Introduction to Political Science
Etablissement : ESPOL European School of Political and Social Sciences
Langue : Anglais
Formation(s) dans laquelle/lesquelles le cours apparait :
- Master’s in Digital Politics and Governance [ECTS : 4,00]
- Master’s in International and Security politics [ECTS : 4,00]
- Master’s in Multilevel Governance in Europe [ECTS : 4,00]
Période : S1
The main aim of this course is to give students a theoretically based introduction into the study of politics, into the study comparative politics in particular. This course is important in the sense that it provides the foundation for more specialized studies in the field.
This course is designed to start with the fundamental concepts for the study of politics – power, authority, the state, legitimacy. Based on these concepts, the course will explore some the most important dimensions for the study of politics – ideology, actors, public policy, and regimes. The third part will be dedicated to selected themes such as the problem of cooperation, collective decision-making or institutions from a rational choice perspective.
Generally speaking, this course will emphasize the importance of institutions and rationality for the comparative study of politics.
1 Key concepts : politics, power, authority, legitimacy
2 Key concepts : the state and sovereignty
3 Key institutions : governments and executives
4 Key institutions : the role of parliaments
5 Key institutions : courts and constitutions
6 Key institutions : parties, party systems and ideologies
7 Key themes : the individual, civil society and politics
8 Key themes : governance and public policy
9 Key themes : international politics
