Course Description-objectives

This course provides a broad critical introduction to politics and political science. It attempts a broad exploration of the processes and practices that shape political life, the institutional contexts and social framework of political activity, and the role of ideas, institutions and values in influencing political behaviour. The course examines the relationship between power and politics, provides a broad overview of the scope, methods and concerns of political studies, and examines the institutional contexts within which politics is produced. What is power and politics? How is the 'political' conceived and organized, and in what ways does this impact social relations?

Course outcomes

This course is designed to provide students with the critical conceptual and analytical tools that enable them to engage with broader questions about the nature, practice and exercise of power. It is also intended to help students develop critical skills for understanding the dynamics of political life, as well as engaging with questions of power and politics they confront on a day to day basis. By the end of the course, students should Have a broad critical understanding of power and politics; ■    Be familiar with the fundamentals of, and key debates in, political science; the major theoretical approaches to the discipline and the scope, concepts, methods that frame analysis of political life.

Assessment criteria International organizations

Mid-term=30, sessional=20, final-term=50

Course contents

1. POLITICAL PARTICIPATION

   2. FUNCTIONS OF THE STATE

3. Greek political philosophy

4. MODERN POLITICAL THEORIES

5. Foreign policy of Pakistan

6. International organizations