Political Science is a multi-faceted discipline covering many areas of specialization:

  • Canadian Government and Politics
  • Comparative Politics
  • International Relations
  • Political Theory
  • Public Policy and Administration
  • Urban Politics

Linking all these specialties are questions relating to power - "Who gets what, when and how" - in Harold Lasswell's famous phrase.

While students can choose from a wide variety of first and second year Political Science courses at Langara College, they will develop a common set of skills designed to enable them to gain an enriched appreciation of the complexity of political life, while developing an enhanced ability to think critically about the world in which we live. Political Science courses at Langara are also intended to provide a preparation for subsequent courses at the senior undergraduate level which build and reinforce levels of experience gained at this stage.

Outcomes and Objectives:

Upon the successful completion of courses in Political Science, students should be able to:

  • Assess the importance and causes of many problems of governance and their solutions
  • Describe and critically appraise leading academic theories of politics
  • Recognize the principal forces that shape political behaviour in Canada and elsewhere
  • Develop your skills in research, writing, analysis, and presentation

Credits from Political Science courses can be used to fulfil requirements of many of our programs. Students interested in studying Political Science may be interested in completing a credential in:

  • Applied Urban and Rural Planning
  • Canadian Studies
  • Journalism
  • Latin American Studies
  • Peace & Conflict Studies