PSCI 1101 Introduction to Political Science
Description
Introduction to Political Science acquaints students with the fundamental concepts, institutions, principles and procedures of the discipline of political science. The course will provide a brief background in classical political theory through some exposure to the ideas of past political philosophers (such as Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Marx and others). The course also introduces the study of comparative systems through consideration of the governments of Great Britain, France, and Canada. PSCI 1101 is viewed as a general introductory course. The course also counts as a Global Perspective course.
Credits
3
Prerequisite
STSK 0095 or placement by multiple measures
Corequisite
None
Topics to be Covered
1. The Bases of Politics
2. Political Attitudes
3. The Institutions of Politics
4. What Political Systems Do
Learning Outcomes
1. Develop a critical attitude toward the political process in order to become a more informed participant and responsible citizen.
2. Use and criticize competing political theories.
3. Analyze various methods for collecting and analyzing data such as public opinion polls, charts, graphs.
4. Relate broad political concepts and developments to the individual.
5. Demonstrate through the study of comparative political systems a better understanding of the student’s own and other political systems.
6. Analyze the impact of such forces as nationalism, ethnicity, multiculturalism and pluralism on the political process in the contemporary world.
7. Explain the fundamental definitions, concepts and principles of political science.
8. Explain key political theories of the classical political philosophers of the past.
9. Compare and contrast presidential and parliamentary political systems; confederal, federal and unitary political structures.
Credit Details
Lecture: 3
Lab: 0
OJT: 0
MnTC Goal Area(s): Goal Area 05 - History and Behavioral Sciences, Goal Area 08 - Global Perspective
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum Goal Area(s) and Competencies
Goal Area 05: History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences
1. Employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
2. Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.
3. Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
4. Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.
Goal Area 08: Global Perspective
1. Describe and analyze political, economic, and cultural elements which influence relations of states and societies in their historical and contemporary dimensions.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of cultural, social, religious and linguistic differences.
3. Analyze specific international problems, illustrating the cultural, economic, and political differences that affect their solution.
4. Understand the role of a world citizen and the responsibility world citizens share for their common global future.