Politics: An Introduction

Programme details

The course is broken down into 10 units over 10 weeks, each requiring approximately 10 hours of study time. The following topics are covered:

1. Introducing Politics.

• Politics as a social science subject
• Key elements of politics: ideas, behaviour, institutions and policy processes
• Identifying state forms and functions
• State-citizen relationships

2. Key Concepts in Politics.

• The relationship between power and authority
• Identifying and classifying rights and freedoms
• Equality as a key element of justice

3. Political Ideas and the State.

• Idea of the ‘social contract’ and rise of the liberal state
• Collectivism, social provision and the liberal-democratic state
• Marx and the capitalist state

4. Trends and Issues in International Politics.

• Theories of international politics
• The Cold War and its aftermath
• Conflict in the Middle East

5. Globalisation, International Institutions and the Idea of Global Governance.

• Theories of Globalisation
• Globalisation and its critics
• Institutes of economic governance
• The idea of global governance

6. Political Ideologies and Movements of the Left.

• Marxism and communism
• Social democracy and reformism
• Nationalism and national liberation
• Collectivism and state intervention
• Feminism

7. Political Ideologies and Movements of the Right.

• Conservatism
• Fascism and National Socialism
• Neo-fascism
• Neo-liberalism
• Populism

8. Political Behaviour.

• Political identity and voting behaviour
• Political parties and interest groups as political vehicles
• Impact of the mass media on politics and government
• Comparison of electoral systems

9. Governmental Systems and Structures.

• Centralised and devolved systems of government
• Legislative systems and representation
• Constitutions
• Leadership in government

10. Policy-making and Implementation.

• The notion of ‘governance’ in public administration
• Models for decision-making
• Management processes and policy implementation

We strongly recommend that you try to find a little time each week to engage in the online conversations (at times that are convenient to you) as the forums are an integral and very rewarding part of the course and the online learning experience.

Level and demands

This course is open to all, and no prior knowledge is required.

This course is offered at FHEQ level 4 (first year undergraduate level), and you will be expected to engage in independent study in preparation for your assignments. Our 10-week Short Online Courses come with an expected total commitment of 100 study hours.

English Language Requirements

We do not insist that applicants hold an English language certification, but we warn that they may be at a disadvantage if their language skills are not of a comparable level to those qualifications listed on our website. If you are confident in your proficiency, please feel free to enrol. For more information regarding English language requirements, please see here.

Course aims

This course aims to introduce participants to the study of politics. This course will enable participants to:

• Gain an understanding of the principal theories, concepts and ideologies that have influenced the development of the contemporary state.
• Develop an understanding of political behaviour.
• Understand how legislative and governmental systems work.
• Appreciate the connection between the global and local through studying policy-making and implementation processes.

IT requirements

This course is delivered online; to participate you must be familiar with using a computer for purposes such as sending email and searching the Internet. You will also need regular access to the Internet and a computer meeting our recommended minimum computer specification.

Programme details

The course is broken down into 10 units over 10 weeks, each requiring approximately 10 hours of study time. The following topics are covered:

1. Introducing Politics.

• Politics as a social science subject
• Key elements of politics: ideas, behaviour, institutions and policy processes
• Identifying state forms and functions
• State-citizen relationships

2. Key Concepts in Politics.

• The relationship between power and authority
• Identifying and classifying rights and freedoms
• Equality as a key element of justice

3. Political Ideas and the State.

• Idea of the ‘social contract’ and rise of the liberal state
• Collectivism, social provision and the liberal-democratic state
• Marx and the capitalist state

4. Trends and Issues in International Politics.

• Theories of international politics
• The Cold War and its aftermath
• Conflict in the Middle East

5. Globalisation, International Institutions and the Idea of Global Governance.

• Theories of Globalisation
• Globalisation and its critics
• Institutes of economic governance
• The idea of global governance

6. Political Ideologies and Movements of the Left.

• Marxism and communism
• Social democracy and reformism
• Nationalism and national liberation
• Collectivism and state intervention
• Feminism

7. Political Ideologies and Movements of the Right.

• Conservatism
• Fascism and National Socialism
• Neo-fascism
• Neo-liberalism
• Populism

8. Political Behaviour.

• Political identity and voting behaviour
• Political parties and interest groups as political vehicles
• Impact of the mass media on politics and government
• Comparison of electoral systems

9. Governmental Systems and Structures.

• Centralised and devolved systems of government
• Legislative systems and representation
• Constitutions
• Leadership in government

10. Policy-making and Implementation.

• The notion of ‘governance’ in public administration
• Models for decision-making
• Management processes and policy implementation

We strongly recommend that you try to find a little time each week to engage in the online conversations (at times that are convenient to you) as the forums are an integral and very rewarding part of the course and the online learning experience.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be expected to have gained the following skills:

• The ability to analyse and discuss ideas critically
• The ability to identify and compare the key characteristics of political and governmental institutions and how they function
• The ability to compare and contrast politics in different countries
• The ability to research current political issues and relate them to the course material

Assessment methods

You will be set two pieces of work for the course. The first 500 words are due halfway through your course. This does not count towards your final outcome, but preparing for it and the feedback you are given will help you prepare for your assessed piece of work of 1,500 words due at the end of the course. The assessed work is marked pass or fail.

Dr Ian Taylor

Ian was awarded his doctorate from the LSE in 1977. Having taught previously at Bristol Polytechnic and Exeter University, he spent thirty years at Aston University, where he became Head of Public Policy in 2009. He has taught part-time for the Open University since 1985 and for the University of Oxford’s Department for Continuing Education since 2011.

Assessment methods

You will be set two pieces of work for the course. The first 500 words are due halfway through your course. This does not count towards your final outcome, but preparing for it and the feedback you are given will help you prepare for your assessed piece of work of 1,500 words due at the end of the course. The assessed work is marked pass or fail.

Level and demands

This course is open to all, and no prior knowledge is required.

This course is offered at FHEQ level 4 (first year undergraduate level), and you will be expected to engage in independent study in preparation for your assignments. Our 10-week Short Online Courses come with an expected total commitment of 100 study hours.

English Language Requirements

We do not insist that applicants hold an English language certification, but we warn that they may be at a disadvantage if their language skills are not of a comparable level to those qualifications listed on our website. If you are confident in your proficiency, please feel free to enrol. For more information regarding English language requirements, please see here.

Fees

Module code: O26P426HIV

Please use the ‘Book now’ button on this page.

View our terms and conditions

Book now