Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2018 - POL 411 D100

Normative Political Theory (4)

Class Number: 5310

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Tue, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 10, 2018
    Tue, 3:29–3:29 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    POL 210 or 312 or 313; or permission of the department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Advanced seminar examining selected themes, debates and texts in recent normative political philosophy, with an emphasis on contemporary democratic theory.

COURSE DETAILS:

 This course starts with historical and conceptual investigation into the nature of political representation. We’ll then explore connections between representation and a variety of issues in contemporary democratic theory, including authority, accountability, legitimacy, citizenship, pluralism, deliberation, minority rights, economic inequality and justice. We’ll also investigate democratic and representational themes in contemporary populisms. Students will participate actively in class both during open discussions and with presentations that follow discussion groups’ structured analysis of selected readings.  

This course involves one four hour seminar each week, and is combined with POL 812.

Please come to the first class having read: Norberto Bobbio, The Future of Democracy, ch. 1 [online reserve] and Bernard Manin, The Principles of Representative Government, Introd. and ch. 1

Grading

  • Class participation 10%
  • Research paper 40%
  • Group presentations 10%
  • Peer essay evaluation 10%
  • Final exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Hannah F. Pitkin, The Concept of Representation

Bernard Manin, The Principles of Representative Government

Benjamin Moffitt, The Global Rise of Populism

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