Introduction to Politics

Poli 100 V01/03 September-Dec 2018

Course structure and elements

This course requires attendance of the following four elements on a weekly basis:
 Lectures: Introduction to core concepts and theories and further discussion of content from textbook
 Activity Sessions: learning how to use, apply and analyse core concepts
 Tutorials: learning how to think, research, write and debate like a political scientist
 Associated Interdisciplinary VANT140 Sessions with Academic English Instructors

Please note: Assignments completed for VANT140 will not be used to calculate your Poli 100 grade. However, as the
two courses have been developed together, success in both courses requires a strong effort in all of the above sessions.
Working hard in VANT140 will inevitably improve your performance in Poi 100 and vice versa. Success in all courses is
required for your progression to second semester and year two at UBC. Further, Poli 100 is a pre-requisite for Poli 220.
Students who do not pass Poli 100 may not be able to take Poli 220 in their second semester at Vantage College.

Teaching Staff
Please note that for assistance with any of your POLI 100 assignments you can go to office hours of the Primary
Instructor (Dr. Peterson) and any of the six teaching assistants. Requests for extensions must be made to Dr. Peterson.

Primary Instructor
Dr Jen Peterson
[email protected] (please do NOT message Instructor or TAs through Canvas)
Location: ORCH 3011
Office Hours: Tuesday 3-4 and Thursday 2.30-3.30 (or by appointment)

Academic English Instructors

Amber Shaw
[email protected]
Office hours: by appointment, ORCH 3013 
AEP tutoring:  by appointment at https://ubc.mywconline.net/

Jennifer Lightfoot
[email protected]
Office Hours: Thursday 12:30-2:30 pm ORCH 3021
 
Tutorial Teaching Assistants
 Marcelo Bravo [email protected]
Office hours: Wednesdays 1.30 pm to 2.30 PM Liu Institute Office 312
 Marzia Rizvi: [email protected].
Office Hour: Wednesday 2-3, ORCH 3061
 Hannah Geiser [email protected]
Office Hour: Monday 12-1, ORCH 3061

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Lecture and Activity Teaching Assistants
 Erin Christensen [email protected]
Office Hour: Wednesdays 1-2, ORCH 3061
 Kevin Hemmat [email protected].
Office Hour:  Wednesday 3-4, ORCH 3061
 Dina Wulamu [email protected]
Office Hour Monday 2-3, ORCH 3061

Course Summary
This course will offer students a general introduction to the study of politics. Students will explore the question ‘what is
politics?’ and be introduced to ideas and argument from key sub-disciplines:
 Political Theory,
 Comparative Politics (to be studied in further detail in semester 2)
 International Relations

Topics to be covered include a range of

 key concepts (such as power, freedom, ideology)
 relevant actors (including states, citizens, the private sector)
 systems (including democracy and authoritarianism)
 various trends in contemporary politics (including globalization and conflict)

The overall aim of the course is to expose students to different ways of understanding and analysing political
phenomenon specifically and the world around them more generally. By the end of the course, students will be
equipped with a range of concepts and analytical approaches that will act as a foundation for future studies in politics
and a range of other social science disciplines, including but not limited to
 Economics
 Sociology
 Geography
 History

Learning Aims and Outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to

 Define the study of politics and compare and contrast it with other academic disciplines and approaches
 Define and describe key concepts and understand how these help us understand political events and actors
 Describe different political systems
 Apply various theories, concepts and ideas to a range of historical and contemporary political events
 Display their reading comprehension and critical thinking skills through a review of academic literature
 Develop research skills that will enable them to make a clear argument
 Confidently and thoughtfully contribute to in-class discussions
 Work within a team to answer complex political questions
 Showcase their research and writing skills through a piece of professionally presented, independent research
 Develop intellectual and professional skills that will act as a foundation to future success at UBC

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Assessments and Due Dates

 Quizzes on Readings/Videos 10% (weekly, beginning week of September 17)

 Resource Search & Bibliography 5% (due October 7)
 Article Summary* 10% (due October 21)
 Joint Cohort Assignment 5% (November 2)
 Current Event Analysis* 25% (15% written, 10% oral presentation/exam)
(written portion due November 18, oral TBA )
 Tutorial Participation 10% (weekly)
 Activity Participation 10% (weekly)
 Final Exam 25% (date TBA)

Please see Assignment Guidelines document for further information on each of the above

This course makes use of TurnItIn. You will need the following to create an account and submit some of the above
assignments*

Course Number/ID: 18718414

Password/Enrolment Key: IntroPoli

Please also note that whilst I do not allow students to re-write assignments, there are occasional and unannounced
opportunities for bonus marks during class time. You must be present in class to earn these—there will be no ‘make up’
bonus marks.

In previous years I have found that students tend to put a lot more work into tests and exams and fail to put in as much
effort in other areas of the class. The graphic below gives you a sense of how your grades are distributed across
assessment types (writing assignments, participation and tests).

Grade Distribution by Assessment Type

Participation
20%

Research and Writing

45%

Tests
35%

Participation Tests Research and Writing

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Course website
Please check the course’s Canvas website regularly for updates, further advice and details related to assessments.

Course Etiquette

Respectful Debate:

The following text is taken UBC Respectful Environment policy:

‘Excellence in learning, research and work in the university community is fostered by promoting the freest
possible exchange of information, ideas, beliefs and opinions in diverse forms, and it necessarily includes
dissemination and discussion of controversial topics and unpopular points of view. Respect for the value of
freedom of expression and promotion of free inquiry are central to the University’s mission. However, these
freedoms cannot exist without an equally vigorous commitment to recognition of and respect for the freedoms
of others, and concern for the well-being of every member of the university community. Excellence in
scholarship, teaching and employment activities flows from active concern and respect for others, including
their ability to participate meaningfully in the exchange of information, ideas, beliefs and opinions. Therefore,
freedom of expression and freedom of inquiry must be exercised responsibly, in ways that recognize and respect
the dignity of others, having careful regard to the dynamics of different relationships within the university
environment, such as between professor and student, or supervisor and employee. A respectful environment is
a climate in which the human dignity of each individual is valued, and the diverse perspectives, ideas and
experiences of all members of the community are able to flourish.’

For the full statement please see: http://www.hr.ubc.ca/respectful-environment/files/UBC-Statement-on-

Respectful-Environment-2014.pdf

What does this mean in terms of Poli 100?

 The study of politics requires us to be open to a range of ideas and opinions. Please do not be afraid to express
your opinions and interpretations of course material and be sure to respect others’ opinions which may vary
greatly from your own. Focus on understanding alterative opinions as opposed to disagreeing with them. Also,
sometimes students (and the lecturer) express ideas which aren’t necessarily their opinion, but a reflection of
thinking through a concept, or even playing devil’s advocate. Don’t assume what someone says is their opinion
or judge them for expressing an idea. If an opinion or idea expressed in class upsets you, please raise this with
the lecturer/TA so we can follow up appropriately
 It also means that various forms of discrimination (racism, sexism, hate-speech against identity groups) is not
acceptable in class. Whilst we often need to talk in general terms about various group, communities, states in
the study of politics, we must do so in an intellectually rigorous way (basing our arguments on facts) and in ways
that are respectful of all peoples and cultures.
 If you are unsure how to discuss a difficult or sensitive issue regarding race, religion, gender, sexuality etc in
class, please do talk to a TA or to Dr. Peterson for advice.

Emails:

 Please email your TAs and Jen at the addresses noted on page one. Please do NOT use the message/comment
function in Canvas.
 Many questions you have can be answered by referring to this syllabus, the Assignment Guidelines Document,
or to the Canvas website. Please check to see if the information you require is already available—it will save you
having to wait for a reply

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  Lecturers and TAs aim to respond within 2 working days to emails from students. Please note that we generally
do not respond to emails on evenings or weekends.
 I am happy to be referred to as either Dr Peterson or Professor Peterson . Emails should be addressed to me
(and your TAs) properly (i.e. Dear Dr Peterson, Hello Professor Peterson, or Dear Dina for example) and be clear
and concise in terms of the information you require.
 For detailed or substantial queries (such as concerns about your grades), please come see Dr. Peterson in her
office hours so we can have a fuller discussion. Please come see her in person for extension requests unless you
are very unwell.

Office hours:

 Please make use of office hours to discuss specific problems or just to chat further about course material, future
study, future employment etc.
 Office hours (for the lecturer and TAs) are by drop in only
 If you believe you will require more than 15 minutes, please email to set up an appointment.
 For more tips and advice on how to deal with concerns about your grades, see notes in Assignment Guidelines
Documents and visit Dr. Peterson’s blog post
https://frombehindthelectern.wordpress.com/2015/06/15/providing-advice-to-students-on-requests-to-bump-
up-my-grade-dealing-with-grade-complaints-and-requests-for-extra-credit-part-2/

Academic Supports

Please see Canvas for the range of supports available to you as UBC students. This includes important information about

 Access and Diversity (which provides support if you have any ongoing health issues/learning disabilities that
impact your studies)
 Sexual Assault Support Office
 Vantage Arts Advising
 Student Counselling
 And many others

Academic Honesty and Misconduct

All of your professors will talk to at various points in the semester on the topic of academic honesty and misconduct.
Misconduct is not just about copying someone else’s words and presenting them as your own (plagiarism) or copying
someone else’s answers in an exam setting. It can include things like

 improper citation of other people’s working (i.e being careless in how you reference other people’s work),
 poor paraphrasing (not changing someone else’s words enough)
 having someone else write your paper/paying someone else to write your paper. The use of paper ‘mills’ and
the hiring of ‘tutors’ to write you papers is on the rise and is considered a very serious form misconduct.

The formal UBC policy can be found at http://www.calendar.ubc.ca/Vancouver/index.cfm?tree=3,54,111,959

If you have any questions or concerns about academic misconduct please consult any member of the teaching team.

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 Weekly Schedule

Week Theme Readings/Prep To complete before Monday Activity Session

1 Introduction There is no lecture this week, however, please log into Canvas No Session
Sept 4-7 to
1. read an Introductory note from Dr. Peterson
2. Watch a video lecture on ‘What is politics?’
3. You should also completed the following reading
from the Textbook. ‘What is Politics?’ pg. 1-5 and 9-
12

Political Theory
Module
2 Intro to Poli 100 and 1. Watch ‘Key Concept Video: Power’ and ‘Key Analysing Power: Political
Sept 10- Core Concept: Concept: Weber on Authority’ in Canvas Cartoons
14 Power 2. Textbook reading: Political Power and Authority p.
40-50

3 The State 1. Watch ‘Key Concept Video: Sovereignty’ in Canvas Empirical Analysis:
Sept 17- 2. Textbook Reading: Politics and the State p. 19-22, Categorizing states
21 The Liberal Social Contract Tradition p. 32-33 and
‘The Future of the State’ bottom of p. 36-38
3. Read one case country case study document in
Canvas (as assigned in last week’s activity class)
4. Don’t Forget! In class quizzes begin this week (from
now on,every lecture will begin with a short quiz)

4 Freedom and 1. Watch Videos in Canvas on ‘Freedom and Justice’ Identifying Concepts in
Sept 24- Justice and the ‘2013-2016 Ebola Crisis’ ‘the real world’:
29 2. Textbook Reading: Freedom and Justice p. 71-75, Competing understandings
79-85 of Justice in the fight
against Ebola

5 Ideology 1. Watch Two Videos in Canvas on Ideology Identifying Ideologies and

Oct 1-5 2. Textbook Reading: Traditional Western Ideologies p 87- recognizing them in the
102 and Alternatives To Mainstream Western Ideologies real world.
Postmodernism and Feminism sections only, p 110-117.
6 No Political Science Prepare as directed on ARTS 101 Canvas Site No Sessions
Oct 8-12 sessions: students
required to attend
ARTS 101
Comparative Politics
Module
7 Democratic Systems 1. Watch Videos in Canvas “Key Concept: Democracy” Normative Analysis:
Oct 15-19 and videos on USA midterm elections Turning POLI 100 into a
2. Textbook Reading: pages 55-58 and 62-69 democratic system.

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8 Civil Society 1. Watch Videos in Canvas on Civil Society and Exploring Reconciliation in
Oct 22-27 Canadian Residential Schools. Canada and at UBC
2. Read CBC Article: Reconciliation by the numbers
3. Textbook Reading: Civil Society 238-245 and section
on Infrapolitics bottom of p. 248-250.
4. Read Journal Article: Belton, K (2010) ‘From
Cyberspace to Offline Communities: Indigenous
Peoples and Global Connectivity’ Alternatives 35(3),
193-215. You must bring your textbook and this
article to your tutorial session

9 Political Economy 1. Watch Videos in Canvas ’60 Seconds on Economics’ and Using your understanding
Oct 29- ‘ Gender and the Economy’ of Political Economy in
Nov 2 2. Textbook Reading: pages 404-417 your future professional
lives.

International
Relations Module
10 Core IR Theories 1. Watch Core Concept Videos in Canvas Liberalism, Understanding the
Nov 5-9 (Realism/Liberalism Realism, and Balance of Power debates surrounding
) 2. Reading: The rise of modernity and the state system in Humanitarian
Europe: 295-301 and 303-312 Intervention. Is it always
3. Complete the ‘Simulation reading’ in Canvas right to ‘help’?

11 IR Topic in Focus: 1. Watch Video on Defining Terrorism in Canvas Who gets called a terrorist
Nov 12-16 Understanding 2. Textbook Reading: Security and Insecurity after 9/11 p and why (and who would
Terrorism 357-361 disagree!)
3. Journal Article: Jackson, R (2010) ‘In defence of
terrorism: finding a way through a forest of
misconceptions’ Behavioural Sciences of Terrorism and
Political Aggression, 3(2) 116-130.

12 Alternative IR 1. Watch Videos in Canvas on ‘All this theory is The War on Terror:
Nov 19-23 Theories overwhelming’ and ‘Constructivism’ Understanding a single
2. Textbook Reading: starting with Constructivism 327-338 issue using multiple
theories

13 Final Exam Review Please bring all of your course materials to class Skill in Focus: Doing well
Nov 26-30 (notes/readings etc) on Multiple Choice
.

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