Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2022 - POL 221 D100

Introduction to Canadian Government (3)

Class Number: 4486

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 10 – Aug 8, 2022: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 11, 2022
    Thu, 8:30–10:30 a.m.
    Surrey

  • Prerequisites:

    POL 100 or 151 or permission of department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the institutional order and political structure of the Canadian state. The course will include topics such as the constitution, parliament, cabinet, judiciary, public service and federal-provincial relations.

COURSE DETAILS:

Many Canadians are deeply alienated from their politicians, and many Quebeckers would like to leave Canada to set up their own country.  What has gone wrong? This class focuses on Canada’s Constitution and government institutions, as a way to see what works well and what doesn’t. This should help you understand how our country is being governed, how political power is channelled and exercised.  Knowing that, we can have a much better idea of what can and should be fixed, and perhaps a better appreciation of the limitations of the current political institutions to accommodate deep divisions within our society.

COURSE ORGANIZATION:

The class will have a weekly two-hour lecture and a one-hour tutorial (tutorials begin in Week 2). 

Grading

  • Mid-term exam 10%
  • Term paper 40%
  • Tutorial participation 20%
  • Final exam 30%

NOTES:

* Students are required to submit written assignments to the Turnitin.com service in order to get credit.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Cochrane, Blidook & Dyck, Canadian Politics: Critical Approaches, 9th Edition


ISBN: 9780176886615

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 2022

Teaching at SFU in summer 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction.  Some courses may be offered through alternative methods (remote, online, blended), and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes. 

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, online, or blended courses 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 summer 2022 term.