Courses & Curriculum
Politics and Governance as a discipline draws on the theories, methods and practices of a broad range of social sciences. Consequently, the program builds on a one-year Arts platform that is shared with other Humanities and Social Science programs, with specialized study in Politics and Governance in the subsequent years. Like all programs at Ryerson, the Politics and Governance program has a (PDF file) tripartite curriculum structure.
Since the launch of the Politics and Governance program in 2005, its structure has been amended twice. Students’ individual graduation requirements are established by the curriculum in effect at the time of admission, unless a “Requirement Term Change Form” (available in the Department) has been completed and submitted.
A (excel file) checklist (opens in new window) of the CURRENT 4-year Politics and Governance curriculum is provided here. Students who were admitted to the program before Fall 2011 should contact the Department for guidance. The checklist is in MS-Excel format so it can be completed electronically and saved for future reference and additions.
The explanation that follows pertains to the current curriculum.
Download this pdf for a (PDF file) graphic depiction and explanation (opens in new window) of the curriculum structure. It also displays the professional electives by sub-field (Canadian, Comparative, Global, Policy, Theory).
For details of the program structure and for course descriptions, always consult the current Ryerson Calendar (opens in new window) .
Core Competencies
Required core competencies courses introduce you to critical and analytical thinking (SSH 105), and academic writing and research skills (SSH 205). In addition, two core competencies courses are available as electives in the “Social Science” group (see “Social Sciences” below): Inquiry and Problem-Solving (SSH 100) and Learning and Development Strategies (SSH 102).
Politics and Governance
In order to begin the specialised study of Politics and Governance in second year, you must complete successfully POG 100 (People, Power, and Politics) or POG 110 (Power and Influence in Canadian Politics). Ideally, both should be completed in first year.
Humanities
From Table 1 (opens in new window) , choose two to four courses from the humanities disciplines listed in the table. To ensure breadth, no more than two courses may be taken from any subject area.
Social Sciences
In addition to the two required Politics and Governance courses, choose from Table 1 (opens in new window) two to four courses from the Social Science disciplines listed in the table. Two core competencies courses are also available for selection in this group (see “Core Competencies” above). To ensure breadth, no more than two courses may be taken from any subject area.
Professionally-Related
One or two professionally-related elective courses from outside the Faculty of Arts will enable you to acquire foundation skills and knowledge that relate to secondary areas of interest or a Minor. Select these courses from Table III (opens in new window) .
Core Competencies
Further core competencies courses introduce you to basic qualitative research methodologies (SSH 301) and basic skills in quantitative research methodologies and statistics in the social sciences (POG 230). It is very important to gain a grasp of both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies before undertaking advanced program courses, so do not delay taking these courses!! By the end of second year, these requirements should be satisfied.
Politics and Governance
There is an expectation that graduates of Ryerson's Politics and Governance program will have been at least exposed to all of the main sub-fields of the discipline. Therefore, you will complete the introductory courses in each sub-field: Canadian (POG 210), Comparative (POG 240), Global (POG 225), Policy (POG 214), and Theory (POG 235). These courses are the prerequisites for more advanced courses in each sub-field.
Professionally-Related
Acquire foundation skills and knowledge that relate to secondary areas of interest or a Minor through the selection of one professionally-related elective course, from any of the three Professionally-Related Tables:
- Table I = Intro Humanities and Social Science courses
- Table III = Intro courses from disciplines outside the Faculty of Arts
- Table IV = advanced courses from all disciplines
Liberal Studies
Two lower-level liberal studies courses are required. Select from Table A. Be sure to consult the restrictions to determine which courses are eligible for credit in this category. The restrictions appear in the calendar at the end of Table A.
In the final two years, you’ll develop a sharper focus on Politics and Governance, beginning with two required courses, one examining social identity and citizenship (POG 320), and one providing an introduction to the Voluntary and Nonprofit sector (INP 900). You will then proceed to a menu of courses representing the five sub-fields: Canadian, Comparative, Global, Policy, and Theory. A total of ten professional electives must be selected from Table II, at least five of which must be at the 400-level. Completion of these courses will expand your understanding and help you develop advanced research skills.
Note1: With advance written approval of the Department, Public Administration (PPA) courses may be substituted for Table II Professional courses at the appropriate level.
Note2: up to two Upper Level Politics Liberal Studies courses (POL) may be taken as Table II Professional electives. These are listed in the the table, but note that these may only satisfy credit at the 300-level.
Professionally-Related
Select four professionally-related courses from a wide range of areas such as Accounting, Business Communication, Criminal Justice, Economics, English, Environmental Urban Sustainability, History, Human Resources Management, Law, Management of Information Systems and Telecommunications, Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Management, Occupational Health and Safety, Philosophy, Psychology, and Sociology (Table III (opens in new window) and Table IV (opens in new window) ).
Courses selected from the professionally-related category may be used to satisfy the requirements of a Minor.
Liberal Studies
FOUR upper-level liberal studies courses are required. Select from Table B. Be sure to consult the restrictions to determine which courses are eligible for credit in this category. The restrictions appear in the calendar at the end of Table B.
Field Experience
Experience with employers and potential employers is a highly-valued part of all of the programs offered by the Department of Politics and Public Administration. For further information, see Co-ops, Field Placements, and Internships on this website.