CONTACT US

Mailing address: Department of Political Science Dalhousie University Room 301, Henry Hicks Academic Administration Building 6299 South Street (map) Halifax, NS, Canada, B3H 4H6 Telephone: (902) 494-2396 Fax: (902) 494-3825 Email: psadmin@dal.ca

Politics has been described as "Who Gets What, When, How, Why" in society. The study of politics, or Political Science, is one of the oldest academic disciplines known to humankind. In Ancient Greece political philosophers concerned themselves with creating a good society, and balancing justice with order. Today Political Scientists still study these matters, but the discipline has grown to encompass many aspects of government, such as parliaments, electoral processes and constitutions; or external relations, including issues of war, peace and poverty.

Political Science is important to society because, in an age of complex government, an educated citizenry is the best safeguard for democracy. Political Science is valuable for individuals who want to know more about the values, laws, institutions and policy mechanisms that govern their lives in society, and as well, the differences between their system of government and those in other countries. Beyond this, Political Science is an especially useful preparation for students who wish to pursue careers in teaching, law, public service or business

Dalhousie University's approach to Political Science is a blend of traditional and modern analysis. The Department offers work in classical political philosophers; and most classes emphasize government structure and policy making, including domestic public administration and foreign policy. Other classes deal with political behavior such as public opinion or interest group activity. Classes in modern research methods, including quantitative analysis, are also offered.

The admission requirements for Political Science are listed under the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. There are no additional requirements for Political Science beyond those of the Faculty.