UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA

DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL STUDIES

TERM: 2017 - 2018
COURSE #: POLS 1500 SECTION: A01 CRN: 11717/51674 CREDIT HOURS: 6

COURSE TITLE: Introduction to Political Studies

PROFESSOR/INSTRUCTOR: Tami Jacoby FORMAT: Lecture and Tutorial
OFFICE LOCATION: 521 Fletcher Argue LOCATION OF CLASS: Tier 206
TELEPHONE: 204-474 7108 TIME OF CLASS: T, Th, 10-11:15 AM
EMAIL ADDRESS: OFFICE HOURS: By appointment
tami.jacoby@umanitoba.ca

COURSE CONTENT AND DESCRIPTION:

This course is intended to introduce students to the fascinating world of politics, with
emphasis on the principal concepts, debates and topics that drive our world. Our focus
will continuously shift among the local, national and global levels. Students will develop
a critical understanding of power and its use, alongside stronger distinctions between
pivotal and transient events. The study of politics describes how events unfold and are
interpreted by different political constituencies. It also serves to situate students within
their broader political frameworks, help strengthen their arguments about the political
world and their place within collective identity structures. As such, it offers an
introduction to many of the major areas of political studies offered in our department
such as political theory, government, and international relations. POLS 1500 is a
foundation course for anyone seeking a major or minor in political studies, as well as
those interested in pursuing an honours programme, or graduate work. Because it is a
comprehensive course, it is also a good choice for those who plan to take only one or
two courses in political studies.

REQUIRED TEXT(S):

1.Brodie, Janine & Sandra Rein. Critical Concepts: an intro to politics, 5th ed., 2014
2.Charlton, Mark and Paul Barker. 2015. (Eds.). Crosscurrents. Toronto: Nelson Ed.
3.Additional course readings are posted on the POLS 1500 website on UM Learn.