Introduction to Political Science

Presentation

The UC aims to put students in touch with the main notions, issues and theses dealt with in Political Science. As the name implies, it is therefore an introductory course, which presents an overview of one of the most important scientific areas in the European Studies.

Part of this Programme

European Studies and International Relations

Level of Qualification|Semesters|ECTS

| Semestral | 5

Year | Type of course unit | Language

1 |Mandatory |Português

Code

ULHT450-9423

Recommended complementary curricular units

Since the UC is preparatory to the entire course, there are no specially recommended UCs

Prerequisites and co-requisites

n/a

Professional Internship

Não

Syllabus

1 - Concept and object of Political Science

2 - Approaches and Differences between Political Science, Sociology and Law

3 - Perspectives of approach and methods of analysis in Political Science: functionalism and systems theory

4 - Political Ideologies

5 - State, nation and nation-state

6 -Political regimes

7 - Electoral systems

9 - Government systems

10 - Politics among sovereign states: International Relations

Objectives

1. Knowledge of the elementary concepts of politics, its specificity as a science and the fundamental problems that this science deals with.
2. Ability to distinguish science from political ideologies
3. Competence to formulate reasoned judgments on political theories and facts

Teaching methodologies and assessment

1 - Theoretical exposition of the programmatic contents by the teacher, followed by a period of debate.

 2 - Presentation and discussion of current cases and texts by well-known authors

3 - Presentation and discussion in class of small texts elaborated by the students either individually or in group.

The evaluation can be done through two systems: continuous evaluation and evaluation by examination.

1- Students in continuous assessment should attend at least half of the classes and undergo two written tests. The final classification will result from: a) attendance and participation in classes (10%); b) written test I (45%) and written test II (45%).

2- Students with worker status or who have not succeed in the continuous evaluation, should undergo an examination

References

• Fernandes, A. J. (2010). Introdução à Ciência Política, 3ª ed. Porto: Porto Editora
• Leite Pinto, R. E Matos Correia, J. (2000), Ciência Politica e Direito Constitucional. Lisboa: Livraria Republicana
• Pasquino,G. (2010). Curso de Ciência Política, 2ª edição, trad.port. Cascais: Principia

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