Introduction to Political Science

Academic year: 2010-2011 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: 1/2 Instructor(s) Stefaan Walgrave Language of instruction: Dutch Semester exam information: exam in the 1st semester Contract restriction information: 1. Prerequisites *Algemene competenties None *Sequentiality None 2. Objectives (expected learning outcomes) The course intends to provide insight into the basics of politics and political science. This course forms the basis for all other courses in political science students will get in their following Ba and Ma years. 3. Course content ntroduction to Political Science offers a systematic introduction in political science. Students get a broad overview of and introduction in the several aspects of politics and political decision-making and in the way political scientists deal with that. The course presents the core themes and paradigms of the several subdisciplines in political science, being International Relations, Public Policy, Political Philosophy and Comparative Politics. The emphasis of the course, though, clearly lays on comparative politics: systematically comparing political systems, phenomena and political behavior across countries. The course deals with a variety of topics among which there are representation, political participation, ideologies, cleavages, parties, electoral systems and voting behavior, European integration etc. 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 ·  Kris Deschouwer en Marc Hooghe, 2005, Politiek. Een inleiding in de politieke wetenschap, Boom Onderwijs ·  PowerPoint presentations are produced and put at students’ disposal through Blackboard. These presentations summarize the course book and contain extra material the students should also study for the exam 7. Recommended reading - study material Nihil. 8. Tutoring Halfway during the teaching semester an optional proof exam is organized that simulates the real exam as good as possible. laatste aanpassing: last update: 30/09/2010 11:48 ilke.franquet