POLS 1020 - Introduction to Political Science

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture 3 Lab 0
Internship hours per week 0
Course Description: This course introduces the discipline of political science. It surveys the major subfields: political behavior, comparative politics, international relations, and a brief overview of political theory and normative claims. Topics include representative institutions, ideology, democratic and authoritarian political systems, political participation, and political culture. Course activities focus on theories and concepts through case studies and basic data analysis.

 
MnTC Goals
Goal 5 Goal 9

Prerequisite(s): Course placement into college-level English and Reading OR completion of ENGL 0950 with a grade of C or higher OR completion of RDNG 0940 with a grade of C or higher and qualifying English Placement Exam OR completion of RDNG 0950 with a grade of C or higher and ENGL 0090 with a grade of C or higher OR completion of ESOL 0051 with a grade of C or higher and ESOL 0052 with a grade of C or higher.
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: None

Major Content

1. Political Behavior and Psychology
   1. Political preferences and beliefs
   2. Political culture and socialization
2. Comparative Politics
   1. Representative institutions
   2. Presidential and parliamentary systems
   3. Democratic and authoritarian political systems
   4. Democratization and democratic backsliding
3. Political Ideology and Theory
   1. Overview of major ideologies (e.g., liberalism, conservatism, socialism)
4. Political Participation and Civil Society
   1. Voting and elections
   2. Social movements and collective action
5. International Relations
   1. Theories of international relations
   2. Contemporary global issues (e.g., climate change, terrorism, economic inequality)
6. Research Methods in Political Science
   1. Introduction to basic political science research methods

1. define the key concepts of the major subfields of political science: political behavior, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory.
2. analyze forms of political participation and elements of political culture in various contexts.
3. describe and compare the basic structures and functions of different political systems (e.g., democracy, authoritarianism, presidential systems, parliamentary systems).
4. assess competing explanations of international relations theory, including the causes of war and peace
5. apply basic political science research methods to analyze contemporary political issues.
6. analyze empirical arguments and information sources.
7. articulate the importance of civic engagement and citizenship in a democracy.

05. 03. Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.

05. 04. Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.
Theme Goals (MnTC Goals 7-10)
09. 02. Understand and apply core concepts (e.g. politics, rights and obligations, justice, liberty) to specific issues.

09. 04. Recognize the diversity of political motivations and interests of others.

09. 05. Identify ways to exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

Practicum hours per week: 0

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