Understanding Political Concepts from Coursera

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, offering a methodology by which users can unpack and reconstruct them on their own. Its companion open-access website serves as a powerful tool for students' practice in forging their own vocabulary while learning how to make professional use of authoritative PS internet resources.

Throughout its 4 weeks, this MOOC comprises lecture sections, based on visualizations of the arguments presented; reading assignments; and practical exercises.

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

What's inside

Syllabus

Bringing Concepts Back In

This module presents an initial first exploration in the field of “Hyperpolitics”. You will be introduced to conceptual thinking and elementary theory-building through Hyperpolitics, an interactive dictionary for understanding and working with the most central concepts in political science.

The Hyperpolitics Methodology

This module presents an in-depth discussion of the Hyperpolitics methodology. You will learn about tools for conceptual thinking, such as property spaces and typologies, and will be introduced to the matrix building process.

The Concepts of Party and Legislature

This module presents the first matrix and definition of a concept through the Hyperpolitics methodology, taking “party” as an example. You will learn about the origin and evolution of a key actor of contemporary political regimes, as well as how to navigate through linked matrixes on the online platform. Therefore, the module explores the concept of legislature, considered a basic ingredient of modern democracies.

The Concepts of Bureaucracy, Constitution and Corporation

This module presents the matrices of the concepts of Bureaucracy, Constitution and Corporation. Adopting the Hyperpolitics methodology, you will learn about the growth of bureaucracy and the selection of bureaucrats, as well as the origin and evolution of the concept of constitution from a political science perspective. This module then navigates through the matrix of “corporation”, by reconstructing the historical and conceptual ties between ancient and modern corporations.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

The instructors, Mauro Calise and Werner Patzelt are recognized for their work in political science

Taught by instructors with strong reputations within the field of political science

Taught by experts, ensuring that learners benefit from the latest knowledge and methodologies in the field

Provides a conceptual foundation in political science through the study of key concepts and theories

The Hyperpolitics methodology is a powerful tool for learning and understanding political science concepts

Provides diverse perspectives on key concepts in political science

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:

Political Science Concepts Review

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Refresh your knowledge of foundational political science concepts before starting the course.

Browse courses on Political Concepts

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Review notes or textbooks from previous political science courses.
Take practice quizzes or complete online exercises on political concepts.

Political Concept Resources

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Enhance your learning by compiling a collection of useful resources related to political concepts.

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Search for and gather academic articles, books, and online resources on political concepts.
Organize the resources into categories based on topic or concept.
Create a reference list or online repository for easy access.

Course Material Organization

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Organize your notes, assignments, and materials to facilitate efficient review and understanding.

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Create a dedicated folder or notebook for course materials.
File assignments, notes, and handouts in an organized manner.

Six other activities

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Political Concept Definitions

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Solidify your understanding of key political concepts by completing definition exercises.

Browse courses on Political Concepts

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Create flashcards with political concepts on one side and definitions on the other.
Practice recalling definitions for each concept.

Gather all syllabi, lecture notes, practice problems, and exams for courses in political science

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Collect and organize course materials to ensure readiness for in-depth learning and ease of review.

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Identify all courses in political science taken in the past.
Locate and gather syllabi, lecture notes, practice problems, and exams for each course.
Organize materials by course and topic.

Understanding Political Concepts: A Guide to the Core Principles of Politics

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Gain a solid foundation in political concepts and theories to enhance your understanding of the course material.

View Essays on Political Education on Amazon

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Read through the book, taking notes on key concepts and theories.
Summarize the main ideas presented in each chapter.
Identify connections between the concepts and theories discussed.

Interactive Hyperpolitics Exploration

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Deepen your understanding of Hyperpolitics and its applications in political science.

Browse courses on Hyperpolitics

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Visit the Hyperpolitics website and explore the interactive dictionary.
Follow online tutorials and webinars on Hyperpolitics.
Apply the Hyperpolitics methodology to analyze real-world political events.

Political Concept Discussion

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Engage in discussions with peers to compare perspectives and deepen your understanding of political concepts.

Browse courses on Political Concepts

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Join or form a study group with fellow classmates.
Select a political concept for discussion.
Prepare arguments and supporting evidence for your viewpoint.

Political Concept Analysis

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Demonstrate your understanding of political concepts by creating a comprehensive visual or written analysis.

Browse courses on Political Concepts

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Select a political concept from the course material.
Research the concept thoroughly using academic sources.
Develop a visual or written presentation that explains the concept, its origins, and its significance.

Career center

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

Legislator

A Legislator may use the concepts and methodology presented in this course to understand and analyze political issues, theories, and arguments. This course may help build a foundation for effectively creating and debating laws.

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Professor

A Professor may use the concepts and methodology presented in this course to understand and analyze political issues, theories, and arguments. This course may help build a foundation for effectively teaching political science.

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Political Consultant

A Political Consultant may use the concepts and methodology presented in this course to unpack and reconstruct complex political issues, theories, and arguments. This course may help build a foundation for understanding and analyzing political concepts to effectively advise clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Political Consultant

Public Policy Analyst

A Public Policy Analyst may use the concepts from this course to analyze and understand the political landscape surrounding policy decisions. This course may help build a foundation for unpacking and reconstructing political concepts to determine the most effective means of achieving policy goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Policy Analyst

Political Risk Analyst

A Political Risk Analyst may use the concepts and methodology presented in this course to analyze and understand political issues, theories, and arguments. This course may help build a foundation for effectively understanding and mitigating political risks.

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Lawyer

A Lawyer may use the methodology and concepts presented in this course to effectively understand and analyze legal arguments, statutes, and precedents. This course may help build a foundation for unpacking and reconstructing complex legal concepts, theories, and arguments.

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Journalist

A Journalist may use the concepts and methodology presented in this course to unpack and reconstruct complex political issues, theories, and arguments. This course may help build a foundation for understanding and analyzing political concepts to effectively inform the public about current events.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Policy Advisor

A Policy Advisor may use the concepts from this course to analyze and understand the political landscape surrounding policy decisions. This course may help build a foundation for unpacking and reconstructing political concepts to determine the most effective means of achieving policy goals.

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Lobbyist

A Lobbyist may use the concepts from this course to analyze and understand the political landscape surrounding policy decisions. This course may help build a foundation for unpacking and reconstructing political concepts to determine the most effective means of achieving lobbying goals.

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Political Scientist

A Political Scientist may use conceptual thinking and elementary theory-building for understanding and working with the most central concepts in political science. This course may help build a foundation for creating new theories and models that further explore political concepts.

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Nonprofit Manager

A Nonprofit Manager may use the concepts from this course to analyze and understand the political landscape surrounding policy decisions. This course may help build a foundation for unpacking and reconstructing political concepts to determine the most effective means of achieving organizational goals.

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Electoral Campaign Manager

An Electoral Campaign Manager may use the concepts from this course to analyze and understand the political landscape surrounding an election. This course may help build a foundation for unpacking and reconstructing political concepts to determine the most effective means of achieving the goals of a political campaign.

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Social Worker

A Social Worker may use the concepts and methodology presented in this course to understand and analyze social issues, theories, and arguments. This course may help build a foundation for effectively understanding and addressing social problems.

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Human Rights Advocate

A Human Rights Advocate may use the concepts and methodology presented in this course to understand and analyze human rights issues, theories, and arguments. This course may help build a foundation for effectively understanding and defending human rights.

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Development Officer

A Development Officer may use the concepts from this course to analyze and understand the political landscape surrounding funding decisions. This course may help build a foundation for unpacking and reconstructing political concepts to determine the most effective means of achieving funding goals.

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