Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2017 - POL 101W C100

Introduction to Politics and Government (3)

Class Number: 3085

Delivery Method: Distance Education

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Distance Education

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Feb 22, 2017
    Wed, 7:00–8:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Apr 11, 2017
    Tue, 3:30–5:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A comprehensive introduction to the study of politics and government for both political science majors and students specializing in other disciplines. Explores the major concepts, methods, approaches and issues in political science, as well as the primary components of government structure and the political process. This course is identical to POL 100 and students may not take both courses for credit. Writing/Breadth-Social Sci.

COURSE DETAILS:

A disinterest in politics is something that no conscientious citizen can afford. This course is intended to provide students with a means of engaging in broad political questions: Why are some societies plagued by war and violence, while others are stable and peaceful? How are the values in one society passed along to new members, and why do they differ from the values in other countries? Why does it matter how we structure the institutions of government, limit their powers, or determine which individuals should hold public offices and exercise authority over the rest of the population? The success of political processes to channel disputes in a society can play a key role in ensuring a harmonious society, while their failure can lead to frustration that boils over into revolution or chaos. A comparative approach in this class, looking at how differently politics are organized in other countries, will provide a broader context to determine how well particular government structures and processes may work.

Grading

  • Discussion & Group Participation 15%
  • Assignment 1 10%
  • Assignment 2 35%
  • Mid-term Exam 10%
  • Final Exam 30%

REQUIREMENTS:

Students must submit assignments through turnitin.com service in order to receive credit.

This course is identical to POL 100-3 and students may not take both courses for credit.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

All Required Readings listed below are not provided by the Distance Education Office (CODE).

REQUIRED READING:

Studying Politics: An Introduction to Political Science (4th edition), Dyck

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The Department of Political Science strictly enforces a policy on plagiarism.
For details, see http://www.sfu.ca/politics/undergraduate/program/related_links.html and click on “Plagiarism and Intellectual Dishonesty” .

Centre for Online and Distance Education Notes:

Additional Course Fee: $40
Required Readings listed on the course outlines are the responsibility of the student to purchase. Textbooks are available for purchase at the SFU Bookstore.
Exams are scheduled to be written on the SFU Burnaby campus at the noted time and date (unless noted as a take-home exam).
Students requiring accommodation as a result of a disability must contact the Centre for Students with Disabilities.
Students are responsible for following all exam policies and procedures (e.g., missing an exam due to illness) available here.
This course outline was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please check your course details in your online delivery method, such as Canvas.

All CODE Courses are delivered through Canvas unless noted otherwise on the course outline.


*Important Note for U.S. citizens: Effective Summer 2016, as per the U.S. Department of Education, programs offered in whole or in part through telecommunications, otherwise known as distance education or correspondence are ineligible for Federal Direct Loans. This also includes scenarios where students who take distance education courses outside of their loan period and pay for them with their own funding, and attempt to apply for future Federal Direct Loans. 

For more information about US Direct Loans please visit and to read our FAQ on distance education courses, please go here: http://www.sfu.ca/students/financialaid/international/us-loans/federal-direct-loan.html

 

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS