This course focuses on the basic concepts and ideas of Political Science in the areas of political theory, comparative politics, and international relations. As such, the course offers a survey of the foundational thoughts, which relate to the discussion about the nature of society, government, and politics. We will try to understand politics by exploring how conflicting interests, the quest for power, justice, rights, and legitimacy shape the political process.

Intended Learning Outcomes

In successfully completing this course, students will get;

1) Clarity of basic concepts of Political Science

2) Familiarity with ideological streams that define political process

3) Understanding political institutions and how they function

Course Contents:

1. What is Politics? How should We Analyze it?
2. Political Concepts and The Ideas
   1. Politics and the State
   2. Political Power, Authority, and the State
   3. Democracy and Our Relationship to the State
   4. Freedom and Justice
   5. Traditional and Western Ideologies
3. Comparative Politics
   1. Institutions and States
   2. Key Elements of the State: Laws, Constitutions, and Federalism
   3. Legislatures and Legislators
   4. Bureaucracies, Policymaking, and Governance
   5. Political Culture
   6. Voting, Elections, and Political Parties
4. International Relations
   1. Sovereignty, the State, and International Order
   2. Traditional Theories of International Relations
   3. Security and Insecurity
   4. Diplomacy and Foreign Policy
   5. International Political Economy
   6. International Organizations

Assessment Criteria

1. Attendance and Class Participation 10%

75% of attendance would be mandatory to take the final term exams. Students are encouraged to participate in class discussions and ask questions. Students are expected to come to class prepared, having read the assigned reading for each class. Please be online on time to join the class. Habitually coming to class late will be penalized. If your phone rings in class on more than one occasion, You will be asked to leave class. These days, online classes are being conducted, in lieu of that, every student is required to be online in time and to arrange a good internet connection to attend class in a smooth way. The presence will be marked of only those, who have attended the whole class of 1.5 hours. 

2. Class Presentations 10%

3. Mid Term Online Examination (MCQs based) 30%

4. Final Term Online Examination  ( MCQs based 25% and Viva Voice 25%) 50%

Readings

1. Analyzing Politics, An Introduction to Political Science, Fifth Edition by Ellen Grigsby (Wadsworth Cengage  Learning: 2011)

2. Introduction to Politics, Second Edition by Robert Garner, Peter Ferdinand, Stephanie Lawson and David B. Macdonald (Oxford University Press, 2017)

Lectures Schedule

Tuesday (03:30 to 05:00)

Thursday (03:30 to 05:00)