Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - POL 132 D100

From Dictatorship to Democracy: Political Regimes in the 21st Century (3)

Class Number: 5028

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 23, 2022
    Sat, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A firm consensus - at least in the West - has developed in favour of democracy as a means to emancipate ordinary people from the mayhem, conflict, and poor quality of life associated with autocratic rule. Introduces the concepts and tools needed to measure and analyze democratization around the world. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Description

This course will build upon students’ existing knowledge of democratic and authoritarian politics, in order to develop a critical understanding of different forms of government in the world in the contemporary era.

Discussions will provide a broad overview and understanding on the key institutions and political dynamics in democracies and dictatorships, enabling students to assess the benefits and risks associated with democracy, and the growing challenges to it. Comprehensive coverage of the full spectrum of political systems will enhance students' understanding of the relevance of contemporary global trends, including the nature of democratic backsliding and authoritarian resurgence, the rise of populism and identity politics, and the impact of cultural and socio-economic drivers of democracy. Selected empirical cases from Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia will be used to illustrate both concepts and theories within the field.

Course Schedule: there will be a two (2) hour in-person lecture and a one-hour tutorial session each week.

Grading

  • Tutorial Attendance, Participation and Presentations 10%
  • Short Paper 15%
  • Take-home Mid-Term Exam 20%
  • Research Paper Outline 5%
  • Research Paper 20%
  • Take-home Final Exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Lindstaedt, N., & Frantz, E. (2019). Democracies and Authoritarian Regimes. Oxford     University Press, USA. ISBN-13: 9780198820819

Supplementary material will be available on canvas (when necessary).


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 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.