Introduction to Political Science and International Relations

Course Code: 
4110
Semester: 
1st
Compulsory Courses
Professor: 

Number of credits allocated: 6 ECTS Credits

Objective of the course (expected learning outcomes and competences to be acquired)

  • Understanding of the basic concepts in political science and international relations.
  • Familiarization with the dynamic analysis of political interactions at the national and international level.
  • Introductory comparative analysis of alternative options related to the organization of domestic polities.
  • Understanding of the key features of the international system

Prerequisites: None

Course contents

  1. Politics and Government: clarification of key concepts (government, governance, nation, state, power, legitimacy)
  2. The State and the International System: elaboration on the origins and evolution of the state, state relations with international organizations, role of state in the globalized economic and political system.
  3. Democracy and authoritarianism: direct, representative, liberal democracy, waves of democratization, traditional and new forms of authoritarian governance
  4. Constitutions: content and structure of constitutions, role of the judiciary, international law.
  5. Legislatures: structure and functions
  6. Executives: Presidential, Semi-presidential and Parliamentary systems
  7. International System: overview, historical evolution, key features

Recommended reading

  • N. Kenneth and J. W. Van Deth, Foundations of Comparative Politics, 3rd Edition, 2017
  • R. Hague and M. Harrop, Comparative Government and Politics, 10th Edition, 2016

Teaching methods:  Lectures.

Αssessment methods:  Final written exam (100%)

Language of instruction: Greek