Introduction To Political Science
- Management Sciences
- 200 level
- 165 pages
- 15 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Study hours
- 20 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 PAD204, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
PAD204 · UNIT 1 THE NATURE AND SCOPE OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
Politics goes beyond the activity of government, the political parties and the politicians. Politics is a universal phenomenon- that is, it is present in all human organization such as the family, trade unions, corporations, universities, etc. In all these organizations, politics is characterized by struggle for power and influence, conflict, bargaining, reconciliation, resolution and consensus.
What you should be able to do
- Define and explain core concepts in political science.
- Analyze the structure and functions of the modern state.
- Compare and contrast different political ideologies.
- Evaluate the role of power, authority, and legitimacy in political systems.
- Assess the impact of political and social change on societies.
- Understand the dynamics of international relations and organizations.
What it prepares you for
- Political Analyst
- Policy Advisor
- Diplomat
- Public Administrator
- Journalist
- Government
- Non-profit Organizations
- International Relations
- Public Policy
- Academia
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Core Political Concepts
Unit 1: The Concept of Sovereignty
Understanding the nuances between legal, political, de facto, and de jure sovereignty requires careful attention to detail and historical context.
- Module 2: Core Political Concepts
Unit 2: Power and Authority
The various dimensions of power (good, relational, influence, situational, relative, instrumental, need, responsiveness, capability) require critical thinking to differentiate and apply.
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 the introduction to Political Science.. Understand the meaning of politics.. Study the development of political science as a discipline..
- Week 2Module 1: Introduction
Unit 2: The Subject Matter of Political Science · 2 hours
Identify the subject matter of political science.. Differentiate between various approaches to the study of politics.. Understand political philosophy..
- Week 3Module 1: Introduction
Unit 3: The Legalistic Approach to the Study of Politics · 2 hours
Understand the relationship between law and society.. Define law and its components.. Study the legal basis of political institutions..
- Week 4Module 1: Introduction
Unit 4: The Behavioural Approach to the Study of Politics · 2 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 5Module 1: Introduction
Unit 5: The Nature, Purpose and Functions of the Modern State · 2 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 6Module 2: Core Political Concepts
Unit 1: The Concept of Sovereignty · 2 hours
Define sovereignty.. Explain the development of the concept.. Describe its major characteristics and types, as well as its limitations..
- Week 7Module 2: Core Political Concepts
Unit 2: Power and Authority · 2 hours
Understand the concept of power.. Identify the types of power.. Explore power in international relations..
- Week 8Module 2: Core Political Concepts
Unit 3: Legitimacy and Influence · 2 hours
Define legitimacy.. Explain legitimacy as a factor of stability of government.. Differentiate influence from power..
- Week 9Module 2: Core Political Concepts
Unit 4: Political Ideas and Movements · 2 hours
Define ideology.. Explain the characteristics of ideology.. Study liberalism and democracy..
- Week 10Module 2: Core Political Concepts
Unit 5: Constitution · 2 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 11Module 3: Governance and Global Politics
Unit 1: Constitutionalism · 2 hours
Explain the process of constitution making.. Describe the history of and constitutional development.. Understand the roles envisaged for the Constituent Assembly..
- Week 12Module 3: Governance and Global Politics
Unit 2: Politics and Social Change: Reforms, Revolutions and Military Coups · 2 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 13Module 3: Governance and Global Politics
Unit 3: The Nature of African Armies · 2 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..
Preparing for the exam
- Review all key definitions and concepts from each unit.
- Create comparative tables for different political ideologies, forms of government, and international organizations.
- Focus on understanding the relationships between power, authority, and legitimacy.
- Practice applying theoretical frameworks to real-world political events and case studies.
- Outline the main arguments for and against military intervention in politics.
- Prepare concise summaries of each unit's main points for quick review.
- Create concept maps linking Units 1-5 (Module 1) to understand the foundations of political science.
- Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and Self-Assessment Exercises (SAEs) to identify areas needing further study.
Questions students ask about this course
What is PAD204 about?
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.
How many units does PAD204 have?
PAD204, Introduction To Political Science, has 15 units across 3 modules, over 165 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
Is PAD204 hard?
PAD204 is rated beginner level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.
How long does PAD204 take to study?
About 20 hours of study, spread across its 15 units.
How is PAD204 assessed?
PAD204 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assignments and Final Examination.
What can I do with PAD204?
Political Analyst, Policy Advisor, Diplomat, Public Administrator and Journalist.