Introduction to Politics

During the course the following issues will be discussed:

a) origins of politics and political science

b) research methods in political science

c) origin, concept, functions and types of state

d) political power of the state

e) legal systems

f) nation and society

g) foreign policy and international relations,

h) main political ideologies and doctrines

i) political culture, communication and marketing.

I. Politics and Political Science

Origins of politics. Concept and objectives of political

science. Political science research methods. Techniques of empirical research in political science.

II. Politics and the State

Origins and concept of the state. The elements of the state. Sovereignty and coercion. Political power and legitimacy. Administration and bureaucracy. Regimes of the modern world. Political parties and party systems. Elections and voting. Militaries and police forces. Separation of powers. Main legal systems of the modern world.

III. Nation and Society

The concepts of the nation. Types of nationalism.

Multicultural and multinational states. Migration, diasporas and minorities. Civil society. Political participation. Interest groups, social movements and social conflict. Social activism: associations, demonstrations, protests, terrorism, lobbying, civil disobedience, etc.

IV. Foreign Policy and International Relations

Internal and external factors in foreign policy. International organizations. Integration, globalization and regionalization. International, diplomatic and consular law. Paradigms and actors in international relations. Bilateralism and multilateralism. International security. Human rights.

V. Ideology and political doctrines

The concept of political ideology. Political awareness. Main political ideologies and doctrines (Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism, Social democracy, etc.).

VI. Political Culture, Communication and Marketing

The role, structure and models of public opinion. Political marketing. The role of the mass media, public relations and branding. Definition and types of political culture. Political attitudes and behaviour.

1. Gellner, E., Nations and Nationalism, Ithaca, Cornell University Press, 2008

2. Edwards, M., Civil Society, Cambridge, Polity, 2009

3. Heywood, A., Political Ideologies: An Introduction, New York, Palgrave Macmillan, 2012

4. Heywood, A., Politics, New York, Palgrave Macmillan, 2013

5. Jackson, R.H., Sorensen G., Introduction to International Relations: Theories and Approaches, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2007

6. Lees-Marshment, J., Political Marketing: Principles and Applications, London&New York, Routledge, 2009

7. McNair, B., An introduction to political communication, London&New York, Routledge, 2011

8. Roskin M.G. et al., Political Science: An Introduction, Essex, Pearson, 2014

9. Van Dyke, V., Introduction to Politics, Belmont, Wadsworth Pub Co, 1996

10. Verba, S., Almond, G., The Civic Culture, Princeton, Princeton University Press, 1963

11. Weber M., Politics as a Vocation (in:) Strong, T.B. (ed.) The Vocation Lectures, Indianapolis, Hackett Publishing, 2004

After completing the course the students:

1. have basic knowledge of the historical evolution of the politics and political science

2. are familiar with political science research methods and can apply them in individual work

3. have basic knowledge of the forms of political and social organization

4. understand the role of different actors of political processes, such as: political parties, government, bureaucracy, nation, civil society, etc.

5. understand the complexity of politics and the linkages between the political power, economics and society

6. are familiar with main political ideologies and doctrines

7. understand the specificity of political communication and political marketing, as well as the role of public opinion and the types of political culture

8. understand the place of the state in international environment, the nature of international relations, foreign policy and diplomacy, as well as the concepts of integration, globalization and regionalization

9. have the ability to observe, analyse and explain contemporary political phenomena

10. are prepared to receive and critically analyse information on the politics, as well as to formulate personal opinions on current political issues

11. are prepared for further learning in the field of political science

The final evaluation will include a written exam (80%), as well as active class participation: doubts, questions, etc. (20%).