PG Courses
PG101 Introduction to Politics and Governance (Credits:3)
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the relationship between politics and governance. The course takes an interdisciplinary perspective on politics, borrowing concepts from political and social theory, to help students understand how political ideas and systems are used to build the procedural and institutional foundations needed for successful societies – measured in terms of life-style, prosperity, health, technological advancement and a number of other variables. Students are encouraged to think broadly, critically, and comparatively as they assess a number of normative approaches to politics and governance.
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PG102 Introduction to Political Inquiry (Credits:3)
This entry-level course is designed for beginners with no experience in social science research. It starts with basic questions, such as “what is research, hypothesis, variables, unit of analysis, reliability, validity?” and so on. The course introduces students to types of research (academic, applied, conceptual, empirical, deductive, inductive, quantitative, qualitative) and the main stages of the research design (formulating a research question, conducting a literature review, choosing an appropriate research method, assessing the results). Instructor-led class may include lectures, discussions, case studies, readings, group work. Assessment may include class participation, papers, essays, exams, and presentations.
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PG103 Methods of Political Inquiry (Credits:3)
As a continuation of PG 102 Introduction to Political Inquiry, the aim of this course is to deepen comprehension of research in social science and strengthen data collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation skills. The course introduces students to basic principles of empirical research design and implementation, focusing on several key quantitative and qualitative methods (such as surveys, qualitative interviews, observation and document analysis). Instructor-led class may include lectures, discussions, readings, group work and practice exercises. Assessment may include class participation, papers, essays, exams, projects and presentations.
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Prerequisite: PG102
PG104 Comparative Politics (Credits:3)
This course provides an introduction to the comparative study of politics. It covers a variety of questions facing nations, societies, political parties and political institutions. After providing students with a general understanding of the field of comparative politics, including government systems, electoral proceedings and relations between various branches of government, the course will then focus on comparing countries with various political, social and economic backgrounds. Countries examined range from industrialized and developed Western countries to underdeveloped and new countries in the Global South. Upon completion of the course, students should have a basic understanding of the function and operation of various political institutions as well the basic political culture of different countries. Instructor-led class may include lectures, discussions, readings, group work and practice exercises. Assessment may include class participation, papers, essays, exams, projects and presentations.
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