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Introduction to Political Science (2025/2026: Semester 2 – Spring)
Course aim
After completing this course students are able to:
- work with central concepts and debates in the study of politics
- work with the various traditions of political thought that underlie political science
- apply critical, ethical and creative skills to analyze classic and modern issues in political science
- apply different concepts, theories and approaches in context of political science.
- understand and assess the basic role and functions of institutions in political life
Presentation: 20% (Learning Goal 1, 2, 3 and 4)
Mid-term paper: 30% (1, 2 and 3)
Assignment: 30% (1, 3, 4 and 5)
Final exam: 20% (1, 4 and 5)
Course content
Politics is about the interplay of ideas, power and institutions. In this course we will explore the different ways n which these three come together. It will do so by introducing students to a) the foundations of political thought and reasoning underpinning political science, b) the structures, agents and processes of politics, and c) case studies. Students will be challenged to actively engage with concepts, theories and approaches, work with them independently, present, and lead discussions on them. At the end of the course, they will be able to show a broad and solid understanding of the foundations of political science.
Format
The first part on theory will discuss the Western canon together with approaches from the Global South, ensuring a more global approach. The second part on governmental structures will discuss classic and postcolonial governance systems. Course readings will rely on textbooks, primary texts and case studies. Interactivity is central to the course and incorporated in classes and assignments.
Instructional formats
Examination
Assignment
Required | Weight 30% | ECTS 2.25
Presentation
Required | Weight 20% | ECTS 1.5
*midterm FEEDBACK*
Not required
Mid-term exam
Required | Weight 30% | ECTS 2.25
Final exam
Required | Weight 20% | ECTS 1.5
Entry requirements and preknowledge
Entry Requirements
No data about mandatory entry requirements is available.
Preknowledge
No data about preknowledge is available.
Languages
- English
Competences
-
Debating / discourse analysis
-
Interdisciplinarity
-
Critical reading
-
Listening
Course Iterations
- 2026 - 2027 Semester 1 – Fall
- 2026 - 2027 Semester 2 – Spring
- 2025 - 2026 Semester 1 – Fall
- 2025 - 2026 Semester 2 – Spring
- 2024 - 2025 Semester 1 – Fall
- 2024 - 2025 Semester 2 – Spring
- 2023 - 2024 Semester 1 – Fall
- 2023 - 2024 Semester 2 – Spring
- 2022 - 2023 Semester 1 – Fall
- 2022 - 2023 Semester 2 – Spring
Related studies
Exams
There is no timetable available of the exams
Required Materials
-
BOEKHague, R., Harrop, M., & McCormick, J. (2019). Comparative Government and Politics (11th ed). London: Red Globe Press & Palgrave MacMillan (hereafter HHM)
-
DIVERSEOriginal writings of political thinkers
Recommended Materials
No information available on the recommended literature
Remarks
Cross-Listed with HUM (Philosophy). Counts towards SSC or HUM major.
Coördinator
| dr. G. Avci | G.Avci@uu.nl |
Lecturers
| dr. G. Avci | G.Avci@uu.nl |
| dr. C. Muzyamba | c.muzyamba@uu.nl |
| dr. G. van der Ree | G.vanderRee@uu.nl |
Enrolment
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Permanent link to course page
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