Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2022 - POL 253 D100

Introduction to Public Policy (3)

Class Number: 5859

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Thu, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores the political dimensions of public policy making in Canada. Reviews theories and techniques in policy analysis, and focuses on the contemporary dynamics of public policy in various economic and social sectors from the point of view of political ideas, interests, institutions, and decision-making. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

Nearly every person falls under the purview of some governing authority whose primary function is creating public policy. This course will consider the conceptual framework of the policy process. Theoretical discussions will be related to practical concerns around policy implementation.  Policymaking has changed considerably in the last decade, due to factors, such as globalization, necessitating a reconsideration of the traditional tools of policy analysis.  Interest groups and non-governmental organizations are often involved in the policy process along with the citizens of a country. The course will focus on some of the significant policy fields that preoccupy Canadian policymakers at all levels of government. It will introduce the approaches to policy making in critical areas, such as macroeconomic, social, health, aboriginal, and environmental.

Grading

  • Three quizzes in the lecture 30%
  • Attendance and Participation in the tutorial 10%
  • Short paper 15%
  • Term paper 30%
  • Asynchronous contributions to the online discussion board 15%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Lydia Miljan, Public Policy in Canada: An Introduction 8th edition (Oxford University 2022)  ISBN: 9780199038145.  Available digitally from Vital Source.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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 website 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