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POL214Social Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Introduction To Political Analysis

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and theories of political analysis. It explores the nature of political systems, processes, and actions, examining various approaches and tools used in political science. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of power, authority, legitimacy, and the dynamics of political behavior, both domestically and internationally. The course aims to equip students with the analytical skills necessary to critically evaluate political phenomena and contribute to informed policy discussions.

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65h
Study Time
13
Weeks
5h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Political AnalysisPolitical SystemsPowerLegitimacyPolitical Processes

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

Political Analysis

2

Political Systems

3

Power

4

Authority

5

Legitimacy

6

Political Culture

7

Political Socialisation

8

Political Participation

9

Representation

10

Globalisation

11

International Political System

Total Topics11 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

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

Government Official

Apply your skills in this growing field

Diplomat

Apply your skills in this growing field

Lobbyist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentNon-profit OrganizationsInternational RelationsPolitical ConsultingResearch

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

MODULE 1 What Is Political Analysis: An Introductory Conception

5h

Unit 1: Conception of Political and Analysis: What is Political Analysis?

5 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Conception of Political and Analysis: What is Political Analysis?
  • •Define political analysis and its key components.
  • •Identify the relationship between political science and political analysis.
Week
2

MODULE 1 What Is Political Analysis: An Introductory Conception

5h

Unit 2: Why Study Political Analysis: Reason, Nature, Types, and Importance

5 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Why Study Political Analysis: Reason, Nature, Types, and Importance
  • •Examine the reasons for studying political analysis.
  • •Identify the different types of political analysis.
Week
3

MODULE 1 What Is Political Analysis: An Introductory Conception

5h

Unit 3: Concept and Tools of Political Science Analysis

5 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Concept and Tools of Political Science Analysis
  • •Understand the key concepts used in political science analysis.
  • •Explore the tools available for conducting political analysis.
Week
4

MODULE 1 What Is Political Analysis: An Introductory Conception

5h

Unit 4: Scope and Limits of Political Analysis

5 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Scope and Limits of Political Analysis
  • •Discuss the scope of political analysis.
  • •Examine the limitations of political analysis.
Week
5

MODULE 2 Approaches to Political Analysis

5h

Unit 1: Traditional Approaches

5 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Traditional Approaches
  • •Explore the traditional approaches to political analysis.
  • •Understand the normative and institutional approaches.
Week
6

MODULE 2 Approaches to Political Analysis

5h

Unit 2: The Behatioural Approach

5 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: The Behavioural Approach
  • •Examine the behavioral approach to political analysis.
  • •Understand the key concepts and criticisms of the behavioral approach.
Week
7

MODULE 2 Approaches to Political Analysis

5h

Unit 3: Approaches to the Study of Political Systems: Systems Approach and Structural – Functionalist Approach

5 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Approaches to the Study of Political Systems: Systems Approach and Structural – Functionalist Approach
  • •Explore the systems approach to political analysis.
  • •Understand the structural-functionalist approach.
Week
8

MODULE 2 Approaches to Political Analysis

5h

Unit 4: Political Processes Approaches: Class Approach, Pluralism (Groups Approach), and Elite Approach

5 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Political Processes Approaches: Class Approach, Pluralism (Groups Approach), and Elite Approach
  • •Examine the class approach to political analysis.
  • •Understand the pluralist and elite approaches.
Week
9

MODULE 2 Approaches to Political Analysis

5h

Unit 5: Rational Choice Approach

5 study hours
  • •Read Unit 5: Rational Choice Approach
  • •Explore the rational choice approach to political analysis.
  • •Understand the key concepts and criticisms of the rational choice approach.
Week
10

MODULE 3 Political Systems, Political Processes and Political Action

5h

Unit 1: Political Systems' Legitimacy: Power, Authority and Legitimacy

5 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Political Systems' Legitimacy: Power, Authority and Legitimacy
  • •Define power, authority, and legitimacy.
  • •Understand the relationship between these concepts.
Week
11

MODULE 3 Political Systems, Political Processes and Political Action

5h

Unit 2: Political Culture

5 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Political Culture
  • •Define political culture.
  • •Explore the different types of political culture.
Week
12

MODULE 3 Political Systems, Political Processes and Political Action

5h

Unit 3: Political Socialisation

5 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Political Socialisation
  • •Define political socialization.
  • •Examine the agents of political socialization.
Week
13

MODULE 3 Political Systems, Political Processes and Political Action

5h

Unit 4: Political Participation and Representation

5 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Political Participation and Representation
  • •Define political participation and representation.
  • •Explore the different forms of political participation.

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

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all key concepts and definitions from each unit

2

Create summaries of the main approaches to political analysis

3

Practice applying theoretical frameworks to real-world political events

4

Focus on understanding the relationship between power, authority, and legitimacy

5

Prepare examples of how globalization impacts developing countries

6

Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 to understand political systems, processes, and actions

7

Practice applying the different approaches to political analysis (traditional, behavioral, systems, etc.) to case studies

8

Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and self-assessment exercises

9

Allocate sufficient time for revision and practice exam questions

10

Focus on understanding the key differences between unitary, federal, and confederal systems (Module 4)

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