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POL228Social Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Introduction To Comparative Politics

This course, Introduction to Comparative Politics, is designed for undergraduate students in Political Science and related social science disciplines. It offers a comprehensive comparison of political systems across the world, emphasizing different types of political systems. The course introduces students to the foundations of comparative politics, exploring the works of its founding scholars and their perspectives. Special attention is given to the Nigerian context, providing relevant case studies and examples. The course aims to equip students with analytical skills.

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234h
Study Time
13
Weeks
18h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Comparative PoliticsPolitical SystemsPolitical InstitutionsComparative MethodsPolitical Analysis

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
➕
Math Level
Basic Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Definitions of Comparative Politics

2

Origin of Comparative Politics

3

Comparative Methods

4

Tools of Comparative Politics

5

Methods of Comparative Study

6

Comparative Political Institutions

Total Topics6 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

Diplomat

Apply your skills in this growing field

Researcher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Journalist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentInternational OrganizationsNon-Governmental OrganizationsResearch InstitutionsMedia

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

MODULE 1: BACKGROUND TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS

2h

Unit 1: Definitions of Politics and Comparative Politics

2 study hours
  • •Read the definition of politics and comparative politics.
  • •Understand the sub-fields of political science.
  • •Identify the different forms of comparison.
Week
2

MODULE 1: BACKGROUND TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS

2h

Unit 2: Origin of Comparative Politics

2 study hours
  • •Study the origin of comparative politics.
  • •Examine the traditional and renaissance periods.
  • •Understand the age of enlightenment and the modern era.
Week
3

MODULE 1: BACKGROUND TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS

2h

Unit 3: Comparative Methods

2 study hours
  • •Understand the comparative method.
  • •Differentiate between normative and empirical research.
  • •Explain why we compare and the advantages of comparison.
Week
4

MODULE 1: BACKGROUND TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS

2h

Unit 4: Focus or Thrust of Comparative Politics

2 study hours
  • •Identify the main focus of comparative politics.
  • •Discuss the most similar and most different systems.
  • •Understand the thrust of comparative politics.
Week
5

MODULE 2: TOOLS OF COMPARATIVE POLITICS

2h

Unit 1: Concepts & Models

2 study hours
  • •Understand the meaning of concepts and models.
  • •Study the different types of models.
  • •Explain the importance of theories in comparative politics.
Week
6

MODULE 2: TOOLS OF COMPARATIVE POLITICS

2h

Unit 2: Theories & Logic

2 study hours
  • •Understand paradigms, abstraction, and logic.
  • •Identify logical fallacies in political analysis.
  • •Apply critical thinking to political studies.
Week
7

MODULE 2: TOOLS OF COMPARATIVE POLITICS

2h

Unit 3: Classification

2 study hours
  • •Define classification and its importance.
  • •Understand the steps involved in classification.
  • •Identify issues and challenges in classification.
Week
8

MODULE 2: TOOLS OF COMPARATIVE POLITICS

2h

Unit 4: Case Study

2 study hours
  • •Understand what a case study is.
  • •Learn how to conduct a case study.
  • •Apply case study method in comparative political studies.
Week
9

MODULE 3: METHODS OF COMPARATIVE STUDY

2h

Unit 1: Comparing Many Countries

2 study hours
  • •Understand the meaning and characteristics of comparing many countries.
  • •Identify the advantages and disadvantages of comparing many countries.
  • •Apply quantitative methods in comparative analysis.
Week
10

MODULE 3: METHODS OF COMPARATIVE STUDY

2h

Unit 2: Comparing Few Countries

2 study hours
  • •Understand the meaning of comparing few countries.
  • •Study the most similar systems design.
  • •Study the most different systems design.
Week
11

MODULE 3: METHODS OF COMPARATIVE STUDY

2h

Unit 3: Single- Country Studies

2 study hours
  • •Define single-country studies.
  • •Understand the usefulness of single-country studies.
  • •Apply single-country studies in comparative analysis.
Week
12

MODULE 3: METHODS OF COMPARATIVE STUDY

2h

Unit 4: Difficulties in Comparison

2 study hours
  • •Identify the difficulties in comparison.
  • •Understand complementary challenges.
  • •Apply methods to overcome difficulties in comparison.
Week
13

MODULE 3: METHODS OF COMPARATIVE STUDY

2h

Unit 5: Comparative Democratic Order- Federalism

2 study hours
  • •Understand comparative democratic order.
  • •Study federalism.
  • •Compare federalism across different countries.

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 detailed summaries of each unit, focusing on key concepts and definitions.

2

Develop comparative charts outlining the strengths and weaknesses of different political systems.

3

Practice applying comparative methods to analyze contemporary political issues.

4

Review case studies from Nigeria and other countries to illustrate theoretical concepts.

5

Form study groups to discuss and debate different perspectives on comparative politics.

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