Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - POL 347 J100

Canadian Foreign Policy (4)

Class Number: 7184

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Mon, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 15, 2020
    Tue, 11:59–11:59 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

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

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An overview of Canadian foreign policy post World War II. Various perspectives are discussed including realism, economic nationalism, liberal internationalism and political economy/dependency analysis. A variety of analytical perspectives are used to examine issue-areas such as foreign trade including the role of NAFTA, defence policy and alliance relations, foreign investment, foreign aid, immigration policy, energy policy and the role of domestic political factors in foreign policy decision-making.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Format:  Remote Sessions Online through Blackboard Collaborate on Canvas

COURSE DETAILS

We are living in interesting times. The point of departure of this introductory course on Canadian Foreign Policy (CFP) is the foregrounding of the current “triple crisis” – health, economic and climatic – arising from the Coronavirus pandemic. We will reflect upon Canada’s role and “place” in a world confronted by multiple other crises, such as global terrorism, nuclear threats, natural disasters, financial indebtedness, inequality, poverty and hunger, and a world order or ‘balance of power’ in flux. We will ask such questions as: How does Coronavirus affect Canada’s trade and investment policies? What is the best strategy for Canada to deal with China’s hostility in the Huawei affair? Is the NATO alliance still necessary for Canada? What was gained and lost in the recent NAFTA renegotiation? How should Canada balance its development and foreign aid priorities when its citizens at home are suffering under Covid-19? Is Canada a leader or laggard when it comes to addressing the “climate emergency”?

The central learning objectives of the course are to enhance students’ skills in critically analyzing core concepts, theories, and issues of foreign policy through both Canadian and globalist lenses, while also providing students with “hands-on” experience in better understanding the processes of foreign policy decision-making. Organizationally, the course is structured around a highly interactive, collaborative remote (or online) format, involving weekly online meetings and break-out discussion groups. The teaching approach comprises a combination of lecture review sessions, synchronous and asynchronous discussion forums, and guided simulation exercises to enable students to better apprehend how foreign policy decisions and negotiations transpire. A strong emphasis is placed on self-directed critical reading of materials, and the application of this “book learning” of CFP theory and concepts to experiential learning by means of small-group collaboration.

Grading

  • Weekly Online Discussion Questions 20%
  • Simulation Exercise 1 (includes oral and written components) 15%
  • Simulation Exercise 2 15%
  • Final Research Paper (with abstract) 25%
  • Final Take-home Exam 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

We will be reading an array of journal articles, book chapters, research institute reports and governmental policy and reports.

All required readings, as well as most supplementary readings, will be available electronically on Canvas.

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).