B.C. Politics and Government
Curriculum guideline
Instructor presentation of the course will involve the use of formal lectures, structured group work, and in-class discussion of assigned materials. Audio-visual and interactive materials may be used.
political actors that have played a role in the development of British Columbia. The focus of the course will be on current political issues facing the province, its future development, and on the provincial legislature, First Nations, cities, towns and villages, and regional districts.
- The political, social, and economic context of British Columbian government and politics.
- The ideal and practice of democracy in British Columbia.
- The evolution of British Columbian political institutions.
- Contemporary policy issues facing all levels of government in British Columbia.
- Future challenges.
Upon completion of the course, successful students will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of how politics and government in British Columbia evolved pre- and post-Confederation;
- discuss the institutions, ideas, and political decision-makers that have shaped British Columbia ’s political institutions from structural and other perspectives;
- identify and critically assess the various policy issues facing all levels of government in British Columbia today.
The course evaluation will be based on course objectives and in accordance with the policies of Douglas College and the Department of Political Science. A minimum of 30% will be assigned to the various components of a formal research essay. Specific evaluation criteria will be provided by the instructor in course outlines.
One example of an evaluation system:
| Quizzes | 10% |
| Participation | 10% |
| Mid-term exam | 25% |
| Term essay | 30% |
| Final exam | 25% |
| 100% |
Textbooks and readers will be selected based on instructor expertise and preference, and in consultation with the Department of Political Science. Some examples include:
Howlett, Michael, Dennis Pilon, and Tracey Summerville. eds., British Columbia Politics and Government (Toronto: Edmond Montgomery, 2010).
McKee, Christopher. Treaty Talks in British Columbia: Building a New Relationship. Third edition (Vancouver: UBC Press, 2009).
Tindal, C. Richard, Susan Nobes Tindal, Kennedy Stewart, and Patrick Smith. Local Government in Canada. Eighth edition. (Toronto: Nelson, 2013).
Additional readings may be assigned for each course unit and placed on library reserve or via selected websites.