Spring 2021 - POL 221 D900
Introduction to Canadian Government (3)
Class Number: 5260
Delivery Method: Remote
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: TBA, TBA
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 26, 2021
Mon, 11:59–11:59 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Linda Elmose
lelmose@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
POL 100 or 101W or 151 or permission of department.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
An introduction to the institutional order and political structure of the Canadian state. The course will include topics such as the constitution, parliament, cabinet, judiciary, public service and federal-provincial relations.
COURSE DETAILS:
COURSE TIMES + LOCATION: Asynchronous, Online on Canvas and Blackboard Collaborate on Canvas
VIRTUAL OFFICE HOURS: Monday ~Friday, 9:00~10:00 a.m. (Blackboard Collaborate)
“Every single day, we need to choose hope over fear, diversity over division.”
--Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
“Indian Affairs officials often tried to portray these rates (of death) as simply the price that Aboriginal people had to pay as part of the process of becoming civilized. In reality, these rates were the price they paid for being colonized.”
--Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
The essence of true citizenship, and good global citizenship, is building an understanding the institutions, actors, contexts and decision-making processes of the country where one lives, works and studies. The twin objectives of this introductory course on Canadian Politics are, first, to provide students with the knowledge and skills to enhance their understanding of Canadian society, polity and economy, and second, to inspire students to reflect on reforms that will make the country a better place. The course begins with an overview of cultural, economic and social contexts of Canadian Politics, and then explores in-depth the major institutions and the values upon which they are based. These institutions include: the three branches of government – executive, legislature and judiciary; the Constitution and Charter of Rights and Freedoms; Federalism and inter-governmental relations; political parties; electoral systems; political participation of civil society; the bureaucracy and policy making; Indigenous Politics and Reconciliation efforts; and Canada’s ‘place in the world’.
COURSE ORGANIZATION
The course is organized based on asynchronous (on your own time) instruction. Students will engage with the instructor in virtual meetings and conduct some group collaboration.
Grading
- Reading Quizzes & Reflections 20%
- Discussion Forums 15%
- “My Canada” Research Essay (with Research Proposal 10%, and Peer Review at 5%) 35%
- Final Take-home Exam 30%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
There are two required texts from which most readings are drawn:
(1) Livianna Tossutti, Eric Mintz, Kathy L. Brock and Doreen Barrie (2021). Canadian Politics Today: Democracy, Diversity and Good Government. 1st edition. Pearson Canada.
To order, see: https://www.pearson.com/store/p/canadian-politics-today-democracy-diversity-and-good-government/P100002739048
(2) Bob Joseph and Cynthia F. Joseph (2019). Indigenous Relations: Insights, Tips & Suggestions to Make Reconciliation a Reality. Vancouver: Canada Indigenous Relations Press.
Free 30-day trial: https://www.scribd.com/book/408178761/Indigenous-Relations-Insights-Tips-Suggestions-to-Make-Reconciliation-a-Reality
(3) Additional readings will be available electronically on Canvas.
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 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).