Introduction to Political Science and International Relations

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

    BLAVOUKOS SPYROS

    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, 3rd Edition, 2020

    Teaching methods:  Lectures.

    Αssessment methods:  Final written exam (100%)

    Language of instruction: Greek