Politcal Science Course Outline

Sch Interdisciplinary Studies
POLITICAL SCIENCE
2020-21 Academic Year

Program Year Semester
IS-General Education elective to be delivered across all programs N/A N/A
Course Code: GNED 1302 Course Equiv. Code(s): N/A

Course Hours: 42 Course GPA Weighting: 3
Prerequisite: N/A
Corequisite: N/A
Laptop Course: Yes No X
Delivery Mode(s): In class Online Hybrid X Correspondence
Pandemic remote teaching delivery mode Fully asynchronous X Combined asynchronous and
synchronous
Remote proctoring required Yes X No
Authorized by (Dean or Director): Stephanie Ball Date: July 2020
Prepared by
First Name Last Name Email
Dave Smith david.smith@durhamcollege.ca
Durham College Course Outline - GNED 1302 - 2020-2021 Page 1 of 21

Course Description:
This course provides an introduction to the democratic system of governing people in Canada. It includes a
description of the organization of the three levels of government: federal, provincial and municipal. The interaction of
each government level, democratic electoral systems and legislative processes are also discussed. The course
includes the responsibilities of each level of government, the daily problems and issues facing Canadian citizens, and
the impact on law enforcement by public opinion, the media and special interest groups.
Campus Closure Notice

In the event of a campus closure during which time classes cannot be conducted or attended in person, course
delivery will be conducted remotely where possible. Should teaching and learning resume on campus, students may
be organized into smaller groups for classroom delivery, in accordance with directions from public health authorities.
In either situation, the learning plan sequence and/or evaluation methods may be adjusted to address topics requiring
hands-on, practical learning activities.
Subject Eligibility for Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition

(PLAR):
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is a process a student can use to gain college credit(s) for
learning and skills acquired through previous life and work experiences. Candidates who successfully meet the
course learning outcomes of a specific course may be granted credit based on the successful assessment of their
prior learning. The type of assessment method (s) used will be determined by subject matter experts. Grades
received for the PLAR challenge will be included in the calculation of a student’s grade point average.
The PLAR application process is outlined in http://www.durhamcollege.ca/plar. Full-time and part-time students must
adhere to all deadline dates. Please email: PLAR@durhamcollege.ca for details.
PLAR Eligibility
Yes X No
PLAR Assessment (if eligible):
X Assignment
Exam
Portfolio
Other

Course Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes contribute to the achievement of Program Learning Outcomes for courses that lead to a
credential (e.g. diploma). A complete list of Vocational/Program Learning Outcomes and Essential Employability
Skill Outcomes are located in each Program Guide.
Course Specific Learning Outcomes (CLO) Essential Employability Skill Outcomes (ESSO)
Student receiving a credit for this course will have This course will contribute to the achievement of
reliably demonstrated their ability to: the following Essential Employability Skills:
CLO1 Explain the basic function of each of the X EES 1. Communicate clearly, concisely and
major institutions of Canadian government, correctly in the written, spoken, and visual form
including the Prime Minister and Cabinet, that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of
House of Commons, Senate, Bureaucracy, the audience.
and Judiciary.
X EES 2. Respond to written, spoken, or visual
CLO2 Discuss how distance and division and the messages in a manner that ensures effective
distribution of population affect the operation communication.
of the Canadian political system.
EES 3. Execute mathematical operations
CLO3 Outline the historical evolution of Indigenous accurately.
and French-English interaction in Canada.
X EES 4. Apply a systematic approach to solve
CLO4 Define democracy and discuss the extent to problems.
which Canadians are committed to it.
X EES 5. Use a variety of thinking skills to
CLO5 Demonstrate an understanding of the anticipate and solve problems.
mutually dependent relationship between
politicians and the media. X EES 6. Locate, select, organize, and document
information using appropriate technology and
CLO6 Explain how the formal election machinery is information systems.
organized at the national and local levels.
X EES 7. Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant
CLO7 Outline Canadian voting behaviour. information from a variety of sources.
CLO8 Explain the functions and roles of political X EES 8. Show respect for the diverse opinions,
parties. values, belief systems, and contribution of
others.
CLO9 Discuss the rights and freedoms included in
the Canadian Charter of Rights and X EES 9. Interact with others in groups or teams
Freedoms. in ways that contribute to effective working
relationships and the achievement of goals.
CLO10 Define federalism and distinguish it from
other forms of intergovernmental relations. X EES 10. Manage the use of time and other
resources to complete projects.
CLO11 Explain the ways in which the Monarchy or
Crown is engrained in the Canadian political X EES 11. Take responsibility for one's own
system. actions, decisions, and consequences.
CLO12 Describe and explain the structure of a
government department and the principle of
ministerial responsibility.
CLO13 Analyze the functions of the House of
Commons and its members within and
beyond the policymaking process.
CLO14 Outline the structure of the Canadian court
system.

Evaluation Criteria:
The Course Learning Outcomes and Essential Employability Skills Outcomes are evaluated by the following evaluation
criterion.
Evaluation Description Course Learning Outcomes EESOs Weighting
Quiz: Term Work CLO1, CLO2, CLO3, CLO4, CLO5, EES2, EES4, EES5, 10
CLO6, CLO7, CLO8, CLO9, CLO10, EES6, EES7, EES10,
CLO11, CLO13, CLO14 EES11
Online Activity: Independent CLO4, CLO5 EES1, EES2, EES4, 20

Study Exercises EES5, EES6, EES7,
EES8, EES9, EES10,
EES11
Test: Test Module 1 CLO1, CLO2, CLO3, CLO4, CLO6, EES2, EES4, EES5, 15
CLO10 EES6, EES7, EES10,
EES11
Test: Test Module 2 CLO1, CLO2, CLO3, CLO4, CLO5 EES2, EES4, EES5, 15
EES6, EES7, EES10,
EES11
Project: Group Assignment: CLO4, CLO8 EES1, EES2, EES4, 20

Report on NGO EES5, EES6, EES7,
EES8, EES9, EES10,
EES11
Presentation: Group CLO3, CLO4 EES1, EES2, EES5, 5

Assignment: NGO Report EES8, EES9, EES10
Group Presentation
Test: Test Module 3 CLO1, CLO2, CLO4, CLO9, CLO10, EES2, EES4, EES5, 15
CLO11, CLO12, CLO13, CLO14 EES6, EES7, EES10,
EES11
Total 100%
Notes:
1. If you do not fare well on tests or quizzes, you should consider applying for a peer tutor from the Student
Resource Centre. You are encouraged to seek help well before the end of term.
2. There is no final exam in this course. There are no individual rewrites or rescheduling of terms tests because of
absence. If for any reason, whatsoever, a student is going to be absent for one test or is absent from one test,
the weighting will be shifted to an end of term comprehensive make-up test. If more than one test is missed, a
mark of "0" will be assigned for each missed test.
3. In-class assignments and random quizzes will be assigned regularly throughout the semester to a total of 10%
of the student's final grade. There will be no opportunity to make up these missed marks for absence.
4. The specific test dates will follow the weekly schedule as noted in the Sequence of Instruction and the Test
Module 3 and 4 will occur during the final scheduled class, week 14.
5. Instructional Information: students should be prepared to read independently. Class time will be devoted to
lectures, presentations, quizzes, and discussion of additional content delivered by lecture.
6. The use of any personal electronic devices, social media or other non-course related equipment during class
time is strictly prohibited. Students are required to turn off cell phones and place all personal electronic listening
devices in their school bags. Playing music on the lap top during class is not permitted.

Required Text(s) and Supplies:
1. Canadian Politics: Critical Approaches, Eighth Edition
Authors: Cochrane, Blidook, Dyck
Publisher: Nelson Education Limited, 2016
ISBN-13: 978-0-17-658295-1
Recommended Resources (purchase is optional):

1. Other resources will include library services, web sites, journals, magazines, newspapers, etc. Also, students
will be expected to access documents posted on DC Connect.

Policies and Expectations for the Learning Environment:
General Policies and Expectations:
General College policies related to General policies related to
+ Acceptable Use of Information Technology + attendance
+ Academic Policies + absence related to tests or assignment due

dates
+ Academic Honesty + excused absences
+ Student Code of Conduct + writing tests and assignments
+ Students’ Rights and Responsibilities + classroom management can be found in the

can be found on-line at Program Guide (full time programs only) in
http://www.durhamcollege.ca/academicpolicies MyCampus
http://www.durhamcollege.ca/mycampus/
Course Specific Policies and Expectations:
Attendance: attendance has been shown to be the best predictor of student success. This subject is designed to build
on skills previously learned and applied in class; students missing topics will be less able to complete subsequent
assignments. Students absent from class are responsible for learning what was missed prior to the next class.
Frequent in-class quizzes and assignments worth 10% of your final grade will be written, with no opportunity to make
up if absent.
Tests and Examinations: there is no final exam in this class. Students are expected to be present for all quizzes and
tests and submit all assignments. Students must arrive on time to quizzes tests with the appropriate material: pens,
pencils, paper. Students arriving more than 20 minutes late will not be permitted to write the test and a mark of "0" will
be assigned. There will be no individual rewrites or rescheduling of term tests because of absence. If for any reason a
student is going to be absent for one test or has been absent for one test, the weighting will be shifted to a
comprehensive end of term make up test. If more than one test is missed, a mark of "0" will be assigned.
Labs: Not applicable to this subject
Assignment Submissions: any assignment requiring out-of-class time will be submitted on the agreed upon due date,
prior to the start of class. Late assignments will be penalized 10% per school day late up to a maximum of 5 days
where a mark of "0" will be assigned. Missed in class assignments cannot be made up.
You must save all returned tests and evaluations. In case of any request for a review of assigned grades you will be
asked to produce the returned documents.
Academic Dishonesty: Refer to DCSA Student Handbook.
Any work that has been plagiarized will receive a mark of zero, with more serious penalties for subsequent acts of
plagiarism.
Students working in pairs or groups will be expected to hand in individual original reports. Although the data obtained
for the assignment may come from the same place, the interpretation should be original. Marks may be deducted for
copying a report or for directly plagiarizing work appearing in another source.

General Course Outline Notes:
1. Students should use the course outline as a learning tool to guide their achievement of the learning
outcomes for this course. Specific questions should be directed to their individual professor.
2. The college considers the electronic communication methods (i.e. DC Mail or DC Connect) as the primary
channel of communication. Students should check the sources regularly for current course information.
3. Professors are responsible for following this outline and facilitating the learning as detailed in this outline.
4. Course outlines should be retained for future needs (i.e. university credits, transfer of credits etc.)
5. A full description of the Academic Appeals Process can be found at

https://durhamcollege.ca/about/governance/policies/academic-policies .
6. Faculty are committed to ensuring accessible learning for all students. Students who would like
assistance with academic access and accommodations in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights
Code should register with the Access and Support Centre (ASC). ASC is located in room SW116,
Oshawa Campus and in room 180 at the Whitby Campus. Contact ASC at 905-721-3123 for more
information.
7. Durham College is committed to the fundamental values of preserving academic integrity. Durham College
and faculty members reserve the right to use electronic means to detect and help prevent plagiarism.
Students agree that by taking this course all assignments could be subject to submission either by
themselves or by the faculty member for a review of textual similarity to Turnitin.com. Further information
about Turnitin can be found on the Turnitin.com Web site.

Learning Plan
The Learning Plan is a planning guideline. Actual delivery of content may vary with circumstances.
Students will be notified in writing of changes that involve the addition or deletion of learning outcomes or
evaluations, prior to changes being implemented, as specified in the Course Outline Policy and Procedure at
Durham College.
Wk. Hours: 3 Delivery: Shop

1
CLO1, CLO2
Essential Employability Skills
Taught: EES2 Practiced: EES2
Intended Learning Objectives

Course Introduction: MCU requirement for General Education, connection of Course Learning Outcomes
to relevant careers, General Education website, visit the General Education website at:
http://www.durhamcollege.ca/academic-schools/school-of-interdisciplinary-studies-employment-
services/general-education
Ch. 1, 2: Introduction
1. Identify the many ways in which government actions do or could affect your life
2. Model the Canadian political system
3. Detail the concentration of power in the executive branch of the government of Canada
Intended Learning Activities

Lecture, discussion.
Review course outline
Working in groups, prepare NGO report and class presentation
Resources and References

Text Ch. 1, 2
Handout materials
Evaluation Weighting
0

Wk. Hours: 3 Delivery: In Class

2
CLO1, CLO2, CLO3, CLO4
Taught: EES1, EES2, EES4, EES5, Practiced: EES1, EES2, EES4, EES5,
EES7, EES8, EES9, EES10, EES7, EES8, EES9, EES10,
EES11 EES11
NGO assignment preparation
MODULE 1, THE SOCIETAL CONTEXT, CHAPTERS 3-10

Text, Ch. 3, Regionalism; Ch. 8, Class; Ch. 9, Urban/Rural Location, Religion, and Age
1. Discuss effect of distance and distribution of population affect Canadian political system
2. Identify Canadian regions and provinces
3. Define concept of class
4. Identify demands of upper, middle, working class

Working in groups, prepare NGO report and class presentation near end of term
Term Work
Independent Study Exercises
Lecture, discussion, group activities
Quiz #1

Text, Ch. 3, 8, 9
Handout materials
55


3
EES11 EES11
Last Week in Politics
Ch. 5, French Canada and the Quebec Question

1. Outline historical evolution of French-English interaction
2. Discuss French-English crisis points
3. Explain and appreciate French nationalism
4. Identify several approaches to protect French language and culture in Canada

Quiz #2

Text, Ch. 5
Handout materials
0


4
CLO1, CLO2, CLO3, CLO9, CLO11, CLO12, CLO14
EES11 EES11
NGO Assignment Preparation
Ch. 4, Aboriginal Peoples; Ch. 6, Ethnocultural Minorities; Ch. 7, Gender

1. Understand Aboriginal land claims and self-government
2. Discuss the evolution of Canadian immigration policy
3. Identify milestones in women's political participation
4. Understand public policy concerns of gay and lesbian communities

Quiz #3:

Text, Ch. 4, 6, 7
Handout materials
0


5
CLO1, CLO2, CLO3, CLO4, CLO5, CLO6, CLO12, CLO13
EES11 EES11
Ch. 10, Canada's External Environment

1. Trace evolution of Canadian autonomy from Britain
2. Discuss American influence over Canadian economy, culture, foreign policy
3. Define globalization and effect on Canadian policymaking
4. Comment on international terrorism and effects on Canada
Summary of Module 1, Societal Context


Text, Ch. 10
Handout materials
15


6
CLO1, CLO2, CLO4, CLO5, CLO6, CLO7, CLO8, CLO9, CLO10, CLO11, CLO13
EES11 EES11
MODULE TWO - LINKING PEOPLE TO GOVERNMENT, Chapters 11-16
Ch. 11, Canadian Political Culture; Ch. 15, The Election Campaign
1. Define democracy
2. Identify main agents of political socialization
2. Discuss reasons for voting or not voting
3. Enumerate forms of non-electoral participation

Quiz #4

Text Ch. 11, 15
Handout materials
0


7
CLO2, CLO4, CLO5, CLO6, CLO7, CLO8, CLO9, CLO10, CLO13
EES11 EES11
Ch. 12, Political Socialization, the Mass Media, and Public Opinion Polls; Ch. 13, Elections and the
Electoral System
1. Appreciate extent to which public opinion is not well informed
2. Discuss techniques of public opinion polling practitioners
3. Define party and election finance regulations and laws
4. Trace various aspects of Canadian voting behaviour

Quiz #5

Text, Ch. 12, 13
Handout materials
0


8
CLO4, CLO6, CLO7, CLO8, CLO9, CLO10, CLO11
EES10, EES11 EES10, EES11
NGO Assignment preparation
Ch. 14, Political parties and the Party System
1. Appreciate evolution, function, roles of Canadian political parties
2. Define concepts of left, right, liberalism, conservatism, social democracy, collectivism, individualism,
equality as applied to political parties
3. Contrast parties in terms of membership, policymaking, structures

Quiz #6

Text, Ch. 14
Handout materials
0


9
CLO4, CLO5, CLO6, CLO7, CLO10
Ch. 16, Advocacy groups, social movements and lobbying

1. Discuss prominence of advocacy groups in political system
2. Distinguish between institutionalized groups, public interest groups and social movements
3. Enumerate the provisions of the Lobbying Act
4. Comment on the unsavoury aspects of the professional lobbying scene
Summary of Module 2, Linking People to Government


Text, Ch. 16
Handout materials
15


10
CLO1, CLO4, CLO9, CLO10, CLO11, CLO13
MODULE THREE - CONSTITUTIONAL CONTEXT AND GOVERNING, Ch. 17-24
Ch. 17, The Canadian Constitution and Constitutional Change; Ch. 18, The Federal System; Ch. 19,
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms
1. Identify main provisions of Constitution Act, 1982
2. Distinguish various methods of protecting rights and freedoms
3. Appreciate Charter's effects on politics and politicization of the judiciary
4. Enumerate legal formulae for amending the constitution
5. Define federalism and discuss its evolution in Canada

Quiz #7

Text, Ch. 17, 18, 19
Handout materials
0


11
Ch. 20, The Policymaking Process and Policy Instruments; Ch. 21, The Executive; Ch. 22, The
Bureaucracy
1. Outline policymaking in Canada in its most comprehensive form
2. Enumerate factors that contribute to pre-eminence of Prime Minister
3. Identify role of federal bureaucracy
4. Discuss Crown Corporations and concept of arm's length
Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Quiz #8

Text, Ch. 20, 21, 22
Handout materials
Evaluation


12
CLO1, CLO4, CLO8, CLO10, CLO11, CLO12, CLO13, CLO14
Ch. 23, Parliament

1. Discuss function of House of Commons, Senate, individual members
2. Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of party discipline
3. Discuss majority and minority situations
4. Identify barriers to Senate reform or abolishment

Quiz #9

Text, Ch. 23
Handout materials
0


13
Ch. 24, The Judiciary

1. Distinguish among various categories of Canadian laws
2. Discuss powers and jurisdiction of Supreme Court of Canada
3. Evaluate process for appointment of judges in Canada

Quiz #10

Text, Ch. 24
Handout materials
0


14
EES7, EES8, EES10, EES11 EES7, EES8, EES10, EES11
Summary of Module 3 and 4,
Constitutional Context and Governing


Handout materials
Quiz: Term Work 15
Online Activity: Independent Study Exercises
Test: Test Module 1
Test: Test Module 2
Project: Group Assignment: Report on NGO
Presentation: Group Assignment: NGO Report Group Presentation
Test: Test Module 3

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Sch Interdisciplinary Studies

2020-21 Academic Year

Course Code: GNED 1302 Course Equiv. Code(s): N/A

Remote proctoring required Yes X No

Authorized by (Dean or Director): Stephanie Ball Date: July 2020

Durham College Course Outline - GNED 1302 - 2020-2021 Page 1 of 21

Campus Closure Notice

Subject Eligibility for Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition

PLAR Assessment (if eligible):

Durham College Course Outline - GNED 1302 - 2020-2021 Page 2 of 21

Durham College Course Outline - GNED 1302 - 2020-2021 Page 3 of 21

Evaluation Description Course Learning Outcomes EESOs Weighting

Online Activity: Independent CLO4, CLO5 EES1, EES2, EES4, 20

Project: Group Assignment: CLO4, CLO8 EES1, EES2, EES4, 20

Presentation: Group CLO3, CLO4 EES1, EES2, EES5, 5

Durham College Course Outline - GNED 1302 - 2020-2021 Page 4 of 21

Recommended Resources (purchase is optional):

Durham College Course Outline - GNED 1302 - 2020-2021 Page 5 of 21

General College policies related to General policies related to

+ Acceptable Use of Information Technology + attendance

+ Academic Policies + absence related to tests or assignment due

+ Student Code of Conduct + writing tests and assignments

+ Students’ Rights and Responsibilities + classroom management can be found in the

Course Specific Policies and Expectations:

Labs: Not applicable to this subject

Durham College Course Outline - GNED 1302 - 2020-2021 Page 6 of 21

5. A full description of the Academic Appeals Process can be found at

Durham College Course Outline - GNED 1302 - 2020-2021 Page 7 of 21

Wk. Hours: 3 Delivery: Shop

Course Learning Outcomes

Essential Employability Skills

Taught: EES2 Practiced: EES2

Intended Learning Objectives

Intended Learning Activities

Resources and References

Durham College Course Outline - GNED 1302 - 2020-2021 Page 8 of 21

Course Learning Outcomes

Essential Employability Skills

MODULE 1, THE SOCIETAL CONTEXT, CHAPTERS 3-10

Intended Learning Activities

Independent Study Exercises

Lecture, discussion, group activities

Resources and References

Durham College Course Outline - GNED 1302 - 2020-2021 Page 9 of 21

Course Learning Outcomes

Essential Employability Skills

Last Week in Politics

Ch. 5, French Canada and the Quebec Question

Intended Learning Activities

Lecture, discussion, group activities

Resources and References

Durham College Course Outline - GNED 1302 - 2020-2021 Page 10 of 21

Course Learning Outcomes

Essential Employability Skills

Last Week in Politics

Ch. 4, Aboriginal Peoples; Ch. 6, Ethnocultural Minorities; Ch. 7, Gender

Intended Learning Activities

Lecture, discussion, group activities

Resources and References

Durham College Course Outline - GNED 1302 - 2020-2021 Page 11 of 21

Course Learning Outcomes

Essential Employability Skills

Ch. 10, Canada's External Environment