Learn the core concepts of power, authority, legitimacy, and the state. Explore how political scientists study institutions, behaviour, and outcomes across different political systems.
PLIR 101: Introduction to Political Science
This is a Level 1 course from the Politics and International Relations major, part of the Open Bachelor’s programme. It is worth 6 ECTS and takes place in Term 1 in Lisbon.
Course Summary
What makes political systems work, and how do they differ?? This course introduces students to the foundational structures and principles of political systems worldwide, examining political behaviour, power dynamics, and the policymaking process. Through the study of real-world examples and key historical moments, students will explore how institutions and actors interact to shape political landscapes. Emphasis is placed on understanding the drivers of political stability and change and how different institutions have varying impacts. Analytical tools are developed throughout the course, enabling students to critically engage with the forces shaping political systems and critically evaluate them. By the end, students will have gained a nuanced understanding of how different political systems function and the skills needed to analyse political developments, forming a foundation for further exploration in politics and international relations.
Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)
| Description | Mapped to Human Intelligence | |
|---|---|---|
| CLO 1 | Acquire and apply the key theories that can be used to analyse the core institutions of different political systems and their differing impacts. | CI1 – Learning Agility |
| CLO 2 | Demonstrate an ability to interpret and evaluate different arguments presented in the existing literature, including the fundamental role of evidence. | CI4 – Mastery in Knowledge Application |
| CLO 3 | Analyse and effectively communicate the insights from a case study, showing how political systems affect political behavior or how behavior affects institutions. | SEI3 – Effective Communication |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Weighting of Course Grade | Group Assessment? | Invigilated? | CLOs Mapped | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Evaluative – Quiz | 20% | No | Yes | CLO 1 |
| Assessment 2 | Written – Essay | 40% | No | No | CLOs 1, 2, 3 |
| Assessment 3 | Practical – Case Study | 40% | No | Yes | CLOs 1, 2, 3 |
- Assessment 1 Description: A short quiz administered around the mid-point of the course, designed to assess students’ understanding of foundational concepts and terminology. The quiz provides early diagnostic feedback to help students consolidate core knowledge and identify areas for improvement.
- Assessment 2 Description: A 1500 word essay in which students should critically engage with relevant literature to answer an exam question. Students are encouraged to use AI to help them research and compose the essay, and the grading for the assignment will be significantly weighted on the students’ use of AI which will be assessed and discussed in the academic tutorial.
- Assessment 3 Description: A closed book, invigilated case study that requires students to apply key theories and readings to an unseen scenario. Students will have formative practice for this assignment in groups during the course before this individual assessment takes place towards the end of the course.
Indicative List
of Topics
Examine the differences between democracies, autocracies, and hybrid regimes. Analyse how constitutions, electoral systems, and branches of government shape policy and representation.
Investigate why and how citizens engage in politics, including voting, protest, and activism. Understand how identity, ideology, and institutions shape political choices.
Explore how parliaments, executives, and bureaucracies interact to make and implement policy. Study the role of interest groups, parties, and the media in shaping political agendas.
Understand the forces that drive political development, reform, and revolution. Assess the conditions under which institutions endure, adapt, or collapse in response to internal and external pressures.
