Political Management (POLM) Courses
Parliament and Parties in Canada
A critical introduction to the exercise of political power in Canada, concentrating on political management in the context of Parliament and political parties.
The Core Executive in Canada
A critical examination of the main institutions and personnel that shape public policy within the executive branch, with particular emphasis on the Cabinet process and the relationship between political actors and the public service.
Advanced Strategic Communications
An exploration of how to understand an issue environment, develop positive and productive social media and mainstream media approaches, create a crisis communications strategy, and ensure a strong reputation management capacity.
Political Offices
A critical examination of the diverse roles of political staffers working in the offices of elected officials in Canada, with a focus on federal executive and parliamentary offices but also including work in the context of election campaigns, political parties, municipal and provincial governments.
Writing in a Political Context
Introduction to effective political writing. Key concepts will be applied to practical assignments such as news releases, briefing notes, speeches and key messages.
Ethics in Political Management
An examination of the ethical codes that should guide activities and professional relationships of individuals working in the political system.
Media Relations
The theory and practice of media relations in a political environment.
Polling and Opinion Research
Exploring theory, design, and execution of public opinion research to support campaign and advocacy strategies. Overview of ways to incorporate research in strategy development, methodologies used, and how to use opinion research to make better decisions. No statistical or mathematical background required.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as POLM 4010, for which additional credit is precluded.
Political Campaigns
A strategic approach to developing and executing political campaigns (national, regional, local and issue-based), including: campaign ethics; campaign organization; use of new technology and social media; fundraising and budget; development and delivery of messages; GOTV efforts; policy and platform; issue management; tour; innovations and trends.
Advocacy and Government Relations in Canada
Through applied exercises, case studies and a project with an external organization, students will build knowledge and skills required for advocacy and government relations in the private and voluntary sectors.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as POLM 4012, for which additional credit is precluded.
Political Management and the Media
An examination of the organization and practices of major media. Coverage of public officials, public policy issues and legislative battles, paying particular attention to the current and seismic changes in the media as agencies of public address, and the consequences for politics and governance.
Political Marketing
Using case studies and simulation exercises, the course will provide students with an understanding of political marketing strategy, market intelligence, consultation and participation, political product development and branding, and marketing practices in government.
Public Policy for Political Advisors
An introduction to policy analysis and process for political advisors. Topics include agenda setting, instrument choice, policy advice, decision-making, intersectional analysis, decolonial perspectives, and implementation. Through case studies and simulations, students will learn to apply concepts and principles to current policy issues in Canadian politics.
Applied Policy Analysis
A critical examination of one or more current policy debates from a political management perspective.
Political Institutions in a Comparative Context
A comparative study of the political institutions of several nations or sub-national jurisdictions, including both formal structures and accepted practices.
Strategic Communications
An introduction to the practice of strategic communications in Canadian politics. Students will learn key concepts by preparing a professional communications plan.
Comparative Ethics Regimes
Examination and critique of ethics regulations including conflict of interest, lobbying, and post-employment at the federal, provincial and municipal levels in Canada with comparison to select other jurisdictions such as the United States, United Kingdom and the European Union.
Political Office Management
A focused examination of particular activities conducted by Canadian political staffers in ministerial and parliamentary offices and development of applied skills in areas such as human resource management, office budget management, opposition research, issues management.
Political Speechwriting
The development of effective speechwriting techniques.
Prime Ministerial Leadership in Canada
The application of a political management perspective to the exercise of prime ministerial power in Canada. Using several theories and case studies, examining which styles of leadership are most successful in a variety of political contexts.
Practicum Placement
375 hours of supervised work experience in an appropriate placement relevant to political management and approved by the practicum coordinator. Graded SAT/UNS.
Prerequisite(s): permission of the department.
Directed Study
A program of supervised reading and preparation of written work in an area not covered by an existing graduate seminar may be arranged with permission of the Department.
Special Topics in Political Management
Topics vary from year to year. Students should check with the Department regarding the topic offered.
Special Topics in Political Management
Topics vary from year to year. Students should check with the program regarding the topic.
Note: Not all courses listed are offered in a given year. For an up-to-date statement of course offerings for the current session and to determine the term of offering, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca.
Summer session: some of the courses listed in this Calendar are offered during the summer. Hours and scheduling for summer session courses will differ significantly from those reported in the fall/winter Calendar. To determine the scheduling and hours for summer session classes, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca