Login Create Account

Back to Course Catalog

PAD204Management Sciences Unitsbeginner

Introduction To Political Science

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts and principles 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 ideologies, social change, public administration, and international relations, equipping students with a foundation for analyzing political issues.

Generate AI Study Notes

Transform this course into personalized study materials with AI

20h

Study Time

13

Weeks

2h

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

Nature and Scope of Political Science

2

Subject Matter of Political Science

3

Approaches to the Study of Politics

4

The Modern State

5

Sovereignty

6

Power and Authority

7

Legitimacy and Influence

8

Political Ideologies

9

Constitutions and Constitutionalism

10

Public Administration

11

International Relations

Total Topics11 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

Diplomat

Apply your skills in this growing field

Public Administrator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Journalist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentNon-profit OrganizationsInternational RelationsPublic PolicyAcademia

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 the introduction to Political Science.
•Understand the meaning of politics.
•Study the development of political science as a discipline.

Week

2

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 2: The Subject Matter of Political Science

2 study hours

•Identify the subject matter of political science.
•Differentiate between various approaches to the study of politics.
•Understand political philosophy.

Week

3

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 3: The Legalistic Approach to the Study of Politics

2 study hours

•Understand the relationship between law and society.
•Define law and its components.
•Study the legal basis of political institutions.

Week

4

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 4: The Behavioural Approach to the Study of Politics

2 study hours

•Examine the features of political science in the pre-behavioral period.
•Discuss the factors contributing to the emergence of the behavioral approach.
•Understand the main features of the behavioral approach.

Week

5

Module 1: Introduction

2h

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

2 study hours

•Define the state and its origins.
•Explain the characteristics and functions of the state.
•Differentiate between state and society, and state and nation.

Week

6

Module 2: Core Political Concepts

2h

Unit 1: The Concept of Sovereignty

2 study hours

•Define sovereignty.
•Explain the development of the concept.
•Describe its major characteristics and types, as well as its limitations.

Week

7

Module 2: Core Political Concepts

2h

Unit 2: Power and Authority

2 study hours

•Understand the concept of power.
•Identify the types of power.
•Explore power in international relations.

Week

8

Module 2: Core Political Concepts

2h

Unit 3: Legitimacy and Influence

2 study hours

•Define legitimacy.
•Explain legitimacy as a factor of stability of government.
•Differentiate influence from power.

Week

9

Module 2: Core Political Concepts

2h

Unit 4: Political Ideas and Movements

2 study hours

•Define ideology.
•Explain the characteristics of ideology.
•Study liberalism and democracy.

Week

10

Module 2: Core Political Concepts

2h

Unit 5: Constitution

2 study hours

•Explain the essential ingredients of a constitution.
•Identify the rights, duties, and obligations as enshrined in the constitution.
•Differentiate between the different types of constitutions.

Week

11

Module 3: Governance and Global Politics

2h

Unit 1: Constitutionalism

2 study hours

•Explain the process of constitution making.
•Describe the history of and constitutional development.
•Understand the roles envisaged for the Constituent Assembly.

Week

12

Module 3: Governance and Global Politics

2h

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

2 study hours

•Explain the reasons for changes in the political system.
•Differentiate between a coup d'etat and a revolution.
•Describe the characteristics of African new states after independence.

Week

13

Module 3: Governance and Global Politics

2h

Unit 3: The Nature of African Armies

2 study hours

•Explain the nature of African armies.
•Explain the causes of military intervention in most African States.
•Describe the achievements of the military while in power.

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

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all key definitions and concepts from each unit.

2

Create comparative tables for different political ideologies, forms of government, and international organizations.

3

Focus on understanding the relationships between power, authority, and legitimacy.

4

Practice applying theoretical frameworks to real-world political events and case studies.

5

Outline the main arguments for and against military intervention in politics.

6

Prepare concise summaries of each unit's main points for quick review.

7

Create concept maps linking Units 1-5 (Module 1) to understand the foundations of political science.

8

Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and Self-Assessment Exercises (SAEs) to identify areas needing further study.

Related Courses

Other courses in Management Sciences that complement your learning

Basic History Of Transport

Agriculture Cooperatives

Project Appraisal & Evaluation

View All Management Sciences Courses