Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2018 - POL 313 E100

Political Ideologies (4)

Class Number: 13094

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Tue, 4:30–8:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 21, 2018
    Sat, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    POL 210 or 312 or permission of the department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Discussion of the major political ideologies in western political systems: liberalism, conservatism, the new right, socialism and social democracy, feminism and environmentalism. Emphasis is placed on their conceptual foundations and contemporary expressions.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course examines ideologies, sets of political ideas that justify existing conditions or propose change. The following are some ideas considered. Major ideologies conservatism and liberalism developed in the eighteenth century. Why did they evolve into something quite different by the twenty-first century? What is the role of ideas in shaping public policy? Public policy debates frequently embody disputes over the meaning and application of political values such as freedom, equality, justice, and democracy. Political parties in the western provinces of Canada were a setting for the emergence of populism and socialism. Disagreements between 2016 presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are partly explained by different ideologies. Despite the forces of globalization, nationalism remains important especially in culturally diverse countries such as Canada. The diverse experiences and roles of women as mothers, wives, and caregivers create a different feminist perspective. Environmentalism is a new ideological perspective that promotes obligations to future generations and other species.

There will be a 4-hour seminar each week.

Grading

  • Small-group exercises 10%
  • Term Paper Proposal 10%
  • Midterm examination 20%
  • Argumentative Essay 20%
  • Final exam 30%
  • Participation 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

H.B. McCullough, Political Ideologies 2nd edition (Oxford University Press 2017)
ISBN: 978-0-19-902560-2

Custom courseware available at the SFU Bookstore

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