Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - POL 253 D100

Introduction to Public Policy (3)

Class Number: 7173

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 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:

Description:

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.

Course Organization:

There will be a synchronous two-hour lecture and a one-hour tutorial per week.  Tutorials start week two.  Note: for Fall 2020, all class activities will be done on-line.  Class discussions and tutorials will take place during the designated class times via Blackboard Collaborate Ultra. Powerpoint slides that accompany the lectures will be uploaded also to Canvas.  There will be also an online discussion board on Canvas.

Grading

  • Three take home quizzes 30%
  • Participation in the lecture and tutorial: 5% each 10%
  • Short paper 20%
  • Term paper 25%
  • Contributions to the online discussion board 15%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Lydia Miljan, Public Policy in Canada: An Introduction 7th edition (Oxford University 2017) eText ISBN: 9780199025558,  ISBN: 978-0-19-902554-1.


Department Undergraduate Notes:

The Department of Political Science strictly enforces a policy on plagiarism.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).