Search the courses, subjects, tracks, games and features, or jump straight to a page.
Learn it your way
A short class with Sarah and her students. The other ways are under More.
Sign up free to listen. Transcripts are free to read.
Welcome class! Today, we're exploring 'What is Political Science?' To start, can anyone tell me how we define Political Science?
Isn't it about studying politics and government systems?
Exactly! Political Science is fundamentally the study of politics and how government systems operate. It examines power and its implications. Let's remember this with the acronym GAPS: Governance, Authority, Power, and Society. Now, can someone explain how Political Science relates to other social sciences?
It connects with economics, history, and sociology, right?
Correct! These disciplines enrich our understanding of political dynamics. For example, history can provide context to current political systems. Can anybody name a specific area of study within Political Science?
Comparative Politics?
Yes! Comparative Politics is about analyzing different political systems. This session highlights the multi-faceted nature of Political Science and its importance in analyzing power dynamics in society.
In our previous session, we discussed the definition. Today, let’s explore key areas within Political Science. Who can list some?
International Relations and Political Theory!
Great contributions! International Relations deals with how countries interact, while Political Theory explores various political ideologies. Can someone share why studying these areas is vital?
It helps us understand global conflicts and governance!
Exactly! Understanding these areas equips us to tackle complex global issues. To aid in retention, think of the mnemonic PICS: Political Theories, International Relations, Comparative Politics, and Systems. Before we wrap up, can we summarize what we learned today?
Political Science is about studying politics through various subfields!
Well done! This understanding will serve as a foundation for our future discussions.
In politics, we delve and pry, to ask how nations stand or lie.
Imagine a world where leaders meet at a table, discussing power, freedom, and what they are able.
Remember GAPS: Governance, Authority, Power, Society for analyzing political structures.
PICS: Political Theories, International Relations, Comparative Politics, Systems.
Term
Political Science
Click to flip
Term
Comparative Politics
Click to flip
Term
International Relations
Click to flip
Term
Political Theory
Click to flip
The study of politics, government systems, and political behavior.
A subfield of Political Science that compares different political systems.
The study of interactions between countries and global organizations.
The examination of political ideas and ideologies.
Political Science is the study of politics and government systems, influencing various aspects of society.
This section covers the definition of political science, its scope, and its relationship with other social sciences. It highlights key areas of study within the field, such as Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory.
Political Science is fundamentally defined as the study of politics, government systems, and political behavior. It scrutinizes how power is allocated and exercised within societies and examines the structure and function of government institutions. Moreover, it also explores the intersection of political science with other social sciences like economics, history, and sociology, providing a holistic view of the dynamics influencing social governance.
Political Science encompasses a variety of subfields, including: