Political scientists approach politics and government from many different perspectives.  At UNBC, we offer courses and programs in many of the main sub-fields of the discipline, including comparative politics and area studies, Canadian politics, international relations and political theory and philosophy.

Comparative Politics and Area Studies. This sub field involves the systematic comparison of politics and government in different countries and regions around the world.  At UNBC, you can take general comparative courses such as Canada in Comparative Perspective (POLS 202), Democracy and Democratization (POLS 303) and Comparative Northern Development (POLS 415) or courses that focus on politics and society in specific countries and regions such as the United States (POLS 305), China (POLS 307), Russia (POLS 311) and Europe (POLS 314).

Canadian Politics.  This sub field explores the political dynamics and government structures in Canada at the national, provincial/territorial and local levels.  At UNBC, you can take introductory courses in Canadian Politics and Government (POLS 200), and Canadian Law (POLS 255), and specialized courses in Canadian Politics and Policy (POLS 320), the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in Canada (POLS 321), the Politics and Government of BC (POLS 333), Law and Indigenous Peoples (POLS 380) and Gender and Politics (POLS 416).

International Relations.  This sub field looks at the political dynamics and institutions that influence the relationships between countries and shape the global political order.  At UNBC, you can take introductory courses in International Relations (POLS 230) and specialized courses in Contemporary Issues in the Political World (POLS 315), and the Politics of Climate Change (POLS 377).

Political Theory and Philosophy.  These subfields explore the historical and ideological underpinnings of political thought from both western and global perspectives.  At UNBC, you can take introductory courses in Political Theory and Philosophy (POLS 270 and POLS 370) and specialized courses in the Theories of Justice (POLS 372), Democracy and Diversity (POLS 413) and Ethics and Public Affairs (POLS 427).