Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2019 - POL 222 J100

Introduction to Canadian Politics (3)

Class Number: 8020

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

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

  • Prerequisites:

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

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the social and participatory basis of Canadian politics, covering topics such as political culture, regionalism and other political divisions, political parties, elections, interest groups and new social movements.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is an introduction to contemporary debates in Canadian politics.  It will facilitate a better understanding of the issues surrounding the upcoming federal election. The crucial role played by political parties in proposing new policy and brokering divergent interests are examined.  Are there aspects of political culture that distinguish Canada from its neighbour to the south and tend to unite regions so disparate geographically?  What are the implications of climate change in the Arctic for Canadian sovereignty and environmental policy?  In some classes we focus on forces that could operate against national unity:  regionalism, Quebec nationalism, globalization, and continentalization.  How would reforms to our electoral system or to parliamentary institutions, such as the Senate affect the behaviour of parties and voters?  What role do non-state actors: women’s groups, aboriginal groups, new social movements, and immigrants play in national politics?   

There will one 3-hour lecture each week.

Grading

  • Class Participation 10%
  • Small group exercises 10%
  • Short paper 15%
  • Term paper proposal 10%
  • Term paper 25%
  • In class Quizzes 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Christopher Cochrane, Kelly Bildook, and Rand Dyck, Canadian Politics Critical Approaches 8th edition (Nelson Education 2017)

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