Spring Courses 2024

(Spring CRN  / Fall CRN ) A study of the development and role of international organizations in global politics, examining the achievements and limits of institutionalized multilateral cooperation among states. Institutions examined include the UN, NATO, the WTO, the IMF, and the World Bank. Three credits.

(Winter CRN 59240/59241) This course examines the state’s supremacy and its capacity to manage such global issues as transnational flows of goods, services, money, and ideas; the phenomenon of failed states in the post-Cold War period; global environmental issues; weapons proliferation; terrorism and other forms of transnational crime; and the rise of transnational social activist groups. Cross-listed as DEVS 355. Three credits.

(Winter CRN 59280/59281) Countries in the developing world face a distinct set of political challenges, particularly as they relate to fostering economic growth and providing effective public services. This course will explore the political determinants of development as well as the effect of economic conditions on political outcomes. Key issues include the origins of state weakness, the relationship between political institutions and economic growth, the causes of corruption, and the effect of diversity on governance outcomes. Credit will be granted for only one of PSCI 371 or PSCI 370. Cross-listed as DEVS 371. Three credits.

(Spring CRN  or / Winter CRN 59734/59735) An introduction to the study of women and politics, this course has three parts: feminist political thought and the women’s movement; political participation and representation; and public policy. Topics include feminist political thought in the Western political tradition; the evolution and politics of the women’s movement; political parties and legislatures; women and work; women and the welfare state. Cross-listed as WMGS 345. Three credits.

(Spring  CRN  / Fall  CRN ) Topics include research methodology, neuroscience, consciousness, sensation and perception, learning, memory, and cognition. Students have an opportunity to be involved with ongoing research in the department by participating in experiments during the course of the academic term. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 101 or PSYC 100. Three credits.

(Spring CRN  / Fall CRN ) This is a lecture course in which applications of psychology to society will be considered. This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the tools of persuasion (e.g., consistency, reciprocity, liking, social proof, persuasive language, non-verbal cues), how to use these tools in an ethical manner, and apply them to solving everyday life and real-world problems. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 363 or PSYC 375. Three credits.

(Spring CRN  / Fall CRN ) The focus of this course is on how culture influences human behaviour and mind. The evolution of culture is considered as we dissect the debate surrounding claims that culture exists outside of the human species. Contemporary research and theory in human development and socialization, self-identity and cultural constructs of collectivism and individualism, acculturation and multi-culturalism, building relationships with others, conceptions of health and healing, and the impact of culture on the basic psychological processes will be covered. Three credits.

(Spring CRN | Summer CRN ) This course will provide an in-depth, scientifically based understanding of development in adolescence and emerging adulthood. Important changes in physical, cognitive, social/emotional development will be discussed, as well as psychosocial issues experienced by adolescents and young adults (e.g., identity, intimacy, risk behaviors) and the contexts in which these developmental tasks occur, including family, relationships, and culture. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 383 or PSYC 385(2022-2023). Three credits.   

(Spring CRN  / Fall CRN ) A study of cults in the context of 20th-century North American society, beginning with defining cults in relation to sects and churches. Topics include neo-paganism; Hare Krishna; the theosophical tradition; the Unification Church; tragic endings to cults such as the Branch Davidians and Heaven’s Gate; why people join cults; and the religio-cultural significance of cults today.  Three credits.

(Spring CRN  / / Fall CRN //Winter CRN 60163/60136) Students gain an understanding of the diversity of Islam and Muslims in Canada. The course examines how Muslims negotiate their religious identities in Canadian civic society. Students engage critically with different theoretical models shaping conceptions of identity and consider their relevance to public policy debates. The course uses Muslim and non-Muslim authors representing diverse points of view that have an impact on questions of immigration, multiculturalism, and religious pluralism. Cross-listed as SOCI 374. Three credits.