Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2019 - POL 252 D100

Local Democracy and Governance (3)

Class Number: 5870

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 6 – Aug 2, 2019: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 13, 2019
    Tue, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

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

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The political process in the urban municipality from a comparative perspective. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

Using local democratic material from Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and from around the world this course explores the level of government closest to the people. Starting with an exploration of the history and structure of Canadian municipal government the rest of the course looks at the impacts of, and efforts to reform the local public policy and governing process. Issues include local bureaucracy, regional governance, citizen participation and federal/provincial-local relations. Students will be encouraged to research and discuss issues of interest from their own communities in colloquia, tutorials and in their assignments.

There will be one 3-hour lecture each week.  One or two field seminars - to be held at municipal halls/NGO Offices in Greater Vancouver etc and guest speakers are anticipated and - will be discussed at initial classes.  Office Hrs – eg before and after class – will also be determined at initial classes.

Grading

  • Local Issue Profile – Memo 30%
  • Mid Term Test: Tuesday, June 11, 2019 25%
  • Final Take home examination 25%
  • Class participation 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Tindal, C. R., Tindal, S.N. Stewart, K and P. Smith, P  (2017), Local Government in Canada  (9th ed.), Toronto, Nelson.


ISBN: 10-0-17-658297-5

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