LFU:online

§5 (1) 1a VO Fundamentals of Political Science

Students are able to explain and describe central political processes, institutions, structures and policy fields and the related problems. They are also able to identify and critically reflect on the essential components of a scientific paper, research literature and debate the state of research as well as formulate research questions and arguments.

The aim of the course is to introduce students to the study of politics; no previous study of politics is required for this course. The course will start by defining what politics is, and discussing the extent to which it can be studied as a science. It will then discuss the state and other historical examples of political organisation. Key philosophical justifications of the state and the limitations this implies for the actions the state can legitimately take will then be covered, as will the nature of democracy and autocracy. The course then discusses how the state works, looking at a variety of aspects of this, with a particular focus on the role of institutions. Finally, the course will explore the interaction between states and their interdependence, as well as the key theories explaining this.

lecture

Multiple Choice - test at the end of the course

Will be introduced in the first lesson and via OLAT.

none

Students of the Bachelor’s Programme – Management and Economics UC 033 571 (elective module) and the Diploma Programme International Economic and Business Studies UC 155 (compulsory module) do not register for a course via the “SOWI point booking” but via the booking button “LFU:online”.

When registering for the corresponding course, students should also note that they want to attend the course as an elective or compulsory module.