Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - POL 310 D100

Identity Politics (4)

Class Number: 8421

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Mon, Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 21, 2021
    Wed, 5:00–5:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Eline de Rooij
    ead2@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-5858

  • 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 apply these theories to understand how different identity categories, among which those based on gender, race, ethnicity, and partisanship, play a role in the dynamics and organization of political systems, in the formation of public policy, and in political attitudes and chosen ways of participating in politics. We will draw on relevant current examples throughout the course.

There will be two 50-minute synchronous seminars each week, as well as a one-hour asynchronous component.

Grading

  • Participation 11%
  • Short quizzes (3) 12%
  • Group presentation 12%
  • Short papers (2) 35%
  • Take home final exam - due April 21, 2021 @ 5:00 PM 30%

NOTES:

* Note: Students are required to submit their papers 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 SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 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).