https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/W_JSM_104At the end of the course, students should be able to:Outline key issues within the three main sub-disciplines of political science.Define and consistently apply key political science concepts in a rigorous manner.Identify and use key explanatory approaches in political science, and design an experiment to test competing explanations for political events.Analyze political issues in a structured, well-informed, and critical way.Develop a deeper understanding of contemporary democratic politics.Political science examines the ways in which conflicts between interests and values are resolved. This course offers an introduction to political science, covering both domestic politics and international politics. It follows a thematic structure. It starts with an analysis of key concepts in political science, such as the state, democracy, and power. Next, it investigates key institutions and organizations in domestic politics, including constitutions, elections, governments, political parties, and interest groups. The last part explores topics in international relations, such as warfare, regional integration, and systemic polarity. Throughout the course, students are introduced to several principles of political science research, especially as it pertains to conceptualization and theory building.Lectures and active learning groups.Mix of exam (50%, assessing learning outcomes: 1, 2, and 4), an assignment (30%, assessing learning outcomes: 2, 3, 4 and 5) and in-class presentation (20%, assessing learning outcomes: 2, 4 and 5).A selection of book chapters and journal articles.First-year PPE students.Please note that participation in the seminars is mandatory.