Pol 101(16): Introductions to Political Science

Spring 2020
MW Classes(11.20- 12.50)

Statue of
Greek
Philosopher
Socrates

Plato and
Aristotle

(Source: Internet)

Course Description

This course on Introduction to Political Science has been designed for the undergrad
students to give them an understanding on the concepts and functioning of the state,
government and politics. Politics of a country impacts the lives of all citizens. Hence, an
idea on political science particularly the nature and function of the state, the rights and
obligations of citizens, the quest and preservation of democracy is necessary for all
citizens. Students from diverse background are expected to learn the basic principles,
concepts and ideas of political science, its scope and the relationship between citizens and
state, the nature and behavior of public institutions for ensuring rule of law. The aim of
the course is to trigger interest and sensitize students on the roles of politics in human
society. Secondly, students are made familiar with the basic concepts of the discipline of
political Science. Another purpose is to encourage the students to develop critical thinking
to become informed citizen.
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 Learning Outcomes

At the successful completion of the course the students are expected to have the following
learning outcomes:

a. They will have clarity in the understanding on the concepts of political science
b. They will have an understanding on the functioning of the three branches and
separation of powers.
c. They will have understanding on the functioning of the state, government and
politics.
d. Build skills for critical thinking, and articulating though group work and class
presentations.

Course structure
The course is designed in a manner to augment learning thru lecture, discussion sessions,
group assignments, group and individual presentations. The students will be forming
groups in the class. The group assignments and group presentation schedules will be
notified in the class preferably in the third week of the course. The structure of
presentation is slot of 10 minutes for presentation and 10 minutes for question and
answer session. Each group will have 2 to 4 students on the basis of the total size. Two
quizzes, one midterm and final examination will be held as per the designated date and
time.

Distribution of Marks

The following grading system will be followed:

 Class attendance and participation 10%
 Group work and report presentation 20%
 Class quizzes (10+10)=20%
 Midterm 20%
 Final Exam 30%

Grading Policy

North South University grading policy will be followed.

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 Student Responsibility

Students are expected to attend all classes and take active interest in the class. Timely
arrival in the class is greatly encouraged. Students would not miss the particular
examinations unless situation warrants. Students are required to swipe RFID card after
the faculty within the next 10 minutes. Etiquette and mannerism in the class is to be
strictly followed. It is expected that students cooperate and comply with the NSU code of
discipline at all times.

Weekly Layout

Week 1
21.1.20
Session 1: Introductory Class, Describing scope and meaning of political science.
26.1.20
Session:2 Is political science a science?
Week 2
28.1.20
Session 1: Power, authority and legitimacy
2.3.20
Session:2: Quiz 1 plus lecture on Theories of State Origin Sovereignty,
Week 3
4.3.20
Session:1 Elements of state (Sovereignty, nationalism, territory and people)
9.3.20
Session 2: Forms of Government

Week 4
11.3.20
Session 1 Separation of Powers
16.3.20
Swession2: Branches of Government :Legislature, Executive and Judiciary
Week 5
Session 1 18.3.20 Constitution and its types
Session 2 25.2.20 Constitution of Bangladesh
Week 6
Session 1 1.3.20 Quiz 2 plus Political party and Party System
Session 2 3.3.20 Public Opinion and role of media
Week 7
Session 1 8.3.20 Mid exam
Session 2 10.3.20 Accountability-forms and mechanism

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Week 8
Session 1 15.3.20 Civil society and its role in a democratic state
Session 2 22.3.20 Economic Development versus Political Development
Week 9
Session 1 24.3.20 Elections/voting and Public representation
Session 2 29.3.20 Democracy- concept, requirements and challenges
Week 10
Session 1 31.3.20 Quiz 3
Session 2 5.4.20 Democratic Governance
Week 11
Session 1 7.4.20 Group work presentations
Session 2 12.4.20 Group work presentations

Last day of ST classes 15 .4.20

[In addition to class lecture slides, reading list will be provided in the class]