Introduction to Political Science

The aim of the course is to introduce students to some basic topics, concepts and analysis methods in political science. We aim to introduce students to the basic concepts of politics and to enable them to approach the debates surrounding them from various perspectives. At the end of the course, students are expected to be able to make sense of the main concepts, issues and approaches in political science in an inquisitive manner using the analytical tools discussed throughout the course. Topics we will cover in the course include; different approaches to the scientific analysis of politics, political ideologies, key elements of democratic government, different systems of government, theories of elections and voting, political economy, and national and international security.