CAN106 - Canadian Politics

Outline info
Semester
School
Last revision date Jan 27, 2025 1:18:29 AM
Last review date Mar 17, 2025 12:15:19 AM


Subject Title
Canadian Politics

Subject Description
This subject is an overview of Canadian politics covering the structure of Canadian Government, the practice of politics and a background to major political issues. Students will develop knowledge of the structure and function of governments in Canada: legislative judicial and administrative areas, roles of elected officials, public servants and develop a personal awareness of citizen responsibility.

Credit Status
One General Education Credit

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

  • Develop knowledge of the structure and function of governments in Canada: legislative judicial and administrative areas, roles of elected officials, and public servants.
  • Analyzing current political issues, and assessing methods and processes that can be used to influence relevant political systems to act for the common good;
  • Assessing the power and influence of different people involved in civic issues, using political perspective;
  • Develop a respect and appreciation for different points of view on various political issues.
  • Develop an in-depth understanding of Canada's political institutions.
  • Become familiar with some of the fundamental debates in the Canadian political science literature.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.

Prerequisite(s)
Corequisite: EAC149 

Topic Outline
Week 1:  Introduction: What is politics? Overview of the Canadian Political scene
Week 2:  Political divisions in Canada: The Alliance and Western Alienation; The Bloc and Quebec Separation
Week 3:  Internal and External Pressures: Native Issues;“Sleeping with the Elephant”: Canada – U.S. Relations
Week 4:  “The Rules of the Game”: The Constitution and Federalism
Week 5:  The three levels of government in Canada: Federal / Provincial / Municipal Powers and Relationships
Week 6:  Parliamentary Government: The relationship of the Legislative / Executive and Judicial branches. Comparing the U.S. and Canadian systems
Weeks 7 and 8:  The Federal Executive: Ceremonial Governor Generals;Powerful Prime Ministers; Cabinets : Control and Policy
Week 9:  The Legislature: The House of Commons – Debate and Legislation;The Senate – Regional balance and the need for Legitimacy
Week 10:  Political Parties: Ideology and Brokerage;Rules for ‘success’
Week 11:  Elections: Ensuring a fair result; Distortions and solutions
Note: The instructors reserve the right to change any or all of the following issues, to focus on the current situation in Canadian politics.
Week 12:  Issue 1: Budgets
Week 13:  Issue 2: Reform to Alliance to???    Issue 3: The future of Canadian Politics

Mode of Instruction
On-line :  Instruction will occur via the web and consist of the course pages at this site, group discussions via tests, evaluations and e-mail. 

Prescribed Texts
Canadian Politics: Concise 5th Edition, by Rand Dyck - Carleton University, Thomson Nelson. ISBN# 9780176518530

To find out the cost of books and learning material go here.

Any courses not listed on the bookstore webpage do not require any resources for purchase. All resources will be provided by your instructor.

Reference Material
None.

Required Supplies
None.

Student Progression and Promotion Policy

http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/student-progression-and-promotion-policy.html

Grading Policyhttp://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/grading-policy.html

A+ 90%  to  100%
A 80%  to  89%
B+ 75%  to  79%
B 70%  to  74%
C+ 65%  to  69%
C 60%  to  64%
D+ 55%  to  59%
D 50%  to  54%
F 0%    to  49% (Not a Pass)
OR
EXC Excellent
SAT Satisfactory
UNSAT Unsatisfactory

For further information, see a copy of the Academic Policy, available online (http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academics-and-student-services.html) or at Seneca's Registrar's Offices.(https://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/registrar.html).


Modes of Evaluation
Modes of Evaluation
Assignments                       35%
Discussion                          15%
Final Exam (In Person)      50%

Students must receive a passing grade for both their term work and their final exams (and/or final evaluation 50% minimum) in order to receive a passing grade in this subject. It is expected that students have a sufficient command of the English language to express themselves clearly in both written assignments and class discussions. Marks may be deducted from the final grade for the lack of use of Standard English skills.The use of electronic dictionaries during assessment is not permitted.


Appeals
Students should keep all assignments (including drafts and outlines) and exercises until they receive their final grade. Students may appeal any final grade in a subject or any decision by the College, following the recommendation of a Promotion Committee, with respect to the student's academic standing, continuation or status in a program, School, Faculty or the College.  It is the policy of the College that a student who invokes this appeal process will be given a fair hearing.  For further information on appeals, please see Section 12 of the Academic Policy Handbook. 
PLEASE RETAIN THIS SUBJECT OUTLINE FOR POSSIBLE FUTURE USE IN SUPPORT OF CREDIT APPLICATIONS AT OTHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.

Approved by: Fiona Bain-greenwood