Introductory Class

Course Code: POL 111

Course Title: Introduction to Political Science

Credit Unit: 3

Course lecturer(s): Prof S. Omodia and Dr. H. Efanodor-Obeten

This is an introductory course that can help you have a firm grasp of the rudiments of the discipline.

Course description:This course introduces students to the nature of politics. It emphasises the issues of political discourse and practice. It also introduces students to the language,methods and basic concepts of Politics.

Course Objectives

(i) To introduce students to study of politics and political science.

(ii) To highlight the major sub-fields within Political Science.

(iii) To demonstrate how political science relates to other discipline in the SocialSciences.

(iv) To unfold how political activities affects human society.

(v) To introduce students to the various approaches to the study of politics.

(vi) To explain basic concepts of political science.

Expected Outcome: at the end of the course, students should be able;

a)To demonstrate a good knowledge of the concept of politics and political science as a field of knowledge.

b)To explain the relationship between political science and other discipline.

c)To list and explain the sub-fields of political science.

d)To explain the various approaches to the study of politics.

e)To critically evaluate different concepts of political science.

f)To demonstrate an understanding of the forms of government, institution and functions of government.

Course Assessment Scheme

Assessment / Marks
In class test / 5 marks
Assignment / 5 marks
Quizzes/presentation / 5 marks
Mid semester test / 15 marks
End of semester examination / 70 marks
Total / 100%

COURSE SCHEDULE

Semester
(12 weeks) / Topic / Lesson content / Resources / Assessment
Week 1 / What is Political science? / To explain what politics and political science is all about / Textbooks/Multi-media / Question and answer with all students
Week 2 / The science of politics: The scientific status of the discipline / To explain what is science and what makes political science a science / Textbooks/Multi-media / Question and answer with all students
Week 3 / Relationship between political science and other discipline / To explain the nexus between political science and other fields of study / Textbooks/Multi-media / Question and answer with all students
Week 4 / Sub fields of political science. / To explain the various sub fields of political science. / Textbooks/Multi-media / Question and answer with all students
Week 5 / Approaches to the study of political science: the traditional approach. / To explain the various approaches to the study of political science/ explain the traditional approach to politics. / Textbooks/Multi-media / Assignment
Week 6 / The behavioural and post behavioral approach to the study of politics. / Explain factors which contribute to the emergence of behavioural and post behavioural approach, their main features and criticism. / Textbooks/Multi-media / Question and answer with all students
Week 7 / Mid semester test / Topics from week 1 - 6 / Answer sheet / Written test
Week 8 / Basic concept in political science: power, authority, influence, legitimacy and separation of power. / To explain basic concept in political science and differentiate between power and authority etc. / Textbooks/Multi-media / Question and answer with all students
Week 9 / Basic concept in political science / To explain basic concepts of state, nation, sovereignty, constitution, devolution and rule of law / Textbooks/Multi-media / Question and answer with all students
Week 10 / Basic concept in political science / To explain concept of political participation, system, culture, structure, socialization and parties, pressure group and public opinion. / Textbooks/Multi-media / Quizzes
Week 11 / Element and function of government / To explain what is government and outline its functions / Textbooks/Multi-media / Question and answer with all students
Week 12 / Forms of government / To discuss the various forms of government, their advantages and disadvantages / Textbooks/Multi-media / In-class test


introduction to political science (pol 111) lecture 1byEFANODOR-OBETEN, Omokiniovo Harrietis licensed under aCreative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License