Streams

Within the Politics, History & Economics major, several streams are available to guide students’ course selection. These enable students to focus on a particular area of interest by choosing relevant courses from among our Politics, History & Economics course offerings. Each stream can be completed within the overall requirements of the PHE major.

Standard

The Standard PHE stream provides students with a flexible, but well-rounded program of studies. This stream involves a careful multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary examination of the structure and processes of public life and of the current and historical challenges we face. Students choose from a wide range of courses, while being assured of exposure to both theory-focused and policy-focused courses in both North American and international contexts.

Atlantic Studies

The Atlantic Studies stream focuses on political, social and economic issues in Canada, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom—the North Atlantic triangle. Students learn about the historical forces shaping events in all three countries, and about current economic and political issues occurring both within the countries and in their international interactions.

International Studies

The International Studies stream explores the international community in which students live, tackling the big global issues in the world. Students take courses in world politics and human rights, international development and trade, and study the historical events and forces that have shaped the globalized world we live in today.

Public Policy Studies

The Public Policy stream prepares students for informed participation in the policy creation process, from within the public, private and non-profit sectors. Students learn how policies are initiated, developed and implemented by governments, and how other actors in society play a role in this process. By studying the theoretical and historical basis for particular policies used in Canadian and international contexts, they deepen their understanding of the forces that shape contemporary policy-making.