Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2024 - POL 100 D100

Introduction to Politics and Government (3)

Class Number: 3065

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

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:

This course introduces students to the building blocks of politics broadly understood and the institutions that support liberal democracy. Specific topics include nations and nationalism, political ideologies, electoral systems, federalism, political parties, and voting behaviour. The course explores these topics by looking at Canada through a comparative lens.

There will be a 2-hour lecture and 1-hour tutorial most weeks. A full schedule will be available in the syllabus.

Grading

  • Quality of Tutorial Participation 8%
  • Online Multiple-Choice Quizzes 5%
  • In-Class Mid-Term Exam 33%
  • Eight-Page Written Assignment 20%
  • Take-Home Final Exam 34%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Online custom version of Mintz et al. Politics, Power and the Common Good. Purchase instructions will be posted on Canvas. 


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