Course Overview

What is Political Science?

Welcome to EarthTab Business School. My name is Kamal Idris and I will be your course preceptor for the course Introduction To Political Science. Political Science is the rigorous, interdisciplinary study of power, governance, systems of authority, political behavior, and institutional dynamics. It examines how societies organize themselves, make collective decisions, enforce rules, allocate resources, protect rights, resolve conflict, and relate to other communities or nations. It addresses the fundamental human concern with power: who gets what, when, and how, and why. Political science is more than the study of politics; it is the study of human civilization, organization, and control.

Political science is both a normative discipline (concerned with what ought to be) and an empirical one (concerned with what is). It draws upon insights from history, philosophy, economics, law, sociology, psychology, anthropology, international relations, and statistics. This cross-pollination of disciplines makes it one of the most expansive and foundational fields in the humanities and social sciences.

Why Study Political Science?

The study of political science is essential in understanding society, participating meaningfully in civic life, and influencing policies that shape everyday experiences. It sharpens critical thinking, communication, and research skills, and prepares you for careers in public service, diplomacy, law, journalism, business, academia, and beyond.

In a rapidly changing global environment marked by democratic transitions, technological disruptions, authoritarian resurgences, climate politics, populism, inequality, terrorism, and migration, political science equips learners with the tools to analyze, engage, and lead.

Historical Foundations

Political science has its roots in ancient civilizations, notably in the writings of Plato and Aristotle, who examined the role of justice and the ideal state. Over time, political theory evolved through the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Enlightenment, giving birth to modern notions of democracy, individual rights, constitutionalism, and sovereignty. Key contributors include:

• Niccolò Machiavelli; Power realism and statecraft
  
  

• Thomas Hobbes; Social contract and the Leviathan state
  
  

• John Locke; Natural rights and constitutional liberalism
  
  

• Jean-Jacques Rousseau; Popular sovereignty
  
  

• Karl Marx; Class struggle and political economy
  
  

• John Stuart Mill; Liberty and representative government

Political science today synthesizes the ancient and the modern, the Western and non-Western, to provide a comprehensive lens for analyzing state and society.

Subfields of Political Science

Political science is composed of multiple interrelated branches, each exploring different aspects of political life:

1. Political Theory:Philosophical and normative exploration of politics, justice, liberty, rights, and governance.
   
   

2. Comparative Politics: Study and comparison of domestic political systems, institutions, and behaviors around the world.
   
   

3. International Relations (IR): Analysis of relations between states, diplomacy, war, peace, foreign policy, and international institutions.
   
   

4. Public Administration: Examination of governmental operations, civil service systems, and implementation of public policy.
   
   

5. Public Policy: Evaluation and development of laws and regulations that govern societal issues.
   
   

6. Political Economy: Interplay between politics and economics; markets, regulation, inequality, and development.
   
   

7. Political Methodology: Use of quantitative and qualitative tools for political analysis, surveys, simulations, and case studies.

Key Concepts and Frameworks

Throughout the course, you will learn to deconstruct and apply major political concepts such as:

• Power and Authority; Legitimate vs. coercive power; sources of political legitimacy.
  
  

• State and Sovereignty; Territorial authority and supreme power in a polity.
  
  

• Constitution and Rule of Law; Fundamental law and legal frameworks.
  
  

• Democracy and Autocracy; Systems of governance and their variations.
  
  

• Citizenship and Rights; Civic duties, political inclusion, and human rights.
  
  

• Political Culture and Ideology; Belief systems and value orientations.

 Political Institutions and Actors

The course analyzes how political institutions and actors function, compete, and cooperate:

• Government branches; Legislature, executive, judiciary: their composition, powers, and checks.
  
  

• Political Parties and Elections; Electoral systems, party ideologies, voter behavior.
  
  

• Interest Groups and Civil Society; NGOs, unions, advocacy groups, and their influence on policy.
  
  

• Media and Technology; Role of digital media, social platforms, and propaganda in modern politics.

Global Relevance and Contemporary Issues

This course addresses urgent global political issues, such as:

• Rise of nationalism and populism
  
  

• Political polarization and fake news
  
  

• Refugee crises and global migration
  
  

• Climate change and environmental politics
  
  

• Cybersecurity and surveillance
  
  

• Gender and identity politics
  
  

• International conflicts and diplomacy
  
  

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will:

1. Develop a multi-dimensional understanding of political life across historical and cultural contexts.
   
   

2. Apply political theories to real-world situations, laws, and conflicts.
   
   

3. Evaluate how governments function and why political systems succeed or fail.
   
   

4. Understand international relations and diplomacy in a multipolar world.
   
   

5. Engage with political content analytically and make informed judgments on governance, law, and policy.
   
   

6. Prepare for advanced study or careers in politics, law, public administration, journalism, civil society, or academia.

This course is ideal for:

• First-year undergraduates or diploma students in Political Science, Law, Public Administration, or International Relations
  
  

• Individuals preparing for civil service exams or leadership roles
  
  

• Policy interns, journalists, and youth activists
  
  

• Anyone curious about how governments work and why politics matter

Course Delivery

• Lectures and Readings; Foundational texts, both classical and modern
  
  

• Interactive Seminars; Peer discussions, case studies, debates
  
  

• Multimedia Resources; Political documentaries, speeches, interviews
  
  

• Assignments and Essays; Thematic reflections and critical essays
  
  

• Exams and Quizzes; Knowledge checks and analytical testing
  
  

• Capstone Project; Research paper or presentation on a political issue
  
  

End Goal of the Course

This course aspires to nurture informed global citizens, capable of engaging deeply with political systems and actively shaping the future of governance in their communities and countries. It encourages you to think beyond politics as a competition for power, and to embrace it as a means to create order, justice, accountability, and peace in society.

I look forward to congratulating you upon completion of this course.