Pub 206

Course: Introduction to Political Science
Course Code: PUB 206

Level: 200
Credit Units: 2
Duration: 8 weeks
Course Lecturers: Dr. Ifatimehin OO, Olumorin M. Olukemi and Mathias Anejuka
Course Overview:
The course "Introduction to Political Science" is designed for 200 level students pursuing a
degree in Public Administration. The course aims to provide students with a comprehensive
understanding of the fundamental concepts, theories, and approaches in the field of Political
Science. By exploring key topics and themes, students will gain insights into the political
dynamics, institutions, and processes that shape governance and public administration.
Course Objectives:
Introduce students to the field of Political Science and its relevance to Public Administration.
Develop students' understanding of political systems, ideologies, and institutions.
Analyze the role of politics and power in governance and policy-making.
Familiarize students with key political theories and approaches.
Foster critical thinking and analysis of political issues and phenomena.
Course Outline:
Week 1: Introduction to Political Science
Definition, scope, and relevance of Political Science.

Subfields and areas of study in Political Science.
Methodological approaches and research methods in Political Science.
Week 2: Political Systems and Ideologies
Comparative analysis of political systems (e.g., democracy, autocracy, hybrid regimes).

Introduction to major political ideologies (e.g., liberalism, socialism, conservatism).
Examination of the relationship between ideology and public administration.
Week 3: State and Governance
Conceptualization and functions of the state.
Forms of governance and modes of governance.
Role of the state in public administration and policy implementation.
Week 4: Political Institutions
Analysis of key political institutions (e.g., legislature, executive, judiciary).

Functions and powers of political institutions.
Interactions and dynamics between political institutions.
Week 5: Political Parties and Elections
Role and significance of political parties in democratic systems.

Electoral systems, electoral processes, and voting behavior.
Impact of political parties and elections on public administration.
Week 6: Public Policy and Policymaking
Introduction to public policy and policy analysis.

The policymaking process: agenda setting, formulation, implementation, and evaluation.
Factors influencing policy decisions and outcomes.
Week 7: International Relations and Global Politics
Overview of international relations and global political dynamics.

Theories of international relations (e.g., realism, liberalism, constructivism).
Key issues in global politics and their implications for public administration.
Week 8: Contemporary Issues in Political Science
Exploration of current topics and challenges in Political Science.

Case studies and analysis of political events and phenomena.
Review and synthesis of key concepts and themes covered in the course.
Lecture Notes: Week 1 - Introduction to Political Science
[Introduction]
Welcome to Week 1 of the course on Introduction to Political Science. In this lecture, we will
provide an overview of the field of Political Science and its relevance to Public
Administration.
[Definition and Scope of Political Science]
Political Science is the systematic study of politics, power, and governance.

It explores the processes, institutions, and behavior that shape political systems.
The field encompasses various subfields, including comparative politics, international
relations, political theory, and public administration.
[Relevance of Political Science to Public Administration]
Political Science provides the theoretical and conceptual foundation for understanding public
administration and governance.
It helps public administrators analyze political dynamics, policy-making processes, and the
interactions between government and society.
Political Science equips public administrators with the knowledge and tools to navigate the
complexities of the political landscape.
[Subfields and Areas of Study in Political Science]
Comparative Politics: Examines different political systems and compares political institutions,
ideologies, and policies across countries.
International Relations: Focuses on the interactions between states, international
organizations, and global political issues.
Political Theory: Explores the philosophical foundations and normative aspects of politics,
including theories of justice, democracy, and governance.
Public Administration: Analyzes the theory and practice of public administration, including
policy implementation, bureaucratic behavior, and public management.
[Methodological Approaches and Research Methods in Political Science]
Political Science employs a range of research methods, including qualitative and quantitative
approaches.
Qualitative methods involve in-depth analysis of case studies, interviews, and textual
analysis.
Quantitative methods utilize statistical analysis and large-scale surveys to understand
political phenomena.
Mixed-methods approaches combine qualitative and quantitative methods to gain a
comprehensive understanding of political issues.
[Conclusion]
In this lecture, we provided an introduction to Political Science and its relevance to Public
Administration.
We discussed the definition and scope of Political Science and its various subfields.
We explored the importance of Political Science in understanding political dynamics and its
application to public administration.
In the upcoming weeks, we will delve deeper into political systems, ideologies, governance,
institutions, public policy, and contemporary issues in Political Science.

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Course: Introduction to Political Science

Course Code: PUB 206

Week 1: Introduction to Political Science

Definition, scope, and relevance of Political Science.

Comparative analysis of political systems (e.g., democracy, autocracy, hybrid regimes).

Analysis of key political institutions (e.g., legislature, executive, judiciary).

Role and significance of political parties in democratic systems.

Introduction to public policy and policy analysis.

Overview of international relations and global political dynamics.

Exploration of current topics and challenges in Political Science.

Political Science is the systematic study of politics, power, and governance.

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