COURSE OUTLINE/INFORMATION

INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE COURSE PROGRAMME SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS CONTACT HOURS STATUS LECTURER EMAIL ADDRESS ROOM : : : : : : : : : PAD120 AM110 DIPLOMA IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 1 3 4 CORE MARHAPIZAH ISMAIL marha197@kedah.uitm.edu.my A2-2002/ 04-4562483 SUBJECT DESCRIPTION This course introduces students to the basic concepts and theories in Political Sciences. Theories on the origin of the state, the concept of Separation of Powers, the meaning of democracy and the concept of government are among the subject taught. The understanding of the basic concepts is fundamental for students pursuing a Diploma in Public Administration. COURSE OUTCOMES Upon completion of the course, students should be able to: 1. Identify the basic concept and theories in political science; 2. Distinguish between the concept of political science and political reality; and 3. Outline the major concepts and theories to other courses in political science. COURSE CONTENT Topic 1:Introduction Science as a branch of knowledge and comparison to arts Definitions of Political and Political Science Approaches: o Traditional/Historical o Philosophical o Legal cum political o Scientific Methodologies Is Political Science scientific? Benefits of Political Science

Political Science and other social Sciences

Topic 2:Power, Authority and Legitimacy Definition Types of Power: Sources of Power: Concept of legitimacy and relationship with authority Types of authority: o Moral o Religious o Law o Mandate o De facto Role of Institution, document, personality, wealth and behavior in upholding authority Topic 3:The State Introduction Definition of the State Constitutive elements of the State: o Populations o Citizenship o Territory o Government o Sovereignty/Independence Function of a State Topic 4: Theory of the Origin of the State Introduction: Theory of Origin Divine right theory Patriarchal and Matriarchal Theory Topic 5:Law Law o Definition o Importance Source of Law Topic 6:Constitution Constitution o Definition o Importance

Methods of establishing a Constitution o Kings Decree o Evolution o Revolution o Constituent Assembly Classification of constitution o Written and Unwritten o Rigid and flexible Features of a good constitution

Topic 7:Theory of Separation of Power Origin of the theory Reasons of introducing the concept The indoctrinate of the theory to united state of Americas government Malaysias respond to the doctrine Topic 8:Sovereignty The etymology of sovereignty Definition and theory by Hobbes, Lock, Bodin and Austion Characteristics of sovereignty Types of sovereignty Topic 9:Governance Definition Branch of the government o Function Role of government in peoples life Definition Branch of the government Types of government a) Federal b) Unitary c) Presidential d) Parliamentary e) Communist and Autocracy f) Totalitarian Topic 10:Democracy Definition Features Methods of democratic policy making Merits and demerit2

Topic 11:Autocracy Introduction Features of democratic countries Types of autocracy o Authoritarian o Absolute monarchy o Military rule o Oligarchy o Totalitarian ASSESSMENT Quiz X 2 Test I Test II Group Assignment COURSE WORK FINAL EXAM 10% 60% 10% 10% 10% 40%