POL356Y1Y L0101
Canadian Political Parties
Themes
This course traces the emergence, evolution, and setting of Canada’s federal and provincial political parties. Topics include theoretical perspectives on party systems, behavioral 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
POL214Y1 or POL214Y5 or POLB50Y3 or POL224Y1