KWANTLEN POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY
Introduction to Political Science –POLI 1125 (S10)
Spring 2026
Wed.10:00 -12:50pm
Classroom: Fir 2422
Dr. Francis Kofi Abiew
Office: Rm. Fir 245
Tel.: 604-599-2050
Email: francis.abiew@kpu.ca
Office Hour: Wed.1-2:00pm
& by appointment
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AS GRADING IS BASED ON
STUDENT COMPLIANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS
HEREIN
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the study of Political Science.
Students will learn the major concepts, methods, approaches, and issues in Political Science
and will acquire the basic tools required to analyse and understand politics.
COURSE FORMAT
One lecture and one discussion group per week.
REQUIRED TEXT
Danziger, James & Lupo, Lindsey (2020) Understanding the Political World: A
Comparative Introduction to Political Science. New York: Pearson Education
Publ., 13th ed.
This textbook is available at the University Bookstore and will serve as a background
reference book to the lecture and discussion.
* Additional readings will be assigned in class.
Title: Pearson eText for Understanding the Political World -- Instant Access
Link: https://campusebookstore.com/link/?id=4EE122CC-E597-48C0-8A36-05AF022591DF
Any student enquiries should be directed to
ebookstore@kpu.ca
Optional Recommended Texts (* or latest edition):
• Lawson, Kay (1993*) The Human Polity. A Comparative Introduction to Political
Science. Toronto: Houghton Mifflin.
• Guy James John (1995*) People, Politics and Government. Don Mills, Ontario: Collier
MacMillan Canada.
• Dickerson, Mark O. and Thomas Flanagan (1990*) An Introduction to Government and
Politics: A Conceptual Approach. Scarborough, Ontario: Nelson Canada.
• Kahn, Rais A. and James D. McNiven (1993*) Comparative Introduction to Political
Science. Toronto: Houghton Mifflin.
COURSE ORGANISATION AND ASSIGNMENTS
Students are expected to:
- Attend weekly lecture and discussion group;
- complete required readings on a weekly basis and BEFORE class as assigned in this
handout;
- participate in discussions;
- prepare a written essay; and,
- write three tests.
Marking
• Attendance and general participation
• Essay (5 double-spaced typewritten pages)
•* 4 in-class discussion reports @ 5% each
(STRICTLY NO MAKE UP ASSIGNMENT)*
• Test # 1
• Test # 2
• Test # 3
5%
25%
20%
Total
100%
20%
20%
10%
• PARTICIPATION: Includes attendance and participation (regular, consistent and
informed) at both lecture and discussion group classes.
TABLE of GRADES: Is to be found in the 2025/2026 University Calendar, and on
http://www.kpu.ca/calendar/general-main.html
• RESEARCH ESSAY:
Students will:
*Write ONE Research Essay (5 DOUBLE-SPACED, FONT SIZE 12, typewritten
numbered pages long - about 1000 to 1500 words - NO MORE - and stapled) on one
of the topics listed below in the Essay Topics list. Students will choose one topic only and
submit the final paper by the date specified for the topic chosen. This format must be
strictly complied with.
• Anything used and/or copied from any source must be properly FOOTNOTED (ie
referenced). A bibliography must also be appended to the paper. Failure to comply with
this requirement will automatically entail a failing grade for the essay (ie “0”). It may also
be considered as plagiarism (see Anti-Plagiarism Appendix).
My recommendation to foster your success: Optional
It is highly recommended that students prepare a tentative research plan before
proceeding with the research, and writing, of the essay. Students wishing to benefit
from a study guiding process are required to consult about, and confirm with me,
the topic they choose for the essay in the following way:
1. Choose one of the topics listed below in the essay topics list
2. Formulate some thoughtful questions about the topic and provide a one-page
summary of the issues (ie the main thesis statement and breakdown of the sub-issues
(arguments) to be addressed in *PROSE* and NOT in POINT format.
3. Compile a bibliography of at least 4 academic/scholarly items (books and articles
from academic/professional refereed periodicals) excluding the course text.
4. Hand in no later than 2 weeks prior to essay submission date a one-page
typewritten abstract indicating your name, date of submission, course
number, the topic, your research outline for the topic, and your bibliography.
5. You will receive a response from me and may contact me for further clarifications
and guidance.
6. Abstracts handed in within 2 weeks prior to the due date of the paper will NOT
be accepted. Students are urged to plan their research schedule immediately at
the beginning of the term.
There will be no grading for this consultation process. It is designed for your own
benefit, so take advantage of it. Please keep the abstract until you have received
your final grade for the course to avoid misunderstanding regarding marking.
• DISCUSSION REPORTS:
During the weekly discussion class, students will split into discussion groups. I will
provide questions and/or readings and questions to be discussed by the group. Each group
will prepare a 1-page summary (in prose and not point form) of its discussion arguments
and submit it to me for marking. When and if time permits, we will discuss all the groups'
arguments in the full forum of the class at the end of each discussion class.
* The members of each group will be graded collectively based on the report grade, i.e.
each of the members will get the same grade. Therefore, all the members of the group
must participate actively. Students who do not actively participate will be graded less
than their group grade.
The membership in the groups will rotate throughout the course. No individual make-up
assignments will be given to students who miss a discussion class for whatever
reason. Students who miss any discussion group session will automatically receive a
zero for that session. *For the avoidance of doubt, students should refrain from
contacting the instructor for make-up assignments.*
* It is very likely that we will hold less than 4 in-class discussions depending on the
tentative schedule. Where this occurs, students will be informed accordingly in class, and
the values of the outstanding group discussion marks increased to make up for the 20
marks.*
I will post the discussion groups grades outside my office door for your information.
Please keep a record of your weekly discussion group number and your discussion
group grades until receipt of your final grade as I will not provide grades individually.
CLASS POLICY
• Research assignment
1. Only the original - not photocopied - essay will be accepted.
3. Essays must be handed to me personally during class hour on or before the due date.
*Students are responsible for making required arrangements to deliver late
assignments and ensure they reach me.* Do not email essays to me. They will
not be accepted. Do not place essays under my office door. Note that late
essays will incur a penalty of 3 marks per day taken off the essay mark based on
the due date. Essays later than 3 days will not be accepted.
4. Extensions for essay submission will be granted only under very exceptional
circumstances, and students should discuss this with me prior to the due date. If
an extension is granted, the student will be required to submit drafts and notes on
the due date to evidence work in progress. Please note, acceptance of late essays
is entirely at the discretion of the instructor. Essays later than three days will
not be accepted.
5. *Anything used and/or copied from any source must be properly documented (ie
footnotes or endnotes format). Avoid the use of parenthetical or “in-text”
citation style. *5 marks* will be deducted for doing so. A bibliography of the
sources used must also be attached to the essay/paper. Please use the CHICAGO
or TURABIAN documentation style (see # 6 below and the Anti-Plagiarism
Appendix). Internet sources may only be used in addition to at least 4
scholarly/academic books /refereed articles excluding the course text, but not
as a substitute for them. * Where an internet source is used a web address must
be provided. Avoid the use of wikipedia for your references. You will lose 5
marks if you use it.* Also, avoid the use of GENERATIVE AI such as CHAT
GPT. It will be considered plagiarism.
6. Correct writing is a crucial factor in determining the quality of your essay since it
ensures clarity in transmitting your ideas. As a rule, avoid using the colloquial,
e.g. expressions such as "we all know" (feel, believe, hope, etc.) which imply a
value laden (normative) attitude. Similarly, do not end the essay with either an
overly optimistic or pessimistic note, e.g. "we will overcome".
It is highly recommended that you possess a college writing guide, e.g.
Gregory Scott and Stephen Garrison, The Political Science Student Writer’s
Manual, 5th ed. (Upper Saddle River,NJ: Prentice Hall, 2006).
Lucille Charlton and Mark Charlton, The Nelson Guide to Research and
Writing in Political Science, 2nd ed. (Toronto: Nelson Education, 2013).
It will come very handy also for documentation style.
*You are strongly encouraged to seek the guidance of the Kwantlen Learning
Centre and the library website.
• Tests
1. Students are allowed to miss a test only due to very exceptional circumstances (such
as death in the family, serious incapacitation, or other genuine extreme personal
emergency) evidenced with detailed proper official documentation. Students are
expected to notify me before the scheduled writing time. It is entirely within the
instructor’s discretion to determine when, where, how, and if at all, a student
will fulfill the course requirement relating to the missed test.
3. Out of courtesy to the students writing a test, latecomers will not be allowed into
class and will thus miss and fail the test.
4. Any cheating in writing a test will result in "0" plus the consequences in accordance
with KPU’s policy (see Anti-Plagiarism Appendix).
NOTE: The last day to officially withdraw is published in each semester's Registration
Guide and Timetable.
*If you have any questions concerning this course outline, please seek the advice of
the instructor PERSONALLY. This course outline may be subject to revisions.
Where a revision occurs, announcements will be made in class*.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF READINGS AND TESTS
Please note that the readings schedule may change - normally, with prior notification depending on circumstances. It is important that you read the relevant material BEFORE
attending class.
Introduction
Week 1 [Jan.7-9]: Introduction to course, discussion group and library orientation
On Knowing the Political World
Week 2 [Jan.12-16]: Politics and knowledge, Ch. 1
Political Behaviour
Week 3 [Jan 19-23]: Political beliefs, Ch. 2
Week 4 [Jan.26-30]: Political actions: Influences on beliefs and actions, Chs. 3, 4
Political Systems
Week 5 [Feb.2-6]: Political Systems, States, and Nations, Ch.5
Week 6 [Feb.9-13]: Test # 1 (February 11), Political Systems, States and Nations
cont’d, Ch.5
Week 7 [Feb.16-20]: Reading Break (No Classes)
Week 8 [Feb.23-27]: Political institutions I: Structures, Ch.6
Week 9 [March 2-6]: Political institutions: Structures cont'd
Week 10 [March 9-13]: Test # 2 (March 11) Political institutions II: Institutional
Arrangements, Ch. 7
Week 11 [March 16-20]: Political institutions II: Institutional Arrangements, Ch.7
Week 12 [March 23-27]: Political Economy, Ch. 8
Political Processes
Week 13 [March 30-April 3]: Change and political development, Ch.10
Week 14 [April 6-10]: Test # 3 April 8
ESSAY TOPICS
Please note that all essays must be documented (ie footnotes or endnotes), include a
bibliography as well as examples to substantiate your arguments. Essays will be graded
based on clarity of organization, originality of thought and ideas, the depth of research,
and quality of writing. Non-compliance with these requirements will result in a failed
mark.
For reference to texts to start your research, see Danziger & Lupo.
Due on Week 8 [February 25]
1. Discuss a revolutionary leader (Mandela, Gandhi, Castro).
2. Describe and analyse the work and operation of Amnesty International as an interest
group.
3. Discuss how gender equality and the status of women are dealt with on the
international agenda (UN).
4.The referendum is a procedure designed to enable the citizens to voice their opinion inbetween elections. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
Due on Week 9 [March 4]
5. Public opinion polls are a major feature of modern political cultures. How do they
affect the relations between citizens and government?
6. Is terrorism a vehicle of change? Discuss using a case study
7. Describe and analyse the role of an international organisation in global politics (eg.UN,
the European Union).
8. Some people oppose judicial lawmaking (through court decisions) saying it is
undemocratic. Should the controversy over same-sex marriage be decided by a
legislative or judicial process? Why
9. Has the threat of nuclear warfare subsided?
Due on Week 10 [March 11]
10. Pick a local leader - elected or appointed - and follow this person's career for two
weeks by reading the newspaper, following the electronic media, and attending meetings
(city council, trustees, political party). How does your leader match (or not) the
classification of activist by Danziger?
11. The North-South divide is the major impediment to global economic cooperation.
Discuss
12. What is a constitution? Do you think it provides for any effective restraints on
governments today? If not, what is the purpose of a constitution?
KPU POLICIES
All KPU policies can be found at: www.kpu.ca/policies
HR15 – Diversity and Inclusiveness Policy and Procedures
ST2 – Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedures
From the policy: “The University ascribes to the highest standards of academic
integrity. Adhering to these standards of academic integrity means observing the
values on which good academic work must be founded: honesty, trust, fairness,
respect, and responsibility. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a
manner consistent with these values. These standards of academic integrity
require Students to not engage in or tolerate Integrity Violations, including
falsification, misrepresentation or deception, as such acts violate the
fundamental ethical principles of the University community and compromise the
worth of work completed by others.”
Put simply, Academic Integrity Violations include acts such as plagiarizing,
cheating, or forging documents like a doctor’s notes. Academic Integrity
Violations will be addressed according to Procedures attached to Policy ST2.
ST7 – Student Conduct (Non-Academic) Policy and Procedure
ST11 – Attendance and Performance in Semester and Other Term Based Courses*
Policy
SR14 – Sexual Violence and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
RESOURCES FOR STUDENT SUCCESS
Student Rights and Responsibilities: https://www.kpu.ca/student-rightsresponsibilities
Learning Centre: http://www.kpu.ca/learningcentres
Early Alert: http://www.kpu.ca/earlyalert
Counselling: http://www.kpu.ca/counselling
Crisis Centre of BC: https://crisiscentre.bc.ca/get-help/ or 1.800.784.2433 or online
chat:
http://crisiscentrechat.ca/
Services for Students with Disabilities http://www.kpu.ca/ssd
Plagiarism Awareness Tutorial: https://courses.kpu.ca/enrol/index.php?id=19070
Academic Advising: https://www.kpu.ca/advising
Department of Political Science
Dr. Francis Kofi Abiew
ANTI-PLAGIARISM APPENDIX
KPU has purchased a site license for an anti-plagiarism software (Essay Verification
Engine) which is a tool to check essays for plagiarized material from the internet. The site
license grants all teaching staff employed by KPU unlimited use of that software for all
classes taught at, or by the institution.
Students are strongly advised to familiarize themselves with KPU's plagiarism and
cheating policy to be found in the current university calendar.
In the event of doubt, students are strongly encouraged to contact me prior to handing in
the essay and/or writing the test/exam, to remove any misunderstandings regarding
students' obligations under the policy and the related consequences.