Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2018 - POL 457W D100

Technology and Innovation Policy (4)

Class Number: 7118

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

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

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course is intended to offer students an opportunity to reflect upon the challenges posed by the development of new technologies, the emergence of new movements and the uncertainties attendant to social and political conflicts associated with policy issues about which experts differ in significant ways. Students with credit for POL 457 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

This writing-intensive course introduces students to contemporary issues of science, technology, and innovation policy from a comparative international perspective of state and firm interactions. The course is multidisciplinary in its approach, including material from political science, development, economics, and business. We begins with an historical and conceptual introduction to innovations and their role in economic growth and development.  The second part introduces classic and contemporary works that seek to explain innovation and when, how, and why it occurs. The third part analyzes cases of technology development and failure from around the world. Students will be guided through a research project analyzing a tech policy case or issue with feedback at every stage. The course provides them experience at creating and presenting original research relevant to business, economics, and policy and can result in a solid research paper writing sample. Guest speakers share their real life career experiences.

There will be one four-hour seminar each week.

(combined with POL 855 G100)

Grading

  • Participation, includes timely attendance, discussion, and participation in exercises 10%
  • Quizzes on readings, beginning of every class 10%
  • Peer review exercises 5%
  • Debate preparation and participation 10%
  • Research paper, including proposal topic with preliminary literature review (5%); literature review (15%); outline of paper (5%); rough draft (polished finished product) (20%); final paper with revisions memo (10%): 10 minute presentation to class (10%) 65%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

On Canvas and hard copies on reserve

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The Department of Political Science strictly enforces a policy on plagiarism.
For details, see http://www.sfu.ca/politics/undergraduate/program/related_links.html and click on “Plagiarism and Intellectual Dishonesty” .

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/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

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS