Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - POL 353 D100

Global Climate Change Politics (3)

Class Number: 2785

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

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

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores the international politics of climate change. Topics include: the causes and consequences of climate change, history of international discussions, UN negotiations and policy agreements, the positions of key countries and the global transition to a clean economy and low-carbon development. Students with credit for POL 349 under the title "Global Climate Change Politics" may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

The course explores the international politics of climate change. Topics include: the causes and consequences of climate change, history of international discussions, UN negotiations and policy agreements, the positions of key countries, and the global transition to a clean economy and low-carbon development. We will explore climate negotiations and recent agreements that define the global response to the problem, and the main debates among countries. Students will also learn about the transition to a clean economy and low-carbon development. We will examine government policies in key countries as well as private sector developments regarding fossil fuels, renewable energy, and green growth. The course draws on the instructor’s personal experience in UN diplomacy, as member of the European Union delegation in UN climate negotiations.

Grading

  • Midterm exam 30%
  • Simulation 20%
  • Presentation 20%
  • Final exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is no textbook to purchase for this course. We will read journal articles and one small book: David Coen, Julia Kreienkamp and Tom Pegram, Global Climate Governance (Cambridge University Press 2020). All readings will be made available in electronic form. Students need to complete the readings for each class period prior to class, and develop a sufficient grasp of the material to engage in substantive class discussions.


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.