Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - POL 150 D100

Science, Policy, and Innovation (3)

Class Number: 4005

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jun 30 – Aug 10, 2020: Mon, Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores how science and technology intersect with public policy. From debates about climate change to the proper boundaries of security and privacy in the Information Age, the politicization of science is an inescapable reality that has far-reaching consequences for scientific advances innovation, and human quality of life. Breadth-Hum/Social Sci/Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

Summer Session Course:

This course is designed to introduce students to the intersection of public policy and science and technology, to better understand the ways that policy both affects and is affected by science.  The learning objectives are to:

1.  Develop skills in time management, reading, writing, critical thinking, and oral argumentation through the examination of seminal issues in science and technology policy.  The course will provide a foundation of skills through hands on exercises that will help students to succeed in their academic and professional careers.

2.  Understand the possibilities and limitations for the scientific and social scientific methods to inform policy decision-making.

3.  Examine the interaction among scientists, policymakers, and the public, including gaps in communication and understanding and how they might be filled.

4.  Test out the theories of science policymaking on a wide variety of controversial and current cases, from intellectual property rights to climate change.

There will be a two-hour lecture and a one-hour tutorial per week.  Tutorials start week two.

Grading

  • Participation in lecture 10%
  • Participation in tutorials 10%
  • Quizzes in lecture 20%
  • Midterm exam 25%
  • Peer review exercise 5%
  • One short 5-7 page policy brief 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

 All materials are available on-line through SFU Library databases and Canvas.

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 SUMMER 2020

Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course 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.

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) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.