Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - POL 855 G100

Science, Technology and Public Policy (5)

Class Number: 4249

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Oct 11, 2024: Tue, Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 16 – Dec 3, 2024: Tue, Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Students with credit for SEE 773 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Description:

This writing-intensive undergraduate/graduate course is designed to examine one of the most pressing issues of our time- how to develop alternative energy sources in the face of climate change. The course starts with a technical introduction to how energy works.  It then moves to an historical perspective focusing on how we developed our petroleum-based economy. Students learn how to analyse energy policy through developing knowledge of economic, political, and regulatory terms. The course is centered around helping students to learn how to write a policy brief, which is a standard document of analysis in the public, private, and non-profit arenas. The policy examines the feasibility of implementation for a new or an evaluation of an existing clean energy project or policy, using both quantitative and qualitative analysis. The policy brief will serve as a well-vetted and reviewed writing sample for students. The course is supplemented by site visits and guest speakers.

Course Organization:

The class is taught twice a week, for 2 hours per class.

Note:  This course is combined with POL 452W.


Grading

  • Participation (including attendance and discussion) 10%
  • Quizzes based on the readings and lectures 10%
  • Peer review assignments 5%
  • Class powerpoint presentation of research paper 10%
  • Ddebate preparation and participation, 10% (5% oral, 5% written); 2 bonus marks for the winning team 10%
  • Policy memorandum (Breakdown below) 55%

NOTES:

Policy memorandum, 55% broken down as:

          10% Proposal incl. lit. review, annotated bibliography, & data sources

          10% Conceptual and statistical analysis of the issue (15 pp)

          10% Policy options section (5 pp) & Recommendation section (5 pp)

          15% Rough Draft (20 pp)

          10% Final Draft (15-20 pp)

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All material is available on Canvas and through Library Reserves.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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 website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.