Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2019 - POL 319 J100

Selected Topics in Political Theory (4)

Questions in Contemporary Democratic Theory

Class Number: 4570

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 6 – Aug 2, 2019: Thu, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 15, 2019
    Thu, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.

Description

COURSE DETAILS:

Selected Topic: Questions in Contemporary Democratic Theory 


The purpose of this course is to explore several key debates within contemporary democratic theory and practice. In order to explore these debates, we will attempt to answer a series of questions regarding the meaning of democracy. These include:

·       Must democracy be of the people, by the people, and for the people?
·       Is democracy universal?
·       Does democracy require a nation?
·       Does democracy require public things?
·       Does democracy require respect for difference?
·       Does protest embody the democratic ideal?
·       Does populism embody the democratic ideal?

As a course in political theory, we will attempt to answer these questions through the interrogation of both classic and current texts.  

There will be one 4-hour lecture each week.

Grading

  • Participation 10%
  • Critical Response #1 20%
  • Critical Response #2 20%
  • Critical Response #3 20%
  • Final Exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

MacPherson, C.B. The Real World of Democracy. House of Anansi Press: Toronto, 1992.

ISBN-10: 0887845304 ISBN-13: 978-0887845307

Grant, George. Lament for a Nation: The Defeat of Canadian Nationalism - 40th Anniversary Edition. McGill-Queens University Press: Kingston, 2005.  

ISBN-10: 077353010X ISBN-13: 978-0773530102

Ranciere, Jacques. Disagreement: Politics and Philosophy. University of Minnesota Press: Minneapolis, 2004.  

ISBN-10: 9780816628452 ISBN-13: 978-0816628452

Mouffe, Chantal. For a Left Populism. Verso: New York, 2018.  

ISBN-10: 1786637553 ISBN-13: 978-1786637550

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