Introduction to Politics | Live Online course
- Description
- Curriculum
- Reviews
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course aims to introduce participants to the discipline of politics as an object of study through the presentation and discussion of key concepts and themes. Studying politics and related issues of government and governance is essential for understanding how society operates, how resources are allocated (who gets what, when, where, how, and why), and what power is and how it is exercised. The lectures will progress from general questions on the nature and scope of politics, exploring the state as a central locus of political activity, to considering the relationships between various political structures. This includes key political themes and issues such as the state, sovereignty, nationalism, ideology, political and electoral institutions, democratic governance and representation, constitutions and constitutionalism, political parties and interest groups, and the role of citizens.
Course Learning Objectives:
- Identify and define key concepts of the discipline (e.g., power, the state, government, authority).
- Distinguish between different approaches to understanding politics.
- Identify and compare the tenets of different political ideologies.
- Describe and contrast the main forms of governments in the world today (e.g., democratic and autocratic systems, presidential and parliamentary forms of democracy).
- Identify the major issues facing governments today (e.g., security, economic growth, and justice).
- Identify and analyze major institutions such as political parties and interest groups.
- Identify and analyze major political procedures such as electoral systems (e.g., proportional representation vs. single-member districts).
Upon successful completion of this course, participants should be able to:
- Understand different approaches used in the study of Politics.
- Identify main debates and issues in political studies.
- Understand a range of approaches to forming and classifying political systems.
- Recognize major classic and contemporary political ideologies.
- Apply their knowledge to understand problems in the world of politics, using fundamental concepts and theoretical tools learned in class.
In pursuit of the foregoing goals, the course is based on the reading and analysis of required texts, contemporary newspapers and other media sources. participants are given the opportunity and are encouraged to participate actively in class discussions.
Prime Text:
Participants are recommended to buy this book as it will be used for the majority of the weekly readings. Robert Garner, Peter Ferdinand, Stephanie Lawson (2020) Introduction to Politics 4th Edition, Oxford University Press Other study materials will be distributed electronically on Blackboard.
Please Note:The courses will proceed only if at least 10 participants sign up. To express your interest, please email ibssa@gadaedu.com. You will then receive further details, including payment instructions and access to the course materials.”
DON’T WAIT–REGISTER TODAY AND RESERVE YOUR SEAT!!
