Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2023 - POL 100 D900

Introduction to Politics and Government (3)

Class Number: 3312

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 15, 2023
    Tue, 3:30–5:30 p.m.
    Surrey

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 world we live in is structured by people and institutions that determine how our personal lives and whole societies and economies should be structured – requiring some things of us and forbidding others, taking from some and giving to others. This course provides an introduction to the concepts we use to understand how societies are governed, the political 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 how democratic societies rely on very different electoral systems to channel voter choices, in order to select and hold to account those who govern. As well, we will discuss the fine lines between political protest, disruption, violence, and revolution.

COURSE ORGANIZATION:

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 9780135287446

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

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.