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.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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

Reviews summary

Unpacking political concepts methodologically

According to learners, this course is a highly valuable deep dive into political concepts, with many finding the Hyperpolitics methodology a game-changer for understanding complex ideas. Students particularly praise the clear lectures and helpful visualizations that aid in unpacking terms like 'party' and 'legislature'. The associated online platform and interactive dictionary are excellent resources, enhancing analytical skills. However, some find the approach quite abstract and the pace sometimes fast, suggesting it's best suited for advanced students with prior political theory knowledge rather than absolute beginners.

Lectures are clear and well-structured with visualizations.

"The lectures were clear, and the visualizations really helped."

"I found the modules on bureaucracy and constitution particularly well-structured."

"The structure is logical, and the emphasis on unpacking definitions is very useful for academic work."

Offers rigorous theoretical insights for students.

"An indispensable course for anyone studying political science. The conceptual rigor is exceptional."

"Good course for advanced students. It delves deep into the theoretical underpinnings of political concepts."

"The course doesn't just present concepts; it teaches you *how* to think about them critically."

Utilizes a unique framework for conceptual clarity.

"This course was absolutely brilliant! The Hyperpolitics methodology is a game-changer for understanding complex political concepts."

"The Hyperpolitics methodology provided a fresh perspective on topics I thought I knew."

"The Hyperpolitics platform is genuinely innovative, making complex ideas more accessible through its structure."

More theoretical than practical, lacks immediate examples.

"I felt it was a bit abstract at times. Applying it fully felt challenging without more guided examples."

"Good for theory, less for immediate application."

"It would be beneficial to have more examples or case studies to illustrate the concepts and the methodology in practice."

Assumes prior knowledge; can be challenging for novices.

"I was looking for something more straightforward to understand core concepts, and this felt too abstract. Not for beginners."

"Beginners might find it overwhelming, as it assumes some prior knowledge of political theory."

"I found this course somewhat difficult to follow. The Hyperpolitics approach... was not always intuitive for me."

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

Show steps

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

Browse courses on Political Concepts

Show steps

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

Political Concept Resources

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Six other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all nine activities

Political Concept Definitions

Show steps

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

Browse courses on Political Concepts

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

View Essays on Political Education on Amazon

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Browse courses on Hyperpolitics

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Browse courses on Political Concepts

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Browse courses on Political Concepts

Show steps

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Legislator

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

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Political Risk Analyst

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

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Professor

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lawyer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Advisor

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lobbyist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Political Scientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electoral Campaign Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Rights Advocate

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Development Officer