Course outline

Introduction to Political Science

COURSE BASICS
Course Code
Credit Hours
Lectures [No. of Lec(s) Per Week] 3 Duration 55
Lab Sessions Duration

COURSE DISTRIBUTION
Program(s) Attached To
Core / Elective Core
Course Pre-requisites None

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course introduces students to the basic concepts and ideas of Political Science in the areas of
political theory and comparative politics. As such, the course offers a survey of
the basic concepts which animate discussion about the nature of society, government and politics. We
will try to understand politics by exploring how conflicting interests, quest for power, justice, rights and
legitimacy shape the political process.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
1) Enable students to comprehend the social, political and economic forces that have historically
constituted the purpose and practice of politics so that they may be conscious of the conceptual and
ideological basis of their own political thinking as well as that of others.
2) Introduce students to basic political concepts and ideologies.
3) Introduce students to the systematic study of politics so that they may understand the interplay
between ideologies, institutions and personalities that shape politics in the modem world.
4) Provide students with knowledge and analytical tools for greater civic engagement as citizens
of Pakistan.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of the course students should be able to:
1. Identify various understandings of politics and the various ways in which it has been studied throughout
history.
2. Define and analyze the most basic concepts in the study of politics such as power, authority, legitimacy etc.
3. Define and understand the emergence of central political institutions such as the state, the nation, civil
society etc.
4. Have a holistic overview of the various central ideologies in modern history, their emergence and role in
shaping the modern world.
 BBA PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

1. Equip students with a variety of organizing, planning, controlling, team-building and communicating skills necessary to effectively
manage and lead organizations in diverse and dynamic environments
2. Provide students with an understanding of contemporary social, economic and political realities which impact the business
environment in Pakistan as well as globally
3. Nurture problem analysis and decision making skills required for handling challenges faced by modern businesses. Students will be
imparted sustaining potential through development of management knowledge and skills
4. Maintain an industry driven blend between theory and practical application in teaching
5. Integrate knowledge of the functional areas of business and funnel into a coherent strategic whole to enable students see
management problems in a holistic perspective
6. Ability to design and propose effective policies for value creation through core business processes of any organization
7. Encourage ‘out of box’ thinking and novel solution finding for conventional and non-conventional problems in management
domain
8. Demonstrate an awareness of the ethical considerations and social responsibilities in the conduct of business. Graduates will be
able to evaluate community responsibilities in organizations and society and propose innovative solutions to complex issues faced
by organizations in the pretext of local value system
9. Improve interpersonal skills required for effective teamwork and developing cordial work environments. Nourish leadership and
initiative taking capabilities coupled with written and oral competencies to enrich managerial effectiveness.
10. Equip students with quantitative and qualitative tools to identify potential business opportunities and successfully materialize new
entrepreneurial ventures.

Map if course objectives or outcomes specifically relate to any program objectives (along with corresponding assessment item):

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES (COURSE) LEARNING OUTCOMES COURSE ASSESSMENT ITEM

Provide students with an understanding of Have a holistic overview of the Quiz
contemporary social, economic and political various central ideologies in modern CP
realities which impact the business Midterm
environment in Pakistan as well as globally history, their emergence and role in Final
shaping the modern world. Presentation

ASSESSMENT STRUCTURE
Assessment Items Percentage
Quiz(s) 10 %
Assignments(s)
Class Participation 5%
Midterm Examination 30 %
Final Examination 40 %
Project/Presentation 15%
Other(s)

Any specific teaching/learning strategies: Screening of documentaries on relevant topics. Continuation of class discussions via informal
channels.
COURSE CONTENT AND DELIVERY PLAN
Week Topics Application (Learning Outcomes achieved through this topic)
1 What is Politics? Awareness of what Politics is and how it is studied
2 Development of Political Science Awareness of what Politics is and how it is studied
3 Power, Authority and Legitimacy Knowledge of Political Concepts
4 Emergence of the Modern State Knowledge of Political Institutions
5 Nations and Nationalism Knowledge of Political Institutions
6 Political Culture and Socialization Knowledge of Political Concepts
7 Civil Society Knowledge of Political Institutions
8 Understanding Ideology Awareness and capacity to analyze various ways of political thinking
9 Liberalism Awareness and capacity to analyze various ways of political thinking
10 Conservatism Awareness and capacity to analyze various ways of political thinking
11 Socialism Awareness and capacity to analyze various ways of political thinking
12 Fascism Awareness and capacity to analyze various ways of political thinking
13 Feminism Awareness and capacity to analyze various ways of political thinking
14 Democracy in the Modern World Awareness and capacity to analyze various ways of political thinking

LEARNING RESOURCES
Books: Politics by Andrew Heywood
Comparative Introduction to Political Science by Robert Jackson
The State, its Nature, Development and Prospects by Giofrancco Poggi
The Global Resurgence of Democracy by Larry Diamond
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