Prof. Kathryn Harrison on POLI 351 and the Arts “Ways of Knowing” requirement
Professor Kathryn Harrison says the goal for her courses is for students to learn what need to know about climate policy as engaged citizens. Students should leave POLI 351 with an understanding of what policies work and don’t, and the features of political systems that we can leverage to advance more effective policies.
Get to know UBC Political Science lecturer Stewart Prest
The Department of Political Science welcomed Dr. Stewart Prest to UBC last September as a Lecturer. We spoke to Dr. Prest about his research and what he enjoyed about his first year teaching at UBC.
Prof. Stewart Prest on MLA Elenore Sturko’s defection to BC Conservatives
Professor Stewart Prest explains that Elenore Sturko is running in Surrey-Coverdale because her current seat, Surrey South, already has a Conservative candidate. The ridings share similar demographics, meaning similar campaign messaging can be used.
Prof. Gerald Baier suggests campaign strategies for the B.C. United
Professor Gerald Baier suggests that “its time to play to their strengths which is going to be the quality of some of those local candidates” given the recent defections from B.C. United to the B.C. Conservatives.
Prof. Stewart Prest discusses the donation boxes for White Rock pier repair
Professor Stewart Prest said municipalities have to look for other sources of funding to restore public areas like the White Rock Pier that are nice to have but are not a compulsory service due to demands on government spending.
Prof. Peter Dauvergne on his approach to the Climate Crisis
Professor Peter Dauvergne has an “intentionally optimistic” attitude towards the climate crisis, choosing to focus on the “many future possibilities that could be better.”
Prof. Gerald Baier comments on the “explosive momentum” of the B.C. Conservatives
Professor Gerald Baier explains that the defection of well-known B.C. United MLA Elenore Sturko to the Conservatives may help moderate accusations of extremism the Conservatives could face during the election and help attract centrist voters.
New project aims to explore responsible use of the Moon with grant from New Frontiers in Research Fund
Prof. Michael Byers will undertake a project exploring how to promote responsible exploration of the Moon as more countries develop Moon programs with a $250,000 grant from the 2023 Exploration Competition.
Congratulations to our 2024 Award Winners!
On May 23rd, we celebrated our graduate and undergraduate award winners from the Class of 2024 during a special ceremony at the Arts Student Centre! Each of these students excelled in Political Science during their degrees and these awards recognize and celebrate these achievements.
Prof. Gerald Baier discusses Mayor Brenda Locke’s attempts to keep the RCMP in Surrey
Professor Gerald Baier says the first-past-the-poll electoral system combined with low voter turnout can be problematic for politicians like Mayor Locke to take the high road over huge policy shifts because “you can make a claim of legitimacy, but can you make a democratic … mandate claim that this is something overwhelmingly wanted by people?”