Name of subject: Introduction to Political Science
Number of Number of classes / week Type of course units seminar
2
terms
1
Course description
The aim of the course is to introduce students to the field of political sciences. The course
focuses on concepts, methods, and theories. Examples will highlight the theoretical issues.
Credits
Course schedule
1. Introduction. Science or politics?
2. Basic concepts in political sciences I. Power, the state, citizenship, ideology, authority,
democracy, totalitarianism, etc.
3. Basic concepts in political sciences II. Nation, nationalism, minorities, transition,
government, parliament, party, elections, etc.
4. Political theories
5. Political ideologies
6. Political regimes
7. Parties and party-systems
8. Political culture and political socialization
9. Political participation and voting patterns
10. The Hungarian political system
11. Politics in East Central Europe
12. Politics in Western Europe
13. Conclusions
Requirements
 Active participation and regular attendance (no more than 3 missed classes)
 Written exam
Recommended readings:
 Gabriel A. Almond and G. Bingham Powell, Jr.: Comparative Politics Today: A World
View. Sixth Edition. New York: HarperCollins, 1996.
 Huntington, Samuel P.: The Clash of Civilizations. Foreign Affairs, 1993. 22-49.
 Dahl, Robert: Polyarchy. Participation and Opposition. New York and London: Yale
University Press, 1971.
 Körösényi András, Török Gábor, Tóth Csaba (eds.): The Hungarian Political System.
Budapest, 2009.
A detailed syllabus will be distributed at the first meeting with the students
Staff: Zoltán Kántor (Political Sciences Department)