LSO313 - The Canadian Political Economy

Subject Title
The Canadian Political Economy

Subject Description
Political Economy is both a field of study and a method of understanding. Its subject matter is the historical development of contemporary structure of society, and for the purposes of this course, mainly Canadian society. It focuses on political power and economic development, but it also relates these patterns to questions of equity (e.g., wealth and poverty, race and ethnic relations and gender issues), culture (including the contemporary mass media), individual and group behaviour. As a method, it provides a key to understanding not only how and why government, industry and social values have developed as they have, but also how these institutions and the technological innovations that have accompanied Canadian growth have affected all other aspects of Canadian society including various belief systems (e.g., science and religion), major social functions and institutions (e.g., schools and education, law and law enforcement, health and hospitals) and even questions of personal relationships and identity.
Throughout the course in class, in readings and especially in written assignments, students will be given the opportunity to explore topics in:

Arts and Society (e.g., elite, mass and folk culture as they reflect the interests of different social groups, convey dominant social norms and occasionally express dissent from prevailing beliefs and behaviour);

Civic Life (e.g., political systems and trends within systems with respect to the exercise of political power and the qualities of citizenship needed to respond to it);

Social and Cultural Understanding (e.g., effects of political economy on ideology on individual and collective behaviour, and awareness of social relations in an increasingly multicultural society);

Personal Understanding (e.g., the shaping of personal identity, values and expectations of the self and others in a competitive, possessive and individualistic society);

Science and Technology (e.g., the impact and the practical limits of rationalism and empiricism and they affect daily life, impending moral dilemmas and questions of the ecology and environmental sustainability);

Work and the Economy (e.g., how the mode, means and relations of production and distribution of goods and services help determine who does and gets what, when and how).

Credit Status
One in Social Science

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

• Discuss the main contours of Canadian development from a colonial to a global society;
• Describe the evolution of Canada from a “staples” to a diversified postindustrial economy;
• Explain how the political economy shapes inequities based on class, race and gender;
• Explain the relationship between political economy and the domestic and global environment;
• Discuss the relationship among political economy, ideology and behaviour;
• Relate Canadian society to imperial patterns of global domination;
• Integrate research and analytical skills to gain critical understanding of the subject matter;
• Respond to written assignments in a coherent manner, using proper mechanics and the essay form;
• Demonstrate through written assignments an understanding of the central concepts in the course and course texts.

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.