Fall 2021 - POL 100 E100
Introduction to Politics and Government (3)
Class Number: 7926
Delivery Method: Remote
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Mon, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Dec 13, 2021
Mon, 10:00–10:00 a.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Logan Masilamani
masilama@sfu.ca
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. Students with credit for POL 101W may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.
COURSE DETAILS:
Course Description:
“...why am I so interested in politics? If I were to answer you very simply I would say this: why shouldn’t I be interested? That is to say, what blindness, what deafness, what density of ideology would have to weigh me down to prevent me from being interested in what is probably the most crucial subject to our existence, that is to say the society in which we live, the economic relations in which it functions, and the system of power which defines the regular forms and regular permissions and prohibitions of our conduct? The essence of our life consists, after all of the political functioning of the society in which we find ourselves.” Michel Foucault
A disinterest in politics is something that no conscientious citizen can afford. This course is intended to provide students with a means of engaging broad political questions:
- Why are some societies plagued by war and violence, while others are stable and peaceful?
- How are the values in one society passed along to new members, and why do they differ from the values in other countries?
- Why does it matter how we structure the institutions of government, limit their powers, or determine which individuals should hold public offices and exercise authority over the rest of the population?
A comparative approach in this class, looking at how differently politics are organized in other countries, will provide a broader context to determine how well particular government structures and processes may work.
Course Organization:
There will a weekly live zoom session, which will include lecture and tutorial.
Office Hours: Via Zoom
Grading
- Term Paper 25%
- Participation 10%
- Quizzes 10%
- Mid-term Test 20%
- Final Exam (Take Home) 35%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Logan Masilamani, Custom Readings in Political Science. Link provided here. It is available via Vital Source.
You can create an account via this website and purchase the e-book
Department Undergraduate Notes:
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 2021
Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place. Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes. You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).
Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required. You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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 may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.