Introduction To Political Science
- Social Sciences
- 100 level
- 3 credit units
- 166 pages
- 15 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Study hours
- 150 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor Marked Assignments
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of CSS131, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
- UNIT 1 THE NATURE AND SCOPE OF POLITICAL SCIENCEPage 105
- UNIT 2 THE SUBJECT MATTER OF POLITICAL SCIENCEPage 123
- UNIT 3 THE LEGALISTIC APPROACH TO THE STUDY OF POLITICSPage 132
- UNIT 4 THE BEHAVIOURAL APPROACH TO THE STUDY OF POLITICSPage 138
- UNIT 5: THE NATURE, PURPOSE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE MODERN STATEPage 145
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
CSS131 · UNIT 1 THE NATURE AND SCOPE OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
Each unit contains some exercises on the topic covered, and you will be required to attempt the exercises. These will enable you evaluate your progress as well as reinforce what you have learned so far. The exercises, together with the tutor marked assignments will help you in achieving the stated learning objectives of the individual units, and the course.
What you should be able to do
- Define and explain core concepts in political science.
- Analyze the structure and functions of the modern state.
- Evaluate different political ideologies and movements.
- Understand the principles of constitutionalism and governance.
- Assess the role of public administration in policy implementation.
- Examine the dynamics of international relations and organizations.
What it prepares you for
- Political Analyst
- Policy Advisor
- Civil Servant
- Diplomat
- International Relations Officer
- Government
- International Organizations
- Non-Governmental Organizations
- Political Consulting
- Academia
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2:
Unit 3: Legitimacy and Influence
Understanding the nuances between power, authority, legitimacy, and influence requires careful analysis and critical thinking to differentiate these intertwined concepts.
- Module 3:
Unit 2: Politics and Social Change: Reforms, Revolutions and Military Coups
Analyzing the complex interplay of internal and external factors that contribute to military coups requires understanding historical context and political dynamics.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 26 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Introduction
Unit 1: The Nature and Scope of Political Science · 2 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 2Module 1: Introduction
Unit 2: The Subject Matter of Political Science · 2 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 3Module 1: Introduction
Unit 3: The Legalistic Approach to the Study of Politics · 2 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 4Module 1: Introduction
Unit 4: The Behavioural Approach to the Study of Politics · 2 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 5Module 1: Introduction
Unit 5: The Nature, Purpose and Functions of the Modern State · 2 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 6Module 2:
Unit 1: The Concept of Sovereignty · 2 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 7Module 2:
Unit 2: Power and Authority · 2 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 8Module 2:
Unit 3: Legitimacy and Influence · 2 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 9Module 2:
Unit 4: Political Ideas and Movements · 2 hours
Read Unit 4: Understand the concept of ideology and its characteristics.. Explore liberalism, democracy, capitalism, and socialism.. Examine dictatorial ideologies..
- Week 10Module 2:
Unit 5: Constitution · 2 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 11Module 3:
Unit 1: Constitutionalism · 2 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 12Module 3:
Unit 2: Politics and Social Change: Reforms, Revolutions and Military Coups · 2 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 13Module 3:
Unit 3: The Nature of African Armies · 2 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..
Preparing for the exam
- Create a study schedule to cover all units, allocating more time to complex topics.
- Review key definitions and concepts from each unit to build a strong foundation.
- Use case studies and real-world examples to illustrate theoretical concepts.
- Practice answering essay questions to improve analytical and writing skills.
- Form study groups to discuss and clarify challenging concepts.
- Focus on understanding the relationships between different political concepts and theories.
- Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 database concepts
- Practice SQL queries from Units 7-9 weekly
- Review all TMAs
Questions students ask about this course
What is CSS131 about?
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.
How many units does CSS131 have?
CSS131, Introduction To Political Science, has 15 units across 3 modules, over 166 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is CSS131?
CSS131 carries 3 credit units, at 100 level in Social Sciences.
Is CSS131 hard?
CSS131 is rated beginner level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.
How long does CSS131 take to study?
About 150 hours of study, spread across its 15 units.
How is CSS131 assessed?
CSS131 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assignments and Final Examination.
What can I do with CSS131?
Political Analyst, Policy Advisor, Civil Servant, Diplomat and International Relations Officer.