Department of Politics and International Studies

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.

Knowing the political system increases one's capacity for choice. Therefore, a knowledge of Canadian, provincial or local politics presents the student with greater opportunities and advantages within his or her society. Politics and International Studies also explores other political systems, e.g. the American presidential system, the European Union, communist and post-communist political systems and the impact of the new states on the emerging political economy of a new international order. The discipline allows for a critical evaluation of society and its institutions through a study of the history of political theory; in addition, the student may engage in a problem solving approach through empirical policy research using survey methods.

Why study Politics and International Studies at Bishop’s?

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. Guest lectures are frequently given by visiting politicians, academics, interest group representatives and industry leaders.

From an Alumni survey completed by Bishop's University. 76 recent grads from Politics and International Studies responded:

• 87.7% found the quality of education very good to excellent.
• 85.1% found the experience outside the classroom very good to excellent.
• 89.1% found the course curriculum well designed.
• 89.1% of graduates are employed.
• 28.3% of Bishop's graduates go on to do Graduate Studies.