This course introduces the study of politics and government and will explore the major concepts, methods, approaches and issues in political science, as well as the primary components of government structure and the political process. The course also prepares students for further study in political science by providing conceptual and analytical (quantitative and qualitative) tools appropriate to the field by looking at three particular dimensions:
1. Political behaviour;
2. Political institutions; and
3. Political outcomes
Prerequisites
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What you will learn
- Thinking like a Political Scientist: politics, government, power, influence, coercion, state, authority, civil society, and democracy, and the rudimentary methods of political science; great political thinkers in liberalism, conservatism, socialism, environmentalism, and feminism.
- Analysing Political Behaviour: the role and evolution of electoral systems, interest groups, and political parties and the relationship of these processes to voting behaviour.
- Analysing Political Institutions: the role and functions of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches; survey of various political regimes.
- Assessing Political Outcomes: the function of the civil service and the role of other decisional actors in terms of policy formulation and implementation.
How to register
This course is offered as part of a VCC program only.
Course schedules
Select your program to see the available course schedules.
Contact us
If you have any question, please email at advising@vcc.ca.
† This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.