Course Description
This course examines Canadian and world politics from a variety of perspectives. Students will investigate the ways in which individuals, groups, and states work to influence domestic and world events, the role of political ideologies in national and international politics, and the dynamics of international cooperation and conflict resolution. Students will apply critical thinking and communication skills to develop and support informed opinions about current political conflicts, events, and issues.
SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS FOR THE COURSE
-Present ideas, understandings, and arguments effectively in a variety of contexts (e.g., in role plays, interviews, simulations, debates, group presentations, seminars), using graphic organizers and displays (e.g., graphs, charts, images);
-Write clear, coherent, and logically organized reports, papers, and essays that include correctly documented citations and bibliographies, demonstrate academic honesty, and avoid plagiarism.
-Think creatively and analytically to develop potential resolutions to a series of given issues and issues that they select;
-Work effectively both individually and in groups; Demonstrate the ability to seek and respect the opinions of others;
OVERALL EXPECTATIONS
Politics is about systems of power, public decision-making, and ways in which citizens can take action. To be informed citizens in a democratic society, capable of participating fully in decision-making, exercising democratic rights, and assuming responsibilities of citizenship, students need to understand the political process and how decisions governing social conduct are made.
By the end of this course, students will:
· explain the rights and responsibilities of individual citizens, groups, and states in the international community
· describe the main ways in which sovereign states and non-state participants cooperate and deal with international conflicts
· evaluate the role of Canada and Canadians in the international community
· describe the structure and function of international intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations
· evaluate the role and operation of the international human rights protection system
· analyze the factors that determine the power and influence of a country
· analyze how international organizations, the media, and technology are able to influence the actions of sovereign states
· evaluate Canada’s role and influence in international relations
· explain the role and function of ideologies in national and international politics
· analyze how social and cultural beliefs and political ideologies influence national and international politics
· compare the aspirations, expectations, and life conditions of people in developed and developing nations
· use methods of political science inquiry to locate, gather, evaluate, and synthesize information
· analyze information gathered about political events, issues, and trends according to fundamental principles of political interpretation and analysis
· communicate knowledge, beliefs, and interpretations about events, issues, and trends relating to politics and citizenship, using a variety of forms of communication
UNITS OF STUDY
I. AN INTRODUCTION TO POLITICS
The Study of Politics
Basic Concepts and Philosophies
Ideology
Origins of the Political System
International Relations Theory
II. WORLD SYSTEMS AND THE POLITICAL PROCESS
Forms of Government
Democratic Systems
The Political Process
International Organizations
III. INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
A World of Inequalities
The Politics of Globalization
Global Security
Human Rights in World Politics
Environmental Governance
IV. CANADA’S INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Defining Foreign Policy
Canadian International Policy
Case Studies in Canadian Foreign Policy
Canada-US Relations
V. THE FUTURE OF CANADIAN AND WORLD POLITICS
The Nature of Power Politics
Global Powers: A Likely Scenario
INDEPENDENT STUDY
The principle assignment in this course is the research essay. Students will submit an argumentative paper on a contemporary national or international political issue. This is a formal written response to a controversial topic and includes a clearly defined thesis, complete with supporting evidence and conclusion. Requirements and procedures are provided.
MODEL UNITED NATIONS
This is an opportunity for students to exchange ideas and opinions on international issues, and to propose solutions while emphasizing the role of the UN in world development and peace. This is achieved by simulating the UN and its related bodies. Students are assigned to a member country, special agency or crisis committee, and are expected to protect, and in some cases promote, the interests of their country or agency, as they apply the skills of diplomacy, negotiation, and analytical thinking to resolve contemporary international questions or crises. The information and knowledge gained from this activity can form the basis of a research essay on the role of state institutions and in international relations.
All Evaluation based on the 4 Areas of the Achievement Chart
T: Thinking/Inquiry
A: Application
C: Communication
K: Knowledge
SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS FOR THE COURSE
-Present ideas, understandings, and arguments effectively in a variety of contexts (e.g., in role plays, interviews, simulations, debates, group presentations, seminars), using graphic organizers and displays (e.g., graphs, charts, images);
-Write clear, coherent, and logically organized reports, papers, and essays that include correctly documented citations and bibliographies, demonstrate academic honesty, and avoid plagiarism.
-Think creatively and analytically to develop potential resolutions to a series of given issues and issues that they select;
-Work effectively both individually and in groups; Demonstrate the ability to seek and respect the opinions of others;
OVERALL EXPECTATIONS
Politics is about systems of power, public decision-making, and ways in which citizens can take action. To be informed citizens in a democratic society, capable of participating fully in decision-making, exercising democratic rights, and assuming responsibilities of citizenship, students need to understand the political process and how decisions governing social conduct are made.
By the end of this course, students will:
· explain the rights and responsibilities of individual citizens, groups, and states in the international community
· describe the main ways in which sovereign states and non-state participants cooperate and deal with international conflicts
· evaluate the role of Canada and Canadians in the international community
· describe the structure and function of international intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations
· evaluate the role and operation of the international human rights protection system
· analyze the factors that determine the power and influence of a country
· analyze how international organizations, the media, and technology are able to influence the actions of sovereign states
· evaluate Canada’s role and influence in international relations
· explain the role and function of ideologies in national and international politics
· analyze how social and cultural beliefs and political ideologies influence national and international politics
· compare the aspirations, expectations, and life conditions of people in developed and developing nations
· use methods of political science inquiry to locate, gather, evaluate, and synthesize information
· analyze information gathered about political events, issues, and trends according to fundamental principles of political interpretation and analysis
· communicate knowledge, beliefs, and interpretations about events, issues, and trends relating to politics and citizenship, using a variety of forms of communication
UNITS OF STUDY
I. AN INTRODUCTION TO POLITICS
The Study of Politics
Basic Concepts and Philosophies
Ideology
Origins of the Political System
International Relations Theory
II. WORLD SYSTEMS AND THE POLITICAL PROCESS
Forms of Government
Democratic Systems
The Political Process
International Organizations
III. INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
A World of Inequalities
The Politics of Globalization
Global Security
Human Rights in World Politics
Environmental Governance
IV. CANADA’S INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Defining Foreign Policy
Canadian International Policy
Case Studies in Canadian Foreign Policy
Canada-US Relations
V. THE FUTURE OF CANADIAN AND WORLD POLITICS
The Nature of Power Politics
Global Powers: A Likely Scenario
INDEPENDENT STUDY
The principle assignment in this course is the research essay. Students will submit an argumentative paper on a contemporary national or international political issue. This is a formal written response to a controversial topic and includes a clearly defined thesis, complete with supporting evidence and conclusion. Requirements and procedures are provided.
MODEL UNITED NATIONS
This is an opportunity for students to exchange ideas and opinions on international issues, and to propose solutions while emphasizing the role of the UN in world development and peace. This is achieved by simulating the UN and its related bodies. Students are assigned to a member country, special agency or crisis committee, and are expected to protect, and in some cases promote, the interests of their country or agency, as they apply the skills of diplomacy, negotiation, and analytical thinking to resolve contemporary international questions or crises. The information and knowledge gained from this activity can form the basis of a research essay on the role of state institutions and in international relations.
All Evaluation based on the 4 Areas of the Achievement Chart
T: Thinking/Inquiry
A: Application
C: Communication
K: Knowledge
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