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POL111Social Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Elements Of Political Science

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles and concepts of Political Science. It explores the nature, scope, and methods of the discipline, examining its evolution and relationship with other social sciences. Key concepts such as power, authority, legitimacy, sovereignty, citizenship, and different forms of government are analyzed. The course also covers political systems, party systems, electoral processes, and theories of political and social change, providing a comprehensive overview of the field.

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27.3h

Study Time

13

Weeks

2h

Per Week

none

Math Level

Course Keywords

Political SciencePolitical SystemsPolitical TheoryElectoral SystemsSocial Change

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

Scope of Political Science

2

Theories of the State

3

Sovereignty

4

Citizenship and Rights

5

Forms of Government

6

Electoral Systems

7

Political Ideologies

8

Political Change

Total Topics8 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

Civil Servant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Journalist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Diplomat

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentNon-profit OrganizationsInternational RelationsPublic PolicyJournalism

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: Scope and Methods of Political Science

1.5h

Unit 1: Definition and Scope of Political Science

1.5 study hours

•Read the unit introduction and objectives.
•Define Political Science and its scope.
•Identify the sub-divisions within Political Science.
•Analyze the relationships between different segments of the discipline.
•Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.

Week

2

Module 1: Scope and Methods of Political Science

1.5h

Unit 2: Nature and Status of Political Science

1.5 study hours

•Read the unit introduction and objectives.
•Explain the subject matter of science.
•Discuss the status of Political Science as a social science.
•Analyze the science or art controversy.
•Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.

Week

3

Module 1: Scope and Methods of Political Science

1.5h

Unit 3: Evolution and Methods of Political Science

1.5 study hours

•Read the unit introduction and objectives.
•Explain the history and evolution of Political Science.
•Discuss the different approaches to studying the discipline.
•Analyze various methods for academic inquiries.
•Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.

Week

4

Module 1: Scope and Methods of Political Science

1.5h

Unit 4: Constitution and Constitutionalism

1.5 study hours

•Read the unit introduction and objectives.
•Explain the meaning of a constitution.
•Assess different types of constitutions.
•Analyze the significance of a constitution.
•Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.

Week

5

Module 2: Political Ideas and Concepts

1.5h

Unit 1: The Origins and Theories of the State

1.5 study hours

•Read the unit introduction and objectives.
•Describe the origins and evolution of the state.
•Explain different theories of the state.
•Analyze and appraise different theories.
•Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.

Week

6

Module 2: Political Ideas and Concepts

1.5h

Unit 2: The State and Nation-Characteristics and Functions

1.5 study hours

•Read the unit introduction and objectives.
•Explain the meaning and characteristics of a state.
•Discuss functions and purposes of a state.
•Differentiate between the state, nation and nation-state.
•Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.

Week

7

Module 2: Political Ideas and Concepts

1.5h

Unit 3: The Doctrine of Sovereignty and its Limitations

1.5 study hours

•Read the unit introduction and objectives.
•Define the concept of sovereignty.
•Discuss types of sovereignty.
•Explain criticisms and limitations of sovereignty.
•Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.

Week

8

Module 2: Political Ideas and Concepts

1.5h

Unit 4: Citizenship, Duties and Rights

1.5 study hours

•Read the unit introduction and objectives.
•Explain the origins, meaning, categories, and limitations of fundamental human rights.
•Discuss ways rights can be fully enjoyed and protected.
•Enumerate the importance of rights.
•Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.

Week

9

Module 2: Political Ideas and Concepts

1.5h

Unit 5: Power, Authority and Legitimacy

1.5 study hours

•Read the unit introduction and objectives.
•Define the concept of power.
•Discuss attributes and elements of national power.
•Differentiate between power, influence, authority, and legitimacy.
•Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.

Week

10

Module 2: Political Ideas and Concepts

3h

Unit 6: Major Forms of Government

1.5 study hours

•Read the unit introduction and objectives.
•Analyze the characteristics of various forms of government.
•Discuss how political organizations have evolved.
•Explain which system is best for citizen rights.
•Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.

Unit 7: Democracy as a Form of Government

1.5 study hours

•Read the unit introduction and objectives.
•Explain in detail, features of democracy.
•Discuss how a state can realize the goals of a democratic government.
•Analyze why democracy is not a perfect form of government.
•Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.

Week

11

Module 3: Political/Party Systems and Electoral Systems

3h

Unit 1: Major Components of a Political System

1.5 study hours

•Read the unit introduction and objectives.
•Articulate the meaning and relevance of each component of a political system.
•Discuss the relationship between components.
•Explain the optimal functionality of a political system.
•Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.

Unit 2: Meaning and Nature of Political Parties

1.5 study hours

•Read the unit introduction and objectives.
•Define political parties and classify them.
•Explain the structures, organization, and operations of party systems.
•Discuss the functions of political parties.
•Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.

Week

12

Module 3: Political/Party Systems and Electoral Systems

3h

Unit 3: Pressure and Interest Groups

1.5 study hours

•Read the unit introduction and objectives.
•Define pressure groups and their importance.
•Discuss how pressure groups can be an effective linkage mechanism.
•Distinguish between political parties and pressure groups.
•Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.

Unit 4: British Political System

1.5 study hours

•Read the unit introduction and objectives.
•Describe the basic features of the British unwritten constitution.
•Analyze the workings of the cabinet system.
•Differentiate between the British Parliamentary and American Presidential systems.
•Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.

Week

13

Module 3: Political/Party Systems and Electoral Systems

3h

Unit 5: American Political System

1.5 study hours

•Read the unit introduction and objectives.
•Examine the background to the United States' present constitutional arrangement.
•Explain the difference between the confederal arrangement and the present federal structure.
•Analyze how Separation of Powers and Checks and balances combine.
•Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.

Unit 6: Electoral System and Process

1.5 study hours

•Read the unit introduction and objectives.
•Explain the meaning and types of electoral systems.
•Analyze the conditions necessary to achieve free and fair elections.
•Discuss the history of electoral systems in Nigeria.
•Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.

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

Review all unit objectives and self-assessment exercises to reinforce key concepts.

2

Create detailed summaries of each module, focusing on definitions, theories, and comparative analyses.

3

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

4

Prioritize studying areas where you struggled with assignments or self-assessments.

5

Allocate specific time slots for revision in the weeks leading up to the final examination.

6

Focus on understanding the historical context and evolution of political concepts and systems.

7

Prepare by answering past examination questions to familiarize yourself with the exam format and question types.

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