Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - POL 405W D100

Interpretation, Conflict, and Controversy in Public Policy (4)

Class Number: 7505

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines the role of values, conflict, and controversy in public policy. Competing normative values and narratives are fundamental to policy formulation. We study how these values are articulated, understood by other actors, and resolved in the policy-making process through an interpretive methods and analysis lens. Students with credit for POL 405 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is designed to mobilize the resources of critical and interpretive political theory for an analysis of public policy in contemporary liberal democracies. At the core of this effort is an emphasis on power, domination, disagreement, and conflict in the public sphere. Where does conflict come from? How is it managed?  How do different values and identities shape policy procedures? Who really governs and how? The first unit of the course examines key theoretical and methodological resources in the field of critical political theory that can help us reframe issues of public policy.  We will examine Michel Foucault’s conception of governmentality, Jurgen Habermas’ theory of the public sphere, and Chantal Mouffe’s notion of agonistic pluralism. The second unit of the course aims to further develop these theoretical resources and apply them to case studies. Topics of focus include Canadian public policy in relation to Indigenous communities, the emergence of neoliberal public policy, and the role of think tanks.

Grading

  • Critical Reflection Paper 1 15%
  • Critical Reflection Paper 2 15%
  • Presentation 20%
  • Particpation 15%
  • Major Research Essay 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Required readings for this course will be available online.


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.