How do people live together in societies, and how should people live together? Political Science is the study of the institutions, organizations and norms that determine public lives. In Political Science there are discussions on basic concepts - such as “power”, “government” or “democracy” - in order to understand the world and humanity’s place in it. Once these concepts have been explored, there will be a study of the connections between them in order to better explain political outcomes, such as: why people vote for one political party as opposed to another, why governments and public policies differ in different countries, or why armed conflicts happen in some cases but not in other cases. Memorial University of Newfoundland's Department of Political Science has research strengths in public policy; international politics; and elections, campaigns and voting, particularly in Canada.

The following undergraduate programs are available in the Department of Political Science:

1. Major in Law and Public Policy

2. Minor in Law and Public Policy

3. Joint Major in Law and Public Policy

4. Honours in Political Science

5. Major in Political Science

6. Honours and Major in Political Science (Co-operative)

7. Minor in Political Science

8. Joint Major in Political Science

The Department also offers two Political Science concentrations: a concentration in Canadian Government and a concentration in Global Studies. These concentrations are applicable to all programs in Political Science other than the Minor.

Political Science course descriptions are found at the end of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences section under Course Descriptions, Political Science and are designated by POSC.

The Bachelor of Arts requires the successful completion of a minimum of 120 credit hours. A student must meet the requirements for a departmental Major, Minor, or Honours program and also meet the Program Regulations – General and Honours Degrees for the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. A student is therefore advised to consult with the Admission to the Bachelor of Arts General Degree Programs regulations, the Program Regulations - General and Honours Degrees which also includes the Bachelor of Arts General Degree Components, The Major Program, and The Minor Program regulations. Information regarding honours programs is available at Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree Regulations as well as under each department’s regulations.

A student is strongly encouraged to consult with an academic advisor to discuss available programs and requirements in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences including the Core Requirements, The Major Program, The Minor Program, and the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree Regulations. A student is advised to declare a program of study, including a Major and a Minor, before completing the first 45 credit hours of study. Information about declaring a Major and Minor in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences is available at www.mun.ca/hss/programs/undergraduate/ideclare.php. Information regarding advisors for the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences is available at www.mun.ca/hss/about/contact/liaisons.php.

1. An Honours degree provides students with additional research and writing skills, may be required for admission to a graduate program, and may be useful preparation for law and other professional fields. Students considering the Honours program are encouraged to apply before their fourth semester and to begin considering a potential Honours research topic before their seventh semester. Admission to the program is in accordance with University Regulations (Undergraduate) and the Regulations for the Honours Degree of Bachelor of Arts.

2. In addition to meeting the general requirements for the degree, and Graduation Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts (Honours), students for a B.A.(Hons.) in Political Science must complete at least 60 credit hours in courses offered by the Department (at least 36 of these credit hours must be at the 3000 level or above), including:

   1. 18 credit hours in POSC 1000, 2100, 2800, 3010, 4010, 4011;

   2. a minimum of 6 credit hours in Political Science courses numbered x2xx and/or x3xx;

   3. a minimum of 3 credit hours in Political Science courses numbered x6xx and/or x8xx (in addition to POSC 2800);

   4. 27 credit hours at the 3000 or 4000 level (in addition to POSC 3010), including a minimum of 9 credit hours at the 4000 level (in addition to POSC 4010 and 4011); and

   5. a further 6 credit hours in Political Science at any level.

3. Students for an Honours degree are required to select courses as specified under Honours in Political Science. A possible course pattern is presented in Course Pattern for an Honours in Political Science.

4. Prior to enrolling in POSC 4010, all Honours students should review the Guidelines Governing Honours Essays available from the Head of the Department, and are required to follow these guidelines while enrolled in POSC 4010 and 4011.

5. Students electing Joint Honours are required to follow regulations outlined in The Joint Honours Program, and to complete at least 51 credit hours in Political Science, including 42 credit hours chosen in accordance with the pattern set out in the degree regulations for a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Political Science. An additional 9 credit hours can be selected from POSC courses. At least 27 of these 42 credit hours must be at the 3000 level or above.  If the student chooses to complete the Honours Essay (POSC 4010 and 4011) in Political Science, it must be passed with a grade of 70% or better.

1. In addition to meeting the general requirements for the degree, students completing a Major in Political Science must complete 39 credit hours in courses offered by the Department, including:

   1. 12 credit hours in POSC 1000, 2100, 2800, 3010;

   2. a minimum of 6 credit hours in Political Science courses numbered x2xx and/or x3xx;

   3. a minimum of 3 credit hours in Political Science courses numbered x6xx and/or x8xx (in addition to POSC 2800);

   4. 15 credit hours at the 3000 or 4000 level (in addition to POSC 3010), including a minimum of 6 credit hours at the 4000 level; and

   5. a further 3 credit hours in Political Science at any level.

2. Students for a Major degree are required to select courses as specified under Major in Political Science. A possible course pattern is presented in Suggested Course Pattern for a Major in Political Science.

While meeting the requirements for a program in Political Science, other than a Minor in Political Science, students may optionally select courses in one of two formal concentrations which, if completed, will be noted on the student’s transcript.

The concentration in Canadian Government is applicable to all programs in Political Science other than the Minor in Political Science. As part of their course selection, students opting for a Canadian Government concentration will complete a minimum of 24 credit hours in POSC courses emphasizing public policy (second digit is “6") and/or Canadian politics (second digit is “8"). These POSC x6xx and/or x8xx credit hours must include 2600 and 2800, and at least 6 credit hours at the 4000 level. Students are generally advised to follow the possible course pattern presented in Course Pattern for Optional Political Science (POSC) Concentration. For Honours students, credit hours in POSC 4010 and/or POSC 4011 may be deemed eligible towards the concentration; such students must submit their request in writing to the Head of the Department who will communicate a recommendation to the Faculty's Undergraduate Waivers and Appeals Committee.

The concentration in Global Studies is applicable to all programs in Political Science other than the Minor in Political Science. As part of their course selection, students opting for a Global Studies concentration will complete a minimum of 24 credit hours in POSC courses emphasizing international politics (second digit is “2”) and/or comparative politics (second digit is “3”). These POSC x2xx and/or x3xx credit hours must include 2200 and 2300, and at least 6 credit hours at the 4000-level. Students are generally advised to follow the possible course pattern presented in Course Pattern for Optional Political Science (POSC) Concentration. For Honours students, credit hours in POSC 4010 and/or POSC 4011 may be deemed eligible towards the concentration; such students must submit their request in writing to the Head of the Department who will communicate a recommendation to the Faculty's Undergraduate Waivers and Appeals Committee.

www.mun.ca/coop

The Political Science Co-operative Education Program (PSCE) is available to full-time Political Science Honours and Majors students only.

The PSCE provides an opportunity for students to obtain public policy and other relevant full-time employment experience in fields related to Political Science. Students will apply their academic knowledge to practical situations as they develop their research, analysis and writing skills, as well as their career interests. A commitment to ethical and professional conduct is expected of all students.

Students who are accepted into the PSCE must complete the normal requirements for their degree, as well as three full-time work terms. In addition to following the PSCE regulations, students must satisfy the Bachelor of Arts General Degree Regulations, the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree Regulations, and the Department’s requirements for the Honours in Political Science or the Major in Political Science, as applicable. Additional information about the PSCE can be found on the Department of Political Science website at www.mun.ca/posc.

1. Admission to the Political Science Co-operative Education Program is limited and selective.

2. A student should note that it is possible to apply to enter the PSCE only in the Fall semester of each academic year. PSCE application forms, and the application deadline are available at the Department of Political Science website.

3. The primary criterion used in reaching decisions on applications is overall academic achievement. Applicants may be asked to attend an interview.

4. To be eligible for consideration of admission to PSCE, an applicant must have completed a minimum of 42 credit hours, including POSC 1000 and 2800, by the end of that semester; have an overall average of at least 65%, and a minimum average of 70% in Political Science courses. Applicants transferring from another institution must normally have completed at least one semester at Memorial University of Newfoundland before applying to the program.

1. In addition to the requirements below students must fulfill all requirements for either a Honours or Major in Political Science.

2. Students’ status in the program is assessed at the end of each semester. To be eligible to continue, students must maintain full-time student status (9 or more credits in a semester) and maintain a cumulative average of at least 65% and an average of at least 70% in Political Science courses. A student who fails a required course, fails to maintain the required cumulative average, or does not maintain full-time status will not be promoted to the next semester and will be required to withdraw from the program.

3. Students must successfully complete three work terms, at least one of which must occur during a Fall or Winter semester. No more than two of the three work terms may be completed consecutively.

4. Work terms normally begin after the student has completed four academic terms. The third work term must be completed before the final academic term.

5. Students who successfully complete all three work terms will be awarded 3 credit hours for completion of POSC 460W. These credit hours may be used as an elective as per Degree Regulations - General and Honours Degrees, Electives of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Course patterns may vary. Students are encouraged to meet with the undergraduate Director early in their program in order to establish a course pattern that meets the requirements as set out in these regulations.

The PSCE is coordinated by the Academic Staff Members in Co-operative Education in consultation with a designated Department faculty member.

1. A student is ultimately responsible for securing work term placements. ASMs-CE provide support for the job search and inform students of potential opportunities.

2. A student who applies for admission to the PSCE gives permission to the University to provide a copy of the student's resume and university transcript to potential employers.

3. A student who is enrolled in a Co-operative Education program may independently obtain a work term placement, in consultation with the ASMs-CE. Such employment positions must satisfy the criteria for work terms, be confirmed in writing by the employer, and be approved by the ASM-CE before the first day of the work term according to the Co-operative Education website.

4. Co-operative students are required to complete professional development seminars offered by the ASMs-CE.

5. Work terms are normally 12-16 weeks in duration, full-time and paid. Remuneration for work placements is determined by employers based on their internal wage structures. The start and end dates for each work term are shown on he Co-operative Education website.

1. In Work Terms I, II, and III, a student must register for POSC 260W, 360W or 460W, respectively.

2. The Work Term evaluations shall consist of two components:

   1. On-the-job Student Performance: this will be assessed by the ASM-CE using information gathered during the Work Term and input from the employer towards the end of the Work Term. Evaluation of the job performance will result in one of the following classifications: PASS WITH DISTINCTION, PASS, FAIL.

   2. Work Term Assignment(s): One or more work term assignment(s) as outlined in the course syllabus. Evaluation of the Work Term assignment(s) will result in one of the following classifications: PASS WITH DISTINCTION, PASS, FAIL.

3. Evaluation of the on-the-job performance and work term assignments are recorded separately on the student’s transcript for each work term.

4. Overall evaluation of the work term will result in one of the following final grades being awarded for POSC 260W, 360W or 460W as applicable:

   1. Pass with Distinction: Indicates that the student received a grade of PASS WITH DISTINCTION on both the on-the-job performance and the work term assignments.

   2. Pass: Indicates that the student received a grade of PASS on both the on- the-job performance and the work term assignments or a grade of PASS on one component and a grade of PASS WITH DISTINCTION on the other component.

   3. Fail: Indicates a grade of FAIL in one or both of the evaluation components.

5. To be eligible for promotion from the work term and continuation in the PSCE a student must not be awarded a Fail. Students should also refer to the University Regulations (Undergraduate), General Academic Regulations (Undergraduate).

6. A student will not be eligible to continue in the program if the student withdraws from a Work Term subsequent to a job placement without acceptable cause and/or without prior approval from both the ASM-CE and the Head of the Department; fails to honour an agreement to work with an employer; and/or conducts themselves in such a manner as to cause their discharge from the job.

1. Students for a Minor in Political Science must complete at least 24 credit hours in courses offered by the Department, including:

   1. POSC 1000;

   2. a minimum of 6 credit hours at the 2000-level, which must include POSC 2800; and

   3. a minimum of 12 credit hours at the 3000-level or above, which must include at least 3 credit hours at the 4000-level.

2. Students for a Minor are required to select courses as specified under Minor in Political Science. A possible course pattern is presented in Course Pattern for a Minor in Political Science.

As an alternative to a minor, a student may choose to complete a major in Political Science and a major in another eligible program in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. The Joint Major Program requires 3 fewer credit hours in each participating major as prescribed in each program’s Calendar entry. For the joint major in Political Science, the requirement for a further 3 credit hours in Political Science at any level shall not apply.

In addition to completing the normal requirements for a Bachelor of Arts and one of a Joint Honours, Honours, Major or Minor in Political Science, students may elect to complete requirements for the International Bachelor of Arts (iBA). As part of the minimum 120 credit hours, a student may use eligible credit hours in Political Science to jointly satisfy other requirements of the iBA degree. When selecting courses, a student is encouraged to consult with an academic advisor early in the program, to consider Possible Course Sequencing for the International Bachelor of Arts (iBA) (First 60 Credit Hours), and to consider Political Science courses listed in International Studies (IS) Designated Courses. Up to 12 credit hours in Political Science IS courses may be used towards the International Studies (IS) Courses Requirement.

The Major and Minor in Law and Public Policy are administered by the Department of Political Science.

The study of law and public policy aims to provide students with an understanding of the legal underpinnings of public policy as it applies to state and non-state actors, across a wide range of domestic and international challenges. This includes attention to how public policy is generated and resisted. Courses in these programs are anchored in the Department of Political Science, and blend the development of key policy analysis skills—such as legal reasoning, governance, public administration, statistics, and data gathering—with coursework on topical policy issues or problems, such as leadership and organizing. The degree is intended to impart broad cross-disciplinary fundamentals as distinct from a specialized “pre-law” program or a Diploma in Public Policy.

Law and Public Policy course descriptions are found at the end of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences section under Course Descriptions, Political Science, Law and Public Policy, and are designated by LWPP. Political Science courses that are cross listed as LWPP, including all those numbered x6xx, have calendar entries that emphasize the study of law and/or the study of public policy. The eligibility of other courses offered in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences that are deemed to focus on law and/or public policy through the study of governance frameworks, rights, security, political economy or topical policy case studies are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Students wishing to declare a Major or a Minor in Law and Public Policy shall consult with the program's designated academic advisor to discuss the requirements of the program. Information about declaring a program of study in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences is available at www.mun.ca/hss/programs/undergraduate/ideclare.php. Information regarding advisors for the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences is available at www.mun.ca/hss/about/contact/liaisons.php.

1. Students who major in Law and Public Policy shall complete all the requirements of the Bachelor of Arts program.

2. Students are required to complete 36 credit hours in the following:

1. 3 credit hours in Political Science 1000;

2. 3 credit hours in Law and Public Policy 2600;

3. 3 credit hours in Political Science 3010 or Sociology 3040;

4. 9 additional credit hours in Law and Public Policy courses, including a minimum of 3 credit hours at the 4000 level; and

5. a further 18 credit hours in Law and Public Policy and/or Political Science courses, including a minimum of 3 additional credit hours at the 4000 level. The 18 credit hours may include Anthropology 3062, 4030, Economics 1010, 1020, Gender Studies 3500, Linguistics 2220, Philosophy 2370, or Religious Studies 2850.

3. A student is not eligible to complete any combination of a Major or Minor in Political Science and a Major or Minor in Law and Public Policy.

4. Students for the Major are required to select courses as specified under Major in Law and Public Policy. A possible course pattern is presented in Suggested Course Pattern for a Major in Law and Public Policy.

1. Students who minor in Law and Public Policy shall complete all the requirements of the Bachelor of Arts program.

2. Students are required to complete 24 credit hours in the following:

1. 3 credit hours in Political Science 1000;

2. 3 credit hours in Law and Public Policy 2600;

3. 6 additional credit hours in Law and Public Policy courses, including a minimum of 3 credit hours at the 4000 level; and

4. a further 12 credit hours in Law and Public Policy and/or Political Science courses, which may include Anthropology 3062, 4030, Economics 1010, 1020, Gender Studies 3500, Linguistics 2220, Philosophy 2370, or Religious Studies 2850.

3. A student is not eligible to complete any combination of a Major or Minor in Political Science and a Major or Minor in Law and Public Policy.

4. Students for the Minor are required to select courses as specified under Minor in Law and Public Policy. A possible course pattern is presented in Suggested Course Pattern for a Minor in Law and Public Policy.

As an alternative to a minor, a student may choose to complete a major in Law and Public Policy and a major in another eligible program in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, excluding Political Science. The Joint Major Program requires 3 fewer credit hours in each participating major as prescribed in each program’s Calendar entry. For the joint major in Law and Society, the requirement for a further 18 credit hours in Law and Public Policy and/or Political Science courses shall be reduced to a further 15 credit hours.

In accordance with University Regulations (Undergraduate), Year of Degree and Departmental Regulations - Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and Faculty of Science, students for the former Major or Minor in Law and Society will normally follow regulations in effect in the academic year in which the student first successfully completes a course in that subject at the 2000-level or above which may be applied to the major or minor program respectively. These students may alternatively choose to follow the Law and Public Policy major or minor. Students are encouraged to consult the program's designated academic advisor for assistance with course selection.

The former Law and Society courses completed prior to September 2023 may be substituted as equivalent Law and Public Policy credit hours. Subsequent completion of Law and Society 1000 is ineligible towards the Major in Law and Public Policy.

The Department of Political Science administers the Diploma in Public Policy. A student completing a Major or Minor in Law and Public Policy and a Diploma in Public Policy, or a Major or Minor in Political Science and a Diploma in Public Policy, is required to complete a minimum of 12 credit hours in the Diploma program that are not applied to the requirements of the Major or Minor. Such credit hours may be jointly applied to Electives in the Bachelor of Arts General Degree Components. For further information about this program, see Diploma Programs Offered in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, or contact the Program Director.