An introduction to public policy: rationales for government intervention, the influence of interest groups and political institutions on policy outcomes, and the various stages in the policy process. Prerequisite: All of POLI 100, POLI 101, POLI 240. Or third-year standing or higher.

Topics may include freedom, colonialism, capitalism, Critical Theory and ideology, power and knowledge, social justice, rationalism, gender and identity politics, and the political. Prerequisite: All of POLI 100, POLI 101, POLI 240. Or third-year standing or higher.

An examination of a major issue in comparative politics (e.g., the media, gender, nationalism, ethnic conflict). Topics will vary from year to year. Prerequisite: All of POLI 100, POLI 101, POLI 240. Or third-year standing or higher.

The distinctive political system of the U.S. Covers all major institutions and processes, focusing on contemporary issues. Comparisons with the Canadian system. Sources of political failure and possible reform. Prerequisite: All of POLI 100, POLI 101, POLI 240. Or third-year standing or higher.

An important topic in Canadian politics and public policies. Possible topics include elections, media, and gender and identity. Topics vary year to year; see www.politics.ubc.ca/courses. Prerequisite: Two of POLI 100, POLI 101, POLI 110, POLI 240. Or third-year standing or higher.