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POL311Social Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Contemporary Political Analysis

This course provides an insight into the nature of contemporary political analysis. It examines the meanings and nature of political analysis, also, it further examines Behaviouralism, Institutionalism and Political culture approaches in political analysis, including theories of dependency, modernisation, as well as political economy. Furthermore, the course delves in to examine the differences between political philosophy and political science, with their underlining differences between political science and the natural sciences. Lastly, it outlines and the approaches to analysing political events in areas of domestic politics and international relations.

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208h
Study Time
13
Weeks
16h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Political AnalysisBehaviouralismInstitutionalismPolitical CulturePolitical Economy

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

Political Analysis

2

Behaviouralism

3

Institutionalism

4

Political Culture

5

Development Theories

6

Rational Choice Theory

Total Topics6 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

POL 211: Introduction to Political Analysis

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

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

Written Assessment

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

Public Administrator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentInternational OrganizationsThink TanksConsultingAcademia

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Contemporary Political Analysis: An Introduction

7h

Unit 1: What does Political Analysis Entail?

4 study hours
  • •Read the introduction to Political Analysis.
  • •Understand the meaning of political analysis.
  • •Identify the goals of political analysis.

Unit 2: The divide in Political science

3 study hours
  • •Explore the divide between normative and empirical analysis.
  • •Understand the differences between political science and political philosophy.
Week
2

Module 1: Contemporary Political Analysis: An Introduction

5h

Unit 3: Understanding the science of politics

5 study hours
  • •Examine the distinctive features of a scientific enterprise.
  • •Understand the scientific method as applied to political science.
  • •Discuss the limitations of applying scientific methods to political phenomena.
Week
3

Module 2: Development-Oriented Approaches

4h

Unit 1: Marxism

4 study hours
  • •Understand the key tenets of Marxism.
  • •Explore the historical development of Marxism.
  • •Analyze the methodology of Marxism.
Week
4

Module 2: Development-Oriented Approaches

6h

Unit 2: Modernisation theory

3 study hours
  • •Define modernization theory.
  • •Explore the stages of development according to Rostow.
  • •Understand the role of Western countries in modernization.

Unit 3: Dependency theory

3 study hours
  • •Define dependency theory.
  • •Understand the relationship between core and periphery countries.
  • •Analyze the criticisms of modernization theory from a dependency perspective.
Week
5

Module 2: Development-Oriented Approaches

5h

Unit 4: The political economy approach

5 study hours
  • •Define the political economy approach.
  • •Understand the historical development of the political economy approach.
  • •Analyze the assumptions of the political economy approach.
Week
6

Module 3: Behaviouralism and Emerging Approaches

6h

Unit 1: Behaviouralism and Post-Behaviouralism

6 study hours
  • •Define behaviouralism and post-behaviouralism.
  • •Understand the emergence of the behavioural approach.
  • •Analyze the criticisms against the behavioural movement.
Week
7

Module 3: Behaviouralism and Emerging Approaches

6h

Unit 2: New institutionalism

6 study hours
  • •Define new institutionalism.
  • •Understand new institutionalism as a critique of behaviouralism.
  • •Explore the three schools of new institutionalism.
Week
8

Module 3: Behaviouralism and Emerging Approaches

6h

Unit 3: Political culture approach

6 study hours
  • •Define the political culture approach.
  • •Understand the development of the political culture approach.
  • •Analyze the limitations of the political culture approach.
Week
9

Module 4: Political Systems and Power Approaches

6h

Unit 1: Systems theory

6 study hours
  • •Define the systems approach.
  • •Understand the characteristics of a system.
  • •Analyze the uses of systems theory.
Week
10

Module 4: Political Systems and Power Approaches

6h

Unit 2: Structural functional analysis

6 study hours
  • •Understand the emergence of structural-functional analysis.
  • •Analyze the basic assumptions of structural functionalism.
  • •Explore the functions performed by political structures.
Week
11

Module 4: Political Systems and Power Approaches

6h

Unit 3: Group theory

6 study hours
  • •Define group theory.
  • •Understand the interest-group theory.
  • •Analyze the criticisms against the Group theory.
Week
12

Module 5: Rational and Intentional Approaches

6h

Unit 1: Game theory

6 study hours
  • •Define game theory.
  • •Understand misconceptions about the notion of game theory.
  • •Explore examples of game theory.
Week
13

Module 5: Rational and Intentional Approaches

6h

Unit 2: Rational choice theory

6 study hours
  • •Define rational choice theory.
  • •Understand the development of the rational choice approach.
  • •Analyze the basic features of the rational choice approach.

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 study units thoroughly, focusing on key concepts and definitions.

2

Practice applying different theoretical approaches to real-world political events.

3

Create concept maps linking different modules and units to understand the interconnectedness of the course material.

4

Pay close attention to the distinctions between different approaches, such as behaviouralism, institutionalism, and rational choice theory.

5

Practice answering essay questions and tutor-marked assignments to improve your writing and analytical skills.

6

Allocate sufficient time for revision and review before the final examination.

7

Focus on understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each approach to political analysis.

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