Introduction to Political Science IPSAMOOC

What you will learn

• The main characteristics of political regimes and how democratic regimes are governed
• The main challenges in global politics
• The fundamentals of research designs and methods in the social sciences
• Development of conceptual thinking and elementary theory building through the employment of political concepts

Program Overview

This Political Science Xseries program uses critical approaches and analytical methods that can be applied to any complex organisation or problem to offer learners a solid understanding of the structure and function of national governments and international political Institutions, and the challenges of contemporary democracy.

Benefiting from leading academics associated with the International Political Science Association, the XSeries program covers, at the introductory level, areas in the study of political science, ranging from research design and methods and critical theory to comparative analysis of different political concepts and systems, world politics and theories of democracy and autocracy.

This series of courses are meant to appeal to three types of audience:

1. For students considering or starting a degree in Political Science or for those requiring a basic grounding in Political Science before embarking on post-graduate study in a related field, the XSeries is intended to serve as a useful orientation and preparation tool.
2. For teachers of Political Science at any level who may choose to complement their course material with MOOCs offered by world renowned scholars in an innovative format particularly suitable for the digital generation. They will find that the course acts as a rich and interactive online textbook and a useful reference tool.
3. For anyone else who is interested in a better understanding of the challenges facing contemporary democracies in the contemporary world.

Courses in this program

Comparative Political Systems

Explored through the lens of different political systems, this course provides the insights neededto understand Democracy today and the challenges faced by democratic governments.

Understanding Political Concepts

This course offers an exciting journey through political science concepts. Understand key concepts like party, bureaucracy, andconstitution by using new methods developed for scholars and students; including the innovative “Hyperpolitics” tool.

Comparative Research Designs and Methods

Explore comparative analysis and itsimportance in the social sciences. You’ll learn howto use comparative methods for constructive explanation and theory building and applyit to real-world politics.

Democracy and Autocracy: Theories and Empirical Findings

Learn which forms of government can best guarantee a free, fair, and just life by exploringhow democracy and autocracy emerge, evolve, andimpact our lives.

Contemporary Issues in World Politics

Explore major issues in world politics and learn how recent developments have challenged world order and peace.