Political Science: An Introduction

by Robert L. Cord (Other)

Exceptionally up-to-date and rich in cross-national examples—with an emphasis on the U.S. political system—this book offers an unbiased , thorough introduction to the basic terminology, concepts, and theories of political science. A five-part organization covers chapter topics under the headings the bases of politics, political attitudes, political interaction, the institutions of politics, and what political systems do. For anyone looking for an exciting view of the political science field.

Genres: Politics, Political Science, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Textbooks, Academic, College

398 pages, Paperback

First published February 25, 2011

Reviews

[Cengiz]

American liberal political thought exists at the center of the political thought of the author. In my opinion, American liberalism is 'measure of all' for him. What is useful or harmful, what is good or bad, what is democratic or autocratic, what causes public good or bad.
As far as I have read so far, clandestinely he praises the attributes of liberalism and his critique in regard to left is limited with soviet experience which is accepted to have been bureaucratic and extremely centralist. However, theoretical critiques and discussions are neglected. When, as a historical experience, soviets collapse is mentioned, it is said that democracy triumphed and this victorious democracy is western democracy which created colonialism, racism, imperialism and several wars in order to expand liberal virus and reproduce it across the world. In the name of scientific objectivity, fact is distorted and liberal ideology is justified.

[Ryan]

Political Science: An Introduction takes us on a journey which touches on many contemporary aspects of Political Science. The book starts with the assumption that the reader has almost no knowledge of the subject and provides a broad background in political theories, contemporary and historical ideologies and political parties. Other subjects, such as elections, political economy, and international relations are covered as well with the authors striving throughout to elicit the reader to pose questions about the material and to form independent opinions.

This book is a great primer for those with an interest in Political Science who don't know where to begin. The end of each chapter contains a list of books for further reading giving the reader direction on where to expand understanding of the material in each chapter.

[Haytham Badawey]

The basic ideas, concepts, and terminology, is very well explained, but not elaborately enough. The explanation is simple, but a little overgeneralized.

As the title says, this book is just an introduction. It's a good start for beginners.

[Reem]

So This book was my syllabus for 1st Year at FEPS ..
Actually I found the book biased to American thoughts and points of view It's an American book yes but this is supposed to be an International Version !!
The part about the origin of the state wasn't that sufficient ..
I Really didn't like the part where he talked about Islamists ; it was a purely American-one-sided-point of view and this version Again supposed to be international ! so that means that the writer or whatever is directing people to the way or side of an american point of view ..
also the International Relation's Part was too small.. How the IR developed or how did it appear wasn't there in the book !

[Angie Wang]

I had to get a copy for the school. The narratives and perspectives are too US-centric and neoliberal oriented.

Many claims go unexamined as if the author is incapable of identifying his own bias. The examples given are just laughable; for example, he called Marx’s prediction that capitalism will eventually collapse “incorrect” simply because “capitalism hasn’t collapsed”.

I’d highly recommend whoever thinking about getting a copy of this to get anything from Andrew Heywood instead.

[Brandon]

Elementary but at least current.

[Mamdamin]

It's a decent introduction, but written with a very partisan outlook, despite its claim to impartiality. The writer views most issues through the lens of a neoliberal/neocon.

[sbs transit]

Wunderbar! Though I wish I'd read this under happier circumstances

[Andleeb]

awesome

[Karan Karan]

Not well

[Francisca Martins Gonzales]

Ótima análise

[Saeed Din]

nice

[Nguyen Le Dang Khoa]

Decent introduction to the field, but it lacks many of the necessary nuance. I get it though; it is an introductory book, and it tries its best to make itself engaging.

[Magzhan]

Political Science
1. 5星，政治启蒙书
2. 论说，实用，政治科学
3. 解释政治科学的基本概念，结合时事
4. Content:
1. Basics
2. Attitude
3. Interaction
4. Institutions
5. Power

[Cel]

It is very good one.

[Yassmin Abdallah]

gamelll

[Lynda]

I was disappointed. I probably expected more detail than an introduction can provide.

[Kenken]

Wonderful Info!

[Amie]

Thank goodness that's over!

[Hasan Çebi]

ff

[Ershui]

Accidentally I bought two copies.
Great book for first learners.

[Panha]

i think it good