COURSE OUTLINE

Course

Political Structures and Issues (2015-2016)

Code / Version POLS72100 (100)

Total Hours

45

Credits

PreRequisite(s)
CoRequisite(s)
Course Description
This course is designed to introduce students to the Study of Politics within the Canadian context. Students will examine and discuss the most
important political institutions in Canada in order to better understand the issues that have both united and divided the country.
PLAR Eligible: Yes

Course Outcomes
Successful completion of this course will enable the student to:
1.

Assess political theories, methods and issues.

2.

Analyze the Canadian Constitution and Federal system.

3.

Explain the structure and workings of the Canadian parliamentary system.

4.

Judge the dilemma of the modern state within the context of current internal and external pressures.

Essential Employability Skills addressed in this course

Taught Reinforced Assessed

Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the

written, spoken, and visual form that fulfills the purpose
and meets the needs of the audience

Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a

manner that ensures effective communication

Numeracy

Execute mathematical operations accurately

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Apply a systematic approach to solve problems

Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve

problems

Locate, select, organize, and document information using

appropriate technology and information systems

Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a

variety of sources

Show respect for the diverse opinions, values, belief

systems, and contributions of others

Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that

contribute to effective working relationships and the
achievement of goals

Manage the use of time and other resources to complete

projects

Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and

consequences

Communication

Information Management

Interpersonal

Personal

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COURSE OUTLINE
Course

Political Structures and Issues (2015-2016)

Code / Version POLS72100 (100)

Unit Outcomes
Successful completion of the following units will enable the student to:
1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

Introduction to politics in Canada

1.1

Identify key concepts of politics

1.2

Explain the differences between power, influence, and authority

1.3

Discuss the importance of legitimacy and consent in democracies

1.4

Distinguish state from government

1.5

Discuss the characteristics and contradictions associated with democratic forms of government

1.6

Identify some of the major identities that shape Canadian politics

1.7

Discuss the impact of political fault lines

Political Culture
2.1

Explain the meaning of the terms: right, left, and centre, as they apply to politics

2.2

List some distinguishing characteristics of liberalism, conservatism, and socialism

2.3

Differentiate between modern versions of political ideologies and their classical forms

2.4

Discuss similarites and differences between Canadian and American political ideas

Social, Economic and Regional Settings

3.1

Identify groups in Canadian society most likely to live in poverty

3.2

Explain what is meant by socio-economic mobility

3.3

Describe the different regions in Canada and their economies

3.4

Discuss tensions between regions of Canada

The Constitution and the Charter

4.1

Differentiate between constitutional law and constitutional conventions

4.2

Outline some of the functions of a constitution

4.3

Identify the rights and freedoms protected by the Charter

4.4

Discuss the principal characteristics of parliamentary government in Canada

4.5

Identify procedures to amend the Constitution

4.6

Describe the major changes proposed by the Meech Lake and Charlottetown Accords

4.7

Discuss the significance of reasonable limits and the notwithstanding clauses

Federalism and the Machinery of Government

5.1

Explain why a federal form of government was chosen by Canadas founders

5.2

Identify the main legislative powers of the federal and provincial governments

5.3

Recognize the influence of Quebec on Canadian federalism

5.4

Identify the formal organization of the Government of Canada

5.5

Explain why the Prime Minister is the pre-eminent member of the government

5.6

Identify the functions performed by the legislature

5.7

Discuss the concept of judicial independence with reference to the Canadian context

5.8

Describe the process by which a bill becomes a law

The Administrative State

6.1

Describe the structure of the Canadian Bureaucracy

6.2

Identify the functions of government departments, agencies, and Crown Corporations

6.3

Examine the effects of globalization on the Canadian state

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COURSE OUTLINE
Course

Political Structures and Issues (2015-2016)

Code / Version POLS72100 (100)

6.4
7.0

8.0

9.0

10.0

Discuss contemporary issues concerning the role and functioning of Canada's public service

Political Parties
7.1

Describe the functions of political parties

7.2

Identify sources of party financing and restriction limits

7.3

Discuss the outcome of the most recent election including patterns of political participation

7.4

Discuss the effects of Canadas electoral system on both the party system and representation

Interest Groups and the Media

8.1

Identify the chief characteristics and competing theoretical perspectives on interest groups

8.2

Explain why some interest groups are more influential in politics than others

8.3

Describe the various 'ingredients' that can help an interest group succeed in its goals

8.4

Discuss the importance of the media as an agent for social learning

8.5

Explain how entertainment and commercial advertising can have consequences for political life

Language Politics
9.1

Describe the size and distribution of Canadas francophone population

9.2

Discuss the impact of Quebec's "Quiet Revolution

9.3

Discuss the concept of "distinct society"

Political Issues
10.1

Describe the changing ethnic demography of Canada

10.2

Explain why some ethnic groups are underrepresented in political life

10.3

Describe ways that diversity has been institutionalized

10.4

Discuss the concept of multiculturalism and its place in Canada

10.5

Provide some reasons that account for womens lesser involvement in politics

10.6

Describe Canadas Aboriginal population and the social conditions in which they live

10.7

Explain the rise of Aboriginal nationalism and demands for self-government

10.8

Discuss globalization and its impact on Canada

10.9

Explain the significance of Canada-US trading relations

10.10

Discuss Canadas role in world affairs

Required Student Resources

Stephen Brooks. Canadian Democracy (7th). Oxford.
Current periodicals, newspapers and websites.

Optional Student Resources

Evaluation
The minimum passing grade for this course is 60 (C).
In order to successfully complete this course, the student is required to meet the following evaluation criteria:
In-Class Exercises (10 units @ 2%)

20.00

Issues Paper

20.00

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COURSE OUTLINE
Course

Political Structures and Issues (2015-2016)

Code / Version POLS72100 (100)

Mid-Term Exam

30.00

Final Exam

30.00
100.00 %

Other
Conestoga College is committed to providing academic accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Please contact the
Accessibility Services Office.
Note: There is a strong correlation between class attendance and final grade.
Please refer to the college website for the colleges policy regarding plagiarism at
www.conestogac.on.ca/registrar/rightsresponse/responsibility.jsp .

Prepared By

Anne Charles Ph.D.

School

Liberal Studies

Date

2015-06-18

2016-03-26

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