Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2019 - POL 132 J100

From Dictatorship to Democracy: Political Regimes in the 21st Century (3)

Class Number: 8019

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2019: Wed, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 8, 2019
    Sun, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Vancouver

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A firm consensus - at least in the West - has developed in favour of democracy as a means to emancipate ordinary people from the mayhem, conflict, and poor quality of life associated with autocratic rule. Introduces the concepts and tools needed to measure and analyze democratization around the world. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

Liberal democracy faces more challenges in the present day than it has at any point in recent history. Across the globe, the growth of illiberal democracies, the entrenchment of electoral authoritarian regimes, and the rise of the “Beijing consensus” as an alternative political model have forced many political scientists to ask if liberal democracy is in decline. As a result of this recent trend, alongside explanations of what allows liberal democracy to develop and thrive, it has become increasingly imperative for political scientists to understand the ways in which many non-liberal and non-democratic regimes are able to take root and sometimes persist. The purpose of this course thus is to explore the underlying factors that are responsible for the variety of political regimes that can be found in the early 21st century.

There will be one 3-hour lecture each week.

Grading

  • Participation 10%
  • News Reflection 10%
  • Midterm 20%
  • Major Essay 30%
  • Final Exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Siaroff, Alan. Comparing Political Regimes: A Thematic Introduction to Comparative Politics. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2013.

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://www.sfu.ca/students/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