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CSS131Social Sciences3 Unitsbeginner

Introduction To Political Science

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of political science. It explores the nature and scope of the discipline, examining various approaches to the study of politics. Key topics include the modern state, sovereignty, power, authority, legitimacy, and influence. The course also covers constitutions, constitutionalism, political ideas, movements, public administration, and international relations, providing a foundation for analyzing political issues.

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150h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Political ScienceSovereigntyPowerConstitutionInternational Relations

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Beginner Level
Perfect for newcomers to the field
35%
beginner
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Political Science

2

Sovereignty

3

Power and Authority

4

Legitimacy and Influence

5

Constitution and Constitutionalism

6

Political Ideologies

7

Public Administration

8

International Relations

Total Topics8 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Political Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Advisor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Civil Servant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Diplomat

Apply your skills in this growing field

International Relations Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentInternational OrganizationsNon-Governmental OrganizationsPolitical ConsultingAcademia

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 1: The Nature and Scope of Political Science

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Understand the definitions and explanations of politics.
  • •Explore the development of political science as a field of study.
  • •Differentiate between political science and other social sciences.
Week
2

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 2: The Subject Matter of Political Science

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Identify the subject matter of political science.
  • •Differentiate between political philosophy, judicial process, executive process, administrative behavior and legislative politics.
  • •Study the traditional and behavioral approaches to the study of politics.
Week
3

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 3: The Legalistic Approach to the Study of Politics

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Understand the relationship between law and society.
  • •Explore the components of law: body of rules, conduct, and legitimate authority.
  • •Examine the legal basis of political institutions and rights.
Week
4

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 4: The Behavioural Approach to the Study of Politics

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Understand the features of political science in the pre-behavioral period.
  • •Explore the factors that contributed to the emergence of the behavioral approach.
  • •Examine the main features of the behavioral approach and its criticisms.
Week
5

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 5: The Nature, Purpose and Functions of the Modern State

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 5: Understand the definitions of the state and its origins.
  • •Explore the theories of the state: divine rights, force theory, social contract, and evolutionary theory.
  • •Differentiate between state and society, and state and nation.
Week
6

Module 2:

2h

Unit 1: The Concept of Sovereignty

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Understand the development of the concept of sovereignty.
  • •Explore the principal characteristics of sovereignty.
  • •Examine the types of sovereignty and its limitations.
Week
7

Module 2:

2h

Unit 2: Power and Authority

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Understand the concept of power and its types.
  • •Explore the utility of state power and the concept of authority.
  • •Differentiate between power and authority.
Week
8

Module 2:

2h

Unit 3: Legitimacy and Influence

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Understand the concept of legitimacy and its role in government stability.
  • •Explore the relationship between influence and power.
  • •Examine the different types of influence.
Week
9

Module 2:

2h

Unit 4: Political Ideas and Movements

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Understand the concept of ideology and its characteristics.
  • •Explore liberalism, democracy, capitalism, and socialism.
  • •Examine dictatorial ideologies.
Week
10

Module 2:

2h

Unit 5: Constitution

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 5: Understand the different types of constitutions.
  • •Explore written, unwritten, rigid, flexible, unitary, federal, presidential, and parliamentary constitutions.
  • •Examine the features of each type of constitution.
Week
11

Module 3:

2h

Unit 1: Constitutionalism

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Understand the concept of constitutionalism and its development.
  • •Explore the process of constitution making.
  • •Examine the roles of the Constituent Assembly.
Week
12

Module 3:

2h

Unit 2: Politics and Social Change: Reforms, Revolutions and Military Coups

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Understand the types of change: reforms, revolutions, and military coups.
  • •Explore the factors that lead to political and social change.
  • •Differentiate between a coup d'état and a revolution.
Week
13

Module 3:

2h

Unit 3: The Nature of African Armies

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Understand the nature of African armies and their origins.
  • •Explore the causes of military intervention in African politics.
  • •Examine the impact of military rule in Africa.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a study schedule to cover all units, allocating more time to complex topics.

2

Review key definitions and concepts from each unit to build a strong foundation.

3

Use case studies and real-world examples to illustrate theoretical concepts.

4

Practice answering essay questions to improve analytical and writing skills.

5

Form study groups to discuss and clarify challenging concepts.

6

Focus on understanding the relationships between different political concepts and theories.

7

Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 database concepts

8

Practice SQL queries from Units 7-9 weekly

9

Review all TMAs

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