Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - POL 131 D100

Politics of Prosperity and Inequality (3)

Class Number: 4785

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: TBA, TBA
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Mar 3, 2021
    Wed, 2:30–8:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Apr 17, 2021
    Sat, 9:29–9:29 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces how politics shapes economic inequality and development. Focuses on how government policy and the struggle for power offer solutions to major social and economic problems. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Details:

This course introduces students to the study and analysis of the politics of prosperity, poverty, and inequality among states. Part one explains the different meanings of poverty and engages these varied conceptualizations to analyze the structural origins of inequality. Part two discusses the causes of poverty and describes how these sources relate to local and international struggles between powerful political actors. This section of the course also explains the complex relationships between poverty and underdevelopment, gender and racial inequality, conflict, health, and environmental (in) security. Part three evaluates the role of international organizations, national governments, non-governmental organizations, and private actors in global poverty governance. We will draw on relevant theories and case studies to illustrate key ideas, debates, issues, and concerns.

Schedule:

There will be a two-hour asynchronous lecture each week.

Grading

  • Online Discussions 15%
  • Midterm Exam (synchronous) 25%
  • Research Essay 30%
  • Final Exam (Take Home) 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Benjamin, C., & Cosgrove, S. (2018). Understanding Global Poverty: Causes, Capabilities, and Human Development. Routledge. (ebk) ISBN: 978-1-315-31684-0

Hume, D. (2015): Global Governance and poor people in the post‐2015 era. Routledge. (ebk) ISBN: 978-1-315-73893-2

Additional readings 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 SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 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).