Civic Vitality, Democracy and Electoral Management (CIVDEM)
Interdisciplinary Minor in Civic Vitality, Democracy and Electoral Management (CIVDEM)
The CIVDEM Interdisciplinary Minor equips students to work towards strengthening civic vitality, democratic resiliency, and electoral integrity, as well as empowering the underrepresented to participate in the political and electoral process. Students gain the foundations of knowledge, focused thematic expertise, and research competencies with respect to core areas (Civic Vitality, Democracy, Elections) that are local, national and global in scope.
Students are encouraged to think beyond the walls of the classroom to prepare for a lifetime of civic learning and practice, built on connecting with a large and effective network of advocates, innovators, practitioners, researchers and policymakers who are working to advance civic engagement, democratic processes and institutions, electoral management and integrity.
CIVDEM@Mac
CIVDEM@Mac is a partnered teaching and learning collaboration supported by the Paul R. MacPherson Institute for Leadership, Innovation and Excellence in Teaching.
This project thinks beyond the walls of the classroom and imagines a lifetime of civic learning and practice, built on connecting students and faculty with a large and effective network of democracy advocates, innovators, practitioners, researchers, and policymakers who are working to advance civic engagement, enhance democratic processes, and manage fair and transparent elections.
The new CIVDEM Interdisciplinary Minor will be available to undergraduate students beginning in Fall 2024. The Minor comprises 24 units (e.g., eight 3-unit courses) selected across three Course Lists (CIVIC vitality; DEMOCRATIC norms and institutions; ELECTION management), which can be taken by students alongside their Major in any field.
The curriculum gives undergraduate students the foundations of knowledge, thematic expertise, and research competencies with respect to core themes that are local, national and global in scope. It focuses on developing professional and transferable skills in areas such as policy analysis, data analysis and visualization, communication, project management, teamwork and innovative problem-solving. And it exposes students to graduate-level study and a diverse range of career pathways in the sector.
CIVDEM@Mac partners with organizations working at the centre of election management and democratic advocacy have contributed to building our curriculum. They support student learning, and help stimulate excitement about engaged citizenship and what young people can do to meet the challenges facing democracy. They also demonstrate pathways to meaningful careers.
Civic Vitality, Democracy, and Electoral Management
About CIVDEM
This Library Guide provides background information about the minor and CIVDEM@Mac.
Interdisciplinary Minors
CIVDEM Partner News
Building voters’ confidence in the municipal election process (Policy Options)
CIVDEM@Mac Partner Updates
See below for current CIVDEM updates:
CIVDEM 4EC6 A/B – Partnered Learning in Elections and Democracy
Are you interested in hands-on research, and learning more about democracy and elections?
CIVDEM/POLSCI 4EC6 A/B: Partnered Learning in Elections and Democracy provides students with the skills, knowledge and resources to carry out an experiential research project in collaboration with a partner organization. In addition to the partnered research project, students participate in seminar modules to gain foundational knowledge, and complete a series of “Research Skills Modules” designed to strengthen their research and communication skills.
Other course highlights include:
- Experiential learning with democracy advocates and professionals
- Exposure to exciting career paths and job opportunities
- Field trip to Elections Ontario headquarters
- Perspectives on inclusive democracy and elections from Indigenous communities
- Opportunity to network and showcase student research at the Canadian Vote Summit, held annually in early June in Toronto
Democracy is hiring! And this course is a great way to step into the industry and network with community partners while earning academic credit.
CIVDEM 4EC6 A/B – Partnered Learning in Elections and Democracy
3 unit(s)
This interdisciplinary course examines ways to strengthen electoral integrity, foster inclusive civic participation, and build democratic resiliency – whether in the local community, nationally, or in places around the world. Students gain research skills and foundational knowledge on specific topics pursuant to weekly course schedule, and work in teams on a partner-informed research project.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level IV Political Science or in the Interdisciplinary Minor in Civic Vitality, Democracy and Electoral Management.
Cross-list: POLSCI 4EC6 A/B – Partnered Learning in Elections and Democracy
*Please note this course can earn students credit in the Interdisciplinary Minor in CIVDEM.
If you are interested in enrolling in CIVDEM 4EC6 A/B, please email Sara Binnie at binnies@mcmaster.ca once enrollment begins for the 2024-25 academic year.
CIVDEM/POLSCI 4EC6 Partner Projects (2023-24)
Team Samara
The research is focused primarily on how the algorithmic personalized content driven nature of certain platforms, namely TikTok, impacts the kind of political content that is available/promoted. Special focus was placed on the youth demographic, for a number of reasons.
Chief among these reasons was the high degree of engagement with the political sphere using online platforms observed within the youth demographic. We believe this presented the possibility of spread of mis/disinformation, the spread of polarizing content, and a disenchantment with the political system which could exasperate pre-existing issues, including the observed trend of low voter turnout among the demographic.
Brief
Research Paper
Team Oakville
What various external resources on municipal civics help fill the gaps in the provincial curriculum, and how can the provincial government improve the quality of civic education to aid teachers in their lesson plans?
City of Hamilton
The adoption of Vote-by-Mail (VbM) systems is crucial for electoral accessibility and participation, especially in Ontario’s municipal and federal elections. This study focuses on assessing VbM’s impact on voter turnout and democratic accessibility. Administrative ease plays a significant role in encouraging voter engagement. States with automatic VbM kit distribution witnessed increased electoral participation, contrasting with Hamilton’s lower turnout due to an online application requirement.
Comparative analysis across municipalities like Toronto, Hamilton, and Guelph reveals varied implementation trajectories, emphasizing tailored strategies aligned with local needs. For instance, Leamington’s automatic VbM kit distribution led to a higher voter turnout. VbM’s societal implications intersect with discussions on democratic accessibility and inclusion. Its potential to enhance democratic engagement underscores the need for nuanced implementation and impact assessment. Synthesizing insights highlights the tension between administrative efficiency and accessibility. While administrative ease correlates with increased turnout, balancing security and accessibility remains a challenge.
Team AMO
Is there a difference in the amount and severity of incivility on social media towards female elected officials in Canada in comparison to men in the same position?
Sample Courses (Not all Required)
CIVIC Vitality
- SOCIOL 2EE3 – Introduction to Indigenous-Settler Relations in Canada
- WORKLABR 3N03 – Indigenous Women: Land, Rights, and Politics
- CMST 4P03 – Social Activism and the Media
ELECTIONS Management and Integrity
- CMST 4X03 – Communications for Campaigns & Elections
- CIVDEM 3Z03 – Canadian Public Sector Management
- CIVDEM 4EC6 – Partnered Learning in Elections and Democracy
DEMOCRATIC Norms, Processes and Institutions
- PHILOS 1B03 – Philosophy, Law and Society
- POLSCI 2US3 – US Politics
- HISTORY 3XX3 – Human Rights in History
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Questions About The Interdisciplinary Minor In Civic Vitality, Democracy and Electoral Management (CIVDEM)
Contact Us
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General inquiries
Email: binnies@mcmaster.ca
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Goals, program changes, academic support
Email: socscfac@mcmaster.ca
Phone: (905) 525-9140 ext. 23772
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Kenneth Taylor Hall, 527
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
L8S 4M4
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The Department of Political Science operates in a hybrid format.
Monday to Friday
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed daily 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)