POL356H1F L0101
Canadian Political Parties and Elections
Themes
This course traces the emergence, evolution, and setting of Canada’s federal and provincial political parties. Topics include theoretical perspectives on party systems, behavioural characteristics of the major and minor parties, party cultures, ideology and policy, party organization, membership, and participation, leaders and leadership selection, elections and campaigning, the electoral system, voting, and public opinion, parliamentary and extra-parliamentary party activities, the financing and marketing of parties, the role of media, and the representation of interests.
Texts
Hugh G. Thorburn and Alan Whitehorn, eds., Party Politics in Canada 8th ed. (Toronto: Prentice Hall, 2001); Nelson Wiseman, In Search of Canadian Political Culture (Vancouver: UBC Press, 2007).
Format and Requirements
Weekly lecture, one essay (45%), one two-hour test (45%), class attendance and participation (10%).
Prerequisites
POL214H1 or POL214Y1 or POL215H5 or POL216H5 or POL224H1 or POL224Y1 or POLB50Y3