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PAD403Management Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Democratic Studies

This course provides an in-depth exploration of democratic principles, electoral processes, and political systems. It examines the meaning and features of democracy, electoral reforms in Nigeria, and the importance of human rights to citizenship. The course also covers the roles of political parties, political elites, and the masses in shaping democratic societies. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in establishing and sustaining democratic governance.

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80h
Study Time
13
Weeks
6h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
DemocracyElectionsPolitical PartiesHuman RightsElectoral Reforms

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Democracy and its features

2

Electoral processes in Nigeria

3

Political parties and party systems

4

Electoral reforms and their importance

5

Political institutions and elites

6

Political culture and linkage

7

Human rights and citizenship

Total Topics7 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 Assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

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

Governance Expert

Apply your skills in this growing field

Civil Rights Advocate

Apply your skills in this growing field

Legislative Aide

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentNon-profit OrganizationsInternational RelationsPublic PolicyCivil Service

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Democracy

7h

Unit 1: The Meaning and Features of Democracy

4 study hours
  • •Define democracy and its features.
  • •Discuss the origins of democracy in Greek city-states.
  • •Explain the difference between process and principle democrats.

Unit 2: The Process of Democracy

3 study hours
  • •Discuss the necessity for indirect or representative democracy.
  • •Explain the importance of participation, transparency, and accountability in a democratic process.
  • •Analyze the role of political actors in complying with the rules of the game.
Week
2

Module 1: Democracy

4h

Unit 3: The Criticisms and Limitations of Democracy

4 study hours
  • •Analyze criticisms of democracy by Joseph Schumpeter and elite theorists.
  • •Discuss limitations related to voter qualifications and circumstances.
  • •Explain how democracy can be slow and inefficient.
Week
3

Module 2: Electoral Process

5h

Unit 4: The History of Electoral Process in Nigeria

5 study hours
  • •Discuss the history of elections in Nigeria from 1923.
  • •Explain the roles of political parties in the First Republic.
  • •Analyze the impact of electoral commissions on the collapse of the First Republic.
Week
4

Module 2: Electoral Process

5h

Unit 5: Pre-requisites for Free and Fair Elections

5 study hours
  • •Analyze the conditions necessary to achieve free and fair elections.
  • •Discuss the importance of voter registration and delimitation of constituencies.
  • •Explain the role of a neutral electoral umpire.
Week
5

Module 2: Electoral Process

7h

Unit 6: Definition of Political Parties

4 study hours
  • •Define political parties according to Edmund Burke, Joseph Schesinger, and Joseph LaPalombara.
  • •Explain the origins of political parties and their role in elections.
  • •Distinguish between political parties and interest groups.

Unit 7: Organization and Structure of Party System

3 study hours
  • •Explain the structures, organization, and operations of party systems.
  • •Discuss the importance of branches at national, state, and local levels.
  • •Analyze the role of the Central Working Committee and Board of Trustees.
Week
6

Module 2: Electoral Process

7h

Unit 8: Types of Party System

4 study hours
  • •Define party system and classify them into different types.
  • •Discuss the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of a one-party system.
  • •Explain the advantages of a two-party system and its potential drawbacks.

Unit 9: Functions of Political Parties

3 study hours
  • •Discuss the functions of political parties in promoting popular participation.
  • •Explain the role of political parties in elite formation and leadership recruitment.
  • •Analyze the importance of political parties in interest articulation and aggregation.
Week
7

Module 3: Electoral Reforms

5h

Unit 10: Electoral Reforms in Nigeria

5 study hours
  • •Explain the problems associated with the electoral process in Nigeria.
  • •Discuss the role of electoral commissions and their lack of independence.
  • •Analyze the impact of fraudulent practices, corruption, and violence on elections.
Week
8

Module 3: Electoral Reforms

5h

Unit 11: The Importance of Electoral Reforms

5 study hours
  • •Analyze the importance of regular reforms of the electoral system.
  • •Discuss the role of electoral reforms in building a viable and sustainable political culture.
  • •Explain the significance of the Uwais Panel's report.
Week
9

Module 3: Electoral Reforms

5h

Unit 12: Definition and Types of an Electoral System

5 study hours
  • •Explain the meaning and types of electoral systems.
  • •Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the majority rule system.
  • •Analyze the benefits and drawbacks of proportional representation.
Week
10

Module 3: Electoral Reforms

5h

Unit 13: Uwais Electoral Reforms Committee's Recommendations

5 study hours
  • •Discuss the recommendations of the Justice Muhammed Uwais' Panel.
  • •Explain the panel's understanding of Nigeria's electoral problems.
  • •Analyze the panel's proposals for achieving a positive mindset in the electorate.
Week
11

Module 4: Political System

7h

Unit 14: Political institutions

4 study hours
  • •Articulate the meaning and relevance of political institutions to the political system.
  • •Discuss the importance of formal institutions of government.
  • •Explain the role of the Behavioral Revolution in the development of political science.

Unit 15: Political Elites

3 study hours
  • •Discuss the relationship between political elites and the political system.
  • •Explain the assumptions underlying the elite theory.
  • •Analyze the relevance of elite theory to mass participation in politics.
Week
12

Module 4: Political System

7h

Unit 16: Masses

4 study hours
  • •Articulate the meaning and relevance of the masses in a political system.
  • •Explain why the impact of the masses in the political process is disproportionate to their number.
  • •Discuss the role of political culture in assessing the political system.

Unit 17: Political Culture

3 study hours
  • •Articulate the meaning and relevance of political culture within the political system.
  • •Discuss the relevance of political culture to the problem of political instability.
  • •Explain the roles played by the political culture mechanisms in a political system.
Week
13

Module 4: Political System

7h

Unit 18: Political Linkage

7 study hours
  • •Explain the optimal functionality of a political system given a properly integrated component parts with interdependence as well as their respective equilibrium.
  • •Analyze the roles played by the linkage mechanisms in a political system.
  • •Discuss how developed the linkage mechanisms or devises in your country are.

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.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create concept maps linking Units 1-3 democratic principles and criticisms.

2

Analyze past election results from Units 4-5 to identify patterns of electoral malpractice.

3

Compare and contrast different electoral systems from Units 12-13 using real-world examples.

4

Summarize the key recommendations of the Uwais Electoral Reforms Committee from Unit 13.

5

Review the constitutional provisions related to human rights from Units 19-22.

6

Practice essay questions on the role of political elites and the masses from Units 15-16.

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