Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - POL 430W E100

Democracy in a Global World (4)

Class Number: 3654

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Thu, 4:30–8:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

What is democracy and how can we measure it? Does democracy perform better than other regime types? How can we explain processes of democratization and de-democratization? The course explores these questions in a theoretically guided fashion making use of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Students with credit for POL 438 Selected Topics in Comparative Government and Politics I under the title Democracy in a Global World may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

As an ideal, democracy currently enjoys a widespread global popularity and legitimacy. Yet, as a form of government, it is widely held to be in crisis. For many, capitalist markets and neoliberal policies threaten to undermine the capacity for self-rule within nation-states. For others, the recent emergence of populism as a global political force constitutes the greatest threat. Most, however, would agree that democracy must be re-examined in light of a new global reality. What does democracy mean in the context of global financial markets, transnational communications networks, political formations such as the European Union, and global security regimes? What can it mean? Can democracy exceed the state form or is it bound firmly to it? Is cosmopolitan democracy on the horizon? This course situates itself within current debates on the state of democracies throughout the globe. Qualitative approaches grounded in the field of democratic theory will be utilized. This course is reading and writing intensive. A high value is placed on participation.

Grading

  • Short Essay (Due Date: June 18) 25%
  • Presentation (Due Date: N/A) 20%
  • Participation (Due Date: N/A) 20%
  • Major Essay (Due Date: August 15) 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

None. All required readings and texts are available on 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.