This is a course that gives the background for political science as it presents its concepts, approaches and the introduction to the theorists of political science. Students will enhance their analysis for this field through exposure to political activities.

Learning Outcomes:

• Justify the significance of government and politics for the functioning of human societies. Summarize the fundamental concepts in the study of politics and government and apply them to political events.
• Define and critique both the prominent political ideologies (liberalism, socialism, conservatism, feminism) and the basic forms of government (democracy, authoritarianism, totalitarianism, transitional democracy).
• Analyze the way components of the political process (e.g. branches of government, parties, media) interact with each other to produce government policies and programs.
• Develop a political strategy that allows interested political actors to achieve their objectives in the form of new laws and policies.