Program Overview

Introduction to the Politics and Governance Program

The Politics and Governance program at Toronto Metropolitan University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the discipline, drawing on theories, methods, and practices from a broad range of social sciences. The program builds on a one-year Arts platform shared with other Humanities and Social Science programs, with specialized study in Politics and Governance in the subsequent years.

Program Structure

The Politics and Governance program has a tripartite curriculum structure. Students' individual graduation requirements are established by the curriculum in effect at the time of admission, unless a "Requirement Term Change Form" has been completed and submitted.

Year 1: Exploration

• Core Competencies: Required core competencies courses introduce students to critical and analytical thinking and academic writing and research skills.
• Politics and Governance: Students must complete successfully POG 100 (People, Power, and Politics) or POG 110 (Power and Influence in Canadian Politics) to begin specialized study in second year.
• Humanities: Students choose two to four courses from the humanities disciplines listed in Table 1, ensuring breadth by not taking more than two courses from any subject area.
• Social Sciences: In addition to the two required Politics and Governance courses, students choose from Table 1 two to four courses from the Social Science disciplines, with no more than two courses from any subject area.
• Professionally-Related: One or two professionally-related elective courses from outside the Faculty of Arts enable students to acquire foundation skills and knowledge related to secondary areas of interest or a Minor.

Year 2: Foundation

• Core Competencies: Further core competencies courses introduce students to basic qualitative research methodologies and basic skills in quantitative research methodologies and statistics in the social sciences.
• Politics and Governance: Students complete introductory courses in each sub-field: Canadian, Comparative, Global, Policy, and Theory, which are prerequisites for more advanced courses.
• Professionally-Related: Students acquire foundation skills and knowledge through the selection of one professionally-related elective course from any of the three Professionally-Related Tables.
• Liberal Studies: Two lower-level liberal studies courses are required, selected from Table A, consulting the restrictions to determine eligible courses.

Years 3 and 4: Specialized Study in Politics & Governance

• Required Courses: Students develop a sharper focus on Politics and Governance, beginning with required courses examining social identity and citizenship and introducing the Voluntary and Nonprofit sector.
• Professional Electives: A total of professional electives must be selected from Table II, with at least one at the 400-level, expanding understanding and developing advanced research skills.
• Professionally-Related: Students select professionally-related courses from a wide range of areas, which may be used to satisfy the requirements of a Minor.
• Liberal Studies: Four upper-level liberal studies courses are required, selected from Table B, consulting the restrictions for eligible courses.
• Field Experience: Experience with employers and potential employers is highly valued, with further information available on Co-ops, Field Placements, and Internships.

Conclusion

The Politics and Governance program at Toronto Metropolitan University offers a comprehensive and structured approach to studying politics and governance, with a focus on developing critical thinking, analytical skills, and advanced research methodologies. The program's tripartite curriculum structure and emphasis on professionally-related electives and liberal studies provide students with a well-rounded education and preparation for careers in politics, governance, and related fields.