How Politics Works: From the Individual to an International Scale

This course is designed to provide an introduction to politics and prepare students for further study in the field. It covers the basics of democracy, government machinery, and the politics of globalization. The course also delves into identity politics, including a discussion on class and economic individualism. Throughout the course, students will be introduced to key texts and recommended further reading to enhance their learning.

The first week of the course focuses on the function and significance of democracy. Students will learn how to evaluate and identify different types of democracy. In the second week, students will apply their knowledge to a discussion on the best model of democracy, using key texts and examples.

The following week explores key components of government, such as constitutions, legislative bodies, executive branches, and judiciary systems. Further reading materials will be provided to deepen understanding and prepare students for future studies.

In the final stages of the course, students will examine how politics impacts the economy, specifically in relation to social capitalism, globalization, and enterprise. This section also discusses the question of whether students should bear the responsibility of paying tuition.

The last week of the course shifts focus to individual politics. It covers class analysis, economic individualism, neoliberalism, and the effects of economic individualism. Additional reading recommendations are provided to supplement learning.

Overall, this course offers a comprehensive overview of politics, providing students with a solid foundation for further exploration in the field.