Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2018 - POL 221 D100

Introduction to Canadian Government (3)

Class Number: 5289

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 20, 2018
    Fri, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    POL 100 or 101W or 151 or permission of department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the institutional order and political structure of the Canadian state. The course will include topics such as the constitution, parliament, cabinet, judiciary, public service and federal-provincial relations.

COURSE DETAILS:

Many Canadians are deeply alienated from their politicians, and many Quebeckers would like to leave Canada to set up their own country.  What has gone wrong? This class focuses on Canada’s Constitution and government institutions, as a way to see what works well and what doesn’t. This should help you understand how our country is being governed, how political power is channeled and exercised.  Knowing that, we can have a much better idea of what can and should be fixed, and perhaps a better appreciation of the limitations of the current political institutions to accommodate deep divisions within our society.

There will be a two-hour lecture and a one-hour tutorial per week.  Tutorials start in week two. One class will be devoted to a simulated national meeting on a topic decided by the class, i.e. Senate Reform, Federal Role in Health Care, etc.

Grading

  • Quiz 5%
  • Mid-term exam 10%
  • Final exam 25%
  • Term paper (* Students are required to submit their essays to the Turnitin.com service in order to get credit for the assignment.) 35%
  • Tutorial participation 15%
  • Simulation 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Lecture Text: Cochrane, Kelly & Dyck, Canadian Politics: Critical Approaches, Eighth Edition


Tutorial Reader: Readings in Canadian Government, Custom Publication Edition


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” .

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