Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - POL 100 D100

Introduction to Politics and Government (3)

Class Number: 7120

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: TBA, TBA
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Oct 22, 2020
    Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Dec 9, 2020
    Wed, 11:59–11:59 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A comprehensive introduction to the study of politics and government for both political science majors and students specializing in other disciplines. The course will explore the major concepts, methods, approaches and issues in political science, as well as the primary components of government structure and the political process. POL 101W is the Writing certified version of POL 100 and students cannot receive credit for both courses. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course introduces students to political science through a detailed examination of how power is exercised and distributed in liberal democracies. Specific topics include nationalism, regime types, political ideologies, electoral systems, political parties, public opinion, and collective action (e.g. protest, disobedience). The course explores these topics by looking at Canada through a comparative lens.

This course combines asynchronous lecture material with synchronous tutorial discussion. Synchronous Q & A sessions with the professor will be optional.

Grading

  • Synchronous Tutorial Discussion 8%
  • Journal Entries (5 x 1% = 5%) 5%
  • Online Quizzes (5 x 1% = 5%) 5%
  • Synchronous Open-Book Mid-Term Exam - Oct. 22 at 12:30 PM - 2:20 PM 27%
  • 8-Page Written Assignment 20%
  • Asynchronous Take-Home Final Exam - Due Dec. 9 at 11:59 PM 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Revel (online) version of Mintz et al. Politics, Power and the Common Good (6th Edition). Purchase instructions will be posted on Canvas one week before course begins.


Department Undergraduate Notes:

The Department of Political Science strictly enforces a policy on plagiarism.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).