COURSE CURRICULUM

The Political Science program at the University of Victoria is structured to build a strong understanding of politics across Canadian, comparative, international, and theoretical perspectives. In Years 1 and 2, students begin by taking foundational courses such as Canadian Politics or Canadian Institutions of Government, along with a wide selection of introductory courses including political theory, global development, conflict and cooperation, comparative politics, European integration, politics of consumption, and Indigenous politics. This broad approach helps students develop a well-rounded understanding of different political systems and global issues. Students are also encouraged to take a diverse mix of courses covering Canadian, international, comparative, and theoretical areas to build a strong academic base. In Years 3 and 4, the program becomes more specialized and advanced, starting with political thought courses that explore ancient, early modern, or post-Enlightenment ideas. Students then complete focused study in comparative politics, Canadian politics, and international politics, along with a significant number of upper-level Political Science courses. These advanced courses allow deeper exploration of complex political issues and research topics. Electives provide additional flexibility for interdisciplinary learning. Overall, the program equips students with critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills, preparing them for careers in government, law, public policy, international relations, and related fields where understanding political systems is essential.