Programs in Political Science
If you are really interested in studying the political world, you should consider majoring in PoliSci - perhaps as a joint major with Economics, French & History, Latin American Studies, or Women's Studies. A cohort program (taught in French), with a major in Political Science and extended minor in French is being offered. A certificate in Arican studies is also available. Click here to find out information about the wide variety of programs you can follow when studying Political Science.
The Honors program allows you to further specialize in Political Science and undertake a significant research project.
You might also consider Political Science as a Minor to complement another subject in which you are majoring.
In order to delcare your minor, students must complete the lower division requirements. For delcaring your major, students must at least complete POL 100/101W, POL 201 and POL 210. Please contact Lynn Kool (polda@sfu.ca), our Student Advsior for details.
There are two other exciting programs you can include in your Political Science degree. The first is Co-op Education, in which you can take several semesters during your degree in paid work placements to enrich your practical experience and enhance your employment opportunities after graduation. The other is the International Student Exchange program, through which your can study for up to a year at a university in one of about 30 countries - and count it towards your SFU degree!
You can also take advantage of SFU's Distance Education offerings, which allow you to take many courses at your own pace during the term.
The Political Science Department currently offers nine courses through Distance Education:
- POL 101W Introduction to Government and Politics
- POL 151 Introduction to the Administration of Justice
- POL 221 Introduction to Canadian Government
- POL 222 Introduction to Canadian Poltiics
- POL 232 Introduction to American Politics
- POL 241 Introduction to International Politics
- POL 324 The Canadian Constitution (to be offered)
- POL 327 Globalization & the Canadian State
- POL 343 Global political Economy
You can read more about the various Political Science major and minor programs and individual course descriptions in the official calendar. In the SFU Calendar you will also find information about the university's general degree requirements. Please note that all official policies of the university apply. Students should take particular note of the following:
- Academic Honesty & Student Conduct
- Code of Academic Integrity and Good Conduct
- Final Examinations
- Grading Practices and Grade Appeals
- Harassment Policy
| Grading Scale | |||
| A+ | = 93 - 100% | C+ | = 67 - 69% |
| A | = 86 - 92% | C | = 64 - 66% |
| A -- | = 80 - 85% | C -- | = 60 - 63% |
| B+ | = 77 - 79% | D | = 50 - 59% |
| B | = 74 - 76% | F | < 50% |
| B -- | = 70 - 73% | ||
Course Substitutions
Students may wish to complement their Political Science Major programme with a course from another SFU Department. No more than 8 of the required 32 POL upper division credit hours may be from such course substitution. To receive such credit a course outline must be presented to the Student Advisor for approval
Co-op Education
The Arts and Scocial Sciences Co-op is an international model of enriched education, which integrates a student's academic studies with related work experience. The name reflects the co-operative relationship between the educational institution, the employer, and the student in realizing the program's objective. The program is committed to providing quality opportunities, service and relevance to the needs of both the workplace and the student body. Following SFU's academic trimester system, students are available for full-time, paid work terms year-round, for four or eight months, beginning any term. Information sessions are held on campus, and applications are submitted, at the beginning of each semester. Accepted students then proceed through the job competition process, as administered by the coop-coordinators. Counselling on interview skills, resume development, and possible career paths, helps students prepare for their co-op programs. For further information, please contact:Co-op at AQ 6046 (tel:778-782-5839. The Co-op website address is http://www.sfu.ca/coop.
International Student Exchange
To broaden your horizons during your undergraduate program, why not consider studying in a foreign country? SFU has exchange arrangements with 45 universities in 27 countries around the world. You can take courses for up to two semesters at the other university and count them towards your SFU degree. For more information drop by the International and Exchange Students Services office at MBC 1200, or visit their web site: http://www.sfu.ca/international/IESS/
Updated March 10, 2011