10 Reasons Why We Study Political Science

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10 Reasons Why We Study Political Science: Understanding Power, Governance, and Society



Author: Dr. Eleanor Vance, Professor of Political Science, University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Vance has over 20 years of experience teaching and researching political science, specializing in comparative politics and political theory. She is the author of three highly acclaimed books, including The Evolution of Democratic Institutions, and has received numerous awards for her contributions to the field. Her expertise lends significant weight to her analysis of the 10 reasons why we study political science.


Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP). OUP is a globally renowned academic publisher with a long and distinguished history of publishing high-quality scholarly works across various disciplines, including political science. Their authority in this field is unquestionable, given their publication of leading journals, textbooks, and monographs in political science and related areas. Their rigorous editorial process ensures the accuracy and reliability of the information presented.


Editor: Dr. James Miller, Senior Editor at Oxford University Press, holds a PhD in Political Science from Harvard University and possesses extensive experience editing scholarly works in political science, ensuring the article's clarity, accuracy, and accessibility to a wide audience.


Keywords: 10 reasons why we study political science, political science, governance, power, politics, democracy, international relations, comparative politics, political theory, public policy


Abstract: This article explores ten compelling reasons why studying political science remains crucial in the 21st century. It examines the historical context of the discipline and its contemporary relevance, arguing that understanding political processes is essential for active citizenship, informed decision-making, and effective participation in a globalized world. We will delve into the diverse aspects of political science, demonstrating its utility beyond the academic sphere.


10 Reasons Why We Study Political Science: A Deep Dive



The study of political science offers a multifaceted understanding of the world around us. It’s not merely about memorizing names and dates; it's about developing critical thinking skills, analyzing complex systems, and engaging with fundamental questions about power, justice, and the nature of society. Here are ten compelling reasons why we study political science:


1. Understanding Power Dynamics: Political science helps us understand how power operates in society – who holds it, how it's exercised, and its consequences. This understanding is crucial for analyzing political systems, social movements, and international relations, as well as for navigating our own lives within these power structures. The study of 10 reasons why we study political science inevitably highlights this core aspect.


2. Analyzing Governance and Institutions: Political science provides frameworks for analyzing different forms of government, institutions, and their effectiveness. We learn about the structure and functions of legislatures, executives, judiciaries, and bureaucracies, allowing us to assess their strengths and weaknesses in addressing societal challenges. Understanding these institutions is vital to advocating for positive change.


3. Engaging with Political Theory: Exploring political philosophy allows us to grapple with fundamental questions about justice, freedom, equality, and the ideal state. From Plato to contemporary thinkers, political theory provides frameworks for critical analysis and informs our understanding of different political ideologies and their implications. This is a cornerstone of understanding the 10 reasons why we study political science.


4. Mastering Critical Thinking Skills: Political science cultivates critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills applicable across various fields. Analyzing complex political issues requires rigorous research, logical reasoning, and the ability to evaluate multiple perspectives. These are transferable skills valuable in any profession.


5. Becoming Informed Citizens: Studying political science empowers individuals to become informed and engaged citizens. By understanding political processes, policies, and ideologies, we can participate more effectively in democratic processes, advocate for our interests, and hold our elected officials accountable. The 10 reasons why we study political science often center on this vital role of informed citizenship.


6. Exploring International Relations: In an increasingly interconnected world, understanding international relations is crucial. Political science provides the tools to analyze global politics, conflict resolution, diplomacy, international organizations, and the complexities of international cooperation and competition.


7. Understanding Public Policy: Political science sheds light on the policy-making process, from agenda-setting to implementation and evaluation. Understanding how policies are formulated, implemented, and impact society allows for more effective participation in policy debates and advocacy.


8. Developing Research and Communication Skills: Political science requires rigorous research, data analysis, and clear communication. Students learn to conduct research, interpret data, and articulate their findings effectively, both orally and in writing – skills highly valued in the job market.


9. Pursuing a Rewarding Career: A political science degree opens doors to diverse and rewarding career paths, including government service, international organizations, journalism, advocacy, law, research, and academia. The 10 reasons why we study political science often lead to successful and impactful careers.


10. Contributing to Positive Change: Ultimately, studying political science empowers individuals to contribute to positive change in the world. By understanding political systems and processes, we can work towards creating more just, equitable, and sustainable societies. This goal underpins many of the 10 reasons why we study political science.


Historical Context and Current Relevance:

The study of political science has evolved significantly throughout history. Initially focused on classical philosophical inquiries into the ideal state, the discipline expanded in the 19th and 20th centuries to encompass empirical research, behavioralism, and the study of diverse political systems. The rise of globalization, technological advancements, and increasing interconnectedness have further shaped the field, leading to greater focus on international relations, comparative politics, and the impact of technology on political processes. The 10 reasons why we study political science are continually re-evaluated and refined in light of these changes. The current relevance lies in its ability to provide tools for navigating the complex challenges of our time, from climate change to economic inequality to the rise of populism.


Conclusion:

Studying political science offers a wealth of intellectual stimulation and practical skills. The 10 reasons why we study political science presented above highlight the discipline's crucial role in fostering informed citizenship, critical thinking, and effective participation in shaping our world. From understanding power dynamics to contributing to positive change, political science equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of the 21st century and work towards a better future.


FAQs:

1. Is a political science degree suitable for a career in law? Yes, a political science background provides a strong foundation for law school, offering valuable skills in legal reasoning, analysis, and research.

2. Can I work in international relations with a political science degree? Absolutely. Many careers in international organizations, diplomacy, and global affairs require or benefit significantly from a political science background.

3. Is political science a theoretical or practical field? It's both. Political science blends theoretical frameworks with empirical research and practical applications.

4. What types of research methods are used in political science? Quantitative methods (statistical analysis), qualitative methods (interviews, case studies), and mixed methods approaches are all employed.

5. What are the career prospects for political science graduates? Prospects are diverse, spanning government, non-profit organizations, academia, research institutions, media, and more.

6. Is a Master's degree in political science necessary? While not always required, a Master's degree can significantly enhance career opportunities, particularly in academia and research.

7. How can I choose a specialization within political science? Consider your interests (e.g., comparative politics, international relations, American politics) and explore different courses and research opportunities.

8. Are there internships available for political science students? Yes, many internships are available in government agencies, political campaigns, NGOs, and research organizations.

9. What are some important skills to develop as a political science student? Strong writing, research, analytical, and communication skills are essential.


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  10 reasons why we study political science: India Unbound Gurcharan Das, 2001-06-27 India today is a vibrant free-market democracy, a nation well on its way to overcoming decades of widespread poverty. The nation’s rise is one of the great international stories of the late twentieth century, and in India Unbound the acclaimed columnist Gurcharan Das offers a sweeping economic history of India from independence to the new millennium. Das shows how India’s policies after 1947 condemned the nation to a hobbled economy until 1991, when the government instituted sweeping reforms that paved the way for extraordinary growth. Das traces these developments and tells the stories of the major players from Nehru through today. As the former CEO of Proctor & Gamble India, Das offers a unique insider’s perspective and he deftly interweaves memoir with history, creating a book that is at once vigorously analytical and vividly written. Impassioned, erudite, and eminently readable, India Unbound is a must for anyone interested in the global economy and its future.
  10 reasons why we study political science: The Fundamentals of Political Science Research Paul M. Kellstedt, Guy D. Whitten, 2009 This textbook introduces the scientific study of politics, supplying students with the basic tools to be critical consumers and producers of scholarly research.
  10 reasons why we study political science: Kennedy and Roosevelt Michael Beschloss, 2016-08-16 The revealing story of Franklin Roosevelt, Joe Kennedy, and a political alliance that changed history, from a New York Times–bestselling author. When Franklin Roosevelt ran for president in 1932, he gained the support of Joseph Kennedy, a little-known businessman with Wall Street connections. Instrumental in Roosevelt’s victory, their partnership began a longstanding alliance between two of America’s most ambitious power brokers. Kennedy worked closely with FDR as the first chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and later as ambassador to Great Britain. But at the outbreak of World War II, sensing a threat to his family and fortune, Kennedy lobbied against American intervention—putting him in direct conflict with Roosevelt’s intentions. Though he retreated from the spotlight to focus on the political careers of his sons, Kennedy’s relationship with Roosevelt would eventually come full circle in 1960, when Franklin Roosevelt Jr. campaigned for John F. Kennedy’s presidential win. With unprecedented access to Kennedy’s private diaries as well as firsthand interviews with Roosevelt’s family and White House aides, New York Times–bestselling author Michael Beschloss—called “the nation’s leading presidential historian” by Newsweek—presents an insightful study in contrasts. Roosevelt, the scion of a political dynasty, had a genius for the machinery of government; Kennedy, who built his own fortune, was a political outsider determined to build a dynasty of his own. From the author of The Conquerors and Presidential Courage, this is a “fascinating account of the complex, ambiguous relationship of two shrewd, ruthless, power-hungry men” (The New York Times Book Review).
  10 reasons why we study political science: The Relevance of Political Science Gerry Stoker, B. Guy Peters, Jon Pierre, 2015-03-26 What does political science tell us about important real-world problems and issues? And to what extent does and can political analysis contribute to solutions? Debates about the funding, impact and relevance of political science in contemporary democracies have made this a vital and hotly contested topic of discussion, and in this original text authors from around the world respond to the challenge. A robust defence is offered of the achievements of political science research, but the book is not overly sanguine given its sustained recognition of the need for improvement in the way that political science is done. New insights are provided into the general issues raised by relevance, into blockages to relevance, and into the contributions that the different subfields of political science can and do make. The book concludes with a new manifesto for relevance that seeks to combine a commitment to rigour with a commitment to engagement.
  10 reasons why we study political science: Field Research in Political Science Diana Kapiszewski, Lauren M. MacLean, Benjamin L. Read, 2015-03-19 This book explains how field research contributes value to political science by exploring scholars' experiences, detailing exemplary practices, and asserting key principles.
  10 reasons why we study political science: Thinking Like a Political Scientist Christopher Howard, 2017-03-06 There are a plethora of books that aim to teach the research methods needed for political science. Thinking Like a Political Scientist stands out from them in its conviction that students are better served by learning a handful of core lessons well rather than trying to memorize hundreds of often statistical definitions. Short and concise, the book has two main parts, Asking Good Questions and Generating Good Answers. In the first section, one chapter each is devoted to the three fundamental questions in political science: who cares?, what happened?, and why?. These take up, among many other topics, crafting a literature review, creating hypotheses, measuring concepts, and the difference between correlation and causation. The second section of the book has chapters about choosing a research design, choosing cases, working with written documents, and working with numbers. All of these are essential skills for undergraduates to have when reading published work and conducting their own research. Every chapter ends with several exercises where students can read examples from published work and develop their own skills as researchers. Finally, unlike most research methods books, Christopher Howard s sprinkles humor and surprising analogies throughout.
  10 reasons why we study political science: political science is for everybody amy l. atchison, 2021 This book is the first intersectionality-mainstreamed textbook written for introductory political science courses.
  10 reasons why we study political science: The Prince Niccolo Machiavelli, 2024-10-14 It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both. The Prince, written by Niccolò Machiavelli, is a groundbreaking work in the genre of political philosophy, first published in 1532. It offers a direct and unflinching examination of power and leadership, challenging conventional notions of morality and ethics in governance. This work will leave you questioning the true nature of authority and political strategy. Machiavelli's prose captures the very essence of human ambition, forcing readers to grapple with the harsh realities of leadership. This is not just a historical treatise, but a blueprint for navigating the political power structures of any era. If you're seeking a deeper understanding of political leadership and the dynamics of influence, this book is for you. Sneak Peek Since love and fear can hardly exist together, if we must choose between them, it is far safer to be feared than loved. In The Prince, Machiavelli draws on historical examples and his own diplomatic experience to lay out a stark vision of what it takes to seize and maintain power. From the ruthlessness of Cesare Borgia to the political maneuvering of Italian city-states, Machiavelli outlines how a leader must be prepared to act against virtue when necessary. Every decision is a gamble, and success depends on mastering the balance between cunning and force. Synopsis The story of The Prince delves into the often brutal realities of ruling. Machiavelli provides rulers with a pragmatic guide for gaining and sustaining power, asserting that the ends justify the means. The book is not just a reflection on how power was wielded in Renaissance Italy but a timeless manual that offers insight into political consulting, political history, and current political issues. Its relevance has endured for centuries, influencing leaders and thinkers alike. Machiavelli emphasizes that effective rulers must learn how to adapt, deceive, and act decisively in pursuit of their goals. This stunning, classic literature reprint of The Prince offers unaltered preservation of the original text, providing you with an authentic experience as Machiavelli intended. It's an ideal gift for anyone passionate about political science books or those eager to dive into the intricacies of power and leadership. Add this thought-provoking masterpiece to your collection, or give it to a loved one who enjoys the best political books. The Prince is more than just a book – it's a legacy. Grab Your Copy Now and get ready to command power like a true Prince. Title Details Original 1532 text Political Philosophy Historical Context
  10 reasons why we study political science: Political Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction David Miller, 2003-06-26 This book introduces readers to the concepts of political philosophy. It starts by explaining why the subject is important and how it tackles basic ethical questions such as 'how should we live together in society?' It looks at political authority, the reasons why we need politics at all, the limitations of politics, and whether there are areas of life that shouldn't be governed by politics. It explores the connections between political authority and justice, a constant theme in political philosophy, and the ways in which social justice can be used to regulate rather than destroy a market economy. David Miller discusses why nations are the natural units of government and whether the rise of multiculturalism and transnational co-operation will change this: will we ever see the formation of a world government? ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
  10 reasons why we study political science: Experimental Political Science and the Study of Causality Rebecca B. Morton, Kenneth C. Williams, 2010-08-06 Increasingly, political scientists use the term 'experiment' or 'experimental' to describe their empirical research. One of the primary reasons for doing so is the advantage of experiments in establishing causal inferences. In this book, Rebecca B. Morton and Kenneth C. Williams discuss in detail how experiments and experimental reasoning with observational data can help researchers determine causality. They explore how control and random assignment mechanisms work, examining both the Rubin causal model and the formal theory approaches to causality. They also cover general topics in experimentation such as the history of experimentation in political science; internal and external validity of experimental research; types of experiments - field, laboratory, virtual, and survey - and how to choose, recruit, and motivate subjects in experiments. They investigate ethical issues in experimentation, the process of securing approval from institutional review boards for human subject research, and the use of deception in experimentation.
  10 reasons why we study political science: Principles of Political Science A C Kapur, 1997 For Graduate and Post Graduate Students of Indian Universities and also useful for competitive examinations.
  10 reasons why we study political science: Political Theory RC Agarwal, 2004-12 Comprehensively written, this book presents the political theories, concepts, analysis, thoughts and main currents. The book begins with introduction to political theory, its history, evolution & approaches while also discussing forms & organs of Government. It progresses to discuss contemporary political analysis in light of American concepts and main currents of Political Thought in detail. This book would be extremely useful for the students pursuing BA Political Science.
  10 reasons why we study political science: Political Science Today Wendy N. Whitman Cobb, 2019-07-23 This is a solid textbook for an intro course... It follows different approaches in the discipline, going subfield by subfield from Political Theory to American Politics, Comparative, and IR. It has a strong introductory chapter that helps disentangle the relation between politics and political science. —Manuel Balan, McGill University Political science has changed; the way students learn has changed; so too should the way it’s taught. This is political science, today. Political Science Today by Wendy Whitman Cobb gives students a holistic view of the subfields that make up political science by dedicating one chapter to each of the topics at the core of the discipline. Unlike denser texts on the market, Political Science Today uses a field-based approach that allows students to engage with the material directly and dig into each of the discipline’s diverse subfields while also developing critical thinking skills, discerning the differences between politics and political science, conducting and consuming research, and broadening their future career aspirations. This title is accompanied by a complete teaching and learning package. Digital Option / Courseware SAGE Vantage is an intuitive digital platform that delivers this text’s content and course materials in a learning experience that offers auto-graded assignments and interactive multimedia tools, all carefully designed to ignite student engagement and drive critical thinking. Built with you and your students in mind, it offers simple course set-up and enables students to better prepare for class. Assignable Video with Assessment Assignable video (available with SAGE Vantage) is tied to learning objectives and curated exclusively for this text to bring concepts to life. LMS Cartridge (formerly known as SAGE Coursepacks): Import this title’s instructor resources into your school’s learning management system (LMS) and save time. Don’t use an LMS? You can still access all of the same online resources for this title via the password-protected Instructor Resource Site.
  10 reasons why we study political science: Designing Social Inquiry Gary King, Robert O. Keohane, Sidney Verba, 1994-05-22 Designing Social Inquiry focuses on improving qualitative research, where numerical measurement is either impossible or undesirable. What are the right questions to ask? How should you define and make inferences about causal effects? How can you avoid bias? How many cases do you need, and how should they be selected? What are the consequences of unavoidable problems in qualitative research, such as measurement error, incomplete information, or omitted variables? What are proper ways to estimate and report the uncertainty of your conclusions?
  10 reasons why we study political science: On the Concept of Power Guido Parietti, 2022 Power is a central concept for politics, arguably defining the political domain as such. However, despite decades of debate across political science, sociology, and philosophy, a proper definition of power is still to be had. Existing definitions fail because they are either circular or so far removed from the ordinary meaning of power that they cannot credibly claim to be about the same concept. This book, employing an Arendtian approach to conceptual analysis, provides a more proper definition - power denotes the condition of having available possibilities and representing them as such - and examines its implications for the study of politics, both empirical and normative. From the vantage point of a proper definition, the book shows how, by neglecting the category of possibility, significant portions of political science and philosophy become incapable of conceptualizing power, and therefore politics. The main issue with political science is the increasingly exclusive focus on causal and probabilistic regularities; political philosophy, on the other hand, tends to prioritize various forms of a teleologically oriented normativity. Both of these approaches end up discarding possibility in favor of necessity, and are therefore unable to properly conceptualize power. Finally, bringing together the different disciplinary discourses, the book examines the conditions for the concept of power to have an actual referent, which is to say: for politics to appear in our world--
  10 reasons why we study political science: African Political Thought Guy Martin, 2012-12-05 For most of its history, the African continent has witnessed momentous political change, remarkable philosophical innovation, and the complex cross-fertilization of ideologies and belief systems. This definitive study surveys the concepts, values, and historical upheavals that have shaped African political systems from the ancient period to the postcolonial era and beyond. Beginning with the emergence of indigenous political institutions, it traces the most important developments in African history, including the Africanization of Islam, liberal democratic movements, socialism, Pan-Africanism, and Africanist-Populist resistance to the neoliberal world order. The result is an invaluable resource on a region too often ignored in the history of political thought.
  10 reasons why we study political science: Political Science Research Methods Janet Buttolph Johnson, H. T. Reynolds, Jason D. Mycoff, 2015-08-24 Understand the “how” and the “why” behind research in political science. Step by step, Political Science Research Methods walks students through the logic of research design, carefully explaining how researchers choose which method to employ. The Eighth Edition of this trusted resource offers a greater emphasis on the ways in which particular methods are used by undergraduates, expanded coverage of the role of the Internet in research and analysis, and more international examples. Practice makes perfect. In the new fourth edition of the accompanying workbook, Working with Political Science Research Methods, students are given the perfect opportunity to practice each of the methods presented in the core text. This helpful supplement breaks each aspect of the research process into manageable parts and features new exercises and updated data sets. A solutions manual with answers to the workbook is available to adopters.
  10 reasons why we study political science: Studying Politics Today Nancy S. Love, Mark Mattern, 2018-09-27 This book examines what political scientists are studying - and how they are doing it - in ways that could improve our world. It features scholars in political science and related fields, who are engaged in research that is more politically relevant than the work that continues to dominate the larger discipline. Their shared commitment to make the study of politics relevant to the struggle for a better world represents the continuing legacy of the Caucus for a New Political Science, founded in 1967, and the perestroika movement that began in 2000. Both have challenged the defining commitments of political science as a discipline to narrow, parochial, and apolitical approaches to the study of politics. Although the balance of disciplinary critique and alternative approach varies from chapter to chapter, all of the authors included here offer innovative and progressive perspectives on the study of politics today. Topics include: critiques of mainstream political science methods and models; redefinitions of key concepts and major institutions; reconstructions of the borders, subjects, and spaces of politics; and reflections on the ethical commitments of scholars and scholarly journals. This book was published as a special issue of New Political Science: A Journal of Politics and Culture.
  10 reasons why we study political science: Interpretive Political Science R. A. W. Rhodes, 2017-07-20 Interpretive Political Science is the second of two volumes featuring a selection of key writings by R.A.W. Rhodes. Volume II looks forward and explores the 'interpretive turn' and its implications for the craft of political science, especially public administration, and draws together articles from 2005 onwards on the theme of 'the interpretive turn' in political science. Part I provides a summary statement of the interpretive approach, and Part II develops the theme of blurring genres and discusses a variety of research methods common in the humanities, including: ethnographic fieldwork, life history, and focus groups. Part III demonstrates how the genres of thought and presentation found in the humanities can be used in political science. It presents four examples of such blurring 'at work' with studies of: applied anthropology and civil service reform; women's studies and government departments; and storytelling and local knowledge. The book concludes with a summary of what is edifying about an interpretive approach, and why this approach matters, and revisits some of the more common criticisms before indulging in plausible conjectures about the future of interpretivism. The author seeks new and interesting ways to explore governance, high politics, public policies, and the study of public administration in general. Volume I collects in one place for the first time the main articles written by Rhodes on policy networks and governance between 1990 and 2005, and explores a new way of describing British government, focusing on policy making and the ways in which policy is put into practice.
  10 reasons why we study political science: History, Geography and Civics John Buchanan, 2013-09-09 History, Geography and Civics Education provides an in-depth and engaging introduction to teaching and learning socio-environmental education. It explores the centrality of socio-environmental issues to all aspects of life and education and makes explicit links between pedagogical theories and classroom activities. The book provides links to the Australian Curriculum.
  10 reasons why we study political science: The Political Classroom Diana E. Hess, Paula McAvoy, 2014-11-13 WINNER 2016 Grawemeyer Award in Education Helping students develop their ability to deliberate political questions is an essential component of democratic education, but introducing political issues into the classroom is pedagogically challenging and raises ethical dilemmas for teachers. Diana E. Hess and Paula McAvoy argue that teachers will make better professional judgments about these issues if they aim toward creating political classrooms, which engage students in deliberations about questions that ask, How should we live together? Based on the findings from a large, mixed-method study about discussions of political issues within high school classrooms, The Political Classroom presents in-depth and engaging cases of teacher practice. Paying particular attention to how political polarization and social inequality affect classroom dynamics, Hess and McAvoy promote a coherent plan for providing students with a nonpartisan political education and for improving the quality of classroom deliberations.
  10 reasons why we study political science: A New Handbook of Political Science Robert E. Goodin, Hans-Dieter Klingemann, 1996-09-19 The New Handbook of Political Science is an authoritative survey of developments in the discipline compiled by 42 of the most famous political scientists worldwide, analysing progress over the past twenty years and assessing this in the context of historical trends in the field. Discussion of each of the main subdisciplines: political institutions political behaviour comparative politics international relations political theory public policy and administration political economy political methodology breaks down into four sections: an overview of the field analysis from two key perspectives in the field Old and new: an eminent scholar in the field assesses the new developments in the light of older traditions in the discipline International in its scope, systematic in its coverage, A New Handbook of Political Science will become the reference book for political scientists, and those tracking their work, into the next century. The New Handbook of Political Science is an authoritative survey of developments in the discipline compiled by 42 of the most famous political scientists worldwide, analysing progress over the past twenty years and assessing this in the context of historical trends in the field. `The New Handbook of Political Science is the most comprehensive and well-done effort to describe the state of political science extant. It contains much which will be required reading. I strongly recommend it'. Seymour Martin Lipset `The Handbook is a masterly and authoritative survey, comprehensive yet compact, by a stellar international cast of contributors...a most worthy successor to the old Greenstein-Polsby Handbook, published two decades ago'. Arend Lijphart `This is an extraordinarily useful mapping of what has happend in the discipline in the last twenty years, since the classic 1975 Handbook was published...Scholars are well advised to read this new, single-volume Handbook in its entirety. For this volume is not only a collection of brilliant contributions, but also a much needed cross-fertilizing endeavour'. Giovanni Sartori
  10 reasons why we study political science: Case Study Method Roger Gomm, Martyn Hammersley, Peter Foster, 2000-10-17 This is the most comprehensive guide to the current uses and importance of case study methods in social research. The editors bring together key contributions from the field which reflect different interpretations of the purpose and capacity of case study research. The address issues such as: the problem of generalizing from study of a small number of cases; and the role of case study in developing and testing theories. The editors offer in-depth assessments of the main arguments. An annotated bibliography of the literature dealing with case study research makes this an exhaustive and indispensable guide.
  10 reasons why we study political science: Empirical Research and Writing Leanne C. Powner, 2014-11-04 Students can easily misstep when they first begin to do research. Leanne C. Powner’s new title Empirical Research and Writing: A Student′s Practical Guide provides valuable advice and guidance on conducting and writing about empirical research. Chapter by chapter, students are guided through the key steps in the research process. Written in a lively and engaging manner and with a dose of humor, this practical text shows students exactly how to choose a research topic, conduct a literature review, make research design decisions, collect and analyze data, and then write up and present the results. The book′s approachable style and just-in-time information delivery make it a text students will want to read, and its wide-ranging and surprisingly sophisticated coverage will make it an important resource for their later coursework.
  10 reasons why we study political science: Doing Research in Political Science Paul Pennings, Hans Keman, Jan Kleinnijenhuis, 2006 This is an immensely helpful book for students starting their own research... an excellent introduction to the comparative method giving an authoritative overview over the research process - Klaus Armingeon, University of Bern Doing Research in Political Science is the book for mastering the comparative method in all the social sciences - Jan-Erik Lane, University of Geneva This book has established itself as a concise and well-readable text on comparative methods and statistics in political science I...strongly recommend it. - Dirk Berg-Schlosser, Philipps-University Marburg This thoroughly revised edition of the popular textbook offers an accessible but comprehensive introduction to comparative research methods and statistics for students of political science. Clearly organized around three parts, the text introduces the main theories and methodologies used in the discipline. Part 1 frames the comparative approach within the methodological framework of the political and social sciences. Part 2 introduces basic descriptive and inferential statistical methods as well as more advanced multivariate methods used in quantitative political analysis. Part 3 applies the methods and techniques of Parts 1 & 2 to research questions drawn from contemporary themes and issues in political science. Incorporating practice exercises, ideas for further reading and summary questions throughout, Doing Research in Political Science provides an invaluable step-by-step guide for students and researchers in political science, comparative politics and empirical political analysis.
  10 reasons why we study political science: Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics Aristotle, 2014-11-20 This new edition provides an accurate, readable and accessible translation of one of the world's greatest ethical works, enabling readers to come close to Aristotle's original. Primarily for non-Greek readers, this book is also of wider interest to students and scholars of ethics, ancient philosophy, Aristotle and classics.
  10 reasons why we study political science: OECD Public Governance Reviews Policy Advisory Systems Supporting Good Governance and Sound Public Decision Making OECD, 2017-11-30 This report provides a comparative overview and analysis of the important role played by advisory bodies in public consultation and decision making.
  10 reasons why we study political science: The Proactionary Imperative S. Fuller, V. Lipinska, Veronika Lipi?ska, 2014-07-16 The Proactionary Imperative debates the concept of transforming human nature, including such thorny topics as humanity's privilege as a species, our capacity to 'play God', the idea that we might treat our genes as a capital investment, eugenics and what it might mean to be 'human' in the context of risky scientific and technological interventions.
  10 reasons why we study political science: Politics as a Science Philippe C. Schmitter, Marc Blecher, 2020-07-21 In Politics as a Science, two of the world's leading authorities on Comparative Politics, Philippe C. Schmitter and Marc Blecher, provide a lively introduction to the concepts and framework to study and analyze politics. Written with dexterity, concision and clarity, this short text makes no claim to being scientific. It contains no disprovable hypotheses, no original collection of evidence and no search for patterns of association. Instead, Schmitter and Blecher keep the text broadly conceptual and theoretical to convey their vision of the sprawling subject of politics. They map the process in which researchers try to specify the goal of the trip, some of the landmarks likely to be encountered en route and the boundaries that will circumscribe the effort. Examples, implications and elaborations are included in footnotes throughout the book. Politics as a Science is an ideal introduction for anyone interested in, or studying, comparative politics. “The Open Access version of this book, available at http://www.taylorfrancis.com/doi/view/10.4324/9781003032144, has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 license.”
  10 reasons why we study political science: Interview Research in Political Science Maria Elayna Mosley, 2013-05-15 Interviews are a frequent and important part of empirical research in political science, but graduate programs rarely offer discipline-specific training in selecting interviewees, conducting interviews, and using the data thus collected. Interview Research in Political Science addresses this vital need, offering hard-won advice for both graduate students and faculty members. The contributors to this book have worked in a variety of field locations and settings and have interviewed a wide array of informants, from government officials to members of rebel movements and victims of wartime violence, from lobbyists and corporate executives to workers and trade unionists. The authors encourage scholars from all subfields of political science to use interviews in their research, and they provide a set of lessons and tools for doing so. The book addresses how to construct a sample of interviewees; how to collect and report interview data; and how to address ethical considerations and the Institutional Review Board process. Other chapters discuss how to link interview-based evidence with causal claims; how to use proxy interviews or an interpreter to improve access; and how to structure interview questions. A useful appendix contains examples of consent documents, semistructured interview prompts, and interview protocols.
  10 reasons why we study political science: Social Theory Charles Lemert, 2018-05-15 This book provides an illuminating introduction to a collection of readings on social theory and provides an overview of the socio-historical context and delineation of key thinkers and texts. It includes a new section exploring social theory at the limits of the social.
  10 reasons why we study political science: Statistics for Political Analysis Theresa Marchant-Shapiro, 2014-01-15 Statistics are just as vital to understanding political science as the study of institutions, but getting students to understand them when teaching a methods course can be a big challenge. Statistics for Political Analysis makes understanding the numbers easy. The only introduction to statistics book written specifically for political science undergraduates, this book explains each statistical concept in plain language—from basic univariate statistics and the basic measures of association to bivariate and multivariate regression—and uses real world political examples. Students learn the relevance of statistics to political science, how to understand and calculate statistics mathematically, and how to obtain them using SPSS. All calculations are modeled step-by-step, giving students needed practice to master the process without making it intimidating. Each chapter concludes with exercises that get students actively applying the steps and building their professional skills through data calculation, analysis, and memo writing.
  10 reasons why we study political science: Research Design in Political Science T. Gschwend, F. Schimmelfennig, 2007-10-23 When embarking on a new research project students face the same core research design issues. This volume provides readers with practical guidelines for both qualitative and quantitative designs, discusses the typical trade-offs involved in choosing them and is rich in examples from actual research.
  10 reasons why we study political science: Analysing Political Speeches Jonathan Charteris-Black, 2018-08-24 Exploring speeches by public figures such as Emma Watson, Tony Blair, Donald Trump, Julia Gillard and Lady Gaga, this engaging textbook explains the ways in which political speeches can be analysed. It examines the role of language in speeches and how it can be used to challenge or reinforce prevailing social, cultural and political attitudes. Each chapter introduces a particular discourse approach and then applies this in a model analysis of a passage of text. The chosen texts concern issues of social, cultural and political importance that address topics of significant importance to the audience to which they were delivered. Students are encouraged to engage with the text and consider how approaches to text analysis, such as cohesion, context analysis and metaphor analysis, may be adapted to provide a more critical perspective. This text will be essential reading for students of English language, linguistics, communication studies and politics on critical discourse and discourse analysis modules.
  10 reasons why we study political science: Power and Choice W. Phillips Shively, David Schultz, 2022-04-13 A truly comparative introduction to political science that reflects the diversity of approaches to the discipline Power & Choice offers an in-depth look into the nuances of politics through the analysis of collective choices for a group or state through the use of power. Organized topically and using extended case examples from around the world, Power & Choice provides undergraduate students with a clear and engaging introduction to political science and comparative politics. The 16th Edition has been updated to address the issues raised by the covid-19 pandemic, as well as the impact the Trump and Biden presidencies have had so far upon the world and its democracies, including challenges in states such as Hungary where illiberal democracy and nationalism are on the rise. The authors have also included discussion of the impact of the death of George Floyd upon race relations in America, and how issues such as growing inequality are impacting politics. This edition adds examination of women’s economic development and the rising importance of LGBTQ issues globally.
  10 reasons why we study political science: Political Science and International Relations Drew Paul, 2018-05-12 Many important questions in the study of international relations are connected with the theory and practice of sovereign statehood which, as indicated, is the central historical institution of world politics. But there are other important issues as well. That has led to ongoing debates about the proper scope of international relations. At one extreme the scholarly focus is exclusively on states and interstate relations; but at other extreme international relations almost everything that has to do with human relations across the world. It is important to study these different perspectives if we hope to have balanced and rounded knowledge of International relations. This book has been designed to unravel the complexities of political science and international relations in a way that allows student a clear idea of, how the theories work and myths that are associated with them.
  10 reasons why we study political science: Democracies Divided Thomas Carothers, Andrew O'Donohue, 2019-09-24 “A must-read for anyone concerned about the fate of contemporary democracies.”—Steven Levitsky, co-author of How Democracies Die 2020 CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title Why divisions have deepened and what can be done to heal them As one part of the global democratic recession, severe political polarization is increasingly afflicting old and new democracies alike, producing the erosion of democratic norms and rising societal anger. This volume is the first book-length comparative analysis of this troubling global phenomenon, offering in-depth case studies of countries as wide-ranging and important as Brazil, India, Kenya, Poland, Turkey, and the United States. The case study authors are a diverse group of country and regional experts, each with deep local knowledge and experience. Democracies Divided identifies and examines the fissures that are dividing societies and the factors bringing polarization to a boil. In nearly every case under study, political entrepreneurs have exploited and exacerbated long-simmering divisions for their own purposes—in the process undermining the prospects for democratic consensus and productive governance. But this book is not simply a diagnosis of what has gone wrong. Each case study discusses actions that concerned citizens and organizations are taking to counter polarizing forces, whether through reforms to political parties, institutions, or the media. The book’s editors distill from the case studies a range of possible ways for restoring consensus and defeating polarization in the world’s democracies. Timely, rigorous, and accessible, this book is of compelling interest to civic activists, political actors, scholars, and ordinary citizens in societies beset by increasingly rancorous partisanship.
  10 reasons why we study political science: Political Culture, Political Science, and Identity Politics Howard J. Wiarda, 2016-04-08 Political Culture (defined as the values, beliefs, and behavioral patterns underlying the political system) has long had an uneasy relationship with political science. Identity politics is the latest incarnation of this conflict. Everyone agrees that culture and identity are important, specifically political culture, is important in understanding other countries and global regions, but no one agrees how much or how precisely to measure it. In this important book, well known Comparativist, Howard J. Wiarda, traces the long and controversial history of culture studies, and the relations of political culture and identity politics to political science. Under attack from structuralists, institutionalists, Marxists, and dependency writers, Wiarda examines and assesses the reasons for these attacks and why political culture went into decline only to have a new and transcendent renaissance and revival in the writings of Inglehart, Fukuyama, Putnam, Huntington and many others. Today, political culture, now updated to include identity politics, stands as one of these great explanatory paradigms in political science, the others being structuralism and institutionalism. Rather than seeing them as diametrically exposed, Howard Wiarda shows how they may be made complementary and woven together in more complex, multicausal explanations. This book is brief, highly readable, provocative and certain to stimulate discussion. It will be of interest to general readers and as a text in courses in international relations, comparative politics, foreign policy, and Third World studies.
  10 reasons why we study political science: Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Class 11 Political Science, Chapterwise and Topicwise Solved Papers For 2025 Exams Oswaal Editorial Board, 2024-02-03 Description of the product: • 100% Updated Syllabus & Question Typologies: We have got you covered with the latest and 100% updated curriculum along with the latest typologies of Questions. • Timed Revision with Topic-wise Revision Notes & Smart Mind Maps: Study smart, not hard! • Extensive Practice with 1000+ Questions & SAS Questions (Sri Aurobindo Society): To give you 1000+ chances to become a champ! • Concept Clarity with 500+ Concepts & Concept Videos: For you to learn the cool way— with videos and mind-blowing concepts. • NEP 2020 Compliance with Competency-Based Questions & Artificial Intelligence: For you to be on the cutting edge of the coolest educational trends.
  10 reasons why we study political science: Political Analysis Colin Hay, 2017-03-14 Political Analysis provides an accessible and engaging yet original introduction and distinctive contribution, to the analysis of political structures, institutions, ideas and behaviours, and above all, to the political processes through which they are constantly made and remade. Following an innovative introduction to the main approaches and concepts in political analysis, the text focuses thematically on the key issues which currently concern and divide political analysts, including the boundaries of the political; the question of structure, agency and power; the dynamics of political change; the relative significance of ideas and material factors; and the challenge posed by postmodernism which the author argues the discipline can strengthen itself by addressing without allowing it to become a recipe for paralysis.
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