Basics of Political Science

AW_POL_BPS

Whether we are interested in them or not, political decisions at various levels – municipal, federal, in the European Union and international – influence all of our lives. This reality alone underscores the importance of taking a closer look at “politics”!

This course ventures into a range of fundamental political topics and poses questions such as: What do the terms poverty and wealth mean in a German and global context? What are their causes and how can poverty be combated? How does the European migration policy work? And how does the European Union in general actually work? On a micro level we will further analyse communal politics by exploring their possibilities and potentials.

In addition to the political subject matter, we will also delve into selected theories of social science which will allow us to gain a deeper understanding of the complex nature of politics and provide us with an international perspective (e.g. Wallerstein’s World Systems Theory).

Current topics will not be neglected either: Each seminar unit will begin with a discussion of a current topic, which the students themselves can suggest.

In short: If you have the willingness and interest in watching the daily news and would like to expand your knowledge in this field, this course is the right place for you!

After successful completion of the submodule, students are able to,

• apply fundamental knowledge of the German political system at a municipal and federal level
• have a basic knowledge of the European Union and international organizations
• understand their opportunities for political participation as citizens
• know individual policy areas in more detail, e.g. migration policy, poverty and wealth
• have basic knowledge of the fundamental methods of the subject

After successful completion of the submodule, students are able to,

• think critically
• work in a team
• work in a result orientated way
• take accountability
• manage their time efficiently

Literature will be announced in the course.