Spring 2019 - POL 253 D100

Introduction to Public Policy (3)

Class Number: 6154

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 16, 2019
    Tue, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores the political dimensions of public policy making in Canada. Reviews theories and techniques in policy analysis, and focuses on the contemporary dynamics of public policy in various economic and social sectors from the point of view of political ideas, interests, institutions, and decision-making. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

Nearly every person falls under the purview of some governing authority whose major function is the creation of public policy. This course will consider the conceptual framework of the policy-process. Theoretical discussions will be related to practical concerns around policy implementation.  Policy-making has changed considerably in the last decade, due to factors, such as globalization, necessitating a reconsideration of the traditional tools of policy analysis.  Interest groups and non-governmental organizations are often involved in the policy process along with the citizens of a country. The course will focus on some of the major policy fields that preoccupy Canadian policy makers at all levels of government. It will provide an introduction of the approaches to policy making in key areas, such as macroeconomic, social, health, aboriginal, and environmental.

There will be a 2 hour lecture plus a tutorial once a week.  Tutorials start in Week Two.

Grading

  • Small Group exercises in class 10%
  • Participation in tutorial 10%
  • Term paper 30%
  • Midterm exam 20%
  • Final exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Lydia Miljan, Public Policy in Canada: An Introduction 7th edition (Oxford University 2017)
ISBN: 978-0-19-902554-1

Articles and chapters available through Canvas.

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://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

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS