Hit the campaign trail with experiential learning course

With the call of the Canadian federal election for Monday, September 20, 2021, King’s Campaign School is back in session.

This unique course, Interdisciplinary Studies 3991Y: Campaign School - 2021 Canadian Federal Election, is an opportunity for students, regardless of their program, to become part of the upcoming election.

The in-class portion, taught by Dr. Kate Graham, a King’s Political Science lecturer and seasoned political campaigner, will take place on Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Dr. Graham earned a Ph.D. studying leadership in government across Canada and ran for MPP for London North Centre in 2018 and the leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party in 2019.

“Election campaigns are a critical opportunity to share ideas, engage people and be part of shaping our collective future. We need more student voices in politics, and this course provides an unparalleled opportunity for students to get involved. Through this course, students will be stepping up in a major way to support a party and candidate they believe in — while critically examining our current political climate in Canada,” says Dr. Graham.

“If you are a student who loves politics -- or, perhaps you are new to politics but you’re feeling fired up about the leaders, parties or issues that will define this election -- either way, this course is for you. This is a great experiential learning opportunity for anyone interested in politics. You will volunteer and study the election from the perspective of all the major political parties in Canada. Whether you are just starting to learn about the leaders, parties and issues, or you are more heavily involved in political science, this is a special chance to participate in an unfolding election. This is a way to ensure your voices, concerns and demands are heard by electoral candidates. You can even learn how you can run for elected political office,” says Dr. Erin Hannah, Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Political Science.

Students enrolled in this experiential learning course will receive hands-on, guided experience in elections and campaign management. Students in the class will join the riding campaign with the candidate and political party of their choice. Students will experience most of the major parts of a campaign including voter contact, volunteer mobilization, fundraising, debates and issue response and get-out-the-vote (GOTV) efforts on election day. Students will also have an opportunity through five in-class workshops to dive deep into the contemporary political landscape, the effects of COVID-19 and other crises on election dynamics, and on how we can build a healthier democracy and stronger Canada. 

An information session for interested students is taking place on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at 11 a.m. Register at: https://westernuniversity.zoom.us/j/95173065374

For more information or to register, please email Dr. Erin Hannah.