Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - POL 310 D100

Identity Politics (4)

Class Number: 3807

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 13, 2021
    Mon, 3:29–3:29 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

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

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines the impact of identity politics on the dynamics and organization of political systems. Topics include the impact of ethnic, racial and/or religious diversity on modes of political representation, the formation of public policy, and the quest for political stability and national identity. Student with credit for POL 481 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

During this course we will examine the role that identity plays in politics in the context of advanced democracies. The course is divided into three parts. The first part will function as an introduction in which we will discuss the meaning and importance of identities for politics. In the second part, we will examine how and why social identities are so central in motivating individuals’ political behavior through a discussion of the basic social-psychological theories of group relations, as well as theories on group mobilization. In the final part of the course, we will examine the many ways in which identity features in politics, such as politicians using identity appeals to mobilize support, the exclusion of identity groups from political power, and identity-based social movements. We will heavily draw from academic literature and use current examples of identity politics throughout the course.

Seminars will consist of a mixture of lectures, discussions of the readings, presentations, in-class assignments and pop quizzes. Students are expected to attend regularly, to have read the designated readings for each session and to actively and critically participate.

There will be one three-hour seminar each week.

Grading

  • Participation 11%
  • Short quizzes (3) 12%
  • Group presentation 12%
  • Short papers (2) 35%
  • Take home final exam (due Dec. 13, 2021 at 3.29PM) 30%

NOTES:

* Note: Students are required to submit their papers and take home exam to Turnitin.com in order to get credit for the assignment.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Materials for this course will be made available through Canvas or the SFU library.


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 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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 may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.