This course introduces students to political science, assisting them to gain a foundational understanding of first, the discipline’s key concepts and second, its practicalities.
In order to do so, study will start with the fundamental nature of politics; power in all its guises; political beliefs, attitudes, and values acquisition; and the theoretical bases/action plans of various ideologies.
Consideration will then turn to an exploration of peoples’ efforts to create proper sized political units; set fundamental rules; lead and make decisions; debate and pass laws; offer advice for and put in place government programs; organize to achieve goals and aims; and devise electoral systems to make choices.
To clarify and solidify learning this information, students will work up case studies so they can develop better-informed political opinions and proceed to other political science courses.