Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - POL 253 D100

Introduction to Public Policy (3)

Class Number: 3806

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores the political dimensions of public policy making in Canada. Reviews theories and techniques in policy analysis, and focuses on the contemporary dynamics of public policy in various economic and social sectors from the point of view of political ideas, interests, institutions, and decision-making. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

Nearly every person falls under the purview of some governing authority whose major function is the creation of public policy. This course will consider the conceptual framework of the policy-process. Theoretical discussions will be related to practical concerns around policy implementation.  Policy-making has changed considerably in the last decade, due to factors, such as globalization, necessitating a reconsideration of the traditional tools of policy analysis.  Interest groups and non-governmental organizations are often involved in the policy process along with the citizens of a country. The course will focus on some of the major policy fields that preoccupy Canadian policy makers at all levels of government. It will provide an introduction of the approaches to policy making in key areas, such as macroeconomic, social, health, aboriginal, and environmental.

Grading

  • Three quizzes in lecture 30%
  • Attendance and Participation in tutorial 10%
  • Short paper 15%
  • Term paper 30%
  • Asynchronous contributions to the online discussion board 15%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Lydia Miljan, Public Policy in Canada: An Introduction 7th edition (Oxford University 2017) ISBN: 978-0-19-902554-1  Available digitally from Vital Source


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 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.