„People constantly use such words as „“political regime““, „“ideology““ and so on. Initially theoretical and scientific, these concepts have traveled into everyday discourse and now represent an irreplaceable part of it. However, not everyone tossing around these terms has a firm grasp on what they actually mean. As a result, these concepts often end up being applied to completely different phenomena, leading to confusion and miscommunication. To navigate these terms with precision, it’s crucial to understand their origins and the intents behind their introduction.

Through a combination of theoretical exploration and interactive learning, this course aims to demystify the language of politics. By tracing the evolution of key political concepts from their scholarly beginnings to their place in modern discussions, you’ll gain a foundation in political vocabulary. As the result, you’ll leave the course with a sharpened ability to engage in thoughtful political dialogue.

Topics of the course:

– Power and Politics. We will examine the relationship between these concepts and define „“the political““.

– State. We will trace the evolution of the state as a form of political organization to enhance our understanding of the modern nation-state structure.

– Political Institutes. We will delve into the origins and functions of the rules that govern society, examining why and how they are established.

– Political Systems and Regimes. We will investigate one of the most prominent areas of political science, exploring different interpretations and classifications of democracy and autocracy.

– Political Change, Development and Modernisation. We will examine what drives political change, focusing on the dynamics of reform and revolution.

– Ideology and Political Culture. In our concluding session, we will discuss how ideas and ideologies shape politics and drive political movements.“