Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the social and participatory basis of Canadian politics, covering topics such as political culture, regionalism and other political divisions, political parties, elections, interest groups and new social movements.

COURSE DETAILS:

COURSE DETAILS:

This course looks at the political dynamics that make Canada such an interesting country. Just what are the cleavages that divide our population and drive our politics? What impact have they had over the years? These are questions you will explore in the class, as you learn more about the regional, linguistic, ethnic, class, gender, and age divisions evident in Canada. How political parties operate and what opportunities Canadians have to engage during elections are central issues in how citizen demands get channelled. Social movements and interest groups provide other important ways in which Canadians can try to influence public policies. The exclusion of indigenous peoples over the years has led to various demands and attempts to redress inequities and engage in reconciliation. The vital role played by the media, both commercial and social, will be an important theme in appreciating how we learn about our society and how issues and groups get portrayed to others.

COURSE ORGANIZATION:

There will be weekly lecture videos, to be accessed asynchronously, and a weekly one-hour in-person tutorial beginning in Week Two. Each week’s lecture videos should be watched before attending the tutorial.

Grading

Materials

REQUIRED READING: