Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2019 - POL 221 J100

Introduction to Canadian Government (3)

Class Number: 4445

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 6 – Aug 2, 2019: Tue, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 6, 2019
    Tue, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    POL 100 or 101W or 151 or permission of department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the institutional order and political structure of the Canadian state. The course will include topics such as the constitution, parliament, cabinet, judiciary, public service and federal-provincial relations.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course introduces students to the institutions and processes of government in Canada. It focuses primarily on the structures, rules, and operation of the core institutions of the federal government.

We will explore the Canadian constitution and the system of federalism that is central to how government works in Canada. We will then discuss the three ‘branches’ of government: the legislature (Parliament), the executive (the prime minister, cabinet, and bureaucracy) and the judiciary. Our final topics focus on the public policy process, and the operation of ‘multilevel governance’.

There will be one 3-hour lecture each week.

Grading

  • In Class Participation 10%
  • Data Exploration Assignments 15%
  • Midterm Exam 15%
  • Research Bibliography + Essay 25%
  • Budget Process Simulation 15%
  • Final Exam 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Malcolmson, Patrick, Richard Myers, Gerald Baier, and Thomas M.J. Bateman. The Canadian Regime: An Introduction to Parliamentary Government in Canada. 6th Edition. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2016.
ISBN: 9781442635968

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