100-level

POLS102
Politics: An Introduction
Description
This course introduces the basic tools and techniques used in political science, including research techniques, formulation of hypotheses, and methods of analysis. It also introduces students to a selection of key theories and frameworks. The course covers topics such as nationalism and ethnicity, democracy, authoritarianism, people's power, conflict, globalisation, and the future of global politics. This course will be of great benefit to Political Science majors of all levels and to students who desire a broad-based introduction to the field. This course is recommended for Political Science majors.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
POLS103
Introduction to New Zealand Politics and Policy
Description
How are decisions made in New Zealand? Who has how much power in this process? How can citizens, businesses, iwi, and a diverse range of groups have a say? This course is an introduction to New Zealand politics and public policy. The course examines the core features of New Zealand’s political landscape: The constitution, how MMP works, the roles of leaders, cabinet and parliament, and then explores issues that matter to the public, and asks how citizens can participate in politics, what role powerful groups including the media play in decision making and how new, diverse voices can be heard, including your own. The course includes a field day working in local communities learning about leadership and public attitudes.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
POLS104
Introduction to International Relations
Description
This course provides a broad introduction to the core issues and theories related to the study of international relations. Students will be introduced to the discipline through a study of key historical events, prominent theories of international relations, and a variety of practical examples.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
POLS105
Comparing the Politics of Nations: A Global Introduction
Description
This course serves as an introduction to the basics of comparative political studies. It is designed to provide the student with a broad comparative overview of the world’s political systems. The main objective is to give students the necessary tools to assess and understand the differences in political culture, political organizations, governmental structures, and political behaviour.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
POLS106
Plato to Nato: Introduction to Political Thought
Description
What’s the right thing for a group of people to do? How does a society know it is well governed? How do you know you are doing the right thing for your country, or your fellow citizens, or how that will impact on your family and friends? Who matters more, your family or your fellow citizens? The best way to answer these questions has been debated for more than over 2000 years. This course is an introduction to the thinkers that have suggested answers to these questions and influenced everyone from Plato to Trump and you. In this course, you will study the evolution of the ideas that form the building blocks of the political and social sciences. The course traverses the political ideas that arose in the Greek and Roman civilisations, the Renaissance, the birth of America, the death of the English and French despotic monarchies, and the great traumas of socialism, Marxism and the political upheavals that followed the wars of the 20th century. We will trace the changes in the fundamental political concepts such as freedom, equality, rights, justice, government, the state, markets, and domination.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Semester One 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Restrictions
PHIL145
POLS111
The Trump Era: Contemporary Issues in Politics and International Relations
Description
In this course, we will seek to understand the changes in American politics and international relations under Donald Trump, particularly since his re-election in 2024. We will consider the impact of his policies on a wide range of topics, including immigration, diversity and race, tariffs, and foreign policy. Students will develop knowledge relevant to better understanding the changes taking place both in America and globally under the Trump presidency.
Occurrences
Summer Nov 2025
Summer Nov 2025 (Distance)
Points
15 points

Not Offered Courses in 2026

100-level

POLS137
Computers, Artificial Intelligence, and the Information Society
Description
Our art, culture, politics, society, and economy are powered by computing machines. This course will provide a history of computing from the 1930s to the present day, offering students an introduction to the fundamentals of computing technology, the corporations who sell us our devices and software, and moral and ethical issues at the heart of the information society. The course also examines Artificial Intelligence. What is AI and can it be achieved? How could you tell whether a computer has a mind? Is the human brain in fact a computer?
Occurrences
Not offered 2026
For further information see POLS137 course details
Points
15 points