Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - POL 312 D100

Modern and Contemporary Political Thought (4)

Class Number: 4842

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 20, 2021
    Tue, 11:59–11:59 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    POL 210 or equivalent, or permission of the department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An exploration of selected political theories of justice.

COURSE DETAILS:

What is “modernity” and how does this concept contribute to an understanding of how political life has unfolded in the wake of the Enlightenment—the era during which it took shape? Does “post-modernity” offer an alternative vision or merely a shift of emphasis? These questions will be discussed in relation to the writings of major thinkers from the 18th century onward. Modernity is closely associated with liberalism, a perspective according to which justice entails an adequate allocation of rights to freedom and equality. The thinkers discussed in this course have either worked within that broad and always evolving framework or have sought to challenge it.

There will be a two-hour synchronous period  (lecture and discussion) and a one hour asynchronous period.

Grading

  • Term paper (3,000 to 3,500 words) 40%
  • Short paper 20%
  • Final Exam(take home) - due April 20, 2021 @ 11:59 PM 30%
  • Participation 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

No required textbook; most of the readings are available on Canvas or through the Library.


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).