Introduction to Political Science  (20613)

Degree course: Degree in Criminology and Public Prevention Policies
Year: 1
Term: 1
Number of ECTS credits: 6
Student hours: 150

Syllabus

This course introduces students to the major concepts and processes of Political Science. It aims to offer students the main analytical tools used by the discipline when approaching the analysis and understanding of a particular political system.

The course therefore seeks to enhance students' understanding of concepts of political power, the state, democracy and representative systems, as well as presenting the main theories of the state and regime change (democratisation) the break-up of modern states and the challenges posed for political systems by globalisation. Finally, the course seeks to offer students a basic political geography, which is to say, a general overview of existing regimes in the modern world, current political trends and tendencies for change as well as the chief defining elements of societies.

The course combines theory-orientated lectures with open discussion sessions about the political concepts which have been presented, as well as an applied aspect based on comparative indicators and data on existing levels of democracy, human rights, corruption and governability.

Contents section 1. Political power and its analysis from the point of view of Political Science.

- Political Science as a discipline. Focus and questions.

- Political power. The concept of power. Legality and legitimacy.

- The political system.

Contents section 2. Political organisation: the state.

- The state as the main political organisation: constituent elements

- The development of the modern state.

- The territorial organisation of the state.

- Political community/nation.

Contents section 3. Political regimes.

- Democracies and dictatorships. Typologies and functioning.

- Democratisation and change. Models and causes.

- Transitional justice.

- The failure of states. Reasons and consequences.

Contents section 4. Representative democracies.

- Political liberalism and democracy.

- The concept of polyarchy.

- Government institutions.

- Welfare states.

Contents section 5. Political culture, individual actors and political participation.

- The concept of political culture and attitudes, political socialisation.

- Civic culture and value change in advanced societies.

- Social capital.

- Individual political participation: participation mechanisms and levels, explanatory factors.

Contents section 6. Current political geography.

- The state of the world, past and present. Political and economic development. 

- Axes of change. Conflict and strategic resources.

- Wealth and poverty in the world. Political and social rationales.

Contents section 7.  From the Nation-State to the Globalised State.

- Political and economic globalisation. Globalisation agents and forces.

- The state in the globalised world.

- Identity and globalisation.