Module Code - Title:

PO4011 - INTRODUCTION TO GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

Year Last Offered:

2020/1

Hours Per Week:

Lecture

2

Lab

0

Tutorial

1

Other

0

Private

7

Credits

6

Grading Type:

N

Prerequisite Modules:

Rationale and Purpose of the Module:

This module provides an introduction to the study of politics and establishes a foundation for other politics modules that may be taken by students in the future. It is intended as a practical guide to some of the main concepts and vocabulary of political science. As such, the module provides an introductory guide to important themes and issues related to the study of politics, such as the state, regime types, and political change and behaviour. It also introduces students to some of the study skills that they need to complete assignments and assessment in the area of politics.

Syllabus:

The module is taught through a combination of lectures, classes and on-line exercises that each introduce students to justifying power: the legitimation of authority; The origins of the modern state; researching politics; Essays and essay conventions; State power and its critics; State failure and its problems: revolution; State failure and its problems: state failure in the modern world; Democracy - the basic principles; Democracy - the basic types; Where does democracy come from?; Forms of democratic government and their outcomes; Political parties and their functions; Electoral systems and parties; Pressure politics in democracies: who has influence and why? Non-democratic regimes - authoritarianism, totalitarianism and the rest. Concepts and methods of political analysis including

Learning Outcomes:

Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)

Identify and explain some of the basic concepts used in political analysis. Contrast different political systems and forms of political power.

Affective (Attitudes and Values)

Demonstrate an appreciation of arguments about politics and the merits of different political systems.

Psychomotor (Physical Skills)

Demonstrate proficiency in basic library research skills. Demonstrate basic proficiency in planning and writing essays. Demonstrate basic proficiency in reviewing texts of political analysis.

How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:

Students will be taught through lecture, class, on line exercises and through written exercises so that different learning styles and skills are catered for and fostered.

Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):

Prime Texts:

Heywood, Andrew (2002) Politics , Palgrave

Stoker, Gerry (2006) Why Politics Matters , Palgrave

Other Relevant Texts:

Hague, Rod and Harrop, Martin (2001) Comparative Politics , Palgrave

Newton, K. and van Deth, J.W (2005) Foundations of comparative politics , Cambridge University Press