Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2025 - POL 100 D100

Introduction to Politics and Government (3)

Class Number: 2277

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A comprehensive introduction to the study of politics and government for both political science majors and students specializing in other disciplines. The course will explore the major concepts, methods, approaches and issues in political science, as well as the primary components of government structure and the political process. Students with credit for POL 101W may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course introduces students to the fundamental ideologies, norms, and institutions that support liberal democracy. Specific topics include nations and nationalism, classic and ‘new’ ideologies, electoral systems, political executives, federalism, political parties, and voting behaviour. The course explores these topics by looking at Canada through a comparative lens. There is no final exam for this course.

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

Grading

  • Tutorial Participation 10%
  • Canvas Quizzes 5%
  • Writing Assignment 15%
  • In-Class Test x 2 (Non-Cumulative) - 35% each 70%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Online custom version of Mintz et al. Politics, Power and the Common Good. Purchase instructions will be posted on 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.