一、課程宗旨：
Political Science is the systematic study of politics and political life. As an introduction to the discipline, this course presents an overview of fundamental political questions, core concepts and theories, the origins and dynamics of political institutions, as well as the functioning of modern governments. The classes on Tuesdays are lectures. The one-hour discussion session on Thursday is to be led by teaching assistant to applying theories and concepts to important political phenomena and issues.


二、計分方式：
Students are expected to attend all lectures. I will take roll and your absence will significantly affect your grade. Students should turn off their mobile phones before entering the classroom. Those who violate this rule will be asked to leave the classroom. Students are required to do assigned readings and review class notes in preparation to answer questions I ask.

1. Attendance and participation: 33%
2. Mid-term exam: 33%
3. Final exam: 34%


三、課本：
必備課本：
A. Andrew Heywood 2013. Politics. (fourth edition). Palgrave Foundations.
B. 中譯本，政治學。台北：雙葉。
參考書籍：
A. Alan R. Ball and B. Guy Peters著，陳一新等譯校，Modern Politics and Government（現代政治學），台北：韋伯文化。


四、課程大綱：
上學期
1.何謂政治？
2.政治學研究方法
3.國家
4.民族與民族主義
5.政府與政體
6.意識型態
7.民主理論
8.憲法與政府類型

下學期
9.行政部門：總統制與內閣制政府
10.官僚與公部門
11.立法與國會
12.司法與法院
13.選舉
14.政黨
15.利益團體與社會運動
16.政治文化與政治社會化
18.民主化
19.全球化