<This is Politics> "Occupy protesters take to the streets of Toronto" Protesters gather for the Occupy Toronto march on October 15, 2011 (Globe and Mail) University of Manitoba Department of Political Studies Terms:  Fall 2011 and Winter 2012 Course:  POLS 1500 Introduction to Politics Section:  A01 Credit Hours:  6 Professor:  George A. MacLean   Format:  Lecture Office Location:  503 University Centre   Location of Class: 206 Tier Telephone:  474-6621   Time of Class:  MWF 9:30-10:20 Email and Homepage:  maclean@cc.umanitoba.ca http://home.cc.umanitoba.ca/~maclean/   Office Hours:  MW 10:30-11:30 Course Content and Description:   A survey and appraisal of contemporary ideology, government, and international problems. This course is intended to introduce students to the field of Political Studies, including the principal concepts, ideas, issues and frameworks used to understand contemporary politics.  As such, it offers an introduction to all four major areas of Political Studies offered in our department: Political Theory, Canadian Politics/Public Administration, Comparative Politics, and International Politics. POLS 1500 is a foundation course for anyone seeking a major or minor in Political Studies, as well as those interested in pursuing an honours program, or graduate work. Because it is a comprehensive course, it is also a good choice for those who plan to take only one or two courses in Political Studies.   A broad range of topics will be covered including: approaches to studying politics; important concepts and theories; the role and branches of government; political institutions (including legislatures, the courts and political parties); political systems and political processes (including voting, media, and elections); politics in developing states and developed states; and foreign policy, world politics, international security and political economy.  The approach taken in this course is comparative, meaning that attention will be paid to events and examples in Canada as well as from other countries and regions.   As an introductory course, the objectives are: 1) to introduce students to the study of politics, in all of its dimensions; 2) to provide the basis for subsequent courses in Political Studies; 3) to stimulate interest in various contemporary political systems, and their particular institutions and political processes; 4) to explain and clarify the fundamental concepts, theories, and analytical frameworks used by political scientists; and 5) to develop and foster analytical writing.   Please note that this course has its own home page, which will include updated information such as assignments, seminar information, lecture schedules, and links.  You can contact the instructor directly from this home page. The course home page is http://home.cc.umanitoba.ca/~maclean/POLS1500.htm   Format:   A 50-minute lecture, twice a week (Monday and Wednesday) and one 50-minute seminar per week.  While there will be time in lecture to discuss political issues and events, this is not a course in current affairs, but rather one devoted to the study of politics.    This course is scheduled for Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30–10:20am. Throughout the year, there are compulsory seminars (“labs”) requiring preparation and participation by each student. Students are assigned these seminar groups upon registration. In order to avoid exceeding the required course hours per week, there will be no lecture class on Fridays.   More information about the seminars will be provided in class.  Keep in mind that these seminar discussions are required, and material from these sessions will appear on the test and exam.  These seminars are worth 10% of your final grade.   Attendance and Classroom Conduct:   This is a large lecture class, and proper delivery of course material depends on the cooperation of all members of POLS 1500.  Attendance for lectures and seminars is considered mandatory.  Repeated and unexcused absences may lead to debarment from the course.  Late arrivals, talking in class, improper use of electronic devices (e.g., texting, making phone calls, internet browsing, etc.), or other disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated.  Use of laptops is permitted for taking notes only.    Assignments and Grading   First essay (October 26)                    15% Mid‑Term Test (November 16)       20% Second essay (March 7)                   25% Seminars                                                 10% Final Exam                                           30%   The final exam will be scheduled by the Registrar’s Office   Voluntary withdrawal deadline: 16 March 2012     Grading Scale A+       90-100 A            80-89 B+         75-79 B            70-74 C+         65-69 C            60-64 D           50-59 F              0-49   Late assignment penalty:  5%/day   No extensions will be granted for assignments   Students are required by the Department to retain a copy of each assignment submitted to their instructors.  Students should acquaint themselves with the University’s policy on plagiarism, academic dishonesty, academic fraud, cheating, and examination impersonation in the University of Manitoba General Calendar. Ignorance of the regulations and policies regarding academic integrity is not a valid excuse for violating them.  Students may also refer to the Faculty’s website: http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/arts/student/index.html, which will provide detailed information on the issues and possible range of penalties for Academic Dishonesty.     Electronic versions of papers (attachments or on disc or memory stick) will not be accepted.   Policy on Unclaimed Work:   Any term work that has not been claimed by students will be held for four (4) months from the end of the final examination period for the term in which the work was assigned. At the conclusion of this time, all unclaimed term work will be destroyed according to FIPPA guidelines.     Required Texts:   MacLean, George A. and Duncan R. Wood, Politics: An Introduction, (Toronto: Oxford University Press, 2010). http://www.oupcanada.com/MacLean You can access the text home page for this text for a student study guide, podcasts, and Mp3 audio clips.   MacLean, George A. and Brenda O’Neill, Ideas, Interests, and Issues: Readings in Introductory Politics, 2nd Ed. (Toronto: Pearson Education Canada, 2008). http://vig.pearsoned.ca/catalog/academic/product/0,1144,0132068966-TOC,00.html   Schmidt, Diane E., Writing in Political Science: A Practical Guide, (Toronto: Longman, 2010). http://vig.pearsoned.ca/catalog/academic/product/0,1144,0205617360,00.html   These three textbooks are required for the entire course, and are available at the University Bookstore.  Please ensure that you have the proper edition.  Supplementary Texts and Readings:   Many supplementary texts and readings have been placed on reserve (listed under course name POLS 1500 MacLean) at Dafoe Library.  They cover a wide range of material relevant to the course, and are useful for supplemental course preparation and research for your papers.   Students should become familiar with the library, especially its politics and social science holdings, Government Documents, and journals and periodicals.  The online catalogue can be found at http://bison2.umanitoba.ca/ and is an excellent place to start your research for papers in this and other courses.   You should also keep abreast of current political events and news for this class.  It is recommended that you read a daily paper such as the Globe and Mail, follow daily newscasts, and review news magazines such as The Economist, Maclean’s, Newsweek, or Time. Lecture Schedule:   There are 14 sections in this course, which correspond to the chapters in the MacLean/Wood textbook.  Please note that some sections will span over several lecture periods, and some will take more periods than others.  All lectures and readings are mandatory.   Section 1. Studying Politics Why Study Politics? Approaches Used in the Study of Politics Politics and Our Everyday Lives Division and Connection in a Changing World Domestic and International Politics Citizens and Canada             Readings:       MacLean and Wood, Chapter 1 Kenneth Minogue, The Experience of Politics: I. How to Be an Activist, in MacLean and O’Neill                         Wayne Ellwood, Globalization Then and Now, in MacLean and O’Neill   Section 2. Finding a Common Vocabulary: Political Concepts Introduction: The Importance of a Common Language Political Organization Political Action Values Identity   Readings:       MacLean and Wood, Chapter 2                         Kenneth Minogue, The Classical Greeks: How to be a Citizen, in MacLean and O’Neill                         Francis Fukuyama, The End of History? in MacLean and O’Neill                         Section 3. Political Thought, Philosophy, and Ideology What is Political Philosophy? The History of Political Thought Ideologies Liberal Thought Socialism Nationalism Other Systems of Thought: Conservatism Feminism Environmentalism Fascism Anarchism Political Islam The Relevance of Ideas   Readings:       MacLean and Wood, Chapter 3                         Russell Kirk, Ten Conservative Principles                         Carol C. Gould, Socialism and Democracy, in MacLean and O’Neill                         Jennifer Baumgardner and Amy Richards, A Day Without Feminism, in MacLean and O’Neill Section 4. The Role of Government What Do Governments Do? Some Shared Objectives of Government Some Activities of Government Schools of Thought Regarding the Role of Government Forms of Political Systems Liberal Democracy Authoritarianism Totalitarianism Government and Canada   Readings:       MacLean and Wood, Chapter 4                         Gerry Stoker, The Triumph of Democracy? in MacLean and O’Neill Philippe C. Schmitter and Terry Lynn Karl, What Democracy Is… and Is Not, in MacLean and O’Neill Section 5. Branches of Government Institutions of Government The Executive The Legislature Legislative functions The Judiciary Constitutionality ruling Judicial legal interpretation Judicial dispute adjudication The Bureaucracy Presidential and Parliamentary Systems Institutions of Government Government in Canada Canadian federalism Canadian courts and the Constitution The Charter of Rights and Freedoms and individual citizens Canadian law   Readings:       MacLean and Wood, Chapter 5 J. Patrick Boyer, Responsible Government Won and Lost: Parliamentarians Play-Act Their Accountability Roles, in MacLean and O’Neill Gemma Rosenblatt, How They Operate, in MacLean and O’Neill Janet L. Hiebert, From Equality Rights to Same-Sex Marriage: Parliament and the Courts in the Age of the Charter, in MacLean and O’Neill Section 6. Political Systems Distributing Power within the State: To Centralize or Share? Unitary Systems Federal Systems Canadian Federalism: An Evolving History The division of powers The evolution of Canadian federalism Quebec and Canadian federalism   Readings:       MacLean and Wood, Chapter 6 Warren Allmand, The International Recognition of Indigenous Rights, in MacLean and O’Neill Gerard W. Boychuk, The Illusion of Financial Unsustainability of Canadian Health Care, in MacLean and O’Neill Section 7. Political Participation: Elections and Parties Democracy and Voting Types of Electoral Systems Political Parties Election Campaigns Campaign Financing Direct Democracy and the Referendum Elections and Political Parties in Canada   Readings:       MacLean and Wood, Chapter 7 Reg Whitaker, Virtual Political Parties and The Decline of Democracy, in MacLean and O’Neill Jarl K. Kampen, Kris Snijkers, E-Democracy: A Critical Evaluation of the Ultimate E-Dream, in MacLean and O’Neill Section 8. Political Socialization and Culture The Process of Political Participation Political Culture Political Socialization Public Opinion The Media and Politics Civil Society and Non-governmental Organizations The Participation of Private Actors in the Decision-Making Process Interest Groups Lobbying Policy-communities Corporatism Canadian Political Culture and Socialization   Readings:       MacLean and Wood, Chapter 8 David Herle, Poll-Driven Politicsm -- The Role of Public Opinion in Canada, in MacLean and O’Neill Oliver H. Woshinsky, The Impact of Culture on Politics, in MacLean and O’Neill Anne Milan, Willing to Participate: Political Engagement of Young Adults, in MacLean and O’Neill Section 9. Politics in Developed States What Are Developed States? A History of the 'Developed World' Post-Industrialization and Political Authority Cases: Canada The United States Japan The European Union   Readings:       MacLean and Wood, Chapter 9 The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, P.C., The Civilization of Difference, in MacLean and O’Neill Andrew F. Johnson, Democracy, Prosperity, Citizens and the State, in MacLean and O’Neill Centre for Research and Information on Canada (CRIC), Voter Participation in Canada: Is Canadian Democracy in Crisis? in MacLean and O’Neill Section 10. Politics in Developing States What is Development? A History of the 'Developing World' Political and Social Development Economic Development The Link between Political and Economic Development Population Growth Post-Industrialization and Political Crisis The Role of International Organizations Debates about Development China: The Politics of an Emerging Global Power Chinese history: The heritage of imperialism and revolution The origins of modern China Chinese economic reform Future challenges for China Mexico: The Challenges of Democratization History Mexico's political system Elections in Mexico The Mexican economy Economic liberalization and openness The future of Mexico   Readings:       MacLean and Wood, Chapter 10 Larry Diamond, Building Democracy after Conflict: Lessons from Iraq? in MacLean and O’Neill Denis Stairs, 9/11 "Terrorism," "Root Causes" and All That: Policy Implications of the Socio-Cultural Argument, in MacLean and O’Neill Section 11. International Politics and Foreign Policy International Politics, International Relations, Foreign Policy, and the State The International System Actors in World Politics Globalization Competing Approaches to International Politics Process and Cooperation: The Liberal Approach Rejecting Realism: The Marxist Approach Perception and Politics Diplomacy and Foreign Policy Geography Natural resources Population Technological development Internal political structures and processes Canada and the World   Readings:       MacLean and Wood, Chapter 11 Kim Richard Nossal, Canada: Fading Power or Future Power, in MacLean and O’Neill David R. Boyd, Sustainability Law: Respecting the Laws of Nature, in MacLean and O’Neill Section 12. International Security Security and Insecurity War in International Relations Terrorism Humanitarian Interventionism Peacekeeping, Conflict Management and Resolution Canada in Afghanistan   Readings:       MacLean and Wood, Chapter 12 Ramesh Thakur, Security in the New Millennium, in MacLean and O’Neill Louise Arbour, The Responsibility to Protect and the Duty to Punish: Politics and Justice in a Safer World, in MacLean and O’Neill Walter Russell Mead, God’s Country? in MacLean and O’Neill Section 13. International Political Economy What is IPE? The Perspectives of IPE Economic Interdependence International Economic Cooperation The World Trading System The growth of trade since 1846 The GATT The WTO Present and future challenges for trade The International System of Money and Finance The Bretton Woods system The Latin American debt crisis The New International Finance and the crises of the late 1990s The Global Financial Crisis 2008-9 Economic Regionalism Oil and Oil Prices Multinational Corporations   Readings:       MacLean and Wood, Chapter 13 Stephen Clarkson, Sarah Davidson Ladly, Megan Merwart, Carlton Thorne, The Governance of North America NAFTA’s Stunted Institutions, in MacLean and O’Neill Section 14. Conclusion What Have We Learned? Where Do We Go from Here?   Readings:       MacLean and Wood, Chapter 14 Stella Z. Theodoulou and Rory O'Brien, Where We Stand Today: The State of Modern Political Science, in MacLean and O’Neill Maurice Strong, Report to the Shareholders, in MacLean and O’Neill   Winter term essay assignment   Department of Political Studies   POLS 1500 A01 Introduction to Politics 2011-2012 Regular Session   Second Term Essay Topics   You are asked to write an essay on one of the following topics. Pay close attention to the wording of the topic, and be sure to address all aspects listed for your topic.  No other topics will be accepted.  Your essay must pose and develop a coherent argument, and should be 8 pages long (double spaced).  You should have a bibliography of no fewer than 6 sources. These should include texts, journals, periodicals, and websites (academic, governmental, institutional). At least one of your sources must be from an academic journal. Wikipedia is not an acceptable source.  You are encouraged to discuss the paper with the class Teaching Assistant, or the Instructor, and to refer to Diane E., Schmidt, Writing in Political Science: A Practical Guide, (Toronto: Longman, 2010) for assistance in thesis development, research, and citation.   1.     Although China and Mexico are categorized as ‘developing’ states, their level of global economic integration would suggest they are more ‘developed’ than others.  Their integration path, however, has been quite different.  In a comparative study, describe the different ways that China and Mexico have sought development.  Can we say one has been more successful than the other?   2.     Some would suggest that Canada’s use of multilateralism has been essential for its foreign policy.  Do you agree?  Has multilateralism served Canadian interests?  Is there a better approach?    3.     Does the principle of ‘just war’ still apply in the twenty-first century?  Using real examples, make an argument for or against the use of just war theory.   4.     Does regionalism pose a serious threat to global economic integration, or is it indispensible for it?  Use examples of regional arrangements to make your argument.   5.     What it the future for international peacekeeping?  Should Canada return to its peacekeeping ‘roots’?  In your paper, refer to current Canadian defence policy.     This essay is worth 25% of your total grade, and is due March 7, 2011.     Here is the link and log in information needed to access the on-line student ancillaries that accompany your text MacLean/Wood: Politics: An Introduction.  The link is: http://www.oupcanada.com/higher_education/companion/politics/9780195431629/student_resources.html Click on the above link, or copy and paste link into your web browser. After opening up the above link, you will then be prompted to enter the following information: User ID:  politics_intro_student Password: politicsIntro2398 I recommend copying and pasting in the password as it is case sensitive. You'll find that these resources include Mp3 audio clips, lecture podcasts, and links to useful sites.  Of course, there is also information for test/exam preparation.