Cursussyllabus

Introduction to Political Science (2025-2026)

This page briefly outlines the main goals of the course, provides an overview of the week-by-week topics, and the main evaluation forms of the course. You will find the required readings under 'Modules'.

Room and place

• Room: Auditorium Q.A
• Time: Mondays, 16:00 to 19:00

Course content

Introduction to Political Science offers a general and systematic introduction to the field of political science. Students receive a broad overview of different approaches, theories and aspects of political decision-making. First a range of key concepts will be considered, including the concept of ‘politics’ itself, political power, the nation-state and democracy. It will be demonstrated that these key concepts stimulate considerable debate among political scientists and that different views are often rooted in different ideological stances. The second part of the course devotes attention to the most important political processes (political participation, representation, ...) and to the actors intervening in these processes (social movements, political parties, ...). The third part offers a more detailed treatment of central political institutions, such as electoral systems, legislatures, governments and bureaucracies. The final classes will direct the focus to multilevel and supranational politics.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will have acquired the following competences and skills:

• They have an active knowledge of the key concepts and theories in political science. They are able to use and discuss these concepts and theories, and apply them to real life events.
• They are familiar with the historical roots of the discipline and with recent developments in various subfields of political science.
• They understand the functioning of central political processes, actors and institutions of modern (European) democracies. They are also familiar with the broader historical context in which these democracies have developed.
• They can interpret and analyze current political developments using the specific language and framework of political science.
• They develop communication skills and group work skills by interacting with fellow students and by exchanging ideas in class. 

Course material

The course material consists of required and optional material:

Required reading:

• Handbook: Newton, Kenneth & Jan Van Deth (2021) Foundations of Comparative Politics, 4^th Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. (available at Standaard Student Shop. You can also use the 2016 (3^rd) edition without issue).
• Additional chapters (available on Canvas):
  • • Hague, Rod, Martin Harrop & John McCormick (2016) ‘Democratic Rule’, In: Hague, Rod et al. (eds.). Political Science. A Comparative Introduction. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, p.37-55.
    • Heywood, Andrew (2013) ‘What is Politics?’, In: Heywood, Andrew. Politics, 4^th Houndmills: Palgrave, p.1-26.
• Digital course material and slides on Canvas.

Optional reading:

• Additional news articles, blog posts and videos will be made available on Canvas.

Teaching method

In order to realize the course objectives, the course will offer interactive lecture-based classes. While the instructor will introduce and explain the different concepts and theories in class, students will be involved as active participants. They are expected to attend the weekly classes, prepare course readings in advance and participate actively in class by asking questions, offering input, responding to polling exercises and formulating ideas of their own. Students are also expected to follow the news.

Poll Everywhere–an online application/app that allows for real-time polling – will sometimes be used in class.

Streaming of classes

To the extent that the auditorium facilities allow it, classes will be available via webcast & recorded. Links to the websites and recordings will be made available in/communicated through Canvas.

Assessment and grading

The exam is a written exam and will take place at the end of the first semester in January. During the exam, factual knowledge and critical analysis skills will be tested. Students have to prove (1) that they understand the political science concepts, theories and approaches discussed in class, and (2) that they are able to use these concepts, theories and approaches actively and apply them to current affairs. The exam is closed book and the questions are closed. Sample exam questions will be made available to familiarize students with different types of exam questions. The written exam determines 100% of the final mark.

Brief course overview

1. September 22: NO CLASS
2. September 29: What is politics and political science?
3. October 6: Nation-states
4. October 13: Democracy
5. October 20: Political ideologies
6. October 27: Political behavior, pressure groups and social movements
7. November 3: Public policy and bureaucracies
8. November 10: NO CLASS
9. November 17: Political parties and party government
10. November 24: Voters and elections
11. December 1: Legislatures and executives
12. December 8: Multi-level government & IR
13. December 15: Recap and Q&A session