INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE
Fundamentals of Political Science
(PSC111) (BAPS11) | Prof. Naomi D. Solano | SEM 1 2023
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Definition of Political Science
Political science is the systematic study of
politics, governments, and political behavior.
It covers subjects including the structure of
governments, the formulation of policies, the
behavior of political figures and the general
population, as well as the impact of political
decisions on society. Political scientists
analyze political systems, institutions, and
processes to better understand and explain
political phenomena and developments.
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Areas of Study in Political Science
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Political Theory: Examines the
fundamental principles and ideas
that underpin political systems,
exploring concepts such as justice,
democracy, liberty, and authority.
Comparative Politics: Compares
different
political
systems,
governments, and societies to
identify patterns, differences, and
trends in areas like governance,
institutions, and public policy.
International Relations: Focuses on
interactions
between
countries,
addressing
issues
such
as
diplomacy,
international
organizations, conflict resolution,
and global cooperation.
Public Administration: Investigates
the functioning of government
bureaucracies, their efficiency, and
their role in policy implementation.
Political Philosophy: Engages with
deep philosophical questions about
justice, power, and governance,
often
discussing
the
moral
foundations of political systems.
Public Law: Primarily focuses on the
organization of government offices,
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limitations on government authority,
and regulations governing public
officials. In a broader context, law
consists of rules established by
competent authorities to govern
various aspects of human conduct
and activity, with distinct branches
addressing specific areas.
Political Dynamics: Encompasses
the study of the forces influencing
government
and
politics,
emphasizing
factors
such
as
pressure/interest
groups, public
opinion, and political parties. These
dynamic elements serve as the
driving forces behind political actors
and perspectives, shaping the
course
of
governance
and
policy-making.
Public
Policy:
Analyzes
the
development, implementation, and
impact of government policies on
various issues like healthcare,
education, the economy, and the
environment.
Political Institutions: Studies the
structures and functions of political
organizations, including legislatures,
executives, and judiciaries, to
understand how they operate within
a political system.
Political Behavior: Examines the
behavior of individuals and groups in
the political context, including voting
behavior, public opinion, political
parties, and interest groups.
Political Economy: Explores the
intersection
of
politics
and
economics,
focusing
on
the
influence of economic factors on
political decisions and vice versa.
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Policy Analysis: Applies quantitative
and qualitative methods to evaluate
policies and their outcomes, aiming
to
provide
evidence-based
recommendations for policymakers.
Political Sociology: Studies the
relationship between politics and
society, examining issues like social
movements, political culture, and the
impact of social structures on
politics.
Security Studies: Investigates issues
related to national and international
security, including military strategy,
conflict resolution, and the study of
terrorism.
Political Science as a Social Science
Political science is a social science that
focuses specifically on the study of political
systems, government structures, political
behavior, and the theory and practice of
politics. While it shares some commonalities
with other social sciences, such as
sociology, economics, and psychology,
there are distinct differences that set
political science apart:
- Focus on Political Processes and
Institutions
- Emphasis on Government and
Public Policy
- Political Behavior and Attitudes
- International Relations
- Political Theory and Philosophy
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Other Social Sciences
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Sociology examines society as a
whole, studying social structures,
relationships, and the behavior of
individuals and groups in various
contexts. It covers a wide range of
topics, from family dynamics to
cultural norms.
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Economics primarily concerns itself
with the production, distribution, and
consumption of goods and services.
It focuses on economic systems,
markets, and the allocation of
resources.
Psychology
explores
human
behavior, cognition, and emotions. It
delves into the study of individual
and group behavior but does not
necessarily
focus
on
political
behavior or government structures.
Anthropology
studies
human
societies and cultures, including their
origins, development, and diversity.
It often involves ethnographic
research and cultural analysis.
Geography explores the physical
and human landscapes of the Earth.
It covers topics like landforms,
climate,
population
distribution,
urbanization, and spatial analysis.
History is the study of past events
and their significance. Historians
analyze historical documents and
artifacts
to
understand
the
development of societies, cultures,
and civilizations.
Education researches the principles
and practices of teaching and
learning. It includes areas such as
educational psychology, curriculum
development,
and
educational
policy.
Linguistics studies language and its
structure, evolution, and use. It
includes areas like sociolinguistics,
psycholinguistics, and language
acquisition.
Gender studies examine the social
and cultural construction of gender
roles and identities. It explores
issues
related
to
feminism,
masculinity, and gender equality.
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Importance of Political Science
Studying political science is highly relevant
and important for a variety of reasons. It
empowers individuals with a deep
understanding of political systems and
governments, enabling informed citizenship,
informed decision-making, and effective
advocacy for their beliefs and causes.
Moreover, a political science education
offers diverse career opportunities in fields
such as government, diplomacy, law, and
journalism, while also fostering global
awareness and a commitment to social
justice. Political science equips individuals
with the skills needed for conflict resolution,
policy analysis, and critical thinking,
ultimately encouraging civic engagement
and preparing them for leadership roles
where they can have a direct influence on
policy development and positive societal
change.
Notes
Political science is a social science that
specializes in the study of political systems,
government structures, political behavior,
and the theory and practice of politics. While
it shares some commonalities with other
social sciences like sociology, economics,
and
psychology,
there are distinct
differences that set it apart. One of its
primary focuses is the examination of
political
processes,
institutions,
and
systems,
encompassing
governments,
legislatures, executives, and judiciaries, with
the goal of understanding how political
power is organized and exercised.
delves into the behavior, attitudes, and
decision-making of individuals and groups
within the political context, addressing
topics such as voting behavior, political
participation,
and
public
opinion.
Additionally, political science dedicates a
substantial portion of its scope to
international
relations,
encompassing
diplomacy,
international
conflict,
cooperation, and the roles of international
organizations.
Another significant aspect of political
science is the exploration of political theory
and philosophy, which engages with
fundamental questions surrounding justice,
authority, and the moral foundations of
political systems. In contrast, other social
sciences
like
sociology,
economics,
psychology, and anthropology have their
unique areas of focus, ranging from the
study of society, economic systems, and
human behavior to the examination of
cultures and social structures. Each
discipline brings its own perspective to the
understanding of the complex dynamics of
human society and behavior, making them
distinct yet complementary fields within the
realm of social sciences.
Furthermore, political science places a
strong emphasis on government structures
and the analysis of public policy, delving into
the intricate workings of government
agencies and their impact on society. It also
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