Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - POL 222 D100

Introduction to Canadian Politics (3)

Class Number: 4836

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

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

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Feb 26, 2021
    Fri, 12:30–1:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Apr 22, 2021
    Thu, 4:59–4:59 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    POL 100 or 101W or 151 or permission of department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the social and participatory basis of Canadian politics, covering topics such as political culture, regionalism and other political divisions, political parties, elections, interest groups and new social movements.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course looks at the political dynamics that make Canada such an interesting country. Just what are the cleavages that divide our population and what impact have they had over the years? These are questions you will explore in the class, as you learn more about the regional, linguistic, ethnic, class, gender, and age divisions evident in Canada. How political parties operate and what opportunities Canadians have to engage during elections are central issues in how citizen demands get channelled. Social movements and interest groups provide other important ways in which Canadians can try to influence public policies. The exclusion of indigenous peoples over the years has led to various demands and attempts to redress inequities and engage in reconciliation. The vital role played by the media, both commercial and social, will be a continuing theme in appreciating how we learn about our society and how issues and groups get portrayed to others.

Course Format:

The class will run asynchronously with some recorded video lectures, in addition to weekly synchronous tutorials (beginning in Week 2).  Please refer to scheduled days/times for tutorials. The Instructor will be available for online office hours.

Synchronous midterm and final exams will be held, schedule TBA.

Grading

  • Midterm Exam 10%
  • Term Paper 40%
  • Final Exam 30%
  • Tutorial Participation 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Cochrane, Blidook & Dyck, Canadian Politics: Critical Approaches Ninth Edition


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).