Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2021 - POL 856 G100

Issues in Social and Economic Policy (5)

Class Number: 3307

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

COURSE DETAILS:

ISSUES IN SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC POLICY

This course will explore theories and concepts of political influences on social and economic policy at a level suitable to conduct original research. Students will apply theoretical perspectives to understand how some problems get placed on the policy agenda and how others get sidetracked, why particular policy instruments become favoured tools for serving the public interest and others remain unfamiliar or uncomfortable to many policy actors. Analysis will also consider how policy instruments are used in implementation, and how public programs get evaluated. These perspectives will be gained through exploring the literature in political economy, the new institutionalism, and organization theory. Analytical efforts will then be directed to selected policy domains. In order to successfully explain how public policy gets made in Canada or another Western democracy, students will need to assemble the theoriesencountered during the first half of this course into a conceptual framework that can be applied to empirical evidence, thus revealing the organizational logic of public bureaucracy, private enterprise, the institutions of the state and the state’s relationship to the international political economy.

One three hour seminar each week. Combined with POL 460.

Grading

  • Analytical template of weekly readings 20%
  • Preparation of weekly consolidated analytical template 25%
  • Draft research question 5%
  • Draft research paper 20%
  • Final research paper 30%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

 

 

REQUIRED READING:

Readings will be drawn from the scholarly literature that is accessible through SFU’s library databases. Accessing these readings will be part of each student’s research skills development. A reading list will be distributed at the first class.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

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 2021

Teaching at SFU in summer 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods, but we will continue to have in-person experiential activities for a selection of courses.  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).