Political Science 12 Course Outline- Cleveland- 1
Political Science 12 Course Outline- 2012-2013
POLITICAL SCIENCE 12 (POLSCI 12) ACADEMIC
This course will be an introduction to the fundamentals of politics. The basic needs of humanity will be
examined through a variety of psychological and philosophical perspectives in order to understand the
theoretical process of instituting government. Students will be encouraged to reflect on the ideas of
the great thinkers of the Western political tradition. In-depth analysis of the historical and moral
implications of the political systems, from Marxism to democracy, that arose as a result of the age of
ideology will be a central component of study. Knowledge of the Canadian political system will also be
a central feature of this course. This course will require intense and critical introspective reflection.
Course Materials:
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a binder (I recommend that you use one binder for each subject so that if you lose your binder,
you don’t also lose all the work you’ve done for ALL your subjects!)
5 subject dividers for each area of content in the course (Political Systems, The Canadian
System, Comparative Politics, International Relations & The Global Citizen (Research))
A pen or pencil
Your YCMHS computer username and password (have on you at all times)
Evaluation
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15%- Political Systems (includes tests & quizzes)
15% -The Canadian System (includes tests & quizzes)
15%- Comparative Politics (includes tests & quizzes)
15%- International Relations (includes tests & quizzes)
10%-The Global Citizen: Research Essay OR Presentation
30%- Exam
**********Test Policy**********
Attendance is MANDATORY for all test days. If you miss a test, you must make it up on your own time
either at lunch or after school.
******Major Assignment Policy******
If you meet your deadlines, you will be given opportunities to resubmit your work after receiving
feedback.
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Political Science 12 Course Outline- Cleveland- 2
Overview of the Units & Major Assignments
1. Political Systems- September & October
1.1. Examine the different ideologies such as communism, fascism, socialism, and democracy. (3756)
1.2. Examine how governments are organized (2-36, 37-56)
 Test on above
1.3. Examine the ethical and moral implications of a variety of political systems. (2-36)
 Short opinion essay OR formal presentation on an ideology and your opinion on
it, giving reasons to support your opinion (500-750 words)
2. The Canadian System- November, December & January
2.1. Examine the historical roots of the Canadian political system (British parliamentary, parties,
common law, French civil code, BNA & Constitutional development) (57-72,203)
2.2. Identify & explain the structure and roles of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of
Canadian federal, provincial, territorial, First Nations, and municipal governments (194-207,
212-213)
2.3. Investigate/Analyse the divisions of power in Canada among federal, provincial, territorial, First
Nations, and municipal governments (jurisdictional powers) (138-140)
2.4. Explore the electoral systems and processes for the Canadian federal, provincial, territorial,
First Nations, and municipal governments (political parties/ideologies) (218-221)
 Political Parties presentation
 Test on above
JANUARY MID-TERM EXAM ON UNITS 1 & 2
3. Comparative Politics- February & March
3.1. Explore various contemporary global governing systems (U.S. and others, dictatorial and
democratic, etc) (156-193)
3.2. Compare and contrast the Canadian and U.S. governing systems (209, 200, 216)
3.3. Compare and contrast the Canadian and U.S. electoral systems (221-226)
3.4. Compare and contrast global governing systems, excluding Canada and the United States (156193)
 Test on above
 Short opinion paper OR formal presentation that compares & contrasts
the systems of both Canada and the United States and gives an opinion on
which one you think is better (500-750 words)
Political Science 12 Course Outline- Cleveland- 3
4. International Relations- April & May
4.1. Explore the foundations of global interconnectedness (403-431)
4.2. Describe the organizations that govern relations among nations (United Nations, NATO, IMF,
World Trade, World Bank) (263-264, 347-348, 279-281,348-350, 362-363)
4.3. Examine the influence of cultural beliefs on global politics (religion, economic practices,
environmentalism, etc.) (96-104)
4.4. Examine/analyse the changing role of media/technology on global politics) (229-255)
 Short opinion essay on the role of social media on the Arab Spring (500-750
words)
4.5. Investigate obstacles to international relations (cultural differences, ideologies, etc.) (132-152)
 Test on all of the above
5. The Global Citizen- Research Paper OR Presentation- May/June
5.1. Ability to critically investigate contemporary global political issues
5.2. Design and conduct a research presentation, independently, that addresses a global political
issue OR plan, research, & write a formal thesis-directed research paper.
5.3. Explore and engage in an issue relating to active citizenship
 Independent Research Paper or Presentation- 3 steps:
o Choose a topic- tell your teacher as soon as possible- No two students
can do the same topic- Due by the end of April
o Annotated Bibliography- Research sources and put them into a list
sorted just like a bibliography. Describe each source in 2-3 sentences
immediately after each bibliography entry. Due in mid-May.
o Write your paper with proper references and bibliography or make your
presentation. Presentations should also include references &
bibliography. Due by the end of the first week of June.
You will receive class time during the months of May & June to work on
researching & planning your paper/presentation.
JUNE FINAL EXAM ON UNITS 3, 4 & 5
*Be aware that paying attention to the news will be a major component of this course. Each class will
begin with a discussion of current political events.
Listening to CBC radio’s “Information Morning” each day as you get ready for school can be an easy
way to get news on what’s going on politically in Nova Scotia, Canada and the world.*