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. At the same time, it explores the relationship between politics and discourse and introduces students to the analysis of political discourse as well as to the relationship between politics, religion, and society. Theoretical knowledge is also applied on a practical level through various case studies examined in class. The course aims to equip students with the skills to understand and critically analyze political phenomena in contemporary society. No ΑΙ tools are used in this course.

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?
• Definition of politics
• Major figures in political theory (from Aristotle and Plato to Machiavelli, Marx, and Arendt)
• The Relationship Between Political Science and οther Social Sciences

Week 2: Power and Bureaucracy

• Theories of power (Weber, Foucault, Dahl)
• Forms of political authority
• Legitimization of Power
• Bureaucracy

Week 3: The State

• Definition and characteristics of the state
• Historical Development of the State
• The Nation-State
• Classification of Modern States

Week 4: Political Systems and Regimes

• Political Systems
• Aristotle’s Classical Typology
• The Typology of the Three Worlds
• Modern Political Regimes

Week 5: Democracy and Representation

• Definition of Democracy
• Models of Democracy
• Representation
• Elections and Voters

Week 6: Political Ideologies (Part A)

• Liberalism
• Conservatism
• Socialism and Communism
• Anarchism

Week 7: Political Ideologies (Part B)

• Fascism and the Far Right
• The New Right and the Alt-Right
• Religious Conservatism
• Populism

Week 8: Political Discourse

• Language and Politics
• Political Texts
• Introduction to Political Discourse Analysis
• Discourse as a medium of reproduction of ideology
• Political Communication

Week 9: Interest Groups and Social Movements

• Social Movements
• The Feminist Movement
• The Environmental Movement
• Other Movements

Week 10: Religion and Politics

• Connection Between Religion and Politics
• Christianity and Politics
• Islam and Politics
• Asian Worldviews
• Religious States

Week 11: Case Study

• Social Movements in Politics
• Case Study

Week 12: Case Study

• Religious Movements in Politics
• Case Study

Week 13: Review, Questions, and Exam Preparation

• Review of the concepts covered
• Preparing students for the exam
• Discussion of questions and conclusions

Κιουπκιολής, Α. (2021). Το Πολιτικό—Σύγχρονοι Στοχασμοί. Έρμα.

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

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

Σεφεριάδης, Σ. (2021). Λαϊκισμός, Δημοκρατία, Αριστερά—Η πρόκληση της μεθόδου. Εκδόσεις Τόπος.

Ammerman, N. T. (2021). Studying Lived Religion. NYU Press. JSTOR. 

Arendt, H. (2020). Περί Βίας. Επίκεντρο Α.Ε.

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

Davie, G. (2013). The Sociology of Religion: A Critical Agenda. SAGE Publications.

Hedges, P. (2021). Understanding Religion (1η έκδ.). University of California Press.JSTOR. 

Heywood, A. (2006). Εισαγωγή στην πολιτική (Γ. Θ. Καράμπελας, Μετ.). Πόλις.

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

Schäffner, C. (1997). Analysing Political Speeches. Multilingual Matters.

Schäffner, C. (2007). Chapter 9. Politics and Translation. A Companion to Translation Studies (σελ. 134–147).

van Dijk, T. (1998). Ideology—A Multidisciplinary Approach. Sage Publications Ltd.

van Dijk, T. (2009). News, Discourse, and Ideology. The Handbook of Journalism Studies (1st έκδ., σελ. 14). Routledge.

van Dijk, T. (2011). Discourse and Ideology (σελ. 379–407).

van Dijk, T. (2025). Discourse and Ideologies of the Radical Right. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge Core. 

• Lectures
• Discussion of theories and concepts
• Analysis of political texts
• Case studies

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

Exam based on a case study and a supporting text. Students are required to apply the theoretical knowledge they have acquired to the events presented in a text provided during the exam and to answer open-ended questions. The use of cell phones, laptops, and the internet is not permitted during the exam.