Course Description

Students explore the Canadian governmental system and consider key principles of democracy and federalism. In addition, students analyze the impact of government on the lives of its citizens, as well as the ways in which citizens and communities affect the government. Finally, students examine the diverse political, national and ideological dynamics of Canadian politics.

General Education Theme Area(s)

This is a General Education course that supports learning in the following theme area(s): Civic Life

Essential Employability Skills

This course contributes to your program by helping you achieve the following Essential Employability Skills:

EES 1 Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of the audience. (A)
EES 2 Respond to written, spoken or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication. (A)
EES 6 Locate, select, organize and document information using appropriate technology and information systems. (T, A)
EES 7 Analyze, evaluate and apply relevant information from a variety of sources. (T, A)
EES 8 Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems and contributions of others. (A)
Assessment Levels —T: Taught A: Assessed CP: Culminating Performance 

Course Learning Outcomes / Elements of Performance

When you have earned credit for this course, you will have demonstrated the ability to:

1. Define the governmental structures within the concept of "federalism" and explain how federalism applies to a diversity of needs and aspirations within Canada, and the efficacy of citizens as individuals or within collectives.

  • Use correct terminology appropriately.
  • Explain the relationship between the different levels of government.
  • Identify the differences between  federal and unitary systems.
  • Discuss the geo-political differences within Canada, and their impact on federalism.
  • Explain the rationale of diversity.
  • Outline the role of the individual as a citizen.

2. Identify and discuss the diverse values and cultures affecting the socio-political impact of governance.

  • Define the driving motivations behind the political systems in Canada.
  • discuss the causes and effects of these motivations.

3. Identify political issues in the past and current domestic arena.

  • Discuss historical developments of the political systems in Canada;
  • analyze select current events to identify political concerns.

4. Define the principles and scope of democracy in Canada.

  • Discuss the broad application of democracy and identify the shortcomings;
  • identify the role of pluralism in our application of democracy;
  • assess the role of the individual as a citizen.

5. Explain how Canadian government dicisions impact both local and global communities.

  • Identify significant decisions;
  • outline the implications of these decisions;
  • summarize implications of current and proposed policies;
  • Discuss the effects of environmental, economic, social and ideological commitments and inclinations.

Pre-defined Evaluation / Earning Credit

The following list provides evidence of this course's learning achievements and the outcomes they validate:

Assignment(s) (30%)

Validates Outcomes:  CLO 1, CLO 2, CLO 3, CLO 4, CLO 5, EES 1, EES 2, EES 6, EES 7, EES 8

Discussion Forum (10%)

Validates Outcomes:  CLO 1, CLO 2, CLO 3, CLO 4, CLO 5, EES 1, EES 2, EES 6, EES 7, EES 8

Project(s) (20%)

Validates Outcomes:  CLO 2, CLO 3, EES 1, EES 2, EES 6, EES 7, EES 8

Test(s) (40%)

Validates Outcomes:  CLO 1, CLO 2, CLO 3, CLO 4, CLO 5, EES 1, EES 2, EES 6, EES 7, EES 8

Learning Resources

This course may require the use of a textbook, e-book or software. Most texts and resources can be found at Algonquin College’s Campus Bookstore. If you cannot come to the campus, call (613) 727-4723, ext. 7609 or order online and the bookstore will arrange to ship the required resource(s) to you. Please be aware that you will be charged the cost of the resource(s) plus shipping charges on your credit card.

Learning Activities

Read material in textbook and lecture notes.
Gather relevant information off websites, mainly government sites.
Participate in on-line discussions on material being studied.
Follow current affairs through print and radio.
Attend some politically-realted events and prepare a short report on experience
Do some outside reading of related material for the purpose of analysing and writing a term report.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Students who wish to apply for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) need to demonstrate competency at a post-secondary level in all outlined course learning outcomes. Evidence of learning achievement for PLAR candidates includes:

  • Challenge Exam

Other Information

Students are required to respect the confidentiality of employer, client and/or patient information, interactions, and practices that occur either on Algonquin College premises, or at an affiliated clinical/field/co-op placement site. Concerns regarding clients, patients, and/or employer practices are to be brought to the attention of the program coordinator, or designated field/clinical/co-op placement supervisor so that they may be resolved collaboratively. Such concerns are not to be raised publically either verbally, in writing, or in electronic forums. These matters are to be addressed through established program communication pathways.

Grade Scheme

Final Grade Mark Equivalent Numeric Value Final Grade Mark Equivalent Numeric Value
A+ 90% - 100% 4.0 A 85% - 89% 3.8
A- 80% - 84% 3.6 B+ 77% - 79% 3.3
B 73% - 76% 3.0 B- 70% - 72% 2.7
C+ 67% - 69% 2.3 C 63% - 66% 2.0
C- 60% - 62% 1.7 D+ 57% - 59% 1.4
D 53% - 56% 1.2 D- 50% - 52% 1.0
F 0% - 49% 0 FSP 0 0

Course Related Information

Please refer to the Course Section Information (CSI) / weekly schedule for specific course-related information as provided by your professor.

Program Information

0438K01FWO - GAS - Aviation Management

Course Termination (supplemental information to Academic Affairs Policy AA39)
Students may be course terminated or directed to cease training at any time under any of the following circumstances;
  • Two failed courses in any one term
  • Three failed courses in total.
  • Academic Probation (GPA at or below 1.7) in any two terms.
  • Flight hours below 50% of the required cumulative flight time.
  • Repeated safety violations as documented by Flight Training Unit (FTU)
  • Intentional, wilful or malicious acts.
Course Termination (CT) means that a student will be withdrawn from the program of study in the current semester and would be required to re-apply to return to the program in any future terms subject to meeting additional academic requirements which will be reviewed on a case by case basis. The assigned FTU is under no obligation to continue training for any student that has been course terminated.
Program Information is not defined.

College Related Information

Algonquin College’s policies have been developed to ensure the health, safety and security of all students, faculty and staff, and the proper and fair operation of the College as an academic institution and employer. Please refer to the Algonquin College Policies website for the most current policy information available at http://www.algonquincollege.com/policies/. 
 
Students are especially encouraged to be aware of the following College expectations 
 
Academic Integrity
Algonquin College is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity, and students are expected to uphold these standards as part of the learning process. Any academic work submitted by a student is expected to be their own work, unless designated otherwise and all sources must be attributed. All students should be familiar with the Algonquin College policy AA48: Academic Integrity which outlines student’s roles and responsibilities and what represents academic dishonesty. In some courses, online proctoring may be used to prevent academic dishonesty. Additional information can be found at Academic Integrity - Student Survival Guide - Subject Guides at Algonquin College (libguides.com) and via Academic Integrity Student Resources. Students with any questions about the course expectations regarding academic integrity are encouraged to speak to their professor and the College’s academic integrity team at acaio@algonquincollege.com  
 
Centre for Accessible Learning 
Students with visible and/or non-visible disabilities are encouraged to register with the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) in order to be eligible for appropriate learning supports and/or accommodations.  Students are strongly encouraged to make an appointment with the Centre for Accessible Learning as early as possible when starting a program. Once your needs are identified, a Letter of Accommodation (LOA) will be issued which you can share with your professors. If you are a returning student, please ensure that professors are given a copy of your LOA each semester. 
 
College Email 
Students at Algonquin College are provided with a college email account. This is the address that will be used when the College, your professors, or your fellow students communicate important information about your program or course activities. Your network credentials can be found in the?ACSIS portal and you are expected to check your Algonquin email regularly and to use it to send and receive college-related email. Support is available through the college Information Technology Service (ITS) at: https://www.algonquincollege.com/its/ 
 
Retroactive Accommodations 
Students are expected to meet evaluation and completion deadlines as stated in course outline and course section information documents. In circumstances where evaluation and/or completion deadlines are missed or student performance has been affected by a temporary or permanent disability (including mental health), interim or retroactive accommodations may be considered. In such instances, please consult your course faculty member. For other situations where deferral of evaluations may be warranted, please?consult Algonquin College?Policy?AA21: Deferred Evaluation. 
 
Student Course Feedback 
Algonquin College’s invites students to share their course experience by completing a student course feedback survey for each course they take. For further details consult Algonquin College Policy AA25: Student Course Feedback. 
 
Use of Mobile Devices in Class 
With the proliferation of small, personal mobile devices used for communications and data storage, Algonquin College believes there is a need to address their use during classes and examinations. During classes, the use of such devices unless authorized by your professor can be disruptive and disrespectful to others. During examinations, the use of such devices is generally prohibited unless authorized by your professor. Otherwise use is considered academic dishonesty in the form of cheating. For further details consult Algonquin CollegePolicy AA32: Use of Mobile Devices in Class 
 
Technology Requirements  
Students are required to have access to a computer and to the internet. There may also be additional technology-related resources required to participate in a course that are not included in the course materials fee, such as headphones, webcams, specialized software, etc. Details on these requirements can be found in the Course Section Information of the course outline for each course available on Brightspace. 
 
Transfer of Credit 
It is the student’s responsibility to retain course outlines for possible future use to support applications for transfer of credit to other educational institutions. 

Safe Harbour 
In the event of an unexpected major event (pandemic, etc.), your course may have changes that are not reflected in the Course Outline. Should this happen, the Course Section Information document will have updated information about your course.