Political Science

Code:

CC007

Acronym:

CPOL

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Political science

Instance: 2025/2026 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of History, Political and International Studies
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Communication Sciences

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
CC	44	Study plan	2	-	6	41	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

- Define "politics" and identify the main approaches to its study;

- Understand the foundations of political activity; 

- Explore the main concepts and theories of political science, and promote the debate about some of its topics;

- Identify and understand the ideologies that have shaped the world we currently live in, and imagine alternatives to the status quo;

- Differentiate political institutions and groups, and analyse the role they play;

- Develop critical thinking and analytical and argumentative skills.

Learning outcomes and competences

By the end of this course unit, students are expected to be able to:

- Explain and critically analyse political issues and facts;

- Discuss different political ideas in a consistent and rigorous way.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

None.

Program

1. What is politics and how to study it?

2. Concepts: state, political regime, power, democracy, freedom and justice

3. Ideologies

3.1. Traditional ideologies: liberalism, socialism, conservatism, nationalism and fascism

3.2. Other ideologies: post-modernism, populism, feminism, multiculturalism, religious fundamentalism and environmentalism

4. Non-Western political ideas

5. Institutions: executives and legislatures

6. Electoral systems and representation

7. Groups: political parties, interest groups and social movements

Mandatory literature

R. Garner, P. Ferdinand, S. Lawson; Introduction to Politics, Oxford University Press, 2020
A. Heywood; Politics, Red Globe Press, 2019
A. L. Atchinson; Political Science Is for Everybody: An Introduction to Political Science, University of Toronto Press, 2021

Complementary Bibliography

P. Graham, J. Hoffman; Introduction to Political Theory, Routledge, 2022
A. Heywood; Political Ideologies: An Introduction, Red Globe Press, 2021
J. M. Fernandes, P. C. Magalhães, A. C. Pinto; O Essencial da Política Portuguesa, Tinta da China, 2023

Comments from the literature

Additional reading material for studying and classroom discussion will be provided during the semester.

Teaching methods and learning activities

TP classes: exposition of theories and concepts of political science, and discussion of political issues using book chapters, scientific articles and audiovisual material. OT classes: time to answer the students' questions and address other issues of interest to the class.

Evaluation Type

Evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	100,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	121,00
Frequência das aulas	41,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

In accordance with the Assessment Regulations applicable to the 1st Cycle Courses at FLUP.

Calculation formula of final grade

Final exam: 100%

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Regular, supplementary and September special period (Period I): students with special status or unique conditions will undergo the same evaluation procedures as their peers. 

Special periods in April and November (Period III and Period II): students with special status or conditions will be evaluated through an oral examination, which carries a weight of 100% in determining the final grade.