INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE

POL 111:INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE

LECTURER: Dr O.P.ADELUSI

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course introduces students to the nature of Politics and Political Science. The central concepts of Power, Authority and the State are explained. The distinction between Politics and Political Science, Scope and Methodologies of Political Science, as well as linkages between Political Science and other disciplines in the Social Sciences will complete the lecture.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

At the end of this course, students are expected to

• Have a good grasp of the nature of Politics and the main concepts of Political Science.
• Understand the essentials of Political Science as a discipline.

METHOD OF TEACHING/TEACHING AIDS:

The method of Teaching is mostly participatory. The teacher outlines the major points of discourse on the topic. He talks to these points so outlined.   Students are encouraged to participate by raising questions.

The Teaching Aid employed is the Overhead Projector .Power point presentation is the modality of teaching.

COURSE OUTLINE:

MODULE 1 –Clarification of Concepts.

Week 1.  -   Nature of Government and Politics.

 Week 2   -   Can Politics be Scientific? / Is Political Analysis an Art or Science?

Week 3.   - Power, Influence and Authority, State, Society and Nation,& Sovereignty.

MODULE II- The Subject Matter of Political Science

Week 4. – Approaches to the Study of Politics.

        Weeks 5   - Structure and Organization of Government.

        Week 6   - Forms of Government.

MODULE III –The Nature and Scope of Political Science- I

      Week 7   - Constitution and Constitutionalism

       Week  8  -  Political Parties and Pressure Groups.

MODULE IV-The Nature and Scope of Political Science- -II

     Week 9 – Public Administration.

   Week 10 – Theories of Federalism

  Week 11.- Political Ideas and Movements

  Week 12. - International Relations and Organizations

WEEK 13   -   REVISION

METHOD OF GRADING:

C/A Test:                              10%

Mid-Semester Exam              20%

End of Semester Exam           70%

GRAND RULES & REGULATIONS

·        Attendance to lectures and tutorials are compulsory for registered students.

·        Students must be seated 10 minutes before the commencement of every lecture.

·        Listening to Teacher as He talks to Bullet Points on the Screen.

·        The class copies Bullet Points on the screen.

·        Students are encouraged to ask questions and make observation.

TOPIC FOR TERM PAPER/ASSIGNMENT:

(i)                Scientific Study of Politics;

(ii)              Contrasts between Power and Influence.

(iii)             Single term of 6years vsTwo terms of four years each.

ALIGNMENT WITH JOSEPH AYO BABALOLA UNIVERSITY VISION/GOALS

The course aligns with core values of Capacity Building.

CONTEMPORARY ISSUES RELEVANCE

·        Political Party internal Democracy

·         Review of the 1999 Constitution.

·        Deregistration of Nigeria’s 64 Political Parties.

·        Single term of 6years for President and governors.

 RECOMMENDED READINGS

1. Oyeleye, Oyediran, (2007),Introduction to Political Science. Oyediran Consults International, Ibadan.
2. Oyeleye, Oyediran, (1989), “The Role of Legislature in the 1989 Constitution: A Plea for Re-examination” Quarterly Journal of Administration, Vol.xxxiii, No.3.
3. Abdulsalmi. I,(1988), “Public Policy Making in Nigeria : Process and Problems” in ASCON Journal of Management. Vol.7 Nos 1 & 2, April/ October. pps 46- 53.
4. Dahl, Robert, (1970), Modern Political Analysis, New Jersey, Prentice Hall..
5. Morgenthau, H.J(1973), Politics Among Nations, New York: Alfred Knof,.
6. Welsh, W.A,(1973), Studying Politics, Lagos: Thomas Nelson,
7. Olaniyi, Johnson, (1998), Foundations of Public Policy Analysis. Sunad Publishers. Ltd..
8. Ikelegbe, A.O.Public Policy Making & Analysis. 1996. Benin City. Uri Publishers.
9. Egonmwan, J.A.(1991),Public Policy Analysis: Concepts and Applications.  M.O.Aka& Brothers Press,
10. Chinoy, Ely,(1967), Society: An Introduction to Sociology, New York: Random House,

11.   Laski, Harold J,(1961), Introduction of Politics. London: George Allen and Unwin,

12.   Laski, Harold J,( 1967),A Grammar of Politics,London: George Allen and Unwin,

13.   Kohn, Hans,(1939), “The Nature of Nationalism” APSR, No.6,Vol.33,

14.   Adelusi,Olufemi,( 2007), Development Policies and Analysis: A Reader Standard Mass Concept  Company. Akure and Lagos.

15.   Adeniran, T.( 1983),Introduction to International Relations. Lagos: Macmillan. Nigeria,.

16.   Claude, InisL.Jr. (1964) Swords intoPloughshares: The Problems and Progress of International Organization, New York: Random House,.

17.   Ologbenla,D.K,(1998), Introduction to Political Science, Olucity. Press ,

18.   Lasswell, H.D,( 1951),Politics: Who Gets What, When and How? Free Press, Glencoe,III,