Core Debates in Political Science

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/S_CDPS

Course Objective

Learning outcomes: A. Knowledge and understanding
- The student has acquired knowledge and understanding of: (1) the theoretical foundations of core debates in Political Science, thus enabling them to analyse contemporary and historical developments from various theoretical perspectives. (2) the complexity and diversity of political decision-making under the pressure of global developments such as populism, changing world order, climate crisis, globalising markets, and technological advancements. B. Skills
- The student is able to: (3) critically assess political science literature including the social constitution of theory as well as its socially constitutive effects. (4) recognize how core debates in political science affect political decision-making. (5) critically reflect on aspects of the core debates in Political Science in written form. (6) critically discuss aspects of the core debates in Political Science. C. Attitude – The student displays: (7) critical reflection upon the meta-theoretical foundations and their methodological and normative implications of core debates in Political Science.

Course Content

This course aims to provide in-depth knowledge and understanding of selected core debates in Political Science, drawing from the sub-disciplines of International Relations, Comparative Politics, Political Theory and Global Environmental Governance. In this way, the course aims to offer an advanced introduction into political science by providing insight into the dynamics of political science debates, the terms in which they are waged, and the evidence that is used. Thematically, the course is organized around the three specializations of the Political Science Master programme:
- Democracy, Power and Inequality
- International Relations, Security and Global Order
- Global Environmental Governance, Sustainability, and Climate Change In this way the course deepens student’s knowledge about these subfields in Political Science while at the same time providing a foundation for the three specializations of this Master programme.

Teaching Methods

The course is organized around (interactive) lectures, provided by professors who are specialized within their fields. The lectures require attendance and active participation, as well as preparation by reading the texts assigned.

Method of Assessment

Written assignments + presence in the lectures

Literature

To be announced in the course manual (see CANVAS).

Target Audience

Students in the Master Political Science (mandatory course for students in all specialisations).

Recommended background knowledge

A basic familiarity with political science theories and methods is recommended. Students who have not been taught these in earlier programs are referred to the list of remedial readings, which will be available on the Canvas page.