Introduction to Political Studies, 3 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Entry requirements

General entry requirements for undergraduate studies

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should, at a basic level, be able to

• demonstrate a critical, scientific approach to political questions and phenomena.

Course content

The course covers the emergence of modern policy studies and political science as a university discipline concerning scientific ideals, central concepts and problems, views on method and empirical focus. Basic questions on reading and production of political science-related texts are discussed. Principles of source management and documentation are introduced and applied.

Teaching and working methods

The course includes lectures where the course contents are introduced and developed. The lectures complement the reading list. The seminars constitute a central part of the students' learning processes and provide an opportunity to reflect and, in groups, critically discuss in order to develop the approach and skills. The student is expected to be well prepared for the lectures and to have completed the seminar preparations according to the instructions that are given in the course description. The student is expected to profit from the reading list independently and/or in independently organised reading groups.

Examination

The course is examined through participation in the seminars and smaller written assignments. Parts that involve examination are compulsory. Detailed information can be found in the study guide.

If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component.

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it.

If the coordinator has recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.

An examiner may also decide that an adapted examination or alternative form of examination if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, and the examiner assesses that it is possible while maintaining the objectives of the course.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is carried out in such a way that both men´s and women´s experience and knowledge is made visible and developed.

If special circumstances prevail, the vice-chancellor may in a special decision specify the preconditions for temporary deviations from this course syllabus, and delegate the right to take such decisions.

Department