While it sometimes takes the form of studying the foreign policy of particular countries, it may also focus on particular aspects of foreign policy among a number of states within a particular framework. Comparative Politics examines the political institutions and societies of particular countries, and makes comparisons between them. Political Theory is concerned with comprehensive theories about politics and society, and with the philosophical and methodological questions that inevitably arise in politics.
Papers focus on the major political thinkers of the past, as well as on contemporary theories.
Public Administration and Public Policy papers analyse and evaluate how national, regional and local institutions of the state formulate and implement policies. Political Science papers present a range of methodologies and perspectives. Some papers are primarily historical, some use one or more of the methodologies of the social sciences, and others are philosphical. Many are comparative, looking at the institutions and policies of more than one country. Our courses offer a variety of perspectives - liberal, social democratic, conservative, Marxist, international, domestic, national, feminist and bicultural.