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Understanding Politics: Ideas, Institutions and Issues
UNDERSTANDING POLITICS is solidly based on three fundamental beliefs: that politics is a pervasive force in modern society, that government is too important to be left in the hands of the few, and that in a democracy everyone has both the opportunity and the obligation to participate in public life. Building on these beliefs, Thomas Magstadt seeks to "educate to participate"--giving students the confidence and competence to affect change in the world around them. This proven, best-selling introductory text examines the complexities of politics and government in a way that students will find immediately fascinating. Magstadt focuses on such pertinent concepts as democracy, dictatorship, citizenship, voting behavior, elections, leadership, ideologies, war, revolution, world politics, and public policy. Because these concepts are fundamental to the text, the book provides students with a view of the political and economic that is at once lucid, nuanced, and empowering.
640 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 1984
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 5, 2021
Read this as consideration for POLS 122 Introduction to Political Science, but decided not to use.
It's not dreadful, once you get into it, and it is pretty accessible in its language. There were some specific reasons I chose not to use this, but overall there are strengths, particularly in writing style and organization.
Some things I particularly disliked were Magstadt's introduction, which seems to almost sympathize with white supremacist backlash against Obama's presidency, and the book itself is rife with white man meritocracy narratives. He unironically refers to the self-made billionaires Zuckerburg, Musk, and Gates, applauding that purely on their skill and merits alone were they able to rise to such heights in this free society. It would be comical if this weren't an academic text.
There are other less egregious things I didn't like as much, such as the sectioning off "Totalitarianism" into a whole separate unit, rather than teaching it as part of authoritarianism, or at least giving it less space so that some other concepts could be more thoroughly explored. I prefer another text I use that places a lot of emphasis on the empirical, ethical, and prudential components of Political Science. So this is a meh text for me and one I won't assign.
It's not dreadful, once you get into it, and it is pretty accessible in its language. There were some specific reasons I chose not to use this, but overall there are strengths, particularly in writing style and organization.
Some things I particularly disliked were Magstadt's introduction, which seems to almost sympathize with white supremacist backlash against Obama's presidency, and the book itself is rife with white man meritocracy narratives. He unironically refers to the self-made billionaires Zuckerburg, Musk, and Gates, applauding that purely on their skill and merits alone were they able to rise to such heights in this free society. It would be comical if this weren't an academic text.
There are other less egregious things I didn't like as much, such as the sectioning off "Totalitarianism" into a whole separate unit, rather than teaching it as part of authoritarianism, or at least giving it less space so that some other concepts could be more thoroughly explored. I prefer another text I use that places a lot of emphasis on the empirical, ethical, and prudential components of Political Science. So this is a meh text for me and one I won't assign.
October 27, 2018
I read this textbook as part of my ongoing, self-directed education plan. I found it a helpful overview of basic political concepts. Magstadt begins by giving a run-down of basic political systems, isms and ideologies, including some of their historical precedents. He then discusses ways in which societies, groups and individuals attempt to further their agendas and policies now. He gives a number of recent examples to support his broader discussion. There are copious sidebars, maps and pictures.
What I appreciated was that Magstadt does not come down too obviously on one side of a partisan scale or the other. In US politics he presents critiques of both Republican and Democratic strategies and he also turns a thoughtful eye on the tactics and agendas of other groups around the world, comparing and contrasting various ideologies and policies of diverse nation-states. He seems intent on demonstrating that there is not one perfect way to govern or advance the common good. However, that does not mean that politics or useless or should not be undertaken - simply that they are messy and complicated. (This edition of the book was written in 2013 and includes thoughts on Presidents Bush and Obama. I do wonder what Magstadt would make of President Trump?)
This is a thoughtful, readable textbook that can help the average citizen gain a fundamental vocabulary in political science. It's used in introductory Poli Sci classes at my University and I would recommend it to those looking to get a good grounding in the topic.
What I appreciated was that Magstadt does not come down too obviously on one side of a partisan scale or the other. In US politics he presents critiques of both Republican and Democratic strategies and he also turns a thoughtful eye on the tactics and agendas of other groups around the world, comparing and contrasting various ideologies and policies of diverse nation-states. He seems intent on demonstrating that there is not one perfect way to govern or advance the common good. However, that does not mean that politics or useless or should not be undertaken - simply that they are messy and complicated. (This edition of the book was written in 2013 and includes thoughts on Presidents Bush and Obama. I do wonder what Magstadt would make of President Trump?)
This is a thoughtful, readable textbook that can help the average citizen gain a fundamental vocabulary in political science. It's used in introductory Poli Sci classes at my University and I would recommend it to those looking to get a good grounding in the topic.
June 27, 2017
The small print drove me batty.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews