Course description

The structure and functions of the Canadian government are explored in this course. Analyze the roles and responsibilities of the executive branch of the government; describe the role of the bureaucracy in the Canadian political system as well as the characteristics and organization of the legislative branch of government; examine the role of the judicial branch of government; illustrate political socialization, the role of the mass media, and public opinion polls as sources of political values and information; summarize the effects of advocacy groups, social groups, and lobbying on the political system; and finally examine Canada's external political environment and the influence it has on domestic political and economic policy.

Course details

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None

Notice for general electives

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Credit transfer

Have you taken this course or an equivalent course? Contact the Credit Transfer Office.

Dates
Day/Time
Delivery
Campus
Cost
Availability
Starts: Jan. 13, 2026
Ends: Apr. 21, 2026
Day/Time:
Campus: Online
Cost: $381.50

Registration dates

Not all courses are offered each term.

Winter 2026 registration is now open.
Spring 2026 registration opens March 2, 2026.

Delivery options

In person: classes held in person on a campus/site in a classroom/lab/shop/studio for the course duration

Online - Asynchronous: ​100% online delivery, no scheduled day or time course requirements with the instructor, assigned due dates

Online - Synchronous: 100% online delivery, scheduled day and time course requirements with the instructor, assigned due dates

Hybrid: any combination of in person, timetabled, on campus, online, and hyflex delivery