Student-led initiative evolves into experiential UTSC political science course

A student-run parliamentary simulation at the University of Toronto Scarborough has grown into a for-credit political science course, giving undergraduates an experiential learning experience in how government works. 

The course, “Practicing Model Parliaments: Legislative Assemblies in Canada,” grew from the Model Parliamentary Series, co-founded by political science undergraduates Malika Derrell and Khalil-Najir Miles.  

“We wanted to create experiential learning opportunities for political science students, because our work in the classroom was largely theoretical,” says Derrell, who served at the series’ finance director and later, its events director. 

Launched in 2024, the Model Parliamentary Series was designed to mirror real-world politics. It asked students to form political parties, develop platforms and use mock parliamentary accounts on social media to campaign and rally support. The program also featured leadership debates, mock canvassing and an election night. 

“The idea was a program where students could simulate the experience of being a candidate to an elected official, and address real-world issues,” says Miles, who led efforts to create the initiative. The summer leading to his second year, Miles researched similar simulation programs at other universities and met with prospective students interested in getting involved.  

The Model Parliamentary Series took 50 students for a two-day trip to the House of Commons in its first year for a simulated mock debate. In January 2025, it brought about 100 students to the Senate, with a focus on policy, where they debated issues at the forefront of Canadian politics, including the opioid crisis, mental health awareness, homelessness and food insecurity.  

Leaders from the private and public sector were also invited to meet with students on campus, including Eileen de Villa, the medical officer of health for the City of Toronto from 2017 to 2024, and adjunct professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, and Vijay Thanigasalam, MPP for Scarborough – Rouge Park. 

The success of the Model Parliamentary Series laid the foundation for the experiential learning course, which gives students an opportunity to explore how Canada’s legislative institutions operate, with focus placed on Ontario’s provincial government and key policy issues.  

The course was made possible by an Experiential Learning Fund grant awarded to Julian Campisi, assistant professor, teaching stream in the department of political science. Miles worked as a research assistant with Campisi last summer to help adapt elements of the series for the classroom. The first time in the fall 2025 semester. 

The first part of the semester is situated in-class, which included guest lectures by current and former parliamentarians, experts in the Clerk’s Office, and guided visits to Queen’s Park, including the opportunity to attend a question period. 

“We know that there is a yearning for change and young people want to have an impact.” – Khalil-Najir Miles

The last half-semester is dedicated to a model parliament simulation, where students assumed the roles of Ontario MPPs and political parties, drafted policy, debatedlegislation and navigated the dynamics of parliamentary procedure. The exercise culminates to a simulated question period at Queen’s Park, developed in collaboration with political science programs across the Greater Toronto Area, to give students practical experience in debate, negotiation and political collaboration.  

Derrell is proud to see that students can earn credits while gaining tangible experience. Her work with the series and course has reinforced her long-term goal of working in public service. Meanwhile, Miles, has maintained active civic engagement in federal and provincial politics. 

“With cementing what we achieved with the Parliamentary Series into this course, it was important for us, as organizers of the series, to create a kind of legacy to ensure impact continues after we graduate,” Derrell says.  

“We know that there is a yearning for change and young people want to have an impact,” Miles says. “We hope that this course has and will help students see that roadmap to getting involved in politics.”