Summer 2021 - POL 100 D100
Introduction to Politics and Government (3)
Class Number: 3272
Delivery Method: Remote
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: TBA, TBA
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Cara Camcastle
ccamcast@sfu.ca
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
A comprehensive introduction to the study of politics and government for both political science majors and students specializing in other disciplines. The course will explore the major concepts, methods, approaches and issues in political science, as well as the primary components of government structure and the political process. POL 101W is the Writing certified version of POL 100 and students cannot receive credit for both courses. Breadth-Social Sciences.
COURSE DETAILS:
Decisions by our governments unavoidably affect us. Studying political science enables a better understanding of those events. This course covers the basic concepts in the discipline of political science and provides more accurate answers to questions regarding political change. One section of the course focuses on the values that shape political culture and on the political ideas that mobilize citizens. Another examines the operation of government institutions. How do courts, legislatures, and political parties reconcile competing and diverging interests? Have political institutions and mechanisms dealt effectively with global challenges, such as environmental pollution? Can we ensure that the political executive is accountable to the people and can we increase citizen participation in the political process? We contrast Canada’s parliamentary system with other political systems. The course also considers results from the 2020 presidential election and the upcoming Canadian election.
Grading
- Three synchronous take home quizzes (1 hour each) 30%
- Attendance and Participation in Tutorial 10%
- Short paper assignment 20%
- Term paper 25%
- Asynchronous Contributions to the online discussion board 15%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
George A. Maclean, Duncan Wood R. and Lori Turnbull, Politics: an Introduction. ISBN: 9780199027521
-- Purchase can be through the Bookstore (Vital Source) E-Text ISBN: 97801090162047
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 SUMMER 2021
Teaching at SFU in summer 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods, but we will continue to have in-person experiential activities for a selection of courses. 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).