Political Science

Teacher(s)

Klimis Emmanuel;

Language

English

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

In line with the learning outcomes framework for the political science programme, general orientation (French-English), the teaching unit contributes to the development and acquisition of the following skills:  I. Acquiring the disciplinary and methodological foundations in the field of political science: Mastering the fundamental knowledge of political science, from an epistemological perspective, enabling students to answer key research questions addressed by the discipline. Gradually acquire an advanced knowledge of political science in its various branches, which will be introduced in this introductory course: international relations, European studies, political institutions and regimes (national), studies of political parties and pressure groups, analysis of public policies, political ideas, etc. III. Training in the scientific approach: Master and implement the rules and ethical principles of the scientific approach in political science. Demonstrate critical thinking and independent judgement. Acquire the ability to process data, based on a review of relevant work in the field and using the most appropriate methods of analysis. IV. Master oral and written communication in French and English : Acquire the ability to follow a course, study it and take the written exam in English. Practise or begin to acquire mastery of spoken and written English; more specifically, the ability to hold a conversation and communicate on social science topics and analyses in interactions with the teacher and teaching assistants.

Content

The course covers the fundamental concepts of political science: the scientific approach of the discipline, the concept of power, and the nature of the state.
It studies political regimes (democratic regimes, authoritarian regimes, totalitarian regimes) and compares their characteristics.
It then focuses on the actors on the political scene: political parties; voters; citizens in their individual or collective engagement through social movements.
Finally, it addresses the notion of public policy and its analysis.
The theoretical concepts covered in the course will be illustrated with examples from Belgian and international current affairs, particularly concerning the theme of women's rights and participation in politics; the challenges of sustainable developmen; and issues of decolonisation of thought, politics and international relations.
Part 1. General introduction and fundamental concepts
1.1. Introductory session: What is political science? Why include a political science course in a law programme?
1.2. Power, authority and legitimacy
1.3. A portrait of the state
Part 2. Political regimes
2.1. Authoritarian and totalitarian regimes
2.2. Democracy
Part 3. Political actors
3.1. Political parties: Genealogy and organisation
3.2. Elections and electoral behaviour
3.3. Political socialisation and political participation; Social movements: Resources, repertoires and mobilisation
Part 4. Policy analysis
4.1. Public policy: Definition and analysis

Teaching methods

Lectures in a large lecture theatre, exclusively in person and without recording of sessions, with the exception of the inaugural session (for the presentation of the teaching programme, assessment methods, etc.).
Additional reading (of 1 or 2 chapters of a book and/or articles) may also be required to illustrate or explore certain aspects of the course.

Evaluation methods

Type of assessment (and any measures): written examination
Language of assessment: English
Assessment criteria: the examination consists of both a multiple-choice questionnaire, worth half the marks, and open-ended questions on the content of the course covered in lectures and/or on the readings provided to students.
Other details: no documents are permitted during the examination, not even a dictionary (permitted exclusively for exchange students).

Other information

A sufficient command of English (level B1 or B2) is required to take this course, as none of the parts are taught in French and all interactions with the teacher will be in English.
No use of artificial intelligence is required for this course; its use is not possible within the assessment framework.
The course is taught in Q1.

Online resources

All course materials (PowerPoint slides) are available on Moodle, week by week, as are the articles or chapters that will be required reading.
If additional resources are offered (for illustration or supplementation), they will also be made available on Moodle.

Bibliography

Faculty or entity

> ESPB