Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2018 - POL 327 J100

Globalization and the Canadian State (4)

Class Number: 10178

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 15, 2018
    Sun, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

In an era of globalization, what scope remains for national politics? Does globalization lead to a deficit of democracy? This course examines the challenge that globalization poses for the Canadian political system. Emphasis is placed on globalization's impact on the organization, activities and role of Canadian State.

COURSE DETAILS:

Infused with a specifically Canadian insight, POL 327 offers an in-depth analysis of the extent to which the global political economy has empowered the phenomenon of globalization to cast immeasurable influence over the governance of the modern sovereign state. Featuring Canada as its focus of study, this course will thus explore notions like neoliberalism, sovereignty, the state and other preeminent theoretical concepts that animate the globalization debate. Recognizing Canada’s unique regional, class and cultural make-up, Pol 327 in turn takes note of Canadian federalism’s ability to navigate the often choppy waters of Canadian nationalism amid the ever-growing pressure to submit to a global monoculture. Finally, part and parcel to the course’s discussion of various elements of the contemporary free trade paradigm—i.e. regimes, organizations, comparative advantage, offshoring/outsourcing, etc.—Pol 327 also assesses the premise that such elements contribute to, if not wholly foster a sense of democratic malaise that has led some segments of Canadian civil society to resist globalization on principle, while others tune out of politics all together.       

One weekly four-hour lecture/seminar.

Grading

  • Mid-term 20%
  • Class Participation 10%
  • Paper Proposal 5%
  • Research Paper 35%
  • Final Exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Stephen McBride & Heather Whiteside, Private Affluence and Public Austerity, (Halifax: Fernwood Publishing, 2011).
ISBN: 9781552664032

Andrew Smith, & Dimitry Anastakis, Smart Globalization: The Canadian Business and Economic History Experience, (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2014).
ISBN: 9781442616127

Custom Courseware package—selected articles & readings

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