Political Science Seminar

Politološki seminar

Course credits:

3.00 ECTS / 30 (10 hours of lectures, 0 hours of exercises, 10 hours of seminars, 10 hours other forms of work)

Course holder:

prof. dr. Igor Lukšič

Type:

Elective general

Language:

English

Semester:

First semester

Study degree

1. level

Course execution:

• Undergraduate Programme of Defence Studies
• Undergraduate Programme of International Relations
• Undergraduate Programme of Political Science - Public Policies and Sdministration
• Undergraduate Programme of Political Science - Studies of Politics and the State

Prerequisits:

Students are allowed to take the course if they completed the enrolment procedure.

Objectives and competences

In-depth knowledge of selected political science theories; In-depth understanding of selected political science theories; Ability to critically reflect on society.

Content (Syllabus outline)

The purpose of the seminar is to study selected current issues in political science. It links basic political science theories and approaches to the current global challenges of the 21st century that social sciences, especially political science, are facing. It combines the study of basic readings and their application to specific challenges through guided discussions and essay writing. 2021/22 semunar title: U.S. POLITICAL SYSTEMS: CONGRESS AND THE PRESIDENCY The seminar introduces students to two American political institutions: the Congress and the presidency. The power and authority of these two governmental branches, and those elected to them, are studied separately and together through an examination of their collaboration and competition when tackling domestic and foreign public policy issues. The course is divided into three parts. The focus of part one is the U.S. Congress (dual nature of Congress and members’ “hillstyle” and “homestyle”, congressional elections, the strategies, resources and techniques of electoral politics, voter participation etc.). It is a comprehensive examination of the inner workings of Congress (how political parties and party leadership influence congressional decision-making, specific procedures in the legislative process, external influences on Congress, polarization in Congress, and the relationship between polarization and legislative productivity) . Part two is dedicated to the American Presidency (review of the constitutional foundation for the presidency and how the office has evolved over time, presidential campaigns and elections, and the influence of money in politics; influence of individuals in the office on presidency, and the dynamics of a “plebiscitary presidency”, the ways the executive branch interacts with the legislative branch, as well as an evaluation of presidential power). The third part of the course examines how both institutions share power and responsibilities with each other, and how they collaborate, or compete, in the policy arena, as well as constitutional conflicts between the two institutions.

Intended learning outcomes:

Knowledge and understanding: Better understanding of the selected political science theory; Application of political science theory to current issues; Interconnecting the political science theories; Linking theory with the current state, political, governance, democracy and security problems; Evaluating political developments and processes; Reasoning the current social changes.

Learning and teaching methods:

Lectures, seminars, consultations, individual work, active participation in debates, written assignments

Assessment

Written assignment, Final grade: Passed/Not Passed Grades

Obligatory literature

Additional literature