Learning Objectives
5 objectives- Understand the fundamental concepts, scope, and subfields of political science.
- Trace the evolution of political thought and recognize key political theorists and their contributions.
- Analyze and compare various systems of government and political ideologies.
- Examine the structure and functions of political institutions at national and international levels.
- Explore political behavior, international relations, comparative politics, and political economy to understand contemporary political dynamics.
Content Outline
PreviewUnit 2494: Comprehensive Political Science
1. Definition and Scope of Political Science
- Introduction to Political Science
- Definition and meaning
- Importance and relevance in contemporary society
- Scope of Political Science
- Areas of study: power, governance, policy, political behavior
- Interdisciplinary connections (sociology, economics, history)
- Subfields within Political Science
- Political Theory
- Comparative Politics
- International Relations
- Political Economy
- Public Administration
2. Evolution of Political Thought
- Ancient Political Thought
- Contributions of Plato, Aristotle
- Political ideas in ancient civilizations (Greece, Rome, India, China)
- Medieval Political Thought
- Augustine, Aquinas, Machiavelli
- Modern Political Thought
- Enlightenment thinkers: Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau
- Marx, Mill, Bentham and utilitarianism
- Contemporary Political Theories
- Liberalism, socialism, feminism, postmodernism
3. Systems of Government
- Democracy
- Types: direct, representative, participatory
- Characteristics, advantages, and challenges
- Monarchy
- Absolute vs constitutional monarchy
- Historical and modern examples
- Dictatorship
- Features and types
- Impact on society and governance
- Socialism
- Principles and variations
- Socialist states and policies
4. Political Institutions
- Executive Branch
- Roles and powers
- Presidential vs parliamentary systems
- Legislative Branch
- Structure and functions
- Lawmaking processes
- Judiciary
- Judicial review and independence
- Role in upholding constitution and rights
- International Organizations
- United Nations, WTO, IMF, regional bodies
- Functions and influence on global politics
5. Political Ideologies
- Liberalism
- Core beliefs and historical development
- Conservatism
- Principles and variations
- Socialism
- Ideological spectrum: democratic socialism to communism
- Fascism
- Origins, characteristics, and impact
- Other ideologies
- Feminism, environmentalism, anarchism
6. Political Behavior
- Voting Patterns
- Factors influencing voter behavior
- Electoral systems and their effects
- Public Opinion
- Formation and measurement
- Role in policy-making
- Political Participation
- Forms: protests, civic engagement, activism
- Social Movements
- Causes, types, and impacts
7. International Relations
- Theories of International Relations
- Realism, liberalism, constructivism
- Diplomacy
- Concepts and practices
- Conflict Resolution
- Negotiation, mediation, peacekeeping
- Globalization
- Political, economic, cultural dimensions
- Role of Non-state Actors
- NGOs, multinational corporations, terrorist groups
8. Comparative Politics
- Comparative Methodology
- Case studies, qualitative and quantitative approaches
- Political Systems Comparison
- Federal vs unitary states
- Electoral and party systems
- Policy Analysis
- Domestic and foreign policy comparisons
- Patterns in Governance and Decision-making
9. Political Economy
- Theories of Political Economy
- Classical, Marxist, neoliberal perspectives
- Relationship between Politics and Economics
- Influence of economic structures on political power
- Public Policy and Economic Decisions
- Welfare, taxation, regulation
- Impact of Economic Factors on Politics
- Economic crises, development, inequality
10. Current Issues in Political Science
- Globalization Challenges
- Environmental Politics
- Climate change policy, sustainability
- Human Rights
- Universalism vs cultural relativism
- Role of Technology in Politics
- Social media, surveillance, cyber warfare
- Contemporary Political Debates
- Populism, nationalism, migration
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