Political Science Papers at Tauranga (2023)
In Political Science we study all aspects of political life. We ask such questions as: Why do some crises lead to conflict while others are resolved peacefully? What lessons can we draw from the policy experience of other countries? How should we deal with climate change and other environmental crises? Why does democracy survive in some countries and not in others? Can we have both freedom and security - or must we choose between them? What did the great political thinkers of the past really say? Political Science comprises four main areas of study. Comparative Politics examines the political institutions and societies of particular countries, and compares and contrasts them. International Relations focuses on the relations between states, on their foreign policies, and on international organisations like the UN and NATO. Political Theory examines theories about politics and society, and the philosophical and methodological questions that arise in studying political life. Public Policy explores the processes by which governments at national, regional and local levels develop, implement and evaluate policies. Students taking political science papers may focus on one or more of these areas, or follow a broader programme reflecting the diverse interests of political science.
Political Science is available as a first major for the Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Climate Change (BCC) and the Bachelor of Social Sciences (BSocSc). Political Science may also be taken as a second major or minor, subject to approval of the Division in which the student is enrolled.
To complete Political Science as a single major for the BA, BCC or BSocSc, students must gain 135 points from papers listed for Political Science, including 105 points above 100 level, and 60 points above 200 level. Students must include POLSC102 and POLSC103, or 15 points from POLSC102 and POLSC103 and 15 points from IRSST103 and IRSST104; and POLSC201 and POLSC211, or 15 points from POLSC201 and POLSC211, and 15 points from IRSST206 and POLCY212.
To complete Political Science as part of a double major for the BA, BCC, BSocSc or other undergraduate degree, students must gain 120 points from papers listed for Political Science, including 90 points above 100 level, and 45 points above 200 level. Students must include POLSC102 and POLSC103, or 15 points from POLSC102 and POLSC103, and 15 points from IRSST103 and IRSST104; and POLSC201 and POLSC211, or 15 points from POLSC201 and POLSC211, and 15 points from IRSST206 and POLCY212.
To complete a minor in Political Science, students must complete 60 points from the papers listed for the Political Science major, including at least 30 points above 100 level. Students must include at least one of POLSC102 or POLSC103, and one of POLSC201 or POLSC211; and select their remaining papers from the papers listed for the Political Science major.
For a full list of offerings in this subject, including those available in Hamilton and online, see the Catalogue of Papers. Not all qualifications and subjects can be taken in full in Tauranga. See what can be studied in Tauranga.
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100 Level
Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location IRSST103 Introduction to International Relations 15.0 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Online) This paper provides an introduction to the study of international relations in an era of globalisation. It covers the historical background, key concepts and theories, case studies, and contemporary developments in the study of world politics. POLSC102 New Zealand Politics and Policy 15.0 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga) This paper provides a foundation for the study of political science and public policy, with a particular focus on the study of government, politics and policy in New Zealand. POLSC103 Introduction to Political Psychology 15.0 23A (Online) & 23A (Tauranga) Politics affects every aspect of our lives. This paper is an introduction to understanding political behaviour, helping you become more critically aware of your own role as citizen. 200 Level
Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location IRSST206 International Relations: The Security Agenda 15.0 23A (Hamilton) This paper introduces students to International Relations' dynamic and evolving security agenda and covers some of the most urgent contemporary security concerns. MAORI250 Māori Politics 15.0 No occurrences This paper examines Maori and Indigenous politics in a broad sense, from key ideas such as sovereignty, tino rangatiratanga, and autonomy, through to crucial forms of resistance via various political structures including local, Iwi, national and global Indigenous movements. POLSC200 Politics and the Media 15.0 23A (Online) & 23A (Tauranga) This course provides an introduction to the complex relationships between mass media, politics, and democratic society. It examines the power of the media in influencing political processes, policies, behaviour, and perceptions. POLSC203 The Rhetoric of Collective Memory 15.0 23B (Online) & 23B (Tauranga) Why do social groups decide to keep certain memories of the historical past alive while repressing others? Students tackle this question by analysing museums, monuments and popular culture. POLSC211 Political Systems around the World 15.0 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Online) The paper introduces the comparative study of political institutions, the study of the politics of a number of countries, their similarities and differences, from established democracies to authoritarian regimes. POLSC229 US Politics 15.0 23B (Online) & 23B (Tauranga) Students in this course explore the foundational elements of the United States, its governing institutions, the extent of public influence within the system, and major contemporary policy issues that the country faces. 300 Level
Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location POLSC301 Visual Communication: Politics, Propaganda, Protest 15.0 23A (Online) & 23A (Tauranga) This paper introduces students to the power of visual communication. The theoretical knowledge gained is applicable to politics and beyond.
2023 Catalogue of Papers information current as of : 21 March 2023 10:02am