Fall/Winter Timetable
POL491H1S L0101
Topics in Canadian Politics II
Institutions and Behaviour in Canadian Parliament
Themes
In this course, we ask how institutions shape the behaviour of legislators in Canada’s parliament. We will explore key rules and norms of parliament and examine their foundations. In tandem, we will investigate the behaviour of prime ministers, cabinet members, backbench MPs, senators, and other political actors to gain a better understanding of what motivates parliamentary behaviour. Through the course, students will gain a deep understanding of why parliamentarians behave the way they do and how their behaviour affects governance and the lives of people in Canada. Topics include the Crown prerogative, responsible government, party discipline and caucusing, executive dominance, policymaking in parliamentary committees, and the Senate reforms.
Texts
No textbook (readings online)
Format and Requirements
One two-hour seminar per week. Course requirements TBA.
January 29, 2024
The winners of the 2022-2023 undergraduate awards were announced at the annual celebration, held this year on the evening of January 25. Presiding over the award ceremony were Undergraduate Director...
January 26, 2023
Congratulations to our 2021/22 undergraduate award & scholarship recipients! Following a two-year hiatus, the department was delighted to return to hosting our undergraduate awards in-person this year to celebrate our...
June 3, 2021
In a bid to motivate her students in what has been a very difficult academic year, Professor Rebecca Kingston decided to give those enrolled in the winter 2021 term of...
May 21, 2020
Congratulations to undergraduate student Cheryl Cheung who has received a University of Toronto Excellence Award (UTEA). Going into her third year majoring in political science, with minors in visual studies...
January 29, 2020
Congratulations to all our amazing undergraduate students who picked up one the department’s twenty-three awards and scholarships at our annual undergraduate awards ceremony. In attendance were Dean of Arts &...