Introduction to Politics

This is an introduction to the study of political science. It introduces vocabulary and key terms and concepts used in political dialogue and analysis. A variety of ideas, approaches, and concepts about the study of politics and the field of political science are introduced, including classical Greek and later European contributions. Democratic, authoritarian, and totalitarian forms of government are introduced. Politics by peaceful and violent means are studied as well as the role of political socialization, civic culture, and participation. Finally, the course surveys the fields of political science including American, comparative, international, political theory and methodology.