Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - POL 428 D100

Selected Topics in Canadian Government and Politics I (4)

Right-wing Politics in Canada

Class Number: 4443

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.

Description

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Overview:

Right-wing politics in Canada are a mainstream topic but are neither simple nor a monolith. This course will begin by engaging with the political theory at the heart of right-wing ideologies.  From there, the course will cover the recent evolution of conservatism at the federal level. Following reading week, the course analyses unique geographic and social cases across Canada. The objective of this course is to provide students with the tools to engage critically and with a nuanced understanding of the ideological diversity which broadly falls under the partisan umbrella of the right. Course readings and seminar discussion will focus on ideas and policies, rather than dates and names. 

This course was built with the objective of encouraging students to engage with the readings, while allowing them the evaluation stream that best fits their learning style. The readings are at the heart of seminars, and without them class discussion is moot. The dual evaluation streams give the opportunity for students to experiment with independent research, while recognizing it is not for everyone.

Course Format:

We will meet weekly for about two hours, though classes can always go the length of the allotted time period. Each student is expected to have completed the readings prior to class and be prepared to participate actively. Each class will start with a check-in. This will be an opportunity to touch base on the readings and answer any questions. We will then move into the student-led part of the class; two to three students will make a short presentation and then lead discussion in groups. The instructor will then lead a general discussion focused on making connections between topics and readings. Finally, the class will conclude with a brief lecture to introduce the following week’s topic and readings.

Grading

  • Student Participation 15%
  • Weekly Quizzes 10%
  • Presentation and Facilitation 15%
  • Response Paper 1 10%
  • Response Paper 2 OR Research Outline 10%
  • Final Exam OR Research Paper 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All required readings for this course are available on Canvas.

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 term 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.