Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - POL 325 F100

Language and Politics (4)

Class Number: 6228

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores the relationship between language and politics, including the relations of power that shape the choice of state language(s), the origins and effects of language regimes, the politics of linguistic minorities and concerns relating to linguistic justice and equality. Students with credit for POL 329 Selected Topics in Canadian Government and Politics under the title Language and Politics may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Ce cours est divisé en trois blocs qui représentent trois façons d’étudier les rapports entre langue et politique. Le premier bloc est consacré aux approches normatives qui visent à décrire et à justifier comment l’État devrait traiter les langues. Le deuxième bloc portera sur les politiques linguistiques. Nous étudierons le modèle canadien avant de se tourner vers des articles traitant de modèles à l’international. Enfin, le troisième bloc s’attachera à mieux comprendre les mobilisations linguistiques portées par les minorités linguistiques en vue d’une meilleure reconnaissance politique de leur langue et de leur identité.

Note:  This course is taught in French.

Grading

  • Participation 10%
  • Présentation 10%
  • Quiz 20%
  • Travail de recherche 30%
  • Examen final 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Toutes les ressources du cours seront mises à la disposition des étudiantes et des étudiants sur Canvas.


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.