STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 I.      Describe and evaluate the concepts of power, legitimacy and authority.

 II.     Discuss the origins and developments of the nation-state.

 III.    Distinguish between traditional and behavioral approaches to the study of politics.

 IV.     Discuss general approaches to the study of politics such as political philosophy, political systems theory and political economy.

 V.      Describe and discuss the political socialization process.

 VI.     Examine the nature of political participation from a comparative perspective.

 VII.    Discuss the nature of public opinion from a comparative perspective.

 VIII.   Identify the different types of electoral systems and be able to assess the implications of those systems.

 IX.     Identify the role and functions of political parties.

 X       Identify the different types of party systems from a comparative perspective.

 XI.     Describe and evaluate the general principles of presidential and parliamentary political systems.

 XII.    Describe and compare the essential features of at least three governments of Western Europe.

 XIII.   Identify and evaluate the principles of authoritarian and totalitarian governments.

 XIV.    Discuss the concepts of political development and problems facing developing nations.

 XV.     Discuss and explain the origins and principles of democratic capitalism.

 XVI.    Discuss and explain the origins and principles of democratic socialism.

 XVII.   Discuss and explain the origins and principles of Marxist socialism.

 XVIII.  Discuss and explain the origins and principles of national socialism and fascism.

 XIX.    Discuss and explain the origins, development, and principles of third world ideologies.

 XX      Describe the origins, development, and principles of international law.

 XXI.    Identify and assess the influence of major international organizations.

 XXII.   Describe and analyze the causes of international conflict.

 XXIII.  Analyze current critical issues in international relationships.

 XXIV.   Read, analyze and apply written material to new situations.

 XXV.    Write and speak clearly and logically in presentations and essays.

 XXVI.   Demonstrate the ability to select and apply contemporary forms of technology to solve problems or compile information.

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I.      Introduction to Political Science

         A.      Power, legitimacy and authority

         B.      The origins and development of the nation state

         C.      Traditional and behavioral approaches

         D.      Political philosophy

         E.      Political systems theory

         F.      Political economy

 II.     The individual and government

         A.      Political socialization

         B.      Political participation

         C.      Public opinion

         D.      Elections and systems of representation

         E.      Single-member districts

         F.      Proportional representation

 III.    Political Parties

         A.      Functions

         B.      Types of groups

 IV.     Comparative Political Institutions

         A.      Presidential and parliamentary regimes

         B.      Principles of organization

         C.      Executive, legislative, judicial branches

 V.      Authoritarian and totalitarian regimes

         A.      Characteristics of authoritarianism

         B.      Characteristics of totalitarianism

 VI.     Developing nations

         A.      Theories of underdevelopment and development

         B.      Recent developments and future trends

 VII.    Political Ideologies

         A.      Democratic capitalism

                 1.      Origins

                 2.      Principles

         B.      Democratic socialism

                 1.      Origins

                 2.      Principles

         C.      Marxist socialism

                 1.      Origins

                 2.      Principles

         D.      National socialism and fascism

                 1.      Origins

                 2.      Principles

         E.      Third World Ideologies

                 1.      Origins

                 2.      Principles

 VIII.   International Relations

         A.      Development of the international system

                 1.      Historical overview

                 2.      Theories

         B.      International Law

                 1.      Origins

                 2.      Principles

 IX.     International Organizations

         A.      International intergovernmental organizations

         B.      International non-governmental organizations

 X       International conflict and causes of war

         A.      Historical overview

         B.      Theories

 XI.     Analysis of current critical issues