Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2018 - POL 426W D100

Canadian Political Behavior (4)

Class Number: 10298

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 16, 2018
    Mon, 11:59–11:59 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    POL 201, or BUEC 232, or IS 240, or STAT 203, and POL 221 or POL 222, and eight upper division units in political science or the permission of the department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The study of political attitudes and behavior in Canada. Topics will include political culture, public opinion, elections and voting behavior. Writing/Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is about election campaigns, voting and political behaviour in Canada.  Initially, the course will discuss the theoretical methods that may be used to analyze the political behaviour of Canadians. We will then consider the various influences on the behavior of the Canadian electorate throughout the country’s. The course will examine voter participation rates at all levels of government in Canada with a particular view toward developing a better understanding of the electoral democracy in the country. Citizen participation in other jurisdictions will also be considered from a comparative perspective as part of understanding Canadian political behaviour.  

Central to the course will be the interaction between theory and empirical research. Research methods used to study questions regarding election campaigns and voting will be examined and utilized.  

Time will be spent in groups discussing a current Canadian Political Behaviour during most sessions throughout the term. Ultimately it is the goal of the course to better sensitize students to Canadian Political Behaviour and its effects on the electoral process.  

  There will be one 4 hour lecture per week.

Grading

  • Midterm 20%
  • Presentation 20%
  • Project 30%
  • Final Exam 30%

NOTES:

Please Note:  All requirements/assignments must be completed in good faith to receive final grade

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

The Research Process, Canadian edition, 3rd edition (2016)
Gary D. Bouma, Rod Ling and Lori Wilkinson
Oxford University Press

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