This course introduces learners to the foundational concepts, theories, institutions, and practices within political science. It aims to equip students with critical thinking, analytical, and participatory skills necessary to understand and engage with political systems, ideologies, behaviors, and global issues from both theoretical and practical perspectives.

Explain the key concepts, terminologies, and theories in political science

Evaluate different political systems and governance models using comparative approaches

Apply political theories and principles to current events in your environment

Suggest arguments and solutions to political problems through independent and collaborative inquiry

Introduction to Political Science: Overview of political science as a discipline, key concepts and terminology in politics, and approaches to the study of politics including comparative, normative, and empirical approaches.

Political Theories and Ideologies: Classical political theory including Plato, Aristotle, and Machiavelli; modern ideologies such as liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and fascism; and theories of justice, freedom, and equality.

Political Systems and Structures:Types of political systems including democracy, authoritarianism, and totalitarianism; political institutions such as the executive, legislature, and judiciary; and the comparison between federalism and unitarism.

Comparative Politics: The comparative method and its significance, comparison of political systems such as the UK, USA, China, and India, and the study of electoral systems, political parties, and political participation.

Political Behavior: Voter behavior and public opinion, forms of political participation including activism, protest, and civil society, and political socialization and its impact.

Political Economy: The role of the state in the economy, economic systems including capitalism, socialism, and mixed economies, and globalization and its impact on political and economic systems.

International Relations and Global Politics: Theories of international relations such as realism, liberalism, and constructivism; international organizations including the UN, EU, and WTO; and global issues such as human rights, conflict, and climate change.

Political Philosophy and Ethics: Key philosophical debates such as freedom versus security and rights versus duties; ethics in politics including corruption, integrity, and accountability; and the role of moral values in political decision-making.

Public Policy and Governance: Policy analysis and the policymaking process, the role of political institutions in policy formulation, and global policy challenges such as health, environment, and inequality.

Contemporary Political Issues: Current events and case studies such as populism, climate change policy, and global trade; the role of media in politics; and political movements including protests, activism, and social change.