Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Honours)

Politics is central to addressing the shared concerns of citizens, and political science highlights the underlying forces that drive and constrain power and government. As a StFX Political Science student, you will study how power is used in politics and public life. This involves the analysis of government structures, historical political trends and the role of ideas and ideologies in politics, both nationally and globally.

The Political Science department at StFX is a dynamic scholarly environment where research and teaching flourish together. It is a place where you can feel comfortable debating current issues in the classroom and beyond in order to broaden your understanding of the political world. You can have close contact with your professors and fellow students in a positive, accessible setting for learning.

At StFX, you can pursue a major, advanced major and honours degree in political science as well as a joint major and honours with subsidiary options. Political science courses at StFX are organized into four sub-fields:

Political Theorydeals with the great political thinkers and ideas from the classics of political thought to contemporary debates about freedom, equality, rights, identity, community, and justice.
Canadian Government and Politicsexamine politics in Canada, how this country's government institutions work, and how the Canadian government is influenced by the pressures and demands from society in a global setting.
Comparative Politicsexplores the evolution and diversity of governments in both developing and developed states. It also analyzes the differences and similarities between government systems in different regions of the world.
International Relations'studies the international state system. This includes relations among states and the nature of institutions and power in the global arena. It also explores the political, military, cultural, economic, and ideological factors affecting the behaviour of states and international organizations in world politics.

See the Academic Calendar for degree regulations. Candidates for the degree with honours in political science require credit for PSCI 100 (101 & 102), 399 and 397, a minimum of 12 credits from the following: 201, 202, 211, 212, 221, 222, 251, 252, and two three-credit seminars, a thesis (490) and 24 other credits in PSCI. Students will normally have at least 24 credits at the 300 level or above, including PSCI 399, 490 and two 3-credit seminars.

English 12 and four other university preparatory courses
Students who complete the International Baccalaureate IB Diplomawith a minimum score of 24 will be considered for admission.
Minimum grade requirement for any subject is 3.
Students can submit predicted or anticipated results for early fall admission and scholarship purposes.
For high school students the minimum admission requirements include an overall average of 70 percent in Grade 12 with no grade below 65 percent in each of the required subjects Admissions to limited enrolment programs is competitive meeting the minimum average does not guarantee admission.
Please note students who are currently in grade 12 applying for early admissionmust have the program requirements in grade 11 and be registered in the program prerequisites in grade 12 to be eligible for an early offer Otherwise offers will be made after receipt of final first term grade 12 transcript.
IELTS - 6.5 overall and no lower than 6.0 in each band.
TOEFL - 90 iBT and no lower than 20 in each band.
CAEL - 70 overall and no lower than 60 in each band.
Pearson Test of English - Academic - 60 overall with no score below 50.