Introduction to Political Science

Course goals

NOTE this course cannot be taken by students who have already completed UCSSCPOL13 Introduction to Comparative Politics.

After completing this course students are able to:

1. work with central concepts and debates in the study of politics
2. work with the various traditions of political thought that underlie political science
3. apply critical, ethical and creative skills to analyze classic and modern issues in political science
4. apply different concepts, theories and approaches in context of political science.
5. understand and assess the basic role and functions of institutions in political life

Relationship between assessment and learning goals:
Presentation: 20% (Learning Goal 1, 2, 3 and 4)
Mid-term paper: 30% (1, 2 and 3)
Assignment: 30% (1, 3, 4 and 5)
Final exam: 20% (1, 4 and 5)
 

Content

NOTE this course cannot be taken by students who have already completed UCSSCPOL13 Introduction to Comparative Politics.

Politics is about the interplay of ideas, power and institutions.  In this course we will explore the different ways n which these three come together.  It will do so by introducing students to a) the foundations of political thought and reasoning underpinning political science, b) the structures, agents and processes of politics, and c) case studies. Students will be challenged to actively engage with concepts, theories and approaches, work with them independently, present, and lead discussions on them. At the end of the course, they will be able to show a broad and solid understanding of the foundations of political science.

Format
The first part on theory will discuss the Western canon together with approaches from the Global South, ensuring a more global approach.  The second part on governmental structures will discuss classic and postcolonial governance systems.  Course readings will rely on textbooks, primary texts and case studies.  Interactivity is central to the course and incorporated in classes and assignments.