Polis204 outline PDF

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Outline of poli 204 with Frank Ohemeng...

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Concordia University POLI/SCPA 204/4G Introduction to Canadian Politics Professor: Dr. Frank Ohemeng Email: [email protected] Telephone: 514 848 2424 ext. Office: H 1225-41 Office Hours: Tuesdays, 1:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or by appointment Teaching Assistant: Ariane Wilson Email: [email protected] Class schedule: Day 1: Tuesdays, hours: 10:15 - 11:30 Day 2: Thursdays, hours: 10:15 – 11:30 Room: Room 411

Emails: Any question(s) or query(ies) sent by email will receive a response within two business days or during the following class if taken place within the 48 hours following receipt of the email. Note that the professor or the TA reserves the right not to answer any email if the level of language used is inadequate.

Moodle:

Yes

Official Course Description This course provides an introduction to the study of Canadian politics and the institutions of Canadian governance. The basic focus is on the principles and practices that structure the exercise of political power in Canada and whether political institutions and actors are sufficiently responsive to the demands of Canadians. To this end, the issue of political culture and its effect on political institutions will be investigated, as well as the constitutional setting that impacts federalism, political parties and the functioning of Canada’s House of Commons and the Senate. The exercise of power by the Prime Minister and Cabinet will allow students to consider the quality of democratic governance and whether parliamentary reform is necessary in Canada. Attention will also be paid to constitutional politics from 1960 to 1995, with a particular emphasis on Quebec, and to the 2015 Canadian Federal election on October 19. Finally, the role of the Supreme Court of Canada and its interpretation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms will be considered in light of the theme of democratic governance in Canada. 1

Course Learning Objectives: The primary objective of this course is to build a solid foundation for students to understand the political system in which we live. At the end of the course, students should be able to identify the most influential cleavages that impact Canadians’ perspectives on their political system. Assignments are meant to encourage students to critically assess political issues that can affect them either directly or indirectly, and to be able to communicate their political opinions in clear, substantiated ways, either through verbal communication (presentations and class/discussion group participation), and written communication (research paper). Exams will test competencies in knowledge of course material, as well as the ability to use that knowledge to make rational arguments

TEACHING METHOD The method for teaching is lectures. There will be an extensive use of power points during lectures. Power point slides will be made available on Moodle (Virtual Campus) at least 6 hours before each class. It is the student’s responsibility to download these slides, read them before coming to class. Students are expected to check for course information at least twice a week

ASSESSMENT METHODS Course Evaluation: The course evaluation consists of three components: Mid-Term Test Term Paper Final Examination

30% 30% 40% (December examination period)

Required Course Text Brooks, Stephen. 2017. Canadian Democracy (Updated 8th Edition). Oxford University Press Canada

DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE STATEMENT ON PLAGIARISM The Department has zero tolerance for plagiarism. 1. What is plagiarism? The University defines plagiarism as “the presentation of the work of another person, in whatever form, as one’s own or without proper acknowledgment.” (Concordia Undergraduate Calendar 2016–2017, page 55). Plagiarism is an academic offence governed by the Code of Conduct (Academic). 2

To find out more about how to avoid plagiarism, http://www.concordia.ca/students/academicintegrity/plagiarism.html.

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2. What are the consequences of getting caught? The Dean may impose the following sanctions on students caught plagiarizing: (a). Reprimand the student; (b). Direct that a piece of work be resubmitted; (c). Direct that the examination be taken anew; (d). Enter a grade reduction for the piece of work in question or enter a grade of "0" for the piece of work in question; (e). Enter a grade reduction in the course or enter a failing grade for the course; (f). Enter a failing grade and ineligibility for a supplemental examination or any other evaluative exercise for the course; (g). Impose the obligation to take and pass courses of up to twenty-four (24) credits, as specified by the Dean, in addition to the total number of credits required for the student’s program. If the student is registered as an Independent student, the sanction will be imposed only if he or she applies and is accepted into a program. An Academic Hearing Panel may impose the following sanctions: (a). Any or all of the sanctions listed above; (b). Impose a suspension for a period not to exceed six (6) academic terms. Suspensions shall entail the withdrawal of all University privileges, including the right to enter and be upon University premises; (c). Expulsion from the University. Expulsion entails the permanent termination of all University privileges. (Undergraduate Calendar, page 56.) Complete regulations can be found beginning on page 54 of the Undergraduate Calendar or (http://www.concordia.ca/academics/undergraduate/calendar/current/17-10.html). 3. See also The Political Science Department's "Resources on Avoiding Plagiarism" at: http://alcor.concordia.ca/~mlipson/01Plagiarism_Home.html Cell Phones, Pagers, iPods, iPhones, iPads, and other Electronic Gadgets: Please ensure that your cell phones, pagers, iPods, and all other electronic gadgets (with the exception of laptops) are turned off when in class. Anything else just isn’t fair to the rest of the class or to the professor. The Use of Personal Computers in Class: Personal computers are allowed in class for notes taking ONLY. No other computerbased activity (including checking e-mail, chatting, playing games, etc.) is permitted. Failure to adhere to this may result in your expulsion from the class. Recording of Lectures: Recording of lectures is NOT permitted in any form. Students with any form of disability who are interested in recording parts of the lectures MUST obtain permission from the instructor before doing so. 3

DISCLAIMER I reserve the right to amend the schedule of meetings and assignments listed in this syllabus as might become necessary based on events throughout the semester. Any changes to the syllabus will be announced and students will receive an amended syllabus in writing. Copies of the most up to date syllabus can be found on the course website on Moodle. Lecture Outline and Readings: Note: Reading One is always from the textbook, Reading Two are available online through the library Week One: January 8 & 10 Introduction to the Course and Canadian Politics Introduction to course content, explanation of assignment, and course expectations Reading One: Brooks Chapter 1 Week Two: January 15 & 17: Confederation and Political Culture Reading One: Brooks Chapter 2 Reading Two: Forbes, H.D. 1987. “Hartz-Horowitz at Twenty: Nationalism, Toryism and Socialism in Canada and the United States.” Canadian Journal of Political Science 20(2): 287-315 Week Three: January 22 & 24: French-English Relations Reading One: Brooks Chapter 14 Reading Two: Oxford Handbook of Canadian Politics “Quebec” By Alain Noël Week Four: January 29 & 31: Regionalism Reading One: Brooks Chapter 5 Reading Two: Cochrane, Christopher and Andrea Perrella. 2012. “Regions, Regionalism and Regional Differences in Canada.” Canadian Journal of Political Science 45(4): 829-853 Week Five: February 5 & 7: Aboriginal Relations Reading One: Brooks Chapter 16 Reading Two: Cairns, Alan C. 2000. Citizens Plus: Aboriginal Peoples and the Canadian State. Vancouver, BC: UBC Press. Chapter 2 “Assimilation” 47-77 4

Week Six February 12 & 14: New and Old Cleavages, Multiculturalism Reading One: Brooks Chapter 4

Week Seven: February 19 & 21: MID-TERM EXAMS Week Eight: February 26 & 28-Winter Break-No Classes Week Nine: March 5 & 7: Federalism Reading One: Brooks Chapter 8 Reading Two: Cameron, David and Richard Simeon. 2002. “Intergovernmental Relations in Canada: The Emergence of Collaborative Federalism.” Publius 32(2): 4971 Week Ten: March 12 & 14: Constitution Reading One: Brooks Chapter 6 Reading Two: Oxford Handbook of Canadian Politics “Constitution” By Peter H. Russell

Week Eleven: March 19 & 21: Charter of Rights and Freedoms Reading One: Brooks Chapter 7 Reading Two: Oxford Handbook of Canadian Politics “The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms” By Janet L. Hiebert Week Twelve: March 26 & 28: Executive, Legislative, Judiciary Reading One: Brooks Chapter 9 Reading Two: Oxford Handbook of Canadian Politics “First Ministers, Cabinet and the Public Service” By Donald J. Savoie David C. Docherty. 2002. “The Canadian Senate: Chamber of Sober Reflection or Loony Cousin Best Not Talked About.” Journal of Legislative Studies 8(3), 27-48

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Week Thirteen: April 2 & 4: Elections Reading One: Brooks Chapter 11 Reading Two: Oxford Handbook of Canadian Politics “Challenge and Change: Elections and Voting” By Elisabeth Gidengil

Week Fourteen: April 9 & 11: Parties Reading One: Brooks Chapter 11 Reading Two: Oxford Handbook of Canadian Politics “Political Parties and the Practice of Brokerage Politics” By R. Kenneth Carty and William Cross

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Format for Mid-Term Test (Sample Questions) The test will consist of two sections, A and B. Students are required to answer all the questions in both sections: Section A is made up of a set number of multiple-choice questions and students are to circle the correct answer with a pencil. Example: 1. A _________________ is an organization so large and structurally differentiated that, it cannot be managed effectively by a single individual. (a) Traditional organization (b) Public organization (c) Complex organization (d) Business organization

2. _______________ is the formal name for the approach that seeks to describe, compare, and evaluate organizations at the macro level of analysis (a) Administrative theory (b) Organization theory (c) Bureaucratic theory (d) Classical theory 3. Which of the following is not a sub-field in the study of organization? (a) Organization theory (b) Organizational behavior (c) Management theory (d) Organizational management

Section B: 1. Identify the three sub-fields in the study of organization theory (a)________________________________________ (b)_______________________________________ (c)_______________________________________ 7

2. What are Public Organizations? (2 marks) __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ 3. What are the four main tenets of classical organization theory? (4 marks) (a)________________________________________________ (b)_______________________________________________ (c) ________________________________________________ (d)________________________________________________

4. Identify the four general principles of Scientific Management theory (4 marks) (a)________________________________________________________ (b)________________________________________________________ (c)________________________________________________________ (d)_______________________________________________________

Date for the Mid-Term Test: Friday, 10th October, 2014

Time 11:45 –1:00 Venue: In class

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Essay Questions Instructions: Choose any One of the following questions and answer in an essay format. The paper should not be less than 1500 words (6 pages) and not more than 2000 words (8 pages), double-spaced, excluding bibliography. Word count must be provided. Students are to use not less than 12 academic (books and journals only) sources in writing the paper. Please note that no Internet sources will be accepted except that of government (Nation/Federal, Provincial, or Municipal governments’ websites). The use of Wikipedia is NOT accepted in any form or shape. Downloaded journal articles using any web search tool or engine should be cited only in this way. For example, if you download an article from the Canadian Journal of Political Science using JSTOR, the citation should be: Matthews, B (2007) “Understanding Canadian Politics,” Canadian Journal of Political Science, 70(1), 1-10. 1. The national government should have policies and programmes that deal directly with cities and municipalities. Make a case for or against this view. 2. Analyze the forces which have contributed to "province-building" in the Canadian federation. What are the consequences of “province-building’? 3. Do you agree that the workings of interest groups contribute to the unhealthy state of Canadian democracy? 4. Discuss the nature and importance of judicial independence. In examining this topic analyze what aspects of independence are necessary to achieve judicial impartiality and what aspects may be part of broader issues of the judiciary's desire for greater institutional autonomy. 5. Critically analyze the functions of Parliament and how effectively they may and should - be performed within the context of Canada's parliamentary system of government. what reforms would you suggest as practical means to foster a more effective Parliament. 6. What are the powers and limitations on the Prime Minister? Do they lead to "Prime Ministerial Government"? 7. Discuss how the nature of Canadian federalism has changed since Confederation through judicial interpretation, political practice, and constitutional amendment. In you view, what can and should be changed in our federal structures and division of powers to ensure Canada's survival? 8. Is Canadian political culture changing? Are Canadians becoming less deferential and/or more American?

Due Date: Thursday, 14th March 2019, on or before 4:30 p.m. Assignments are due in my office on the date and time indicated above and are subject to a 5% a day late penalty. Assignments will not be accepted for grading one week after the due date, resulting in a grade of ‘zero’ and automatic failure in the class. 9

Only under exceptional circumstances (e.g. medical or family emergencies) will extensions be granted, and they will not under normal circumstances be given on the day the assignment is due. Except in very rare circumstances, extensions will not be granted by telephone or email. You are to submit one hard copy of your paper to the professor, upload an electronic copy (soft copy) to the assignment dropbox on MOODLE on the due date or submit a soft copy on pen-drive. Faxed or e-mailed essays are not accepted.

You are required to write your name, your student number, and sign your signature (on a sheet of paper to be provided) immediately after handing over your paper at my office on the due date. PLEASE NOTE THAT NO PAPERS WILL BE ACCEPTED IN CLASS Format and Evaluation of Paper: The paper will be evaluated according to the following criteria: 1. Introduction (10%) Research question(s) Argument or thesis surrounding the research question(s) Outline of the paper, i.e., how you are going to address the question(s) 2. Background (10%) A brief background to the question(s) being addressed explaining why the question(s) is/are important 3. Analysis (50%) Construction of the main argument and its sub-arguments Consideration of counter arguments 4. Conclusion (5%) Summary of main points and restatement of thesis An indication as to whether the thesis was proved or disproved 5. Organization and Scholarliness (25%) – overall assessment Whether or not the essay flows in a logical manner Quality of writing (grammar, spelling, etc.) Supporting references for points/counterpoints Paragraph construction (point, supporting conclusion/transition sentence) 10

evidence,

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Bibliographical documentation

Sources and Citation: The cardinal rule of writing research papers is “ CITE EVERYTHING.” Remember this and you should have no problems with regard to plagiarism or other violations of the Academic Code. There are two fundamental rules for doing a research paper: 1. You must indicate a citation when you use a source IN THE TEXT OF THE PAPER 2. There must be a FULL BIBLIOGRAPHY with all the relevant information for each source that you use The following writing manuals can assist you in the correct way of writing research papers: 1. Lucille Charlton and Mark Charlton’s Research and Writing in Political Science Guide 2. Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, (APA), 5th edition, 2001 (www.apa.org) 3. Melinda Kramer, Glen Leggett, C. David Mead, Prentice Hall Handbook for Writers, 1995 4. Margot Northey and Joan McKibbon, Making Sense: A Student's Guide to Research and Writing (Paperback), 2002 5. Gregory M. Scott, The Political Science Student Writer's Manual, Prentice Hall, 2005 N/B: if still unsure of what to do, drop by and talk to the instructor

Information on Assignment: Information on your assignment can be derived from a variety of sources including books, journals, newspapers, magazines, government publications, and reports. You are encouraged to make use of relevant government web sites. It is expected that your assignment will make reference to a variety of sources, as many as you deem appropriate.

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Sample of Title (cover) Page Introduction to Canadian Politics

By

Peter Manu Student #: 01234567

Name of T.A.

A paper presented to Professor Frank Ohemeng, Department of Political Science, Concordia University in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for POLI 204: Introduction to Canadian Politics

Concordia University 14th March, 2019

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