The course “Introduction to Political Science” provides a foundational introduction to the study of politics as a scientific discipline. It examines core concepts such as power, sovereignty, the state, and governance. The course analyzes various political systems (democracy, totalitarianism, authoritarianism), forms of government, and political institutions. It explores the functioning of political parties, electoral systems, and political participation. Additionally, it examines theories of political philosophy, ideologies, and the relationship between citizens and the state. The course aims to equip students with the skills to understand and critically analyze political phenomena in contemporary society.

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental concepts, principles, and ideologies of Political Science.
• Identify and compare political systems, forms of government, and institutions.
• Analyze and interpret political phenomena, texts, and speeches with a critical approach.
• Formulate and evaluate arguments using theoretical frameworks, connecting theory with practice.
• Apply political analysis to contemporary issues and actively participate in political discussions.
• Recognize the significance of political participation and power in society.

Week 1: Introduction to Political Science

• What is Political Science?
• Subject matter and research methods
• Relationship of Political Science with other social sciences
• Key concepts: politics, power, legitimacy

Week 2: The State

• Definition and characteristics of the state
• Historical development of the state
• Sovereignty and the nation-state
• Functions of the modern state

Week 3: Power and Political Authority

• Theories of power (Weber, Foucault, Dahl)
• Forms of political authority
• Legitimization of power
• Hegemony and resistance

Week 4: Political Systems

• Democracy: direct and representative
• Authoritarian regimes
• Totalitarianism
• Hybrid political systems

Week 5: Forms of Government

• Presidential system
• Parliamentary system
• Semi-presidential system
• Comparative analysis of systems

Week 6: Political Ideologies (Part A)

• Liberalism
• Conservatism
• Socialism and Communism

Week 7: Political Ideologies (Part B)

• Fascism and far-right movements
• Anarchism
• Feminism and environmentalism
• Contemporary ideological trends

Week 8: Political Parties

• Definition and functions of political parties
• Party typologies
• Party systems (two-party, multiparty)
• Crisis of traditional parties

Week 9: Electoral Systems

• Proportional representation
• Majoritarian systems
• Mixed systems
• Effects of electoral systems on representation

Week 10: Political Participation and Political Culture

• Forms of political participation
• Voting behavior
• Political culture and socialization
• Social movements

Week 11: Interest Groups and Mass Media

• Pressure groups and lobbying
• Role of mass media in politics
• Public opinion
• Political communication and propaganda

Week 12: International Relations and Globalization

• Key concepts in international relations
• International organizations (UN, EU)
• Globalization and politics
• Contemporary challenges: migration, climate change

Week 13: Contemporary Challenges to Democracy

• Populism
• Polarization and crisis of representation
• Digital democracy and social media
• The future of democracy
• Review and discussion

Dahl, R. A. (1998). On democracy. Yale University Press.

Fukuyama, F. (2014). Political order and political decay. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Held, D. (2006). Models of democracy. Stanford University Press.

Huntington, S. P. (1991). The third wave: Democratization in the late twentieth century. University of Oklahoma Press.

Lijphart, A. (2012). Patterns of democracy: Government forms and performance in thirty-six countries. Yale University Press.

Roskin, M. G., et al. (2015). Πολιτική Επιστήμη: Μια Εισαγωγή. Εκδόσεις Ποιότητα.

Van Belle, D. A., & Mash, K. M. (2010). A novel approach to politics: Introducing political science through books, movies, and popular culture (3rd ed.). CQ Press.

Δερτιλής, Γ. (2005). Ιστορία του Ελληνικού Κράτους 1830-1920. Εκδόσεις Εστία.

Ηλιού, Φ. (1988). Κοινωνικοί Αγώνες και Διαφωτισμός. Εκδόσεις Πορεία.

Κοντογιώργης, Γ. (2006). Πολιτική και Χώρος: Το Παράδειγμα της Ελλάδας. Εκδόσεις Παπαζήση.

Μαυρωτάς, Γ. (2008). Πολιτική επιστήμη: Εισαγωγή και θεωρία. Εκδόσεις Παπαζήση.

Μουζέλης, Ν. (1986). Πολιτική και Κοινωνία στην Ελλάδα. Εκδόσεις Θεμέλιο.

Μπίκος, Κ. (2007). Συγκριτικά Πολιτικά Συστήματα. Εκδόσεις Σάκκουλα.

Παπαδημητρίου, Τ. (2002). Εισαγωγή στη Συγκριτική Πολιτική. Εκδόσεις Σιδέρης.

• Lectures
• Discussions and case studies
• Analysis of political texts
• Group projects

• Interactive teaching
• Use of OpenClass / online learning platforms
• Digital bibliography and resources
• Data analysis tools
• Media literacy and staying informed

Research-based assignment