Department of Policy Studies
POLITICAL SCIENCE (PLSC) 1101
INTRODUCTION TO GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
Mega Sections
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Instructors: A and B
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• The unexamined life is not worth living. – Plato, 428-348 B.C.
• The trouble with the examined life is that it's not particularly lucrative. – The New Yorker
• Conquest is easy. Control is not. – Niccolò Machiavelli & Captain James T. Kirk
Course Description
Political Science 1101 is a general introduction to the subject of political science. The focus of
the course is on basic concepts used in the study of political life and the application of these
concepts to the political world. Much of what is taken for granted in politics and government has
an ideological basis that is ignored and misunderstood. Common acceptance of certain principles
and lack of information has created a situation in which individuals are inclined not to question
basic values and assumptions found in society. Political Science 1101 offers the opportunity to
discover and discuss many of the principles that direct our political lives. The main purpose of
the course, therefore, is to present the key terms and definitions employed in political analysis
and to use them in developing the skills for critical political thinking.
Course Requirements/Grade Distribution
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There are three lectures and a tutorial each week. Tutorial participation is worth 10% of the final
course grade. Students are expected to attend the tutorials and participate in discussion. Failure
to participate regularly in tutorials will lead to the failure of the course as a whole (ie., it is
a course requirement). We are emphasizing tutorial attendance because it is in tutorials that
we will have the time to emphasize academic skills – appropriate research, organizing and
producing an academic essay, the correct citation of sources, and preparation for/executing
exams.
One written assignment, a brief expository essay of 1200-1500 words, is required. The type of
assignment is to be set by each instructor. The assignment is due -------------------------. The
written work is worth 25% of the course grade.
There are two one hour mid-term examinations during class time. The first test is to be held on ------------------. It is worth 10% of the final grade. The second test is to be held on------------------.
It is worth 20% of the final grade.
There is also a final examination; it will be scheduled by the Registrar scheduled during the
Final Examination------------. This examination covers the entire course, and is worth 35% of
the final course grade.
Tutorial/class
participation
Essay
Test 1
Test 2
Final examination
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10%
25%
10%
20%
35%
Students are expected to keep informed of current political issues through the media – the
internet, television, radio, newspapers, and magazines.
While the calculation of the final mark is made on the basis indicated above, it may be
subject to some modification which would reflect improvement in the quality of the
student's work.
Late assignments are subject to a penalty of 5 marks per day (including weekends)
unless a valid excuse is provided. A maximum of five late days will be accepted;
thereafter, the paper will be awarded a fail grade.
Students may submit drafts of their paper for discussion/help up to one week in advance
of the due date.
If the paper is submitted without sources cited appropriately within the text and/or a list
of references, it will be returned to the student without a grade. The student will then
have 24 hours in which to re-submit the paper with the sources cited appropriately in
order to be awarded a grade. If the paper is not re-submitted or is late, the student will be
awarded a fail grade for that course requirement.
Students are further cautioned that web-surfing is not academic research, in general. While
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the retrieval of scholarly articles via the use of online databases is acceptable, the use
of websites in general (unless websites of governments, think-tanks, or other reputable
organizations) is strongly discouraged. Should papers be submitted with more than a casual
use of questionable websites as opposed to academic research, they will be returned with a
fail grade.
Papers will be marked according to the grading rubric which is attached at the end of this
course outline. If you have any questions on this, please consult your instructor.
All of the above requirements will be discussed in much greater detail within course time, most
probably in tutorials. It is the student’s responsibility to be both aware of and comply with the
above requirements or to seek clarification if there is any confusion.
Grade Scale (Final grades are assigned according to this scale:)
A+ 95 - 100%
C+ 67 - 69
A 85 – 94
C 63 - 66
A- 80 - 84
C- 60 - 62
B+ 77 - 79
D+ 55 - 59
B 73 – 76
D 50 - 54
B- 70-72
F 0-49
Educational Outcomes
In April 1999, Mount Royal's Academic Council approved a number of "learning outcomes" for
students. Generally speaking, "outcomes" are goals, results, objectives -- what you should derive a)
from the University overall, b) from the discipline and/or department, and c) from a particular
course. An objective of PLSC 1101 is to help facilitate the following outcomes:
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University-wide Learning Outcomes (how Political Science 1101 will contribute to the
University's goals):
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Communication
Interpret and evaluate meaning in a variety of texts and media
Detect nuances of (in) written, oral and non-verbal messages
How this outcome is facilitated in PLSC 1101: 1) your participation, your written
assignments and examinations, contributions to general class discussions, how well you know
your course readings; any interviews and audio-visual material used in your presentations or
in your research projects; 2) assessing your comprehension of course readings; 3) how to
engage in effective public speaking.
2.
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Thinking skills
Creative thinking: imaginative/innovative thinking
Critical thinking
Reflective thinking: reflecting on assumptions and reframing perspectives
Challenging assumptions
Decision making
Articulating a process or an argument
Being open to diverse points of view
How this outcome is facilitated in PLSC 1101: 1) evaluating your arguments in your
presentation and your research papers and/or critical analysis. For example, have you
considered other possible approaches/options? How could you tackle the problem differently?
Can you explain your position clearly and concisely? Are the assessments of other students
valuable? 2) Introducing you to political science scholarship. For example, the testing of
hypotheses, the principles of an argument, valid premises, viable theories. 3) encouraging
critical approaches to course material. 4) Respecting differences in views and defending your
own position.
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Information Retrieval and Evaluation
Identify relevant information sources
Generate search strategies necessary to complete an information search
Organize information in a relevant fashion to assess completeness
Evaluate the quality of information
Acknowledge sources of information
Utilize a recognized format for acknowledgement
How this outcome is facilitated in PLSC 1101: 1) using proper formats for organizing and
citing your sources; synthesizing and incorporating research materials; comprehension of
material. 2) What is that place called "Library" and how do I make it work for me? 3) how to
conduct research with so many options available: textbooks, journals, magazines, videos,
newspapers, computers/internet. 4) discerning what is useful and what is not so useful
information? 5) how to write a research paper and/or critical analysis for your instructor and
maybe live happily ever after.
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Political Science and PLSC 1101 Outcomes (what the discipline and course will do for you):
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Assist in developing analytical skills with respect to ideas, media, texts, institutions, processes
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How to put your analytical skills to use in producing a research product -- how to conduct
effective research and write a political science paper
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To educate you about the importance of politics at various levels, from the personal to the
public; have you ever noticed how many newspaper headlines and opening newscasts are
devoted to political issues? Why do people pursue the political life? Why run for office?
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Help to develop your skills in: research, writing, presentation/articulation, argumentation and
critique, scholarly interpretation, examination taking
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Make you aware of the diversity of political, social and moral ideas, values and attitudes –
what does "choice" mean in the world of politics? How does politics (and political science)
address morality? education? sex? money? violence? prejudice and discrimination? Are there
limits to what politics and institutions can do?
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Help to promote clarity in political values and concepts; examples include: power, authority,
legitimacy, sovereignty, rights, obligations, liberty, coercion, dissent
How these outcomes
are facilitated in PLSC 1101: 1) lectures and class discussions; understanding and discussing
the assigned readings; written examinations (multiple choice and essay-style responses) and
verbal testing (such as in class discussions) for knowledge of important concepts, basic
principles, concepts and ideas. 2) Exploring the choices and the limits to politics and political
science. 3) Incorporating "real world" elements into our course. What's happening "out
there" and who are "those people"?
Academic Regulations
The last day to withdraw from class with a "W" grade is --------------------. Students are encouraged
to read the "Academic Status" and Academic Regulations" sections of the University Calendar
carefully. These sections provided an overview of student rights and obligations as well as the
available disciplinary and grievance procedures.
Please note that failure to complete any of the course assignments could result in a grade of
"F".
Required Text (available for purchase at the Mount Royal University Bookstore)
• Mark O. Dickerson and Thomas Flanagan. Introduction to Government and Politics. A
Conceptual Approach 7th edition. Scarborough: Nelson, 2005.
Readings and Lectures
Lectures, tutorials, and examinations are conducted on the assumption that students have done the
readings. Students should have a familiarity with both the text readings and contemporary events
and issues which will be discussed in detail in tutorials.
COURSE OVERVIEW
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Topic 1
Introduction and Orientation
D-F, pp. xxiii-xxxiv.
Topic 2
Legitimacy, Power, Authority, Sovereignty: The State and the Nation
D-F, pp. 3-51.
Topic 3
Law, Politics, and Constitutionalism
D-F, pp. 61-87.
Topic 4
The Concept of Ideology and Liberalism
D-F, pp. 113-144.
Topic 5
Conservatism, old and new
D-F, pp. 146-159.
Topic 6
Socialism
D-F, pp. 161-181.
Topic 7
Nationalism and Fascism
D-F, pp. 183-198.
Topic 8
Emerging Ideologies: Feminism and Environmentalism
D-F, pp. 200-226.
Topic 9
The International Order
D-F, pp. 89-111.
Topic 10
Forms of Government I: Liberal Democracy, Totalitarianism, and Authoritarianism
D-F, pp. 229-294.
Topic 11
Forms of Government II: Parliamentary, Presidential Executives; Unitary and Federal States
D-F, pp. 297-345.
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Topic 12
Political Process and Culture
D-F, pp. 53-59 and pp. 349-357.
Topic 13
The Electoral Process:
D-F, pp. 359-424.
Topic 14
Governmental Structures
D-F, pp. 428-478.
Topic 15
Review--What Does It All Mean?
Important Stuff!
If at any point, you are confused, have questions, or experience problems
which relate to or impact this course, please consult your instructor at the
earliest opportunity. The sooner we can address any of your concerns, the
greater is the likelihood that problems will be resolved. It is the student’s
responsibility to ensure that their performance in this course is at their
desired level. We are here to help you achieve that.
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Essay Marking Rubric
A-level Papers
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focused, analytical work (clear thesis)
ability to relate theory to practice
logical structure
obvious development of ideas
convincing argument
clarity of expression
excellent grammatical style and spelling
appropriate citation of sources
B-level Papers
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(70-79) – above average
good analytical work
theory and practice both addressed
good structure
good development of ideas
reasonable argument
well-expressed
good grammar and spelling
some errors in citation style
C-level Papers
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(80-100) – superior; outstanding
(60-69) -- average
mainly descriptive, some analytical work
weak on theory; emphasis on extracted material
weaker structure
under-developed ideas
poor argument
confusing expression
poor grammar and spelling
poor citation style
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D-level Papers
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descriptive only; poor or non-existent analysis
theory unaddressed
confusing structure
points mentioned, undeveloped
lack of intellectual argument
confusing expression
poor grammar and spelling
unacceptable citation style
F-level papers
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(50-59) – minimal pass
(0-49) -- fail
some material extracted and replicated
no theory; no analysis
confusing or non-existent structure
series of points
personal argument or none at all
incoherence
unacceptable grammar and spelling
no citation of sources used
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