1. Pol Sc 322 Politics of Atlantic Canada Take-home exam April 2008

2. Question Preamble David Stevenson wrote in 1980 that a region may be defined as “a territorial entity possessing a sense of unity or community identity that is independent of political and administrative boundaries”. However, some think that the concept of “Atlantic Canada” is just a device by the federal government in Ottawa to gather east coast problems into one basket, in order to reduce the political inconvenience.

3. Four parts to the question: 1.Does an Atlantic region exist? 2.What evidence is there of a “sense of unity” and “community identity”? 3.What evidence is there of factors that support four separate political communities? 4.What will prevail in the long run: a common regional consciousness or four separate communities?

4. Types of evidence You can draw from the full range of kinds of evidence covered in the class (but not just from one): –Nature of regionalism, regional stereotypes –Economic indicators –Social and cultural factors –Political culture indicators –Democratic practice: parties, leaders, etc. –Shared vs. differing history and experiences of the four provinces –Nature of political integration within and outside region

5. Material for Answers Course-pack readings Instructor’s power-point presentations

6. Further instructions I will send the formal question out to you by email Thursday afternoon. Exam papers must have your name, student number, etc… Typewritten if possible, otherwise clearly legible. Written in essay style – one complete essay -- full sentences and paragraphs. Proper referencing for direct quotations and points of view drawn from authors. Overall length not more than 2000 words. Due: 5 pm Friday, April 11: Preferably by hand (room 515 Nicholson Hall) or by email if out of town.