Certificate in Politics and Democracy
The Certificate in Politics and Democracy is an embedded undergraduate certificate developed to provide students across the university with foundational, interdisciplinary training in democratic systems, civic engagement and constructive dialogue.
Overview
This embedded certificate equips students with the knowledge and skills to understand democratic systems and build their capacity for active, informed civic engagement.
Beyond acquiring political literacy, students will develop essential communication and engagement skills, learning how to listen and be heard, understand and navigate difference, and facilitate meaningful dialogue in diverse settings.
The courses emphasize critical assessment, argument formulation, and collaborative negotiation, equipping students with the ability to analyze complex issues. The embedded certificate culminates in a capstone involving a group-based live-action research project.
Eligibility
This certificate is available to all undergraduate students at the University of Alberta.
Requirements
To be awarded the Certificate in Policy and Democracy, students must complete the following courses for a total of 12 credits:
- INT D 227 - Engaging Division
- INT D 427 - Politics and Democracy Capstone
Students must also complete two of the following three courses:
- INT D 328 - Navigating Democracy
- LAW 227 - Navigating Canadian Law
- NS 202 – Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Development
At least one of these elective courses must be at the 300-level.
Program Contact
For more information, please contact:
Jared Wesley, PhD, Associate Dean and Full Professor at jwesley@ualberta.ca.
Get Started
Complete this enrolment form to get started with the Certificate in Politics and Democracy.