Overview

This course will introduce you to the study of women's participation in Canadian political life. As you work through the course you will become familiar with a set of concepts, facts, and theories developed by political scientists who work from a woman-centered viewpoint. You will explore the full range of women's political lives, including their role in both “official” and “unofficial” politics.

Outline

POLI 350 consists of two sections. In Section 1 (units 1 to 6), we examine women's roles in “official” politics, that is as aspiring and practising decision makers in elected and appointed political office.

In Section 2 (units 7 to 12) we cover the political work that women do outside of what is traditionally considered to be the political arena, in the grassroots and community-based realm of “unofficial” politics.

Evaluation

Your final grade in POLI 350 will be based on five activities. To receive credit for POLI 350, you must achieve a course composite grade of at least “D” (50 percent) on the following:

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.

Course Materials

Textbook

Arscott, Jane, and Linda Trimble. 1997. In the Presence of Women: Representation in Canadian Governments. Toronto: Harcourt Brace Canada.

McIvor, Heather. 1996. Women and Politics in Canada. Peterborough, ON: Broadview.

Other materials

Other course materials include a study guide, a student manual, and a reading file.