Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Introduction

A Bachelors’ degree in Political Science includes a wide range of core courses from the fundamentals of political thought to courses in comparative politics and international politics. This is because political science majors are expected to acquire high critical thinking skills, which they would use in many writing requirements assigned in each of the core and elective courses. In a changing global political environment, constant reviews are critical to realign the field to the pressing employment demands on political science graduates. Therefore, the typical political science graduate is expected to enter employment that require critical thinking and thus the curriculum in political science involve the assessment of both the quality of the content and the clarity and persuasiveness of the arguments and writing style. Students should compose arguments not just facts gathered from meticulous review of literature, but of sound, logical synthesis of theories that combines the input provided by those facts to put forward an articulate and sound argument. Contemporary political science degree is now treated as general major under Bachelor of Arts degree.

A degree in political science world-wide offers coursework in three major streams of the field, namely: Political Theory; Comparative Politics and International Relations. Recently, there have been modifications in the manner each of the three components have been offered at undergraduate level. For example, many universities offer Political Theory from Classical Thought to Modern Political Thought. They also offer Comparative Politics and International Relations, as core courses for political science majors. Furthermore, in order to remain competitive and offer students the most recent information required for them to enter employment, an undergraduate degree programme in political science must have these components arranged chronologically from second year to fourth year. In addition, other practical courses in comparative politics and international relations will need to be introduced or revised to suit the changing global and local political environment.

Rationale

The increasing changes in the academic world and the need for the high quality graduates in political science in today’s’ globalised world have led to increasing demand for professionals who are capable to interpret political events correctly. The conventional and reactive approaches to the study of politics and political institutions which respond to politically-related problems are now being replaced by preventive and proactive approaches, which monitor and correct or prevent political problems occur.

Therefore, a University of Zambia undergraduate degree in political science prepare students with deep understanding of theories and methods of analysing and comparing political events, political institutions, comprehensive knowledge of different aspects of political science, and to provide contemporary methods of solving political problems. To this effect, the degree in this field enhances the capacity of political science students and at the same time maintain the international standards required for a political science undergraduate degree.

​​​​​​​Aims of the programme

The main aims of the degree are:

1. To enable students with an adequate background in Political Science to pursue further study in one specialist area in more depth;
2. To enhance students’ capacity for independent research and to acquire research skills appropriate to their area of specialisation.
3. To train to a standard sufficient for enrolment in postgraduate research degrees.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Objectives of the programme

At the end of the programme, graduates will be expected to:

1. Show in-depth understanding of Political Science.
2. Apply various social science scientific methods in political science research.
3. Improve awareness and knowledge of contemporary issues in the field of Political Science.
4. Analyse current issues in the political world

Programme Learning Outcomes

At the end of the programme, students should be able to do the following:

1. 1. Analyse and explain the various branches of political science
   2. Explain the evolution and growth of the major theories of Political Science
   3. Provide advice to political actors on issues of good governance
   4. Act in a manner that promotes equality regardless of gender, ethnic, political and religious affiliation              
   5. Explain the different theories, approaches and practices to the study of Political Science and their efficacy and limitations;
   6. Analyse the complexity and dynamics of different political systems
   7. Apply the various research methods and techniques in political science 
   8. Analyse and explain the various components of Political Science
   9. Provide relevant information to policy-makers
   10. Compare and contrast different Political systems
   11. Act in a manner that promotes social equity and sustainable development