Summer 2021 - POL 418 D100
Selected Topics in Political Theory (4)
Class Number: 3330
Delivery Method: Remote
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Aug 18, 2021
Wed, 11:59–11:59 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Laurent Dobuzinskis
dobuzins@sfu.ca
1 778 782-3841
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Prerequisites:
Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.
Description
COURSE DETAILS:
Objectives
The notion of justice has been central to political theory ever since Plato’s times Every age seems to reinvent it to address new challenges and changing social norms. In the late 20th century, some prominent philosophers (J. Rawls, R. Dworkin, I.M. Young) renewed this conversation in innovative ways. More recently, some feminist theorists (C. Gilligan) have argued that justice ought not always be the dominant consideration in evaluating policy priorities and that we should pay (at least) equal attention to the notion of “care.” The course is organized around three themes: i) a brief recap of pre-World War II theories, from Plato to the New Liberalism (e.g., T.H. Greene, L. Hobhouse); ii) late 20th century debates centred on Rawls’ theory, paying particular attention to the contributions made by economists (e.g., K. Binmore, F.A. Hayek, S. Kolm, A. Sen) who are not always given their proper due by political theorists; iii) more recent developments, such as E. Anderson’s notion of “relational justice,” and the “ethics of care.” In each case, the practical implications of these theories (e.g., inequities in the administration of justice, a universal basic income, aboriginal land claims, etc.) will be highlighted.
Organization of the Course
There will be a two-hour synchronous meeting and a one-hour asynchronous participation per week.
Grading
- Research Essay (4,000 words) 40%
- Short Paper (book review, 2,000 words) 30%
- Take-home Final Exam - due Aug. 18th @ 11:59 PM 20%
- Participation 10%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
No textbook is assigned; reading materials will be available on Canvas or the Library.
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).