With this broad background, the class can look at intergovernmental clashes over policy control that are played out through jurisdictional disputes and the power of the federal purse. Considerable attention will be given to drives by certain communities to re-create or leave the Canadian federation. Aboriginal self-government will be examined for potential changes that differing self-government proposals may entail. Significant attention will be given to the strong challenge from Quebec nationalist forces for the long-term prospects and consequences of separation. 

In addition to the usual analytic discussions on substantive issues, this class will also emphasize the development of oral-speaking and writing skills. In order to develop depth and adaptability, students will engage in a variety of writing assignments: book reviews, commentaries that fit the style of newspaper editorial pages, and a research paper. In addition, students will work through various exercises in oral presentations, which will include short presentations in large lecture halls. Some workshops will also be spent in reviewing research techniques for various on-line and Internet resources. 
 

Students may write their term papers on a wide range of topics related to Canadian politics and government. 

REQUIRED TEXTS: 

H. Bakvis, G. Baier, and D Brown, Contested Federalism: Certainty and Ambiguity in the Canadian Federation.

Philip Resnick, The Politics of Resentment: British Columbia, Regionalism, & Canadian Unity.

GRADE DISTRIBUTION: 

• Book Reviews (1) 1500 words 15% 
• Essay 4000 words 55% 
• Written Opinions (2) 800 words 10%  each
• Oral Participation 10% 

This assignment involves a book review of Philip Resnick’s The Politics of Resentment: British Columbia, Regionalism, & Canadian Unity.

The reviews should be about six typed pages (1500 words max) and are to be written in the style of a book review that appears in a major academic journal. The purpose of a review is to convey two essential messages: what the essay was about, and how effective the author was in conveying his or her message.  In this assignment, you are expected to provide a summary of the main points that the author was trying to make, and to comment critically on how well she or he expressed these arguments.  What was the essential message that the author tried to communicate in this book - why was it written?  What were the most important elements of the argument she or he tried to construct in order to get that message across?  How convincing were the arguments, and why?  Was there consistency in the arguments and examples?  What points would you make either to support the author's central message or to challenge it? 

Make sure that your own paper is written with care.  Organize your points logically.  Include substantive, even if brief, introductory and concluding paragraphs. Pay close attention to your grammar and choice of words, too.
 

These are short pieces written in the style of op-ed pieces in major newspapers.  These are written to convey an argument or opinion on a controversial subject. 

The object is to convince the reader of your opinion.  But, remember that you are not preaching to the converted and the best argument is one that refers to, and refutes, key points of the opposing side.  The piece should contain facts to support the opinions underlying the argument.  An important aspect of this writing style is to be engaging without lapsing into colloquialisms or purple prose.  

These assignments should deal with a current Canadian political topic. 

This piece must be written to a target length of 790-800 words.