Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2024 - POL 222 D100

Introduction to Canadian Politics (3)

Class Number: 5291

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 17, 2024
    Wed, 9:00–9:00 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    POL 100 or 151 or permission of department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the social and participatory basis of Canadian politics, covering topics such as political culture, regionalism and other political divisions, political parties, elections, interest groups and new social movements.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Details:

In POL 221, students learn about the inner workings of Canada’s political institutions. This course turns the lens toward Canadian society and examines how it shapes and responds to the political system. Why is regionalism such a strong force in Canadian politics? Is it more important than ideology in shaping our political outlook? Why do Québécois and Indigenous nations believe self-government is vital for their political aspirations? Are interest groups and social movements eroding the traditional role of political parties as the central intermediaries between citizens and government? The latter half of the course will focus on the main policy issues that animate Canadian politics, such as immigration, the environment, social programs, and the economy.

Schedule:

There will be a 2-hour lecture and 1-hour tutorial most weeks. A full schedule will be available in the syllabus.

Grading

  • Quality of Tutorial Participation 10%
  • Quizzes 5%
  • In-Class Mid-Term Exam 32%
  • Written Assignment 20%
  • Take-Home Final Exam 33%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Dyck, Rand et al. 2020. POL 222: Canadian Politics: Critical Approaches. Ninth Edition. Top Hat. ISBN:

Access keys for digital copies are available at the SFU Bookstore or through its online ordering system.

Please note this is a customized version of the textbook designed for POL 222 at SFU – so you must buy the edition from the Bookstore with the ISBN noted above. Other editions are longer, so they cost more and will not match the chapter numbers on the POL 222 syllabus.


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.

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 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