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Critical Concepts: An Introduction to Politics
Critical An Introduction to Politics introduces students to the fundamentals of political science, incorporating post-modern ideas and critiques throughout, while integrating the concepts of multiculturalism, feminism, ecology, and other progressive perspectives. Critical Concepts is a contributed volume that draws on the expertise of many respected Canadian political scientists. Each chapter introduces a critical political concept, describes its importance in the study of politics, and outlines the debates that the concept has engendered in political life and for the discipline of political science. Each chapter also explores how the contemporary political environment challenges the meaning and relevance of these concepts. The fourth edition is now comprised of 27 chapters with 11 all-new chapters enhancing its currency and contemporary appeal.
432 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