PL1303:03
Introduction to Political Science
Townsville
Inadmissable Subject Combination: PL2001
26 lectures, 13 tutorials. Second semester.
Staff: Assoc. Professor H Lesbirel, Dr S Maisrikrod.
This subject introduces students to broader analytic concerns in the study of politics. It explores the key approaches (normative, institutional, behavioural, rational choice, feminist and discourse) and methodologies (qualitative, quantitative and comparative) used in the study of political science. It emphasises diversity and contention in the politics discipline. Particular attention will be paid to giving students a systematic exposure to the fundamentals of the discipline and to provide a foundation for subsequent study in politics. Concrete examples, political games and political comedies will be used to illustrate, reinforce and integrate these core analytic concerns of the discipline.
Learning Objectives:
- understand broader analytic and methodological concerns of politics;
- understand the diversity and contention in political science;
- evaluate critically competing approaches and methods in the study of politics;
- introduce analytic skills as a basis for subsequent study of politics.
Assessment by essay and tutorial work and an examination, the respective weights to be determined after consultation with students.
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