Political Science
Program Description
Politics is about the interaction of power and justice, from the local to the global level. Political Science studies the ideas and processes that structure power to produce just or unjust outcomes. Political Scientists thus study a wide range of topics including Canadian elections and political parties, the politics of health care, global climate change, gender relations, international institutions, war and peace, and the good regime, to name just a few. A basic understanding of Political Science is required for many disciplines in University because the question of how power is distributed is central to any social institution. By studying and analyzing politics, students increase their understanding of culture, history, intellectual thought, and their own lives. The students’ writing and speaking skills improve as this happens, thereby benefitting their progress in all other discipline and program areas as well.
Admission Requirements
Program Outcomes
Graduates from University Political Science courses will be able to
- use their Political Science credit courses to fulfill program requirements at Keyano or other post-secondary institutions
- analyze, interpret, express, and evaluate information and ideas at the University level
- incorporate and cite sources according to standard academic practice
- exercise critical thinking skills and develop their own ideas
- apply their skills in graduate studies, professional programs, or positions in government, social services, journalism, human relations, and many other fields.
Program Structure
The following program description lists suggested Year 1 patterns only. For Year 2 course patterns, consult with a Student Advisor.
University of Alberta | |||
Course | Course Title | Credits | |
6 credits of Junior English | 6 | ||
Introduction to Government and Politics | 3 | ||
Beginners’ French I | 3 | ||
Beginners’ French II | 3 | ||
15 credits chosen from Arts Core courses/option (consult the Credit Calendar) | |||
Credit will not be granted for a 100-level language course if a 30 level course in high school was completed in the same language. | |||
University of Calgary | |||
Course | Course Title | Credits | |
6 credits of Junior English | 6 | ||
Introduction to Government and Politics | 3 | ||
6 credits Senior Political Science | 6 | ||
15 credits Core courses/options (consult the Credit Calendar) | |||
University of Lethbridge | |||
Course | Course Title | Credits | |
6 credits of Junior English | 6 | ||
Introduction to Government and Politics | 3 | ||
Canadian National Government and Politics | 6 | ||
15 credits General Liberal Education requirements/options (consult the Credit Calendar) | |||
Other Courses available in selected terms, such as:
Course | Course Title | Credits |
History of Political Thought | 6 | |
Issues and Trends in World Politics I | 3 | |
Classic Works of Political Thought | 3 | |
Issues and Trends in World Politics II | 3 |
Student Testimonials
My Political Science experience at Keyano was one of the highlights of my university career. Dr. Westergaard knows his subject extremely well, teaches passionately and the lessons and critical thinking skills that I learned from him are of the most valuable I possess.
-Christiaan Conradie
I took Political Science with Dennis Westergaard in the Winter of 2010. I have to admit, I probably would have never taken it if it weren’t a requirement for my Nursing program, but I am so glad I did. It was actually a really interesting and fun class to be in. I was never that into politics or government, but it became my favourite class of the semester. Dennis makes it a class worth attending. He puts a lot of effort in his teaching and he cares about the subject and his students which really makes a difference when trying to learn the material. Overall, whether you’re actually interested in the subject, need it for a specific program you’re going into, or just need the extra credits- I’d recommend it! It’s not as scary as it seems haha. Take down the notes in class and you’re good to go. Dennis gives you all the information you need, and is an easy person to talk to and ask for help.
-Lyndsey Riske (Nursing Student)
Dr. Westergaard’s courses pushed my mind and writing ability to an unknown limit. He was always available to provide clarity on course content or assist with paper writing. I learned to think outside the box and discover meaning in writing that used to put me to sleep. If I could have stayed at Keyano for my full degree then I surely would have. The academic scholarships, free tuition for athletes mixed with the great education made it easy to enjoy my time there. I owe where I am today and where I am going to Dennis and Keyano. The friends I made there are for life!
-Daniel Mosher
During my time in Mr. Westergaard’s political science and philosophy courses, I’ve been a party to some pretty wild discussions. Attending them was a rewarding experience, in that he offered what I think is a unique way of picking apart the works being studied in his classes. I mean that in the sense that he doesn’t really take a word for granted; where some might glaze over the text to make sure you got “the point”, he tends to find significance in what seem like minor details at first. This can lead to a slow pace, but often the trade-off is deeper understanding and lively conversation. On that note, I appreciated the frankness in the classroom, which added a bit of humor and unpredictability. Things can also get a bit heady or controversial sometimes, but D.W. will approach such subjects in an unflinching, yet relaxed way that isn’t off-putting. The atmosphere in the class is such that people feel comfortable enough to pitch in, whether or not they “agree” with the topic at hand. I may have gained more in-depth knowledge of the material in these classes than I anticipated, but more importantly, I picked up a different way to think about this sort of stuff.
-Sean O’Keefe
My name is Justine Wonsiak. In the fall semester of last year I took Dennis Westergaard’s Political Science 100 course. This course was chosen for me as required by the Nursing program. I am now going into my second year of nursing studies.
Through my experience at Keyano I have gotten the opportunity to have some very great instructors – and Dennis is one of them. I find it rare for passion about subject to be incorporated with knowledge of the subject and in Pol100 this was exactly the case. All too often its only knowledge the instructor contains. Dennis taught the course in a way that had me intrigued every time. He taught the topics in speech form – there were one or two questions (topics to be addressed) at the beginning of each class – he would go through to answer them, explore them and hear our feedback – (often leading into heavy debates among students which I loved). When Dennis would go on to explain a situational topic of the day – I could tell that it was important to him, I could see that the speech he was giving was prepared written but rarely did he read off the paper. There was absolutely no monotony; monotone way of speaking. There was depth in his voice, ranged tones and occasionally a red face. I felt consistently intrigued about the topic being discussed because of his passion for what we were addressing.
Through my experience at Keyano I have gotten the opportunity to have some very great instructors – and Dennis is one of them. I find it rare for passion about subject to be incorporated with knowledge of the subject and in Pol100 this was exactly the case. All too often its only knowledge the instructor contains. Dennis taught the course in a way that had me intrigued every time. He taught the topics in speech form – there were one or two questions (topics to be addressed) at the beginning of each class – he would go through to answer them, explore them and hear our feedback – (often leading into heavy debates among students which I loved). When Dennis would go on to explain a situational topic of the day – I could tell that it was important to him, I could see that the speech he was giving was prepared written but rarely did he read off the paper. There was absolutely no monotony; monotone way of speaking. There was depth in his voice, ranged tones and occasionally a red face. I felt consistently intrigued about the topic being discussed because of his passion for what we were addressing.
This course would not have been my first choice for an elective; I feared it to be boring and dry. And yes it can be! But Dennis had a way to turn it around and make it the exact opposite. I am glad and fortunate it was required in my program.
---“If political science of anything – it’s a science of value…”
Meaning: People are passionate about what they care about; and if they don’t care about it they aren’t going to bother thinking about it. I very much enjoyed, thought about and explored the value questions presented in this course.
---“If political science of anything – it’s a science of value…”
Meaning: People are passionate about what they care about; and if they don’t care about it they aren’t going to bother thinking about it. I very much enjoyed, thought about and explored the value questions presented in this course.
-Justine Wonsiak
Transferability
Students intending to transfer to other institutions should consult the receiving institution as standards may vary.
Transfer information on each course is available at the Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfers.