What Is Political Science

1. What is Political Science?
Political science is a social science which deals with systems of governments, and the analysis
of political activities, political thoughts and political behavior.[1] It deals extensively with the theory and
practice of politics which is commonly thought of as determining of the distribution of power and
resources. Political scientists "see themselves engaged in revealing the relationships underlying political
events and conditions, and from these revelations they attempt to construct general principles about the
way the world of politics works."[2]
Political science comprises numerous subfields, including comparative politics, political
economy, international relations, political theory, public administration, public policy and political
methodology. Furthermore, political science is related to, and draws upon, the fields
of economics, law, sociology, history, philosophy, geography, psychology, and anthropology.
Comparative politics is the science of comparison and teaching of different types of constitutions, political
actors, legislature and associated fields, all of them from an intrastate perspective. International
relations deals with the interaction between nation-states as well as intergovernmental and transnational
organizations. Political theory is more concerned with contributions of various classical and contemporary
thinkers and philosophers.
Political science is methodologically diverse and appropriates many methods originating in social
research. Approaches include positivism, interpretive, rational choice
theory, behaviouralism, structuralism, post-structuralism, realism, institutionalism, and pluralism. Political
science, as one of the social sciences, uses methods and techniques that relate to the kinds of inquiries
sought: primary sources such as historical documents and official records, secondary sources such as
scholarly journal articles, survey research, statistical analysis, case studies, experimental research and
model building.
2. What is Politics and why do we have to study Politics?
Politics (from Greek: Politik: Politika, definition "affairs of the cities") is the process of making decisions
applying to all members of each group. More narrowly, it refers to achieving and exercising positions
of governance organized control over a human community, particularly a state. Furthermore, politics is
the study or practice of the distribution of power and resources within a given community (this is usually a
hierarchically organized population) as well as the interrelationship(s) between communities.
A variety of methods are deployed in politics, which include promoting or forcing one's own political views
among people, negotiation with other political subjects, making laws, and exercising force,
including warfare against adversaries. Politics is exercised on a wide range of social levels,
from clans and tribes of traditional societies, through modern local governments, companies and
institutions up to sovereign states, to the international level.
It is very often said that politics is about power.[1] A political system is a framework which defines
acceptable political methods within a given society. History of political thought can be traced back to early
antiquity, with seminal works such as Plato's Republic, Aristotle's Politics and the works of Confucius.
Formal Politics refers to the operation of a constitutional system of government and publicly defined
institutions and procedures.[1] Political parties, public policy or discussions about war and foreign affairs
would fall under the category of Formal Politics.[1] Many people view formal politics as something outside
of themselves, but that can still affect their daily lives.[1]
Semi-formal Politics is Politics in government associations such as neighborhood associations, or student
governments where student government political party politics is often important.
Informal Politics is understood as forming alliances, exercising power and protecting and advancing
particular ideas or goals. Generally, this includes anything affecting one's daily life, such as the way an
office or household is managed, or how one person or group exercises influence over another. [1] Informal
Politics is typically understood as everyday politics, hence the idea that "politics is everywhere".[1]
Studying political science can open up a wide range of job opportunities in both the public,
private, and not-for-profit private sectors. Students interested in careers in business, education,
law, journalism, communications, government, or politics more generally will obtain vital
knowledge and skills.
3. What is the scope of Political Science?
The scope of political science is vast and experts have divided the field of political science into five sub-
disciplines that are political theory, public administration, comparative politics, international relations, and
public law. It needs to be noted that these sub-disciplines cover the entire gamut of the modern political
economy and provide the basis for the study and understanding of how the global political economy
works. The study of the matters concerning the allocation and distribution as well as the transfer of power
is one of the main preoccupations of political scientists. The success or otherwise of the governance
structures is gauged by political scientists who examine the multifaceted and multilayered factors at work
that contribute to good or bad governance. The scope of the political scientists has now been broadened
to include the realm of the study of the democratic elections across the world. In other words, with the
explosion in the political systems all over the world, political scientists, and their scope of study has been
considerably enhanced.
4. What are the Methods of Political Science?
Political science is methodologically diverse and appropriates many methods originating

in social research. Approaches include positivism, interpretivism, rational choice
theory, behaviouralism, structuralism, post-structuralism, realism, institutionalism, and pluralism.
Political science, as one of the social sciences, uses methods and techniques that relate to the
kinds of inquiries sought: primary sources such as historical documents and official records,
secondary sources such as scholarly journal articles, survey research, statistical analysis, case
studies, experimental research and model building.
5. What are the goals in the study of Political Science?
The Department of Political Science has two main sets of learning goals. The first is the acquisition of specialized knowledge in
the field of political science. The second is the development of general skills that will serve students regardless of their future
course of study or employment.
1. Specialized Knowledge in the Discipline of Political Science
Political science majors should:
Become acquainted with each of the four major subfields within the discipline: American politics; comparative politics;
political theory; international relations
Demonstrate advanced knowledge in, and understanding of, one of the subfields within the discipline
Be familiar with the place of political science within the broader spectrum of the social sciences and history.
2. General Skills
Political science majors should be able to:
Understand and use the methods that political scientists use to answer questions about politics
Use critical thinking and evidence to understand and evaluate rival theories and interpretations
Formulate and express in writing a well-organized argument, supported by evidence
Conduct research in political science, using materials such as primary, secondary, and online sources or databases, in
support of an original argument.
Student progress is assessed with reference to:
Student papers, ranging from short essays to original research papers and senior theses
Oral presentations and performance in discussions in classes
Examinations.
Department performance will be assessed by:
Student course evaluations

Feedback from teaching assistants
Tracking the number of courses that require original research papers, oral presentations, and/or the development of
methodological skills.

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1. What is Political Science?

4. What are the Methods of Political Science?

Political science is methodologically diverse and appropriates many methods originating

5. What are the goals in the study of Political Science?

1. Specialized Knowledge in the Discipline of Political Science

Political science majors should:

Political science majors should be able to:

Student progress is assessed with reference to:

Department performance will be assessed by:

Student course evaluations

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