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Academic Year 2005/2006

Introduction to Political Science
GOVT 101 SP

This course provides a general introduction to the concepts used in political science. The kind of questions that political scientists ask about human society differs form those asked by economists, sociologists, anthropologists or historians. People use politics not only to advance their interests but also to defend their identities; and in pursuit of these goals they create institutions that take on a life of their own. The most important such institution, the state, will be the focus of this course. How and why did the state arise? Why do states go to war with each other, and why do they colonize other states? What are the different ways in which states are organized? What is the relationship between the state and economic development? What exactly is liberal democracy, and why has it become the prevalent form of state organization? Is the system of government in the United States a model for others to follow, or a special case? What happens when states collapse?

MAJOR READINGS

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS GOVT    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): Rutland,Peter    

Times: .M.W.F. 10:00AM-10:50AM;     Location: PAC004;

Reserved Seats:    (Total Limit: 40)

SR. major: X   Jr. major: X

SR. non-major: X   Jr. non-major: X   SO: X   FR: 40

Special Attributes:

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006

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