Bachelor of Arts - International Political Economy

Politics and International Studies provides students with a working knowledge of society and how decisions are made. Governments, politicians, leaders in private industry and ordinary individuals function within a framework of accepted political norms, e.g. notions of justice, freedom, rights and duties. Over time, these received norms are challenged by conventional methods such as voting, political parties, interest group lobbying and protest movements; or the challenge may be by militant or revolutionary means such as radical Marxism, fascist organizations or discrete acts of terrorism. Politics and International Studies systematically examines and presents these phenomena.

A degree in Politics and International Studies may lead to further specialization, e.g. an M.A. in a one year program, or a Ph.D. It is also a preparation for professional studies in law, teaching, journalism and public administration. Graduates have a high success rate in being admitted to Law and Graduate Schools.

Lectures, seminars and individual tutorials are normal methods of instruction and the department stresses personal contact with students as much as possible in order to assist students in choosing a postgraduate career in government, business or the academic field.

These programs are offered jointly by the Departments of Economics & Politics and International Studies. As an area of academic inquiry, International Political Economy examines the relations between modes of production and distribution in the private and public spheres. Note that, in light of the impacts of globalization pressures on the political economies of the state, these programs have a decidedly international focus.