Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - POL 321 D100

The Canadian Federal System (4)

Class Number: 4021

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

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

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Development of the federal system including topics such as the division of powers, parties, federal-provincial relations and theories of federalism.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course considers how well the institutions and processes of Canadian federalism are preforming. Are they effective in addressing new issues, such as immigration, indigenous rights, and climate change? Are they seen as legitimate for the many diverse communities of Canada? The course will analyze the impact that intergovernmental institutions have on the policy-process. 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. A study of the evolution of federalism will also be considered. It will delve into the significance of the fact that the nature of federalism has shifted from unilateralism to greater collaboration in a new era of globalization and international trade.

Grading

  • Quizzes 30%
  • Term paper proposal 10%
  • Short paper 20%
  • Term paper 25%
  • Contributions to the online discussion board 15%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Bakvis, Herman, Gerald Baier, and Douglas Brown. Contested Federalism: Certainty and Ambiguity in the Canadian Federation 2nd edition. Don Mills: OUP, 2019.  eText ISBN: 9780199000807
ISBN: 9780199000807

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 SUMMER 2020

Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course 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.

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) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.