Course Descriptions
POLM 5001 [0.5 CR]: Parliament and Parties in Canada
A critical introduction to the exercise of political power in Canada, concentrating on political management in the context of Parliament and political parties.
POLM 5002 [0.5 CR]: The Core Executive in Canada
An examination of how public policy originates, and how its development is managed within the executive branch, with particular emphasis on the Cabinet process and the relationship between political actors and the public service.
POLM 5004 [0.5 CR]: Advanced Strategic Communications
An exploration of how to understand an issue environment, develop positive and productive social media and mainstream media approaches, create a crisis communications strategy, and ensure a strong reputation management capacity.
Prerequisite(s): POLM 5018
POLM 5005 [0.5 CR]: Political Offices
A critical examination of the diverse roles of political staffers working in the offices of elected officials in Canada, with a focus on federal executive and parliamentary offices but also including work in the context of election campaigns, political parties, as well as municipal and provincial governments.
POLM 5007 [0.25 CR]: Writing in a Political Context
The craft of effective political writing, focusing on how to optimize messages in speeches, press releases, policy papers, and other written products.
POLM 5008 [0.25 CR]: Ethics in Political Management
An examination of the ethical codes that should guide activities and professional relationships of individuals working in the political system.
POLM 5009 [0.25 CR]: Media Relations
The theory and practice of media relations in a political environment.
POLM 5010 [0.5 CR]: Polling and Opinion Research
Exploring theory, design, and execution of public opinion research to support campaign and advocacy strategies. Overview of ways to incorporate research in strategy development, methodologies used, and how to use opinion research to make better decisions. No statistical or mathematical background required.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as POLM 4010, for which additional credit is precluded.
POLM 5011 [0.5 CR]: Political Campaigns
A strategic approach to developing and executing political campaigns (national, regional, local and issue-based), including: campaign ethics; campaign organization; use of new technology and social media; fundraising and budget; development and delivery of messages; GOTV efforts; policy and platform; issue management; tour; innovations and trends.
POLM 5012 [0.5 CR]: Advocacy and Government Relations in Canada
Through applied exercises, case studies, and a project with an external organization, students will build the knowledge and skills required for advocacy and government relations in the private and voluntary sectors.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as POLM 4012, for which additional credit is precluded.
POLM 5013 [0.5 CR]: Political Management and the Media
An examination of the organization and practices of major media. Coverage of public officials, public policy issues, and legislative battles, paying particular attention to the current and seismic changes in the media as agencies of public address, and the consequences for politics and governance.
Note: This course is not offered in 2023-24
POLM 5014 [0.5 CR]: Political Marketing
Using case studies and simulation exercises, the course will provide students with an understanding of political marketing strategy, market intelligence, consultation and participation, political product development and branding, and marketing practices in government.
POLM 5015 [0.5 CR]: Public Policy for Political Advisors
An introduction to policy analysis and policy process for political advisors. Topics include agenda setting, instrument choice, policy arguments, and communicating policy ideas and decisions.
POLM 5016 [0.5 CR]: Applied Public Policy Analysis
A critical examination of one or more current policy debates from a political management perspective.
Prerequisite(s): POLM 5015 or permission of the instructor.
POLM 5017 [0.5 CR]: Political Institutions in a Comparative Context
A comparative study of the political institutions of several nations or sub-national jurisdictions, including both formal structures and accepted practices.
Note: This course is not offered in 2023-24
POLM 5018 [0.25 CR]: Strategic Communications
An introduction to the range of issues involved in formulating and implementing a political strategic communications strategy.
POLM 5022 [0.5 CR]: Prime Ministerial Leadership in Canada
An examination of the concept of political leadership through a series of case studies involving Canadian prime ministers. The early weeks of the course examine various leadership theories. Subsequent weeks look at prime ministers, with readings, discussions, and guest lectures focusing on one prime minister per week. In the past, guest lecturers have included former prime ministers Joe Clark and Kim Campbell, Jim Armour and William Stairs (directors of communications for Stephen Harper), Scott Reid (director of communications for Paul Martin), Eddie Goldenberg (chief of staff to Jean Chrétien), Jodie White (chief of staff to Kim Campbell), Bill Fox (director of communications for Brian Mulroney), and David Collenette (minister in the Cabinets of Pierre Trudeau, John Turner, and Jean Chrétien).
POLM 5905 [0.5 CR]: Special Topics in Political Management
Topics vary from year to year.
- Winter 2024 POLM 5905 B “Provincial Politics”
- Winter 2024 POLM 5905 D “Gender and Political Management”
POLM 5906 [0.25 CR]: Special Topics in Political Management
Topics vary from year to year.
Fall 2023 ” Politics and the Law” Offered in the first half of the term as POLM 5906A
Fall 2023 “Political Data Management” Offered in the second half of the term as POLM 5906B
POLM 5099 [1.0 CR]: Practicum Placement
375 hours of supervised full-time work experience in an appropriate placement relevant to political management and approved by the faculty practicum coordinator. Graded SAT/UNS.