS courses

Students accepted and enrolled in the Political Science Honours program must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. As well, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.3 across all senior-level POLS courses for each 12 consecutive months following acceptance into the Honours program. Failure to do so will result in the student's program status reverting to a BA Political Science Major.

Students have the option of completing a minor within the requirements of the Political Science Honours program. Minors are comprised of 18 senior-level credits that are counted with the Options. All BA degrees, including Honours, require Breadth Requirements. Courses can satisfy both the breadth requirements and requirements for Honours, minor(s), or options.

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science Honours

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Specific Honours Requirements		36
POLS 101	Introduction to Politics	3
POLS 200	Comparative Political Systems	3
POLS 214	History of Political Thought I	3
POLS 215	History of Political Thought II	3
POLS 224	Canadian National Government I	3
POLS 225	Canadian National Government II	3
POLS 244	Introduction to Policy Studies	3
POLS 264	Introduction to Global Politics	3
POLS 399	Empirical Research Methods in Political Science	3
POLS 490	Advanced Study in Political Science	3
POLS 499A	Honours Thesis I	3
POLS 499B	Honours Thesis II	3
General Honours Requirements
Choose 27 credits from senior-level POLS courses with a minimum of 12 credits at the 300- or 400-level and a minimum of 3 credits at the 400-level.		27
Options (may include a minor (18 credits))
Students can complete up to 15 credits in out-of-faculty options, with no more than 3 credits in physical activity (PACT) courses.		57
Total Credits		120

Political Science Minor

The Political Science Minor requires 18 senior-level POLS credits. A minimum of nine credits at the 200-level and a minimum of nine credits at the 300- or 400-level. POLS 221 and POLS 261 cannot be used to meet the minor requirements. Junior-level POLS 101 is not part of the Political Science Minor but may be a prerequisite for required minor courses. Note that 300- or 400-level courses in POLS often require multiple 200-level prerequisites.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Minor Requirements
Choose 9 credits from 200-level POLS, and 9 credits from 300- or 400-level POLS.		18
Total Credits		18

Degree Regulations

Students are strongly encouraged to seek advice from the academic advisors about academic planning for completing degree requirements at MacEwan University.

Academic Residency - Credit Requirements

In addition to the academic residency requirements of the University, upon admission to the Bachelor of Arts (BA), students also must complete at MacEwan University:

• A minimum of 24 credits at the senior-level in the major discipline, with 12 of those senior credits completed at the 300- or 400-level. All 400-level requirements are to be completed at MacEwan University.
• If applicable, a minimum of nine credits at the senior-level in a minor, with at least three of those credits at the 300- or 400- level.

Students with a previous MacEwan University credential are required to complete a minimum of 45 credits upon admission to the BA.

Students who hold a baccalaureate degree from another post-secondary institution must complete a minimum of 60 additional MacEwan University credits applicable to the BA. Forty-five of these credits must be completed while the students is enrolled in the BA. This credit requirement applies to students who began their studies at MacEwan University and completed a credential at another institution.

Students who interrupt their program and who must apply for readmission to the program will be required to comply with any new regulations upon resumption of their studies.

Breadth Requirements

Courses taken to fulfil major, minor, or option requirements can also be used to satisfy breadth requirements.

Declaration of a Major and a Minor

Students are advised to declare a primary major and a minor, or a primary major and secondary major, or a primary major and two minors by the time they have completed 45 credits. Primary majors are selected from Arts disciplines and consist of 42 to 60 junior- and senior-level credits; secondary majors can be from an Arts or a Science discipline. Students cannot declare a multi-disciplinary science major (Mathematical or Physical Science majors). Except for those students in an Honours program, a maximum of 60 credits may be completed from any one discipline for credit towards the degree. A major and minor cannot be in the same discipline and students may not declare more than one out-of-faculty minor. Students can re-declare their major(s) and/or minor(s) if required.

For students completing multiple majors or minors, the Faculty cannot guarantee a schedule of classes that will permit the student to complete their degree in eight consecutive fall and winter semesters. Furthermore, depending on the configuration of the student's degree, meeting the requirements for the degree may require the completion of more than 120 credits for graduation. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with an academic advisor in the Faculty of Arts and Science Advising Office and a discipline advisor in their major and minor disciplines prior to declaration.

Restricted Enrolment Courses

The Faculty of Arts and Science strives to accommodate all students wishing to enrol in a given course when it is appropriate to their own program: however, classes in some courses must, for academic reasons, be restricted in size. If such a course is found to be oversubscribed, priority in registration will be given to those students whose programs may require it (e.g., majors, Honours, and/or minors) and then to other students as space permits.

Graduation Grade Point Average

As part of the Graduation Grade Point Average regulation above, Bachelor of Arts students must obtain an overall GGPA of 2.0 or higher, with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on all courses credited toward the major(s) and a minimum GPA of 2.0 on all courses credited toward the minor(s).

Graduation Requirements

Graduation requirements are governed by the date on which students declare their major(s) and minor(s). Students who declare their major(s) and minor(s) on or before the published deadline are bound by the requirements of the current academic year. Those students who declare after the published deadline are bound by the programs of study and degree requirements of the upcoming academic year as published in the MacEwan University Academic Calendar.

Junior- and Senior-Level Courses

Courses numbered from 100 to 199 are considered junior-level and courses numbered from 200 to 499 are considered senior-level.

Major or Minor 300- and 400-Level Requirements

The 300- and 400-level requirements in the major or minor cannot consist solely of project, field placement, and/or individual study courses.

Maximum Independent Courses

The maximum number of credits for independent work (project, field placement, and/or individual study courses), excluding the Honours Thesis, is 15 credits. Specific disciplines may have further restrictions.

Maximum Junior-Level Courses

A maximum of 48 credits at the 100-level are permitted in completion of the BA degree. Additional courses at the 100-level will be declared extra to the 120 credits required to complete the BA degree and will not be counted toward fulfilment of graduation requirements.

Minimum Arts Courses

Students are required to complete successfully a minimum of 72 credits from Arts courses.

Minimum Passing Grade

A minimum grade of D or credit (CR) is required for all Arts degree courses unless otherwise noted next to the appropriate course in the program of study. 

Minimum Transfer Grade for Credit

A minimum grade of D is required on any transfer credit granted for the program. Unless otherwise stated, Arts and Science courses require a minimum grade of C- when the course is used as a prerequisite. Transfer credit decisions made by the university are final and cannot be appealed.

Out-of-Faculty Options Requirements

Students may take a maximum of 18 credits from courses offered by a MacEwan University Faculty or School other than Arts and Science. Students completing an out-of-Faculty minor or laddering students who have met the minor requirements with a MacEwan University diploma must complete their degree requirements from courses offered within the Faculty of Arts and Science or from the list of Cross-Faculty Course Recognitions in the Academic Calendar. Courses deemed as Cross-Faculty Course Recognitions are used to fulfill in-Faculty courses within the BA and do not count as out-of-Faculty options. Fine arts courses taken to fulfil breadth requirements count as in-Faculty credit.

Progression of Studies

Students are responsible for ensuring they meet the prerequisite and/or co-requisite requirements as noted on all courses that may fulfil Bachelor of Arts or Arts Honours program requirements.

Honours Regulations

Overall Requirements

The Honours program of study consists of 63 to 84 credits as determined by the discipline. Students in the Honours program may choose to complete a minor outside of the Honours discipline. Some disciplines may require a minor.

Acceptance to Honours

For consideration of admittance/acceptance into Honours, students must present a minimum of 45 university-level credits applicable to the program of study, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. They must complete 24 of the 45 credits in the last 12 months; however, exceptions to this rule may occur with the approval of the Honours discipline advisor. Individual departments may have additional requirements noted in their program of study.

Course Load

Students accepted into an Honours program must complete 24-credits in each twelve consecutive months they are in the program. Exceptions to this rule may occur with the approval of the Honours discipline advisor.

Grade Point Average Requirement

Students accepted and enrolled in the Arts Honours program must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 across all courses in the degree. As well, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.3 across a set of courses designated by each discipline for each twelve consecutive months following acceptance into the Honours program. Failure to do so will result in the student’s program status reverting to a BA with a major in the previous honours discipline.

Graduation Grade Point Average

In order to graduate, students must obtain an overall GGPA of 3.0 or higher, with a minimum GPA of 3.3 across a set of courses designated by each discipline.

Program Learning Outcomes

Faculty of Arts and Science Degree-Level Learning Outcomes

Thinking about knowledge is at the core of University education and learning within the Faculty of Arts and Science. Students develop capacities to “think-through” - to practice wonder, reflection, and engage in thoughtful inquiry and dialogue. Thinking-through involves questioning beyond the confines of one's immediate personal, social, and disciplinary surroundings. First, knowledge is acquired and understood. Learning moves beyond acquiring information and data to a formally disciplined manner of thinking about knowledge. Next, knowledge is interrogated by asking and answering questions, distinguishing between opinion and knowledge, and developing tools to assess reasons and evidence. Finally, knowledge is synthesized as students develop coherent arguments, and link ideas together beyond what is immediately apparent. Learning is a lifelong creative process of discovery and action that happens beyond the classroom and the degree. Our graduates interact with and contribute to their community by integrating and applying the research and communication skills and ways of knowing developed through their education. Learning outcomes capture the observable knowledge, skills, and abilities graduates acquire that are the foundation of learning.

Graduates will demonstrate their ability to “think-through” by:

1. Analysing puzzles, problems, concepts, and theories.
2. Conceptualizing questions based on disciplinary knowledge.
3. Evaluating knowledge within and across disciplines in ways that acknowledge historical, cultural, and social contexts.

Graduates will demonstrate research and scholarship skills by:

4. Applying appropriate research skills and ethical principles.
5. Interpreting results appreciating the value and limits of conclusions.
6. Recognizing how research involves an ongoing process of reflection, dialogue, and reassessment.

Graduates will demonstrate diverse skills for communication by:

7. Conveying complex ideas coherently in a variety of formats.
8. Appraising information in ways that consider context and audience.
9. Interpreting the ideas and arguments of others in ways that reflect their knowledge, judgement, and comprehension.

Graduates will demonstrate durable skills necessary for learning beyond their degree by:

10. Collaborating with diverse groups.
11. Examining different perspectives and challenging biases and preconceptions.
12. Exploring the continuous impact and limitations of disciplinary knowledge and expertise.

Political Science Major Program Learning Outcomes

Political science students are trained to approach their understanding of the world with reflexivity and openness. Political Science in particular emphasizes the use of analytical concepts, theories, and models to make sense of complicated real-world issues – whether these issues are found in Canada or around the world. The tools used by Political Scientists help order facts and information about the world in a comprehensible and methodologically rigorous way.

Political Science itself is not monolithic and comprises a number of interrelated subfields, each focusing on a different subsection of the political world. Students who complete the degree will obtain a broad understanding of the discipline of Political Science and its related subfields, including: Political Philosophy, Canadian Politics, Comparative Politics, and International Relations.

The foundational knowledge that is required to make sense of complex, real-world issues begins in the lower-level 100 and 200 level courses. In these early year courses, students are taught the analytical and theoretical tools needed to apply general knowledge to case and issue specific areas (300 and 400 level courses). Akin to learning a common language, graduates learn the ‘theoretical language’ that enables them to engage in meaningful discussions about the nature of politics across the discipline and various stakeholders in the political world – ranging from government, non-government, and other third parties.

PLO 1 – General and Specific Knowledge
The basis of a degree in Political Science is found in the cultivation of knowledge and understanding. Thus, a degree in political science begins with the assumption that it is insufficient to simply ‘know’ facts – one must know what to do with these facts first and foremost. As Martin Hollis notes, “without adequacy on the level of meaning, our generalisations remain mere statements of statistical probability, either not intelligible at all or only imperfectly intelligible” (Hollis, 183, 2002). Understanding is based on a foundation of knowledge as well as an appreciation for both how information is generated and how it can, and should, be contextualized. Not merely an academic exercise, uncovering the normative underpinnings of the every day yields insights into the hidden processes and legacies of policies that comprise one’s daily life. Graduates learn to identify these, often, hidden processes that help make up every day and to question things that are, at times, taken for granted.

The political science degree equips students with both a general understanding of how the world works, but also an in-depth understanding of a limited number of real-world issues and cases. Thus, while the political science degree builds general knowledge, it also encourages specialization as well, particularly through the Honours programme. Above all, students in political science learn that they are connected to a much larger world in ways that they would otherwise not be aware.

PLO 2 – Reflexivity
A key aspect of the cultivation of knowledge is not simply the learning of theories, concepts and models, but rather the cultivation of reflexivity. To this end, by expanding the scope of their knowledge and awareness of issues, students also develop an awareness of the limits of their knowledge. Broadly speaking this involves the development of tools to critically self-assess and self-evaluate one’s own knowledge. By extension, students learn to develop new and novel ways to expand their understanding of real-world issues not only by learning which questions need to be asked but how to ask questions in the first place. In learning how to ask questions, a degree in political science cultivates curiosity and appreciation of the complexity of the “every day.” Thus, the political science degree is not just about expanding their knowledge but also cultivating an appreciation for the political world, by learning what the limits of their knowledge are and how to push those limits.

In so doing, students cultivate a curiosity that continuously aims to challenge their own worldview and understanding. The Political Science degree encourages the development of these skills not just in the subject matter taught, but in the collaborative environment in which learning takes place.

PLO 3 – Tools to Address Real World Problems
It is not sufficient to simply pose questions, one must be able to answer them as well. As such, the Political Science degree emphasizes methodological diversity. Students learn to conduct empirical research, utilizing both positivist and non-positivist approaches, in order to both explain and understand political events. Through specialized methods training, graduates learn how to approach questions from different angles and learn that there may be multiple solutions to a single problem – depending on the angle that they take. This holistic, and academically rigorous, approach to understanding is vitally important not just for making sense of political events, but for offering novel solutions as well. 

PLO 4 – Communication and Engagement
Like most degrees, Political Science emphasizes both written and oral communication skills. Political Science graduates are frequently communicating directly with policy-makers and stakeholders in the political world. The Political Science degree, therefore, trains students to be able to articulate their understanding to a wide range of audiences. In doing so, students come to recognize that people interact, understand, and relate to the world differently depending upon their own backgrounds and experiences. Students learn how to communicate their understanding of the world in a way that is appreciable to people from diverse backgrounds who are not interpreting events from the same frames of reference. In a sense, political science graduates gain the ability to express, engage, and question opinions and arguments while being able to understand the merits of competing and explanations. 

Student Plan

• The student plan provides a suggested course sequence with the minimum number of credits required for the major
• The suggested course sequence depends on course availability, the student's schedule, and the student's choice of minor(s) or secondary major
• It is highly recommended that students complete their Breadth Requirements by the end of year 2

Year 1	Credits
POLS 101	3
ENGL 102	3
Breadth Requirements	24
	30
Year 2	Credits
POLS 200	3
POLS 214	3
POLS 215	3
POLS 224	3
POLS 225	3
POLS 244	3
POLS 264	3
Breadth, Option, Minor(s), or Primary or Secondary Major Requirements	9
	30
Year 3	Credits
Choose 3 credits (1 course) from the following:	3
POLS 389
POLS 399
Choose 6 credits (2 courses) from 300- or 400-level POLS	6
Options, Minor(s), or Primary or Secondary Major Requirements	21
	30
Year 4	Credits
POLS 490	3
Choose 3 credits (1 course) from 400-level POLS	3
Choose 3 credits (1 course) from 300- or 400-level POLS	3
Options, Minor(s), or Primary or Secondary Major Requirements	21
	30
Total Credits 120

Following is a list of expected course offerings for fall 2023 and winter 2024. In addition to the specific courses listed below, Political Science typically offers additional 300- or 400-level courses across a range of subfields each year. Specific topics will vary depending on instructor availability and current events (see full POLS course listings for examples of additional courses offered), but students can be assured that required courses will be available.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Fall 2023
POLS 101	Introduction to Politics
POLS 200	Comparative Political Systems
POLS 214	History of Political Thought I
POLS 224	Canadian National Government I
POLS 244	Introduction to Policy Studies
POLS 264	Introduction to Global Politics
POLS 309	Ancient Political Philosophy
POLS 321	Introduction to Public Administration
POLS 349	Topics in Global Politics
POLS 399	Empirical Research Methods in Political Science
POLS 461	Selected Topics in International Politics
POLS 471	Comparative Development
POLS 490	Advanced Study in Political Science

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Winter 2024
POLS 101	Introduction to Politics
POLS 200	Comparative Political Systems
POLS 215	History of Political Thought II
POLS 225	Canadian National Government II
POLS 264	Introduction to Global Politics
POLS 304	Topics in European Politics
POLS 307	Continental Political Thought
POLS 329	Canadian Federalism
POLS 344	Fundamentals of Policy Analysis
POLS 368	International Organization
POLS 444	Topics in Policy Studies
POLS 461	Selected Topics in International Politics
POLS 490	Advanced Study in Political Science

Admission Requirements

Applicants may be admitted to one of the following:

Regular Admission 

To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar

Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 65 percent, with no course grade lower than 50 percent, in the following high school courses:

1. ELA 30-1
2. Four subjects from Group A, B, C, or D

Notes:

• Applicants are strongly encouraged to present a broad range of subjects in order to benefit from the breadth of learning and to increase flexibility of future program and course choices.
• A maximum of two Group B subjects may be presented; they must be from different disciplines.
• A maximum of one Group D subject may be presented. Group D subjects used for admission must be 5-credit or any credit combination of at least 5 credits (e.g., two 3-credit subjects).
• Mathematics 30-1 or 30-2 is required for a major in Economics.
• Mathematics 30-1 or 31 is required for Economics Honours.
• Mathematics 30-1 or 30-2 is required for a major in Psychology.

Applicants with nine to 23 university-level credits must also present a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with 24 or more university-level credits will be considered under Previous Post-Secondary Work.

Mature Admission

To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar

Applicants must be Canadian Applicants, 20 years of age or older, and have been out of full-time high school at least one year by the beginning of the intake term. Applicants must have the following:

• ELA 30-1 with a minimum grade of 65 percent (or equivalent)

OR

• Three credits of university-level English, including ENGL 111 from MacEwan University, with a minimum grade of C.

Applicants with nine to 23 university-level credits must also present a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with 24 or more university-level credits will be considered under Previous Post-Secondary Work.

Previous Post-Secondary Work

To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar

Admission in this category does not imply or guarantee the transfer of any coursework and/or credential unless a block transfer agreement (internal or external) is in effect and published in the calendar by the Office of the University Registrar. In addition, transfer of coursework does not imply or guarantee that an applicant will be admitted.

Applicants must have successfully completed the following from a recognized institution:

• A minimum of 24 university-level credits with a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Additional Admission Criteria

All applicants must meet the following:

1. English Language Proficiency

To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar

Applicable to all admission categories

All applicants must meet an acceptable level of English language proficiency. We will require official documents such as high school or post-secondary transcripts or proof of successful completion of standardized language evaluation. Full details are available in MacEwan University’s academic calendar or online at MacEwan.ca/ELP.

2. Other Admission Criteria

To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar

Applicable to all admission categories

Applicants who have been assigned two unsatisfactory academic records within the past five years will not be considered for admission or re-admission to the program until a minimum three years from the date of the assignment of the last unsatisfactory academic record. For the purpose of admission or re-admission, an unsatisfactory record is defined as a transcript with the notation ‘required to withdraw’ or equivalent.

Political Science Courses