Fall 2023 - POL 100 D900
Introduction to Politics and Government (3)
Class Number: 3818
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey -
Exam Times + Location:
Dec 8, 2023
Fri, 9:00–9:00 a.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Alsu Tagirova
alsut@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. Students with credit for POL 101W may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.
COURSE DETAILS:
Course details:
The course provides a strong foundation in global political systems, exploring how and why political realities unfold. Rich with examples of individual and national social action, this course emphasizes students’ role in the political sphere and equips them to be active and informed participants in civil society. This course provides an introduction to the political concepts and ideologies that filter beliefs about what governments should and should not do, how government institutions are structured, and how the citizens of a country participate in their political systems. The course will explore various electoral systems in democratic societies. We will also discuss the political protest, disruption, violence, and revolution. The class will end with the international context of politics, with reference to globalization, develop, and international institutions such as the United Nations.
Course objectives:
(i) critical understanding of the concepts of politics and governance;
(ii) basic familiarity with major paradigms, concepts, and theories in the scientific study of politics and government;
(iii)knowledge of and the ability to engage in debates around the main challenges to politics and governance.
Course organisation:
There will be a 2‐hour lecture per week and a 1‐hour tutorial starting in week 2.Grading
- Mid-term exam 15%
- Term paper 35%
- Tutorials 15%
- Final exam 35%
NOTES:
* Students are required to submit their term paper to the Turnitin.com service in order to get credit.
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
E. Mintz, D. Close, O. Croci, Politics, Power and the Common Good: An Introduction to Political Science, 6th edition. ISBN 9780137596195
In addition to the course book, you will be asked to read 1 or 2 additional readings before each tutorial. These tutorial readings will become available as the course progresses. Links to the weekly tutorial readings will be posted on Canvas at least one week ahead.
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:
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
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.