POLI 5221

This is an advanced undergraduate/graduate course that explores the organization, role, functions, and decline (?) of political parties in modern democracies. Although we will spend considerable time exploring the Canadian case, debates surrounding Canadian parties will be situated in a broader comparative context. In doing so we will consider the extent to which Canadian parties are ‘unique’. Throughout the course we will consider whether and how the institutional features of the Canadian state (e.g., federalism) and the makeup of Canadian society (e.g., regionalism, multinationalism, etc.) effect the organization, character, and functions of our parties. The topics to be covered include party organization, party membership, personnel recruitment, and election campaigning. While in no way a prerequisite, students may find it beneficial to take POLI 3224 prior to this class as it provides an introduction to Canadian parties.