Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - POL 150 D100

Science, Policy, and Innovation (3)

Class Number: 3187

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 13, 2025
    Sat, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores how science and technology intersect with public policy. From debates about climate change to the proper boundaries of security and privacy in the Information Age, the politicization of science is an inescapable reality that has far-reaching consequences for scientific advances innovation, and human quality of life. Breadth-Hum/Social Sci/Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Description:

This course is designed to introduce students to the intersection of public policy and science, to better understand the ways that policy both affects and is affected by science.  The learning objectives are to:

  1. Develop skills in time management, reading and writing, critical thinking, and oral argumentation through the examination of seminal academic articles on science and technology policy.  The course will provide a foundation of skills through hands on exercises that will help students to succeed in their academic and professional careers.
  2. Understand the complementary roles of scientific and arts/social-scientific perspectives on science and innovation policy.
  3. Test out the theoretical concepts around science policymaking on a wide variety of controversial and current cases, from risk to climate change.

Course Organization:

There will be a two-hour lecture and a one-hour tutorial per week.  Tutorials start week two.

Grading

  • Participation in lecture 10%
  • Participation in tutorials 10%
  • Quizzes in lecture 15%
  • 2 Short reflection papers (15% for 1st paper and 20% for 2nd paper) 35%
  • Final exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All materials are available on-line through SFU Library databases and Canvas.


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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.