Introduction to Political Science

Academic year: 2007-2008 Course code module 1BPSW-06 Semester: 1st semester Credits: 6 Study load (hours) 168 Theory (hours): 45,00 Practice/Exercises(hours): Other (hours): Part-time program: 2 Instructor(s) Stefaan Walgrave Language of instruction: Dutch Semester exam information: semester exam in January Contract restriction information: 1. Prerequisites *Algemene competenties None *Sequentiality 2. Objectives (expected learning outcomes) The course intends to stimulate an understanding of the logic of the political processes so as to avoid an unwarranted distrust of the various actors involved in political decision-making and to enhance the capabilities to participate in democratic politics as citizens and intellectual observers. 3. Course content The first part of the course proposes a definition of politics that distinguishes and elaborates the essential elements of any political process: the definition of the problem, the definition of the objectives, the conduct of conflict, the use of power, and the implementation of policies. The second part deals with the structures that constrain and institutionalize these (dangerous) process: the political system, the rule of law, and the democratic regime; The final part examines what contemporary empirical political science has to say about the main actors in the democratic political arena: the political elites, the people (and the public), the interest groups, and the administration. 4. Teaching method Direct contact: Lectures 5. Assessment method Exam: Written, without oral presentation Multiple choice Continuous assessment: (Interim) tests 6. Compulsory reading – study material Dierickx, G. (2005), De Logica van de Politiek. Antwerpen: Garant. 7. Recommended reading - study material Dierickx, G. (2005),De Logica van de Politiek. Antwerpen: Garant. 8. Tutoring laatste aanpassing: last update: 16/11/2007 09:20 stefaan.walgrave