Democratic Studies

1. Explain the key concepts and principles of democracy.
2. Analyze the electoral processes and reforms in Nigeria.
3. Evaluate the role of political parties and elites in a democratic system.
4. Assess the importance of human rights and citizenship.
5. Understand the dynamics of political culture and linkage.
6. Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world political scenarios.

13 weeks, about 76 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: Democracy

   • Unit 1: The Meaning and Features of Democracy · 4 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 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..

2. Week 2Module 1: Democracy

   • Unit 3: The Criticisms and Limitations of Democracy · 4 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..

3. Week 3Module 2: Electoral Process

   • Unit 4: The History of Electoral Process in Nigeria · 5 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..

4. Week 4Module 2: Electoral Process

   • Unit 5: Pre-requisites for Free and Fair Elections · 5 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..

5. Week 5Module 2: Electoral Process

   • Unit 6: Definition of Political Parties · 4 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 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..

6. Week 6Module 2: Electoral Process

   • Unit 8: Types of Party System · 4 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 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..

7. Week 7Module 3: Electoral Reforms

   • Unit 10: Electoral Reforms in Nigeria · 5 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..

8. Week 8Module 3: Electoral Reforms

   • Unit 11: The Importance of Electoral Reforms · 5 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..

9. Week 9Module 3: Electoral Reforms

   • Unit 12: Definition and Types of an Electoral System · 5 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..

10. Week 10Module 3: Electoral Reforms

    • Unit 13: Uwais Electoral Reforms Committee's Recommendations · 5 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..

11. Week 11Module 4: Political System

    • Unit 14: Political institutions · 4 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 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..

12. Week 12Module 4: Political System

    • Unit 16: Masses · 4 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 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..

13. Week 13Module 4: Political System

    • Unit 18: Political Linkage · 7 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..