ASPO 14A02 - Introduction to Political Science

This introductory course in political science provides an overview of the discipline by examining its main subjects, the various approaches used to analyse them, and the methods and tools required to understand them. The course aims to develop students’ knowledge and their analytical and critical skills with regard to contemporary political phenomena. It addresses the central questions of power, the foundations of obedience, but also of protest and even political violence. It also covers the construction of the state, national communities and political regimes, the forms and conditions of political participation, and so on.

The continuous assessment consists of a midterm exam following the same format as the final exam (50%).

The three-hour final exam (50% of the overall mark) consists of a general course question (choose one of two) and a document analysis (choose one of two).