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Critical Concepts: an Introduction to Politics
This text is appropriate for introduction to politics courses. This second edition of Critical Introduction to Politics has been heavily revised. Seven new chapters have been added to the text. These include Chapters 2, 5, 19, 21, 23, 26 and 27. The text explores key concepts evolving out of political thought, political institutions, organized political behaviour and civil society and the rapidly changing international environment. In this second edition, the introductory section on political thought and the final section on global perspectives have both been expanded. In addition to the new chapters, all previous chapters, debate boxes and websites have been updated and the glossary of key political terms has been expanded. The purpose of the text remains the same as the first to introduce students to the fundamentals of political science, to engage them with debates, and explore the conceptual shifts and uncertainties brought on by increasing globalization.
480 pages, Paperback
First published January 28, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 13, 2025
Can you tell I’m taking a spring term POLS course? Because yeah... I am. 😅
This textbook is solid (6th Edition). Functional, straightforward, and does exactly what it needs to: define the key concepts and give you just enough context to understand how they actually play out in the world of politics. It's not trying to be flashy—it's trying to make sure you know the difference between liberalism and neoliberalism before you embarrass yourself in a seminar. Mission accomplished.
What I appreciated most is that it doesn’t just throw terms at you—it gives you a general grasp of how these ideas are applied, which is honestly essential if you’re planning to stick around in poli sci. Whether you're just starting out or refreshing your brain mid-degree (hi), this is the kind of foundational text that actually holds up.
Four stars because while it’s not reinventing the wheel, it’s sturdy, reliable, and gets you where you need to go. Like the academic equivalent of a dependable pair of sneakers.
This textbook is solid (6th Edition). Functional, straightforward, and does exactly what it needs to: define the key concepts and give you just enough context to understand how they actually play out in the world of politics. It's not trying to be flashy—it's trying to make sure you know the difference between liberalism and neoliberalism before you embarrass yourself in a seminar. Mission accomplished.
What I appreciated most is that it doesn’t just throw terms at you—it gives you a general grasp of how these ideas are applied, which is honestly essential if you’re planning to stick around in poli sci. Whether you're just starting out or refreshing your brain mid-degree (hi), this is the kind of foundational text that actually holds up.
Four stars because while it’s not reinventing the wheel, it’s sturdy, reliable, and gets you where you need to go. Like the academic equivalent of a dependable pair of sneakers.
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September 3, 2019Very interesting
September 24, 2022
Very good intro to politics, broad yet oddly specific. I recommend it to everyone in order to have an idea about how the world works.
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April 14, 2026Read for POLISCI 1020E: Introduction to Political Science
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews