POLS 1101 - Introduction to Political Science
3 Credits
Introduces students to major topics, approaches, and methods in Political Science with an emphasis on comparative analysis. Topics will include: purpose and methods of comparison and classification, understanding political processes and public policy(what is politics; purpose of government; common policy challenges). Specifically, you will explore the following foundational concepts: sovereignty, authority, power, institutions, citizenship, society, the state, and political and economic change. In your comparative exploration of the Political Science discipline and contemporary issues, you will critically examine your own political values, experiences and behaviors.
Major Content Areas
Sovereignty, authority, citizenship, culture, and power 20% Political and economic change, public policy 20% Political Institutions (e.g. legislatures, executives, parties, interest groups, international orgs) 20% Citizens, society, and the state 20% Purpose of comparison/classification, foundational concepts (e.g. state, nation, government) 20%
Learning Outcomes
Assess political processes/phenomena using the comparative method Reflect on or participate in the roles and responsibilities of national citizens in a global context Reflect critically on one’s own national values, opinions, and experiences in contrast to those of people elsewhere Assess political cultures using the comparative method Compare and contrast perspectives on comparative politics Assess political institutions using the comparative method
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MNTC) Goals
08 - Global Perspective 05 - Hist/Soc/Behav Sci
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