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Political Science, Intermediate Course B

Syllabus for Political Science, Intermediate Course B

Statskunskap B 30.0 credits

Syllabus
Course Code: 2SK059 Education Cycle: First cycle Main Field(s) of Study and In-Depth Level: Political Science G1F Grading System: Fail (U), Pass (G), Pass with distinction (VG). Established: 2007-01-24 Established by: Samhllsvetenskapliga fakultetsnmnden Syllabus Applies from: week 35, 2012 Entry Requirements: Political science basic level.

Learning Outcomes Learning outcomes On completion of the course the student is expected to - with some degree of competence discuss and work with political science problems within the sub-fields of Political Theory, Comparative Politics, Administrative Politics and Swedish or International Politics respectively - have formed a considered judgement of his own in both theoretical and empirical questions concerning the democratic rule and, in this respect, be able to analyse and discuss ideas and empirical research findings about democracy at a fairly advanced level - discuss the choice of method and design (case studies, comparative method, idea analysis) in a problem perspective - write a short essay within a chosen problem area, in collaboration with other students; discuss and defend this essay at a seminar and also discuss another student's essay and the contribution it makes - actively participate in seminar discussions and make presentations of articles and of his own work. Content The course is divided into four parts. The first sub-course deals with the problems of democracy. Normative questions concerning the concept of democracy, arguments for and against democracy, the relationship between democracy, constitutionalism and efficiency, and the
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Political Science, Intermediate Course B

relationship between democracy and feminism, are brought up here. In the second part mainly empirical questions about the prerequisites for democracy as well as its spread, causes and effects are treated. The second part of the course offers a choice between three sub-courses: International Politics, Swedish Politics and Administration and Political Theory. The course in International Politics gives deeper knowledge of the conceptual and theoretical tools to be used within the study of International Politics and brings up a number of basic problems within this field of research. The course concludes with a simulation exercise (role-play) where the students may put their theoretical knowledge into practice through participation in simulated international negotiations. This course aims at enhancing participants knowledge of main institutions in parliamentary democracies: parliaments; political executives (governments); and administrative executive authorities (public administration). Each type of institution is given a part in the course, the three themes are introduced in lectures and discussed during seminars. While the empirical focus is put on the Swedish context, methodological and theoretical reasons make it relevant and necessary to compare the Swedish case with other national systems. Europeanization of national institutions is discussed through out the course. Also, an ambition is to introduce students to the main theoretical perspectives used by political scientists to explain institutional design processes and outcomes. This course is taught in Swedish. The course Political theory consists of three parts; The first gives an overview of modern political theories, the second part focus on theories of international justice and the third part focus on feminism and multiculturalism. The third sub-part offers basic knowledge in scientific method. The students get a first introduction to empirical research and to the way in which different choices of method affect the realisation and results of a research project. The focus of the course is on basic methodological concepts and qualitative methods. The B-course ends with an essay assignment. It consists of the independent realisation of a minor project chosen by the student and set up in consultation with an advisor. The work is done in pairs with the support of an advisor and is presented orally at a final seminar, but also in the form of a written essay. 1. The Problems of Democracy 7.5 credits 2a. Political Theory 7.5 credits 2b. Swedish Politics and Public Administration 7.5 credits 2c. International Politics 7.5 credits 3. Methods 6.0 credits 4. Essay 9.0 credits
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Political Science, Intermediate Course B

Instructions The teaching is given in the form of lectures, seminars, simulation exercise, course papers, method exercises as well as individual guidance. Additional information regarding instruction and examination will be handed out before each sub-course. Assessment The course examination is based on seminar participation, course papers, an exam and an essay assignment. Course Level in Relation to Degree Requirements The students will develop their ability to critically analyse, understand and deal with, both orally and in writing, some relatively advanced texts from the central research fields of political science. The course gives the students an opportunity to reflect upon the requirements of a scientific discussion. Special attention is thereby given to the art of conveying the thoughts of others in an analytically meaningful way; the need for a concept formation of one's own "an instrument of analysis" for the characterisation and comparison of different ideas, and the importance of dealing with relevant critique in order to support one's own thesis. The student is expected to contribute actively with his own views, and there will be practice in oral presentations of the acquired knowledge. On completion of the course the student is expected to have obtained the necessary knowledge and competence to define research problems as well as carrying out and assessing empirical studies of a simple but yet qualitative kind. The course thereby provides the student with the knowledge and understanding of some basic methodological questions in the field of social science. The skills practiced include the competence to identify, formulate and seek answers to political science problems; the ability to define and carry out an assignment within given time limits; the ability to present and discuss information, problems and solutions, orally as well as in the written form; the ability to work independently with research problems and various project assignments. Other Directives The course may be included in several Bachelor Degree Programmes.

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