POS 100 - Introduction to Political Science

Description: Survey of the basic principles, terminology, and methods of political science with an analysis of contemporary issues. Discussion of the issues and processes involved in political activity utilizing a comparative perspective of different countries. Introduces basic concepts, terms, theories and important figures.

Disclaimer: This course is currently under review for eligibility as a General Education course. It will not fulfill a General Education requirement unless it is recognized as such by at least one of the three public state universities, and also accepted as a departmental elective by at least one other.

General Education Competency: Diversity

Credits: 3
Lecture: 3
Lab: 0

Course Content:

1. Foundational concepts of politics
2. Participation and public opinion
3. Ideologies
4. The State
5. Political institutions
6. International politics

1. Explain the concepts of power, legitimacy, and authority. (1)
2. Explain the origins and developments of the nation-state. (2-6)
3. Identify general approaches to the study of politics, such as political ideologies and political economy. (3)
4. Explain the political socialization process. (2-6)
5. Examine the nature of political participation from a comparative perspective. (6)
6. Examine the influence of public opinion on the political decision-making process. (2)
7. Identify the different types of electoral systems and assess the implications of those systems. (5)
8. Identify the role and functions of political parties. (2-5)
9. Identify the different types of party systems from a comparative perspective.(5)
10. Explain the general principles of presidential and parliamentary political systems. (2-5)
11. Describe the principles of authoritarian and totalitarian governments. (3)
12. Explain the origins and principles of democratic capitalism, democratic socialism, communism, and fascism. (3)
13. Describe the origins and principles of international law. (6)
14. Describe the influence of major international organizations. (6)
15. Identify the causes of international conflict. (3-6)