Political Science (POLI) 278

Overview

POLI 278 is the second half of AU's introduction to politics course. It can be taken alone for students requiring 3 credits in political science, but not wishing to take both introductory courses. For students desiring a thorough introduction to political science, those intending to do other political science courses, both introductory courses are recommended. Together with POLI 277, POLI 278 is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in politics and government to enable them to proceed to other courses in political science.

The course introduces students to the basic concepts, and processes of political science--democracy, political culture and socialization, political participation, elections, parties, interest groups, and social movements.

Outline

• Unit 1: Introduction
• Unit 2: Ideas of Politics
• Unit 3: Culture and Community
• Unit 4: Representation and Electoral Systems
• Unit 5: Political Parties and Elections
• Unit 6: Media, Interest Groups, and Social Movements
• Unit 7: Political Conflict and Violence
• Unit 8: Regimes
• Unit 9: Globalizing Justice
• Unit 10: Governing the World Community

Evaluation

To receive credit for POLI 278, you must complete the following assignments and achieve a course composite grade of at least “D” (50 percent) and a grade of 50 percent or better on the final examination. The weighting of the assignments is as follows:

The final examination for this course must be taken online with an AU-approved exam invigilator at an approved invigilation centre. It is your responsibility to ensure your chosen invigilation centre can accommodate online exams. For a list of invigilators who can accommodate online exams, visit the Exam Invigilation Network.

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.

Course Materials

Textbooks

Other Materials

All other course materials will be accessed online.

Challenge for Credit Course Overview

The Challenge for Credit process allows students to demonstrate that they have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university level course.

Full information for the Challenge for Credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.

• Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Policy
• Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Procedures

Challenge Evaluation

To receive credit for the POLI 278 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least “D” (50 percent) on the examination.

Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Course Registration Form

• Challenge for Credit Form