INTRODUCTION TO POLITICS
COURSE TITLE AND INFORMATION
POLS-100-02, Introduction to Politics, Dickson 276, Friday 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is a broad analysis of the political science discipline. The study of political science as
a field of study, political theory, ideology and philosophy, comparative politics, international
relations, and where we find ourselves today, are a sample of what is expected to be studied. A
contemporary and articulated approach will help guide the student into political science and
ground them in better understanding the field for the future of their studies.
CLASS POLICY
Every student shall conduct themselves in a reasonable, respectable, and academic manner
during the duration of the class, particularly in class participation. Every student should hand in
their assignment on time and take tests on the designated time, as no late assignments or test
will be accepted unless in a case of emergency. Any student who commits plagiarism will
receive an immediate F and will be reported. All other questions you may have you should
refer to your student handbook.
CLASS ASSIGNMENTS
1. Prescribed reading in textbooks and supplemental materials via handouts, links, or
blackboard. Before the start of each class the assigned readings must be completed.
2. Assessments, to be completed during the duration of the course.
3. Examinations, to be completed at the midterm and final class of the course.
CLASS ASSESSMENTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
Class Participation: 10%
Assessments: 30%
Midterm Examination: 30%
Final Examination: 30%
TEXTBOOK INFORMATION
Ellen Grisby, Analyzing Politics: An Introduction on Political Science, 9781111342777
Supplemental materials as posted on Blackboard
CONTACT INFORMATION: Professor Yiannis K. Floropoulos, MA
Phone: 973-655-4238 (Main Office), E-mail: floropoulosj@mail.montclair.edu
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SCHEDULE OF CLASSES
DATE
September 6
Friday
September 13
Friday
September 20
Friday
September 27
Friday
October 4
Friday
October 11
Friday
October 18
Friday
October 25
Friday
November 1
Friday
November 8
Friday
November 15
Friday
November 22
Friday
November 29
Friday
December 6
Friday
December 13
Friday
SUBJECT
 Intro to class, review of syllabus & book,
Political Science as a Field of Study
 Types of Power, actors, states
ASSIGNMENTS
 Review syllabus, introduction
and Chapter 2 ages 14-40
 Chapter 3, pages 42-71
 Political Theory
 Chapter 4, pages 74-92
 Political Ideologies: Liberalism and
conservatism, neoliberal, and neocons
 Political Ideologies: Marxism, socialism,
and economic structuralism
 Political Ideologies: Feminism and Gender
Politics, (Postmodern and critical theorists)
 Political Ideologies: Environmentalism and
Human Rights
 MIDTERM IN CLASS





December 17
Tuesday
Chapter 5 pages 95-112
BB - Neoliberalism, neo cons
Chapter 5, pages 112-121
BB – Economic Structuralism
Chapter 7, excluding
environmentalism + BB
 Chapter 7, page 152-159
 BB on Environment/ HR
 MIDTERM IN CLASS
ITEMS DUE
Assessment
posted online
Assessment
due this week!
MIDTERM IN
CLASS
 Comparative Politics: Government Systems  Chapter 8, pages 167-182
 Comparative Politics: Interests, Actors, and
Domestic/International Politics
 Comparative Politics: Governing
Democracies
 International Relations: Realism and
Liberalism
 THANKSGIVING BREAK NO CLASS
 Chapter 9, pages 191-213
 BB on Domestic Politics
 Chapter 10
 International Relations & Organizations:
Institutions and Organizations
 International Relations: Economic
Interactions and Institutions, development




 Final Exam at 10:15 AM – 12:15 PM
 Final Exam in class
See you in the Spring 2013 or Summer
Session!!!
 Chapter 11 248-259
 BB Material
 NO CLASS
Chapter 11 259-268,
BB on UN, NGOs and IGOs
Chapter 12, 278-286
BB on Trade, Development
Assessment
posted online
Assessment
due this week!
Final Exam
Next Week,
Study!
Cumulative
 See you in the Spring 2013 or
Summer Session!!!
"That the legislator must, therefore, make the education of the young his object above all would
be disputed by no one. Where this does not happen in cities it hurts the regimes... education
must be one and the same for all, and that the superintendence of it should be common and not
on a private basis... for the common things training too should be common"
-Aristotle, The Politics, Book 8, Chapter 1
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