Understanding Political Concepts from edX

This course is part of the IPSAMOOC project, a joint venture Federica Weblearning - IPSA, the International Political Science Association

Political science discourse brings us face to face with many important concepts like authority, democracy, and power. However, all of them are used differently in different contexts, and their specific meaning depends on the theory they relate to.

There is no way around such puzzling diversity. Students of political science simply have to accept this challenge. Yet, the diversity of political science concepts can be used as a powerful resource for learning, through intellectual techniques for stirring personal creativity.

This MOOC teaches conceptual thinking and elementary theory-building through Hyperpolitics, an interactive dictionary for understanding and working with the most central concepts in political science. Its aim is to provide students with fresh critical insights about key political concepts by offering a methodology that enables users to unpack and reconstruct them on their own.

Its companion open-access website serves as a powerful tool for students to practice forging their own vocabulary while learning how to make professional use of authoritative PS internet resources. Through ten lessons, this MOOC comprises lecture sections based on visualizations of the arguments presented, reading assignments, and practical exercises.

What's inside

Learning objectives

How tounpack and reconstruct the key concepts of political science.
Critical thinking skills applied to political concepts

The interaction between different political concepts

How tounpack and reconstruct the key concepts of political science.
Critical thinking skills applied to political concepts
The interaction between different political concepts

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores enduring political science concepts through an interactive dictionary approach

Taught by political science educators and researchers from multiple institutions

Requires access to the companion website for full functionality

Reviews summary

In-depth political concept analysis

According to learners, "Understanding Political Concepts" offers a rigorous and academic deep dive into core political concepts, lauded for its emphasis on conceptual thinking and elementary theory-building. Students particularly value the innovative methodology for unpacking and reconstructing ideas, with the accompanying Hyperpolitics interactive dictionary often cited as a unique, though sometimes challenging, feature. While it's considered excellent for developing critical thinking skills and providing a strong theoretical foundation, some learners found it highly theoretical and wished for more practical applications. It's best suited for those seeking a demanding and academic exploration of political science.

Innovative interactive dictionary, though its usability can vary for learners.

"The Hyperpolitics tool is a unique feature, though it took a little getting used to for me."

"The emphasis on 'unpacking and reconstructing' concepts using a structured methodology is brilliant. The visual aids in lectures are a great help."

"I struggled with the Hyperpolitics tool and felt it complicated things more than it simplified them."

A challenging but rewarding course requiring significant intellectual commitment.

"A very academic and rigorous course. I appreciate that it dives deep into theoretical frameworks, which is exactly what I was looking for."

"The reading assignments were challenging but rewarding. It's a demanding course but rewarding if you commit to the academic rigor."

"This course provided me with a strong framework for understanding complex ideas, although it was quite challenging."

Provides a profound understanding and analytical tools for political concepts.

"This course provided an incredibly solid foundation in understanding political concepts. The methodology presented for unpacking and reconstructing ideas is truly insightful."

"Excellent for developing critical thinking skills related to political discourse. This course truly enables you to build my own understanding."

"The structured approach to deconstructing concepts is a valuable skill. I found it a demanding course but rewarding if I committed to the academic rigor."

Emphasizes abstract theory over practical, real-world application.

"The course is very theoretical, perhaps too much so for my taste. I found it somewhat abstract and lacked practical application."

"I found this course very dry and difficult to connect with... it felt overly theoretical without enough concrete examples or case studies."

"It's definitely for a specific kind of learner who enjoys pure conceptual work, less so for real-world political analysis."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Understanding Political Concepts with these activities:

Review key political science concepts

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Familiarize yourself with the core terminology of political science.

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Read through the course syllabus and identify key terms.
Create a glossary of terms and their definitions.

Explore interactive online simulations

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Simulate real-world political scenarios and observe the impact of different decisions.

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Search for online simulations related to political science.
Select a simulation that interests you and run it multiple times.

Read 'Political Concepts: A Critical Introduction'

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Delve deeper into the nuances of political concepts with this comprehensive text.

View Political Theory: An Introduction on Amazon

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Read and take notes on each chapter.
Identify and summarize the main arguments presented in the book.

Ten other activities

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Review political science concepts

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Refresh your memory on foundational concepts of political science to strengthen your foundation for this course.

Browse courses on Political Science

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Identify key political science concepts
Review definitions and explanations
Create a summary or diagram to visualize concepts

Create a comprehensive course notebook

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Organize and synthesize your learning materials for effective review and retention.

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Gather lecture notes, readings, assignments, and any other relevant materials.
Create a structured notebook with sections for each topic covered in the course.
Take time to summarize, organize, and connect the different components of your notes.
Utilize colors, diagrams, and other visuals to make your notes engaging and memorable.

Engage in concept mapping exercises

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Practice identifying and linking key concepts within political science.

Browse courses on Conceptual Thinking

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Choose a political science topic.
Brainstorm a list of related concepts.
Organize the concepts into a visual map, showing their relationships.

Practice defining and explaining political science concepts

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Enhance your understanding of political concepts by practicing defining and explaining them in your own words.

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Select a list of political science concepts
Define each concept clearly and concisely
Explain the concept in your own words or using examples

Explore interactive online resources on political science concepts

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Supplement your learning by exploring interactive online resources that provide in-depth explanations and interactive exercises on political science concepts.

Browse courses on Online Resources

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Identify reputable online resources
Select resources that focus on specific political science concepts
Engage with interactive exercises and simulations

Join a study group with classmates

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Engage in collaborative learning and discussions to enhance your understanding.

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Find a group of classmates who are interested in forming a study group.
Set regular meeting times and locations.
Take turns leading discussions and presenting on different topics.

Design a political science infographic

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Translate complex political science concepts into visually engaging and accessible content.

Browse courses on Political Concepts

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Identify a political science concept that you want to illustrate.
Gather data and statistics to support your visualization.
Choose an appropriate infographic format and design tool.

Design a visual representation of political science concepts

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Create an effective visual representation of key political concepts to enhance your comprehension and ability to explain them to others.

Browse courses on Information Design

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Select a political science concept
Choose an appropriate visual format (e.g., diagram, chart, infographic)
Design and implement the visual representation
Test the visual representation with peers or instructors

Develop a political science blog

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Create your own content to deepen your understanding and share your insights with others.

Browse courses on Political Concepts

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Choose a topic that interests you within the realm of political science.
Research and gather information from credible sources.
Write regular blog posts that explore different aspects of your chosen topic.

Participate in a political science essay competition

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Apply your knowledge and analytical skills to compete with other students.

Browse courses on Political Concepts

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Research and identify essay competitions relevant to political science.
Choose a topic that aligns with your interests and strengths.
Follow the guidelines and format required for the competition.
Write a compelling essay that demonstrates your understanding and critical thinking abilities.

Career center

Learners who complete Understanding Political Concepts will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Political Scientist

Political Scientists study political systems and behaviors. They analyze the distribution of power and resources, and how these factors influence the way that societies are governed. This course would be particularly helpful for those interested in a career as a Political Scientist, as it provides a foundation in the key concepts of political science. Students will learn how to unpack and reconstruct political concepts, apply critical thinking skills to political concepts, and understand the interaction between different political concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Political Scientist

Political Consultant

Political Consultants advise candidates, political parties, and organizations on how to win elections and achieve their policy goals. They use their knowledge of political science concepts to develop strategies for influencing public opinion and mobilizing voters. This course would be helpful for those interested in a career as a Political Consultant, as it provides a foundation in the key concepts of political science. Students will learn how to unpack and reconstruct political concepts, apply critical thinking skills to political concepts, and understand the interaction between different political concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Political Consultant

Public Policy Analyst

Public Policy Analysts research and evaluate public policies. They use their knowledge of political science concepts to analyze the impact of policies on society and make recommendations for how to improve them. This course would be helpful for those interested in a career as a Public Policy Analyst, as it provides a foundation in the key concepts of political science. Students will learn how to unpack and reconstruct political concepts, apply critical thinking skills to political concepts, and understand the interaction between different political concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Policy Analyst

Journalist

Journalists report on current events and issues. They use their knowledge of political science concepts to understand the political landscape and to write articles that inform the public. This course would be helpful for those interested in a career as a Journalist, as it provides a foundation in the key concepts of political science. Students will learn how to unpack and reconstruct political concepts, apply critical thinking skills to political concepts, and understand the interaction between different political concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Lawyer

Lawyers represent clients in legal matters. They use their knowledge of political science concepts to understand the legal system and to advocate for their clients. This course would be helpful for those interested in a career as a Lawyer, as it provides a foundation in the key concepts of political science. Students will learn how to unpack and reconstruct political concepts, apply critical thinking skills to political concepts, and understand the interaction between different political concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lawyer

Historian

Historians study the past. They use their knowledge of political science concepts to understand the political events and forces that have shaped human history. This course would be helpful for those interested in a career as a Historian, as it provides a foundation in the key concepts of political science. Students will learn how to unpack and reconstruct political concepts, apply critical thinking skills to political concepts, and understand the interaction between different political concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

Teacher

Teachers educate students. They use their knowledge of political science concepts to teach students about the political system and how it works. This course would be helpful for those interested in a career as a Teacher, as it provides a foundation in the key concepts of political science. Students will learn how to unpack and reconstruct political concepts, apply critical thinking skills to political concepts, and understand the interaction between different political concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Social Worker

Social Workers help people who are facing social and economic challenges. They use their knowledge of political science concepts to understand the social and economic forces that affect people's lives. This course would be helpful for those interested in a career as a Social Worker, as it provides a foundation in the key concepts of political science. Students will learn how to unpack and reconstruct political concepts, apply critical thinking skills to political concepts, and understand the interaction between different political concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Nonprofit Administrator

Nonprofit Administrators manage nonprofit organizations. They use their knowledge of political science concepts to understand the political environment in which nonprofits operate. This course would be helpful for those interested in a career as a Nonprofit Administrator, as it provides a foundation in the key concepts of political science. Students will learn how to unpack and reconstruct political concepts, apply critical thinking skills to political concepts, and understand the interaction between different political concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Administrator

Government Relations Manager

Government Relations Managers represent organizations before government agencies. They use their knowledge of political science concepts to understand the political process and to advocate for their organization's interests. This course would be helpful for those interested in a career as a Government Relations Manager, as it provides a foundation in the key concepts of political science. Students will learn how to unpack and reconstruct political concepts, apply critical thinking skills to political concepts, and understand the interaction between different political concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Government Relations Manager

Public Administrator

Public Administrators manage government agencies. They use their knowledge of political science concepts to understand the political process and to implement public policy. This course would be helpful for those interested in a career as a Public Administrator, as it provides a foundation in the key concepts of political science. Students will learn how to unpack and reconstruct political concepts, apply critical thinking skills to political concepts, and understand the interaction between different political concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Administrator

International Relations Specialist

International Relations Specialists work with governments and organizations to promote international cooperation and understanding. They use their knowledge of political science concepts to understand the global political landscape and to develop strategies for resolving international conflicts. This course would be helpful for those interested in a career as an International Relations Specialist, as it provides a foundation in the key concepts of political science. Students will learn how to unpack and reconstruct political concepts, apply critical thinking skills to political concepts, and understand the interaction between different political concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Relations Specialist

Political Risk Analyst

Political Risk Analysts assess the political risks that businesses face when operating in foreign countries. They use their knowledge of political science concepts to understand the political environment in these countries and to develop strategies for mitigating political risks. This course would be helpful for those interested in a career as a Political Risk Analyst, as it provides a foundation in the key concepts of political science. Students will learn how to unpack and reconstruct political concepts, apply critical thinking skills to political concepts, and understand the interaction between different political concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Political Risk Analyst

Lobbyist

Lobbyists represent organizations before government agencies. They use their knowledge of political science concepts to understand the political process and to advocate for their organization's interests. This course would be helpful for those interested in a career as a Lobbyist, as it provides a foundation in the key concepts of political science. Students will learn how to unpack and reconstruct political concepts, apply critical thinking skills to political concepts, and understand the interaction between different political concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lobbyist

Campaign Manager

Campaign Managers oversee political campaigns. They use their knowledge of political science concepts to develop campaign strategies and to mobilize voters. This course would be helpful for those interested in a career as a Campaign Manager, as it provides a foundation in the key concepts of political science. Students will learn how to unpack and reconstruct political concepts, apply critical thinking skills to political concepts, and understand the interaction between different political concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Campaign Manager