Elements Of Political Science
- Social Sciences
- 100 level
- 3 credit units
- 237 pages
- 20 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 27.3 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor Marked Assignments
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of POL111, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
POL111 · UNIT 1 DEFINITION AND SCOPE OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
Total PRESENTATION SCHEDULE 100 The dates for submission of all assignment will be communicated to you. You will also be told the date of completing the study units and dates for examinations.
What you should be able to do
- Define and explain the core concepts of political science.
- Analyze the structure and functions of different political systems.
- Evaluate the role of citizens, political parties, and interest groups in a democracy.
- Understand the theories of state and political change.
- Compare and contrast different electoral systems and their impact on political representation.
- Apply political science concepts to analyze current events and political issues.
What it prepares you for
- Political Analyst
- Policy Advisor
- Civil Servant
- Journalist
- Diplomat
- Government
- Non-profit Organizations
- International Relations
- Public Policy
- Journalism
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Political Ideas and Concepts
Unit 3: The Doctrine of Sovereignty and its Limitations
Advanced understanding of the doctrine requires grasping abstract legal and philosophical concepts, including the relationship between state power, individual rights, and international law.
- Module 3: Political/Party Systems and Electoral Systems
Unit 6: Electoral System and Process
Requires understanding of complex mathematical formulas and statistical methods to analyze electoral outcomes and predict future trends.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 25.5 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Scope and Methods of Political Science
Unit 1: Definition and Scope of Political Science · 1.5 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 2Module 1: Scope and Methods of Political Science
Unit 2: Nature and Status of Political Science · 1.5 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 3Module 1: Scope and Methods of Political Science
Unit 3: Evolution and Methods of Political Science · 1.5 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 4Module 1: Scope and Methods of Political Science
Unit 4: Constitution and Constitutionalism · 1.5 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 5Module 2: Political Ideas and Concepts
Unit 1: The Origins and Theories of the State · 1.5 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 6Module 2: Political Ideas and Concepts
Unit 2: The State and Nation-Characteristics and Functions · 1.5 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 7Module 2: Political Ideas and Concepts
Unit 3: The Doctrine of Sovereignty and its Limitations · 1.5 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 8Module 2: Political Ideas and Concepts
Unit 4: Citizenship, Duties and Rights · 1.5 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 9Module 2: Political Ideas and Concepts
Unit 5: Power, Authority and Legitimacy · 1.5 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 10Module 2: Political Ideas and Concepts
Unit 6: Major Forms of Government · 1.5 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 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 11Module 3: Political/Party Systems and Electoral Systems
Unit 1: Major Components of a Political System · 1.5 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 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 12Module 3: Political/Party Systems and Electoral Systems
Unit 3: Pressure and Interest Groups · 1.5 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 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 13Module 3: Political/Party Systems and Electoral Systems
Unit 5: American Political System · 1.5 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 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..
Preparing for the exam
- Review all unit objectives and self-assessment exercises to reinforce key concepts.
- Create detailed summaries of each module, focusing on definitions, theories, and comparative analyses.
- Practice applying theoretical frameworks to real-world political scenarios and case studies.
- Prioritize studying areas where you struggled with assignments or self-assessments.
- Allocate specific time slots for revision in the weeks leading up to the final examination.
- Focus on understanding the historical context and evolution of political concepts and systems.
- Prepare by answering past examination questions to familiarize yourself with the exam format and question types.
Questions students ask about this course
What is POL111 about?
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.
How many units does POL111 have?
POL111, Elements Of Political Science, has 20 units across 5 modules, over 237 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is POL111?
POL111 carries 3 credit units, at 100 level in Social Sciences.
Is POL111 hard?
POL111 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does POL111 take to study?
About 27.3 hours of study, spread across its 20 units.
How is POL111 assessed?
POL111 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assignments and Final Examination.
What can I do with POL111?
Political Analyst, Policy Advisor, Civil Servant, Journalist and Diplomat.