introduction to political science ps1100ydf

INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE PS1100YDF Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00-11:00AM

Friday Tutorial 10:00-1100:AM

Fall - Winter 2020

Instructor name: Dr. Douglas A. West Time and date: 20/09/08 21/04/06

Office location: OS 1028 Classroom location: WEB and Zoom

Email: [email protected] Office hours: By Appointment

D2L link: https://mycourselink.lakeheadu.ca/d2l/home/69213

Course Description

This course is designed as a general introduction to a wide variety of themes and subjects which

are the fundamental components of Political Science. As such, the course offers a survey of the

basic concepts which animate discussion about the nature of society, government and politics.

For example, the regular course material will include subjects such as Ideology, Forms of

Government, and the Political Process. In addition, we will try to focus on the application of

these subjects in a Canadian context. The primary objective of this course is to prepare students

for more rigorous treatment of these themes and subjects in more advanced Political Science

courses.

Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify political institutions and processes of government-citizen engagement. • Understand the fundamental elements of Canadian Politics, Comparative Government,

Political Theory, International Relations and Public Policy and Public Administration. • Demonstrate their ability to write reports and essays at a level commensurate with first

year university standards. • Engage in debate and discussion regarding the “politics of the day” when and where

appropriate. • Contribute to the discussion around the university’s relationship with its multi-level

communities. • Understand and contribute to discussions around fair legal practice, equity and justice in

the workplace, political protest, mediation and resolution and diversity issues affecting women, people of colour and the LGBTQ+2 communities.

COURSE MATERIALS

There is no required text for this course.

Readings and other materials will be placed on D2L site – Including PowerPoints

https://mycourselink.lakeheadu.ca/d2l/home/69213

Community Based Research/Service Learning Projects Fall- 2020

1. Orillia and District Arts Council https://www.orilliaartscouncil.ca/

Vision - Our vision is a strong united creative community, working together to

enhance culture in our area.

Mission - The mission of the Orillia & District Arts Council is to empower,

advocate for, and celebrate all art forms in our community and region.

Values – Inclusiveness, Life-long learning, Respect for art and artists, Diversity,

Community, Freedom of expression

a. ODAC Fundraising Initiative – Belonging to Arts and Culture

Working with the Board and Staff of ODAC, students will help develop 3

fundraising opportunities that match the Vision, Mission and Values of the

organization. Work will involve:

• Meeting with ODAC to determine the fundraising needs and goals of

the organization in terms of funding, donations, in-kind services.

• Identifying fundraising initiatives that match the Vision. Mission and

Values of the ODAC organization.

• Developing a workplan for the development of identified fundraising

initiatives.

• Presenting the workplan and preliminary ideas to a Zoom forum in

class that involves ODAC members.

• Delivering fundraising plans in a final Zoom forum.

b. ODAC Co-Sponsored Initiative in Exploring the Feasibility of an Art

and Artists in Spaces of Incarceration Program

Working with the Board and Staff of ODAC, the John Howard Society and

the Elizabeth Fry Society, students will help develop a plan that would bring

arts and arts instruction to local and regional spaces of incarceration, half-

way houses and relocation programs in Simcoe County. Work will involve:

• Meeting with ODAC, JH and EF to determine interest in an arts-in-

place program.

• Conducting a literature review and environmental scan of existing

arts-in-place service programs across Canada and the United States.

https://www.orilliaartscouncil.ca/

• Developing a workplan for the delivery of programming in Simcoe

County.

• Presenting the workplan in a Zoom forum in class that involves

ODAC, JH and EF representatives.

• Presenting findings and recommendations in a final Zoom forum.

2. The Lakehead Office of Community Engagement and Lifelong

Learning https://www.lakeheadu.ca/about/orillia-campus/community-

programs

Lakehead University’s Office of Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning

(CELL) facilitates community-oriented ancillary programs enabling lifelong

learning. These programs strengthen community relations through developing

multi-faceted partnerships with various organizations and expanding innovative

educational opportunities for learners in non-degree programs both on and off

campus. Third Age Learning Lakehead (TALL) specifically focuses on lifelong

learning for seniors in Simcoe County and Northwestern Ontario.

a. Legacy and Belonging in Simcoe County

Working with CELL and in relation to the TALL program, students will

participate with local and regional seniors to set up and implement a

social program that involves developing a communicative bond between

individual students and seniors to understand the legacy of community

belonging and the future of community belonging. Work will involve:

• Creating contacts with local seniors through creating Zoom

relationships.

• Developing a workplan for the delivery of ongoing

intergenerational social experiences.

• Presenting the workplan in a Zoom meeting that involves

participants and seniors’ organizations and CELL representatives.

• Engaging in a series of one hour Zoom meetings to facilitate

discussion around the themes of community and belonging.

• Presenting findings and recommendations for future relationship

building around the themes of community and belonging.

Students will attend two TALL Lectures from the series The 'Better Normal':

Anticipating a Post-pandemic Future on October 22 – Dr. Mark Szabo and on

November 15 – Dave Meslin as part of the preparation for their work.

https://www.lakeheadu.ca/about/orillia-campus/community-programs/tal/tall-

bracebridge (lectures will be taped and accessible to students who cannot attend)

https://www.lakeheadu.ca/about/orillia-campus/community-programs

https://www.lakeheadu.ca/about/orillia-campus/community-programs

https://www.lakeheadu.ca/about/orillia-campus/community-programs/tal/tall-bracebridge

https://www.lakeheadu.ca/about/orillia-campus/community-programs/tal/tall-bracebridge

3. The Lakehead Office of Sustainability

https://www.lakeheadu.ca/about/sustainability/office-of-sustainability

The University Office of Sustainability focuses on integrating the interconnected

sectors of sustainability as described in the STARS reporting tool and report. These

sectors include the Academics, Operations, Engagement, and Planning &

Administration of the University. The Office supports the University in expanding

its sustainability profile by implementing changes that support social,

environmental, and economic justice. The Office strives to collect and store

a repository of sustainability initiatives, teaching, and research at the University. In

doing so, it aims to act as a primary communications outlet, connecting the

community to all things sustainability-related on campus. Working with the

Coordinator of the Office of Sustainability, students will be grouped into areas of

research and reporting that include,

a. Certificate and Minor Programs in Sustainability - Performing an

environmental scan of existing Certificate and Minor Programs in Sustainability

Colleges and Universities in Canada and making recommendations regarding a

similar program at Lakehead.

b. Sustainability Ambassador Programs - Performing an environmental scan of

Sustainability Ambassador programs in Colleges and Universities across Canada

and making recommendations regarding a similar program at Lakehead.

c. Sustainability Organizations and Programs in Simcoe County - Identifying

Sustainability groups working across Simcoe County and designing a Partnership

program between Lakehead University and these groups,

d. Sustainability Literacy Survey Instrument- Developing a Sustainability

Literacy Survey instrument for use on the Lakehead University Orillia campus.

All groups will work independently and produce a report that will be amalgamated

into a larger report at the end of term to be delivered to the Coordinator of the

Office of Sustainability. Duties will include:

• Meeting with the Sustainability Coordinator to determine the scope of

the project.

• Developing a workplan for the development of identified initiatives.

• Presenting the workplan and preliminary ideas to a Zoom forum in

class that involves the Coordinator of the office of Sustainability

• Delivering recommendations and plans in a final Zoom forum.

https://www.lakeheadu.ca/about/sustainability/office-of-sustainability

https://www.lakeheadu.ca/about/sustainability/stars.aashe.org

GRADING AND EVALUATION

Course Evaluation and Assessment Weighting

Evaluation Due Date Value

Assignment #1

Presentation of CSL Project

Workplan

October 8th 10 /100

Assignment #2

Presentation of Final CSL

Project Report

November 24-26 15/100

Mid-Term Examination October 22, February 25th 15/100

Mid-Year Examination TBA 15/100

Assignment #3


Workplan

January 28 10/100

Assignment #4

Presentation of Final

Project Report

March 23 -25 15/100

Final Examination TBA 20/100

Assessment Details

Assignment Description Grading Rubric

Assignment #1


Workplan

• Cover page with title,

names and student#

• 2-3 pages double-spaced

in MSWord format

• Using the provided

Workplan Template

students will present

group generated

workplan in class time

on Zoom and submit

work to the Instructor

• Overall understanding

of Assignment (2)

• Writing clarity,

grammar and syntax (4)

• Variety of sources (4)

Assignment #2


Project Report


names and student#

• 8-10 pages double-

spaced in MSWord

format submitted on

D2L

• Students will present

their Final Report on

Zoom and submit work

to the Instructor


of Assignment (4)



• Variety and accuracy of

the presentation sources

(6)

Assignment #3


Workplan

• Using the provided

Workplan Template

students will present

group generated


of Assignment (2)




name and student#


in MSWord format

workplan in class time

on Zoom and submit

work to the Instructor



(4)

Assignment #4


Project Report


name and student#


in MSWord format

submitted on D2L

• Students will present

their Final Report on

Zoom and submit work

to the Instructor


of Assignment (4)





(6)

Late assignments will be deducted 1 grade per day and will not be accepted more than (2)

days after the deadline. Assignments submitted more than (2) days after the deadline will

result in a mark of 0.

COURSE SCHEDULE, READINGS AND KEY DATES

FALL TERM

Week 1 : Course Opening and Administration: September 8-10

Tuesday Thursday Friday

Tutorial

Course Introduction

Reading for the week:

https://rabble.ca/

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada

https://www.bbc.com/news/world

https://www.reuters.com/news/archive/worldNews

https://www.4imn.com/news-agencies/

PowerPoint

What is

Community

Service

Learning?

Discuss: 5

topics in

the “news”

Week 2: What is Political Science? September 15-17

Tuesday Thursday Friday Tutorial

PowerPoint and

readings on D2L


What is Politics For? Jane Mansbridge

PowerPoint and readings

on D2L

Discuss: What is the

point of political

participation?

Week 3: The Origin of and Meaning of Power September 22-24


PowerPoint and

readings on D2L


The Dispersal of

Power in Federal

States: Canada and

Australia Anthony Sayers and Andrew

Banfie


on D2L

Presentation: Katie Fraser

LU International

Engagement Specialist

“Cultural Intelligence:

Learning in a Diverse

World”

Discuss: What forms

does power take?

https://rabble.ca/

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada

https://www.bbc.com/news/world

https://www.reuters.com/news/archive/worldNews

https://www.4imn.com/news-agencies/

Week 4: The Citizen and the State September 29-October 1


PowerPoint and

readings on D2L


Canadians on

Citizenship Institute for

Canadian Citizenship

PowerPoint and readings on

D2L

Discuss: How is

citizenship achieved in

its fullest sense?

Week 5 : Constitutions and the Law October 6-8


PowerPoint and

readings on D2L


Universal Declaration

of Human Rights 1948


D2L

Community Service

Learning Presentations

Discuss: Why did

there have to be a

Universal Declaration

of Human Rights?

Week 6: READING WEEK OCTOBER 12-16

Week 7: Review and Mid-term Examination October 20-22


Review of Course

Material to date

Mid-Term Examination

1 hour – open at 9:00AM,

Closed at Midnight

Post Exam review

Week 8 : The Origins of Political Thought and Ideologies October 27-29



on D2L

Reading for the week: What Is Political

Theory/Philosophy? Mark

E. Warren


D2L

Discuss: Is Western

Political Philosophy a

strong part of

colonialism?

Week 9: Liberalism and Conservatism November 3-5



on D2L

Reading for the week: The Bankruptcy of

Liberalism and

Conservatism Amitai Etzioni

PowerPoint and

readings on D2L

Discuss: Is University or

College education

conservative? Or liberal?

Or is the University or

College system an

example of how

conservative institutions

can embrace liberal and

progressive and

experimental values?

Week 10: Socialism and Communism, and Nationalism November 10-12



on D2L

Reading for the week: Building socialism: from

‘scientific’ to ‘active’

Marxism David Lane

PowerPoint and

readings on D2L

Discuss: Is Canada

moving towards or away

from socialist ideals?

Week 11: Feminism, Environmentalism, BLM, Me Too November 17-19



D2L

Reading for the week: Feminism and men: ambivalent

space for acting up Janne Tienari & Scott Taylor

https://metoomvmt.org/

https://blacklivesmatter.com/

https://www.shmoop.com/study-

guides/literature/a-vindication-

of-the-rights-of-

woman/summary

PowerPoint and

readings on D2L

Discuss: How has

Feminist thinking

changed the way we

understand gender

and identity?

https://metoomvmt.org/

https://blacklivesmatter.com/

https://www.shmoop.com/study-guides/literature/a-vindication-of-the-rights-of-woman/summary




Week 12: Community Service Learning Presentations November 24-26


Project Presentations

Community Service

Learning Project

Presentations

Discuss: Has Community

Service Learning

strengthened my

understanding of political

action?

Week 13: What do I know About Politics Now? December 1-3


Review for Mid-Year

Examination

General Discussion

What do I know

about Politics?

Review for Mid-Year

Examination

Winter Term

Week 1 : Classification of Political Systems: January 5-7


PowerPoint and readings on D2L


Forms of Government

https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-

politicalscience/chapter/forms-of-

government/

PowerPoint

and readings

on D2L

Discuss: Is there

a “best” political

system?

Week 2: Liberal Democracy January 12-14




Revisiting Liberal democratic

universalism: A critical rhetoric of the

Liberal democratic world order

Rose Joy E. Smith

PowerPoint and

readings on D2L

Discuss: What

the essential

elements of

Liberal

Democracy?

https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-politicalscience/chapter/forms-of-government/



Week 3: Agencies for Change January 19-21


PowerPoint and

readings on D2L


Rethinking civil society

and transitional justice:

lessons from social

movements and ‘new’

civil society Paul Gready and Simon Robins

PowerPoint and

readings on D2L

Discuss: Have social

justice movements

changed the landscape of

contemporary politics?

Week 4: Autocratic Systems of Government January 26-28


PowerPoint and

readings on D2L


PowerPoint and

readings on D2L

Discuss: How can

autocratic systems of

government be avoided?

Week 5 : Parliamentary and Presidential Systems February 2-4


PowerPoint and

readings on D2L


On the Comparison of

Presidential and

Parliamentary

Governments Elijah Ben-Zion Kaminsky


on D2L

Community Service

Learning Presentations

Discuss: What are the

main differences between

parliamentary and

presidential systems of

government?

Week 6: Unitary and Federal Systems February 9-11


PowerPoint and

readings on D2L


Federalism in a Time of

Plague: How Federal

Systems Cope With

Pandemic

Mark J. Rozell1 and Clyde

Wilcox2


on D2L

Discuss: Does federalism

really work in Canada?

Week 7: READING WEEK FEBRUARY 15-19

Week 8 : Review and Mid-Term Examination February 23-25


Review of Course

Material to date

Mid-Term Examination

1 hour – open at

9:00AM, Closed at

Midnight

Exam review

Week 9: The Political Process: From Idea to Policy and Law March 2-4

Tuesday Thursday Friday

Tutorial



How a Bill Becomes Law in Canada

https://guides.library.queensu.ca/gov/canada/federal/how-

a-bill-becomes-a-law

PowerPoint

and

readings on

D2L

Discuss:

What are

the

“formal”

and

“informal”

ways that

legislation

is created?

https://guides.library.queensu.ca/gov/canada/federal/how-a-bill-becomes-a-law

https://guides.library.queensu.ca/gov/canada/federal/how-a-bill-becomes-a-law

Week 10: Political Parties, Interest Groups and Elections March 9-11



on D2L


Introduction to

‘Reclaiming democracy

from

below: from the

contemporary state

capitalist

system to peoples’

sovereignty’ Nora McKeon & Gonzalo Berron

PowerPoint and

readings on D2L

Discuss: Are political

parties “elitist” and

exclusionary?

Week 11: Media and Representation March 16-18



on D2L


From Liberation to

Turmoil: Social Media

And Democracy Joshua A. Tucker, Yannis

Theocharis, Margaret E. Roberts,

Pablo Barberá

PowerPoint and

readings on D2L

Discuss: Has Social

Media changed the

political system?

Week 12: Community Service Learning Presentations March 23-25




Discuss: Has Community

Service Learning worked

for you?

Week 13: What do I know About Politics Now? March 30 – April 1

Thursday

Review for Final

Examination

General Discussion

What do I know

about Politics Now?

Review for Final

Examination

COURSE AND UNIVERSITY POLICIES

Course Drop Deadline

Please be aware that the deadline to drop this course is FEBRUARY 12, 2021

Student Courtesy

The Instructor expects all students to be respectful in their interactions with any person involved

with the course.

Tests, Exams and Term Work

If you are going to miss a test, it is very important that you email me as soon as you know that

you will be missing the test. Missed tests will be accommodated only in extraordinary

circumstances that are supported by written documentation from a healthcare practitioner using

the official Student Health Certificate, available at

https://www.lakeheadu.ca/current-students/examination/medical-notes/node/10641

Final examinations run from August 17-18 (contingency date). Midterm examinations for full

courses and final examination for all courses are scheduled by the Registrar’s Office. Students

are strongly urged NOT to make any commitments (i.e., vacation, job related, or other travel

plans) during either the term as a whole or the final examination period. Students are required to

be available for all examinations during the periods for which they are scheduled (as published in

course syllabus). It is your responsibility to check the final exam schedule and be prepared to

write the examination on the scheduled date/time/location to avoid a grade of zero. There will be

no rescheduling of examinations to accommodate holiday travel or extracurricular activities. No

one will be allowed to write examinations prior to the scheduled date.

Extensions of deadlines for completion of assignments or writing of midterms/final examinations

may be granted to students on the basis of illness, accident, or other extreme and legitimate

circumstances beyond their control. Consideration for deferrals will not normally be granted on

the basis of vacation/travel plans or job-related obligations.

Academic Integrity

Plagiarism, cheating and academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. Being caught

engaging in any such activities will result in disciplinary action either within the course or at the

university level. A listing of University Regulations can be found at:

http://navigator.lakeheadu.ca/Catalog/ViewCatalog.aspx?pageid=viewcatalog&catalogid=21&ch

apterid=3506&loaduseredits=False. The code of student behaviour and disciplinary procedures

can be found at: https://www.lakeheadu.ca/faculty-and-staff/policies/student-related/code-of-

student-behaviour-and-disciplinary-procedures.

The following rules shall govern the treatment of students who have been found guilty of

attempting to obtain academic credit dishonestly:

(a) The minimum penalty for a student found guilty of plagiarism, or of cheating on any

part of a course will be a zero for the work concerned.

(b) A student found guilty of cheating on a formal examination or a test, or of serious or

repeated plagiarism, or of unofficially obtaining a copy of an examination paper before

the examination is scheduled to be written, will receive zero for the course and may be

expelled from the University.

https://www.lakeheadu.ca/current-students/examination/medical-notes/node/10641

http://navigator.lakeheadu.ca/Catalog/ViewCatalog.aspx?pageid=viewcatalog&catalogid=21&chapterid=3506&loaduseredits=False

http://navigator.lakeheadu.ca/Catalog/ViewCatalog.aspx?pageid=viewcatalog&catalogid=21&chapterid=3506&loaduseredits=False

https://www.lakeheadu.ca/faculty-and-staff/policies/student-related/code-of-student-behaviour-and-disciplinary-procedures

https://www.lakeheadu.ca/faculty-and-staff/policies/student-related/code-of-student-behaviour-and-disciplinary-procedures

http://navigator.lakeheadu.ca/Catalog/definitions/Plagiarism.html

http://navigator.lakeheadu.ca/Catalog/definitions/Plagiarism.html

Students disciplined under the Code of Student Behaviour and Disciplinary Procedures may

appeal their case through the Judicial Panel.

STUDENT ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES

Lakehead University is committed to achieving full accessibility for persons

with disabilities. Part of this commitment includes arranging academic

accommodations for students with disabilities to ensure they have an

equitable opportunity to participate in all of their academic activities. If you are

a student with a disability and think you may need accommodations, you are

strongly encouraged to contact Student Accessibility Services (SAS) and

register as early as possible. For more information, please

visit https://www.lakeheadu.ca/faculty-and-staff/departments/services/sas

Lakehead University Grading Scale

A+ 90-100%

A 80-89%

B 70-79%

C 60-69%

D 50-59%

E Fail 40-49%

F Fail 1-39%

F Academic Dishonesty 0%

LAKEHEAD RESOURCES

If you find yourself having difficulty with the course material or any other difficulties in your

student life, don’t hesitate to ask for help! Come to me, or if it is about an issue beyond this

class, please contact your academic advisors, or get help from any number of other support

services on campus, including:

The Student Success Centre has many programs and support services in place to help you

achieve your academic and personal goals while studying at Lakehead University. They provide

academic support through tutoring services, career exploration, co-operative opportunities and

leadership development. More information is available here https://www.lakeheadu.ca/current-

students/student-success-centre.

The Lakehead Library provides access to resources, study rooms, and research support both

online via chat and in person with more details available here https://library.lakeheadu.ca/.

Public Computer Labs are available on campus where you may write and/or print out your

work. For more details go to https://www.lakeheadu.ca/faculty-and-

staff/departments/services/helpdesk/computer-labs.

Student Life and Services offers health and wellness resources both on and off campus, as well

as opportunities for involvement in health and wellness activities. More information is available

here https://www.lakeheadu.ca/current-students/student-services/or.

https://www.lakeheadu.ca/faculty-and-staff/departments/services/sas

https://www.lakeheadu.ca/current-students/student-success-centre

https://www.lakeheadu.ca/current-students/student-success-centre

https://library.lakeheadu.ca/

https://www.lakeheadu.ca/faculty-and-staff/departments/services/helpdesk/computer-labs

https://www.lakeheadu.ca/faculty-and-staff/departments/services/helpdesk/computer-labs

https://www.lakeheadu.ca/current-students/student-services/or

Office of Human Rights and Equity. You have the right to an education that is free from any

form of discrimination. A wide variety of resources are available here

https://www.lakeheadu.ca/faculty-and-staff/departments/services/human-rights-and-

equity/resources.

In INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE PS1100YDF, in the context of remote

instruction and participation, video and audio recordings of class activities will be made to

ensure students' and instructors' easy and comprehensive access to those activities. The

recordings are confidential and are intended only for the use of the course students and

instructors. They may otherwise not be used or disclosed. During recording, to protect others'

privacy, each student should ensure that no one else is present in the location where they are

being recorded without that non-student's consent. The recordings are made under the authority

of sections 3 and 14 of The Lakehead University Act, 1965. Questions about the collection of the

images and sounds in the recordings may be directed to Dr. Patrick Cain, Chair of Political

Science (807) 343-8304 or Dr. Elizabeth Birmingham, Dean of Social Science and Humanities.

807-343-8167

TOP TEN REASONS PEOPLE DO WELL IN MY CLASS

1. They come to the lectures - all the lectures.

2. They take notes and review them.

3. They ask questions and enter into the discussions.

4. They hand their assignments in on time.

5. They ask the Instructor for advice and use the Library.

6. They prepare at least two drafts of all written work.

7. They document all of their sources for assignments.

8. They prepare study notes for examinations.

9. They read all the materials assigned for the course.

10. They participate in extra-curricular activities.

https://www.lakeheadu.ca/faculty-and-staff/departments/services/human-rights-and-equity/resources

https://www.lakeheadu.ca/faculty-and-staff/departments/services/human-rights-and-equity/resources

introduction to political science ps1100ydf

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