Political Science Course Descriptions

DEGREE PROGRAMMES

A FOUR-YEAR PROGRAMME

        Year One – First Semester

S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Unit Lecture Hours Tutorial
 

1

  

GSS 101

 University General Courses:

Use of English I

  

2

  

2
2 GSS 104 History and Philosophy of Science 2 2
3 GSS 107 Nigerian Peoples’ and Culture 2 2
 

4

  

BUS 101

 Inter-Faculty Course:

Introduction to Business I

  

2

  

2
 

5

  

ECO 101

 Faculty Courses:

Principles of Economics I

  

3

  

2
6 SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology I 2 2
 

7

  

PSC 101

 Departmental Courses:

Introduction to Political Science I

  

3

  

2
8 PSC 102 Citizen and the State 2 2
9 PSC 122 Constitutional Development of Nigeria 2 2
 

10

  

PSY 101

 Electives (Optional)

Introduction to Psychology I

  

2

  

2
11 LAW 101/243 Introduction to Nigerian Legal System I 2 2
Total Credit Units and Lecture Hours 22 20

 

      Second Semester

S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Unit Lecture Hours Tutorial
 

1

  

GSS 102

 University General Courses:

Use of English II

  

2

  

2
2 GSS 103 History and Philosophy of Science 2 2
 

3

  

BUS 102

 Inter-Faculty Course:

Introduction to Business II

  

2

  

2
 

4

  

ECO 105

 Faculty Courses:

Principles of Economics II

  

3

  

2
5 SOC 102 Introduction to Sociology II 2 2
6  

PSC 103

 Departmental Courses:

Introduction to Political Science II

  

3

  

2
7 PSC 121 Nigerian Political Culture 2 2
8 PSC 181 Politics in Africa 2 2
 

9a

  

PSY 102

 Electives (Optional)

Introduction to Psychology II

  

2

  

2
 b LAW 102/244 Introduction to Nigerian Legal System I 2 2
Total Credit Units and Lecture Hours 20 18

 

Year Two – First Semester

S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Unit Lecture Hours Tutorial
 

1

  

CSC 101

 Inter-Faculty Courses:

Computer Programming & Language I

  

2

  

2
2 MAT 100 Mathematics for Social Sciences 2 2
 

3

  

MAC 131

 Faculty Courses:

Introduction to Mass Communication

  

2

  

2
 

5

  

PSC 204

 Departmental Courses:

Social Statistics for Political Science

  

3

  

2
6 PSC 211 Introduction to Political Theories 2 2
7 PSC 223 Nigerian Politics and Government 3 2
8 PSC 251 Introduction to Public Administration I 2 2
9 PSC 261 Introduction to Local Govt. Studies 2 2
Total Credit Units and Lecture Hours 20 18

 

 

Second Semester

S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Unit Lecture Hours Tutorial
 

1

  

CSC 102

 Inter-Faculty Course:

Computer Programming & Language II

  

2

  

2
 

2

  

ECO 263

 Faculty Courses:

Economic Problems of Nigeria

  

2

  

2
 

3

  

PSC 205

 Departmental Courses:

Social Statistics for Political Science

  

3

  

2
4 PSC 211 Introduction to Political Analysis 2 2
5 PSC 212 Political Ideas 2 2
6 PSC 252 Introduction to Public Administration II 2 2
7 PSC 231 Introduction to International Relations 2 2
8 PSC 271 Foundations of Political Economy 2 2
Total Credit Units and Lecture Hours 17 16

 

        Year Three – First Semester

S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Unit Lecture Hours Tutorial
 

1

  

PSC 306

 Departmental Courses:

Logic and Methods of Political Inquiry I

  

2

  

2
2 PSC 313 History of Political Thought (Western) 3 2
3 PSC 314 Contemporary Political Analysis 2 2
4 PSC 315 Political Behaviour 2 2
5 PSC 324 Nigerian Foreign Policy 2 2
6 PSC 332 Theories of International Relations 2 2
7 PSC 341 Methodology of Comparative Politics 2 2
8 PSC 353 Theories and Practice of Administrations 3 2
Total Credit Unit and Lecture Hours 18 16

 

Second Semester

S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Unit Lecture Hours Tutorial
 

1

  

PSC 307

 Departmental Courses:

Logic and Methods of Political Inquiry II

  

3

  

2
2 PSC 316 African Political Thought 3 2
3 PSC 325 Urban Politics and Government in Nigeria 2 2
4 PSC 332 International Organisations 2 2
5 PSC 342 Comparative Federalism 2 2
6 PSC 343 Comparative Politics and Government 3 2
7 PSC 354 Public Policy Analysis 2 2
8 PSC 372 Theories and Practice of Marxism 2 2
9 PSC 373 Politics of Development and Underdevelopment 2 2
Total Credit Unit and Lecture Hours 20 18

 

 

       Year Four – First Semester

S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Unit Lecture Hours Tutorial
 

1

  

PSC 417

 Departmental Courses:

Political Sociology

  

3

  

2
2 PSC 418 Public Opinion and Pressure Group 3 2
3 PSC 426 The Military in Nigerian Politics and Government 3 2
4 PSC 455 Development Administration 2 2
5 PSC 474 State and Economy 2 2
6 PSC 482 Politics and law in Africa 2 2
7 PSC 483 Politics of Integration in Africa 2 2
Total Credit Units and Lecture Hours 17 14

 

Second Semester

S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Unit Lecture Hours Tutorial
 

1

  

PSC 434

 Departmental Courses: Compulsory

International Economic Relations

  

3

  

2
2 PSC 435 Third World and Dependency 3 2
3 PSC 436 Imperialism and Nationalism 3 2
 

4

  

PSC 444

 Emphasis on Government

Comparative Political Systems and Parties

  

3

  

2
5 PSC 427 Problems of Federalism 3 2
 

6

  

PSC 419A

 Emphasis on Political Theory

Normative Political Theory

  

3

  

2
7 PSC 419B Empirical Political Theory 3 2
 

8

  

PSC 456

 Emphasis on Public Administration

Comparative Public Administration

  

3

  

2
9 PSC 457 Public Personnel and Financial Administration 3 2
 

10

  

PSC 437

 Emphasis on International Relations

Foreign Policy Analysis

  

3

  

2
11 PSC 438 Foreign Policy and Diplomatic Practice 3 2
12 PSC 499 Research Project 6
Total Credit Units and Lecture Hours 39 22

 

 

  1. Three-Year Programme (Direct Entry)

Year one    First Semester

S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Unit Lecture Hours Tutorial
 

1

  

GSS 101

 University General Courses:

Use of English I

  

2

  

2
2 GSS 107 Nigerian Peoples’ and Culture 2 2
 

3

  

CSC 101

 Inter-Faculty Course:

Computer Programming & Language I

  

2

  

2
 

4

  

ECO 101

 Faculty Courses:

Principles of Economics I

  

3

  

2
 

5

  

PSC 101

 Departmental Courses:

Introduction to Political Science I

  

3

  

2
6 PSC 204 Social Statistics for Political Science I 3 2
7 PSC 223 Nigerian Politics and Government 3 2
8 PSC 251 Introduction to Public Administration I 2 2
9 PSC 211A Introduction to Political Theory 2 2
 

10

  

SOC 101

 Electives (Optional)

Introduction to Sociology I

  

2

  

2
11 PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology I 2 2
Total Credit Units and Lecture Hours 24 20

 

        Second Semester

S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Unit Lecture Hours Tutorial
 

1

  

GSS 102

 University General Courses:

Use of English II

  

2

  

2
2 GSS 103 Introduction to Logic and Philosophy 2 2
 

3

  

CSC 102

 Inter-Faculty Course:

Computer Programming & Language II

  

2

  

2
 

4

  

ECO 105

 Faculty Courses:

Principles of Economics II

  

3

  

2
 

5

  

PSC 103

 Departmental Courses:

Introduction to Political Science II

  

3

  

2
6 PSC 205 Social Statistics for Political Science II 3 2
7 PSC 234 Introduction to International Relations 2 2
8 PSC 252 Introduction to Public Administration II 2 2
 

9

  

SOC 102

 Elective (Optional)

Introduction to Sociology II

  

2

  

2
10 PSY 102 Introduction to Psychology II 2 2
Total Credit Unit and Lecture Hours 21 18

Note:Second and third year are the same as the third and fourth year of the Four-year programme.

Summary

Credit Hours

  1. General Courses     10
  2. Inter-Faculty Courses 10
  3. Faculty Courses     10
  4. Departmental Courses     117
  5. Electives (Optional) Courses 3

Total   =                                      157

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

100 Level Courses

PSC 101: Introduction to Political Science I 

Meaning of Politics and Political Science.  Political Science as a Science: The Relationship between Political Science and other disciplines in the Social Sciences.  Basic Concepts in Political Science.

 

PSC 102: Citizens and the State

The relationship of the citizen to the State in terms of the duties and obligations of the citizen to the State.  The responsibility of the State to the citizen must also be investigated.  The nature of strained relations and the process of rectification.  Political Obligation, Basis of Freedom, Loyalty and Patriotism.

 

PSC 122: Nigerian Constitutional Development

Nigerian Constitutional Development in a chronological and sequential order.  Colonisation, the Richards Constitution, the McPherson Constitution, the Lyttleton Constitution, the Independent Constitution, the Republic Constitution, the 1979 Constitution, 1989 Constitution and 1999 Constitution.

 

PSC 103: Introduction to Political Science II

Government as the agent of community.  Classification of Political Systems.  Ideas of Constitutionalism, Democracy, Authoritarianism, Representation.  Functions of the Executives, Legislature, Judiciary and their Inter-relationships.  Party Politics and Pressure Groups.  Presidentialism, Unitarianism etc.

 

PSC 121: Nigerian Political Culture

Definition of Political Culture.  A general survey of the trends in Nigerian Political Culture from the colonial era to the present day.  Pre-requisites for the development of constructive political culture in Nigeria.

 

 

PSC 181: Politics in Africa

The nature of African Politics, Origins and Problems of African Politics.  Problems of Colonialism, Neo-colonialism, Succession to Power, Military Rule, etc. African in the colonial metropolis, Africa in international affairs.

 

200 Level Courses

PSC 204: Social Statistics for Political Science

Definition and Scope of Statistics: Its uses in everyday life.  Data collection, Types and Techniques of Data Presentation, Tables, Graphs, Diagrams, Frequency Distribution: Interval Scales: Measure of Central Tendency etc.

PSC 223: Nigerian Politics and Government

The Federal Arrangement and Division of Powers.  General Political Economic and Social Frameworks within which Nigerian Politics and the Governmental Institutions Develop and Function, Treated within Historical Perspective, Tropical Issues in Nigerian Politics i.e. Census, Elections, Education, Representation and Representativeness, Ethnic Relation, etc.

 

 

PSC 251: Introduction to Public Administration I

The Rationale of Administrations.  The Ecology of Administration, the Politics of Administration.  The Administrative Actor, Delegation, Administrative Audit and Control Elements of Administrative Law.

 

PSC 261: Introduction to Local Government Studies

Meaning and Functions of Local Government, Local Government and Local Administration.  Relationship between Local Government and National/State Governments.  Sources of Local Government Finances.  Problems of Local Government.

 

 

PSC 211A: Introduction to Political Theories

A Study of Political Theories from the Greeks to the Reformation, Western Political Theories from the Renaissance to the 19th Century.  Theories of Modern State. Political Theories of the 19th and 20th Centuries from Hegel to Lenin.

 

PSC 205: Social Statistics for Political Science

Inductive Statistics: Testing Hypotheses. Sampling Theory. Correlation and Regression. Test of Significance. Partial Correlation and Causal Interpretation. Chi-square Tests, Fishers Exact Test etc.

 

PSC 211B: Introduction to Political Analysis

The Nature of Politics, Political Systems and the Structure of Government, Political Representation, Institutions of Different Regimes.  The Relationship between Regimes Types and Political Efficiency, Citizen Participation and Political Culture.

 

PSC 212: Political Ideas

Introduction to Major Political Ideas in their Historical Context.  Concepts such as Monarchism, Liberalism, Democracy, Socialism, Fascism, Anarchism, etc.

 

PSC 271: Foundations of Political Economy

Relationship between Politics and Economics. Economics and Determinants of Politics. Class Analysis and Political Power Relations.  Production and Politics with emphasis on the Material Basis of Political Action.

 

 

PSC 252: Introduction to Public Administration II

Personnel Management, Recruitment, Training and Control.  Public Corporations, General Principles of Budgeting.

 

PSC 231: Introduction to International Relations

The Organization of the International Society.  International System defined within the Theoretical Framework centred on the Concept of Power and the “National Interest.”  The Place of Small Nations in the Modern World.  Major International Problems of our Time.

 

300 Level Courses

PSC 306: Logic and Methods of Political Inquiry I

Political Science and the Scientific Method, the Logic of Political Inquiry and the Language of Variables.  Introduction to Problem Formulation.  Quantification as a means of enhancing Empirical Content of the Discipline.

PSC 313: History of Political Thought (Western)

Examination of selected Classical and Modern Political Thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle Machiavelli, Locke, Marx, Hegel, Bentham, etc. with Special emphasis on the Germination and Impact of their Ideas.  Background of the Thinker including his time should be examined.

 

PSC 314: Contemporary Political Analysis

Contending Paradigms in Contemporary Political Analysis, Their Philosophical and Ideological Soils, as well as their Evaluation, Elite Approach, Group Theory, Functional Systems and Communications Theory, Basic Concepts and Elements of Game Theory and Political Gaming, Structural Analysis, Theories of Political Development, the New Political Economy Approach.

 

PSC 315: Political Behaviour

Examination of the Behavioural Approach to the Study of Politics: Political Socialization, Political Culture, Political Participation and Apathy.  Psychopathological Analysis of Political Behaviour. Electoral Behaviour.

 

PSC 341: Methodology of Comparative Politics

Comparative Political Analysis: History of Comparative Politics, Concepts, the Scientific Method and Logic of Comparison, Classification Systems in Comparative Politics, Case Study Approach, Competing Paradigms or Orientations in Comparative Political Analysis, the Strategy of Across-System Theorizing, Measurement Problems in Cross-National Research.

 

PSC 332: Theories of International Relations

An examination of the basic concepts and theories that have been offered for the study of International Relations.  Power, Conflict, Accommodation, Systems Theories, Linkage Politics, the Theory of Coalition and Alliances Models, Games and Simulation.

PSC 324: Nigerian Foreign Policy

The Internal Setting of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy – Pressure Groups, Domestic Schism, Consensus Building Process etc. Nigerian Neighbours and the Wider African Setting, the International Environment, Policy Process and Issues during Civilian and Military Regimes, the Effect of the Civil War on Nigeria Non-Aligned Policy, Issues and Problems of Foreign Policy Making since 1976 and Nigerian Pan-African Role.

 

PSC 353: Theories and Practice of Administration

Evaluation of Administrative Organisational Theory from Classical through the Neo-Classical to the Modern, Relations of Administration to Politics and the Political Process, Administrative Behaviour in various Institutional Settings, Interplay of Political Institutions and Administrative Patterns of Behaviours.  Study of Personnel Administration. Decision-making in Bureaucratic Organizations.

 

 

PSC 307: Logic and Methods of Political Inquiry II

The Research Process; Causation; Theory in Social Research; Research Process; Causation; Theory in Social Research; Research Designs.  Hypotheses Test of Validity and Reliability; Sampling Methods, Forms of Data Collection, Analysis of Data, etc.

 

PSC 316: African Political Thought

A Survey of Modern and Contemporary African Political Thought – the Literature of Political Protests from the late 18th Century to the Present, Critical Analysis of the Political Ideas of Blyden, Casely Hayford, Azikiwe, Nkrumah, Nassar, Nyerere, Du Bois, Padmore, Ceassaire, Fanon, Senghor, Sekour Toure etc.

 

PSC 325: Urban Politics and Local Government in Nigeria

Examination of the Structure of Political Power Operating in Urban Political Systems.  Problems involved in the Planning and Execution of Major Services in Urban Political System.  Local Government in Nigeria, Changing Structures and Units of Local Government and Administration.  The Major Trends in the Evolution of Modern Local Government System in Nigeria.  The 1976 Local Government Reform.

 

PSC 342: Comparative Federalism

The Genesis of Political Dynamics of Comparative Federal Systems with Particular Reference to Such Countries as USA, USSR, Canada, West Germany, Australia, India and Nigeria.

 

PSC 343: Comparative Politics and Government

Logic of Comparative Social Inquiry.  Objectives of Comparative Inquiry.  Approaches to the Study of Comparative Politics, i.e. Single Country Approach, Multi-Country Approach, Synchronic Approach.  Problems of Comparative Politics.  A Comparative Analysis of Government and Politics based on selected Area Studies (such as Western Europe and North America), Communist/Socialist States of Eastern Europe, Middle East and North Africa, Latin America, South-east Asia.

 

PSC 354: Public Policy Analysis

Concepts and Strategies of Planning, Programming and Budgeting System (PPBS), Basic Techniques of Network Construction and Analysis examined Descriptively and from the Perspective of Administration System, Cost-effectiveness Analysis and Critique.

 

PSC 372: Theory and Practice of Marxism

The Basic Theory of Marxism.  The Communist Manifesto.  Extension of Marxism of Lenin and Mao-Tse Tung.  The Soviet Union and Marxism, Chinese Brand of Marxism, the Present Reforms in Socialist Countries – the fall of Soviet Union.

 

PSC 373: Politics of Development and Underdevelopment

The Character of the Emerging Nations Dynamics of Social Change; Post-Independence Experiments with Representative Systems of Government.  Impact of Social Change on Political Process.  Analysis of Profound Change: Agents of Change, Constraint and Problems Contingent on Rapid Socio-Economic Change.

 

PSC 333: International Organisations

The Nature of International Organisations and Its Role in the Relations of States; Regional and Global International Organisations and the Power Balance, International Peace-keeping Machinery and Its Effectiveness.

 

400 Level Courses

PSC 417: Political Sociology

Man is the root of political activities.  Psychopathology of Politics.  Social Group and Social Classes.  Consensus Formation.  Structure of Political Power in pre-Industrial and Industrial Societies.  Social Bases of Interest Groups, Force and Violence in Politics, Decision Making Dynamics.

 

PSC 418: Public Opinion and Pressure Group

The Nature of Public Opinion, Measurement and Evaluation of Public Opinion.  Nature of Propaganda and Pressure Group Politics, Voting Behaviour.

 

PSC 426: The Military in Nigerian Politics 1966 – Present Day.

Comparative Examination of the Involvement of the Armed Forces in Civilian Affairs; Means of Civilian Control over the Military.  Causes and Consequences of Military Seizure of Political Power.  General Trends in Military Rule in Nigeria since 1966.  The Future of Civilian Rule in Nigeria and Africa.

 

PSC 462: Comparative Local Government Systems

Examination of the Theoretical Bases of Different Systems (E.g. Nigerian, British, French and American) and their Relationship to Structural Organisation of Local Government.  Comparison of Main Features of “Devolution”, and “Deconcentration”, Management Community Power Structures, Finance, Central Local Relationships, etc.

 

PSC 455: Development Administration

The Place of Administration in Policy Planning and Policy Execution.  The Processes and Problems of Policy Formulation.  Organization for Public Administration – Theories of Organization Personnel Management and Industrial Relations.  Efficiency in the Public Service.

 

PSC 474: State and Economy

Role of Government in the Management of Modern Economy with Special Reference to Nigeria and other African Countries; Relationship Between Government and Private Enterprise; Role of Foreign Capital in Domestic Economy; Foreign Aid; Technology and Expertise.  Problem of Development Planning; Indigenization of the Economy and Self-Reliance in Relation to the Problem of Dependency on the International Economic System.

 

PSC 482: Politics and Law in Africa

A Comparative Examination of the Inter-relationship between Law and Politics in different African countries.  The Significance of the judicial process during the colonial and independence periods.  The Concept of Law, What it is; How law arises and How it becomes institutionalized.  The judicial process – systems of criminal justice which translates abstract concerns of law into concrete institutions and policy.  How benefits and who does not.

 

PSC 483: Politics of Integration in Africa

Examination of Regionalism in National Politics Regionalism in African Politics with Particular Reference to Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Sudan, etc. Regionalism and ethnicity versus National Integration.  Development of National Character in selected African States.

 

PSC 434: International Economics Relations

The course underlines the economic bases of some of the actions and reactions in International Politics, Drawing Materials from International Trade, Commercial Policy, Capital Movement, etc. Role of IMF, World Bank and such Monetary Agencies; Multi-National Enterprises and National Power; Theory of Unequal Exchange and the North/South Problems. Finally, the Economic Theory and National Boundaries, Customs Unions and Currency Areas.

 

PSC 435: Third World and Dependency

The Neo-Colonial Capitalist Mode of Production.  A Systematic and Theoretical Study of the Political and Socio-Economic Context of the Problem of Underdevelopment.  Dependency and Internal Economic Structure with Reference to Post-Colonial African States, Latin American and Asian States.

 

PSC 436: Imperialism and Nationalism

Meaning of Imperialism; Nature and Theories of Imperialism with Examples in History and Relation to Colonialism.  The rise of Nationalism since 1875.  Some Nationalist Movements in Africa, South-America and South-East Asia.  The Role of UNO in Decolonization.  Evaluation of Imperialism.  New Forms of Imperialism.

 

PSC 444: Comparative Political Systems and Parties

Parliamentary and Presidential System; Revolutionary and Military Governments; Single and Multi-Party Systems, Political Parties and Control of Government, Electoral Systems.

 

PSC 427: Problems of Federalism

Factors Conducive to Federal Systems; Drawing from Nigerian Case, Problems of Federal Leadership; Division of Functions, the Allocation of Financial and Economic Powers.  The Relationship between Structures and the Distribution of Functions.  Revenue Allocation.  Inter-State Trade and Commerce; System of Conflict Resolution.  The Minority Question.

 

PSC 419A: Normative Political Theory

The Meaning of Political Theory, vis-à-vis other Aspects of Political Science.  Normative Theory – Meaning and Uses.  Selected Normative Theories from Plato to Marx on the State, Its Origin and Functions, Civil Society, Consent, Obligations, etc.

 

PSC 419B: Empirical Political Theory

Intellectual Revolution in Contemporary Political Theory; Technical Revolution in Political Theory.  Emphasis on Scientific Methodology in Political Theory.  Cybernetics or Communications Theory, Decision-making Theory, Rationality As A Model Requirement, Irrationality As A Model.  Personality Variables, Relevance to Contemporary Methodology, Factor Analysis, Scalogram.  Behavioural Persuasion Theory, Systems Analysis, Structural-Functional Analysis of Political Systems, Conflict Revolution Theory or Game Theory, Marxist Theory.

 

PSC 456: Comparative Public Administration

Comparative Analysis of Private Large-Scale Organizations and Public (Senate) Administrative Organizations; Public Administration in Federal and Unitary States of State Bureaucracies, Communist Systems and the Third World.

 

PSC 457: Public Personnel and Financial Administration

An Examination of the Development of Public Personnel Arrangement in Nigeria.  The Administration of Human Resources in Organization.  Recruitment, Selection, Placement and Training in Government Service.  Ministries of Establishments, Public Service Commission.  An Examination of the Principles and Practices of Financial Administration and Control.  Analysis of Public Fiscal Policies and Budgetary Procedures.  Services and Problems of Government Revenue and Expenditure.

 

PSC 437: Foreign Policy Analysis

The Machinery of Diplomacy, the Framework of Analysis for Foreign Policy Decision, Internal and External Forces Affecting the Implementation and execution of a Foreign Policy.  Economic and Political Limitation of Foreign Policy and the Limits of Rationality in the Decision-making Process.

 

PSC 438: Foreign Policy and Diplomatic Practice

The formulation of Foreign Policy.  Foreign Policy Decision Makers.  Internal and External Forces affecting the Formulation and Implementation of Foreign Policy.  Values and Doctrines in Foreign Policy.  Meaning and History of Diplomacy.  The Professional Diplomat, His Qualities, Selection, Training and Posting.  Organisation of Foreign Office and a Diplomatic Mission. Successes and Failures of Diplomacy.  International Law on the Status, Immunities and Rights of Diplomats, Diplomatic Correspondence and Notes.

 

PSC 499: Research Project

 

 

HIGHER DEGREES: PGD PROGRAMMES

PSC 501: Elements of Political Science                                                          

Meaning of Politics and Political Science. Political Science as a Science. Relationship between political science and other disciplines in the social sciences. Basic concepts in political science.

PSC 502: Elements of Political Theories

Meaning and essence of theory, A critical review of the major theories and thinkers in ancient and medieval political era from the Greece-Roman period to the 16th century. Emphasis will be placed on the works of Plato, Aristotle, the Stoics, St. Augustine Aquinas up to Machiavelli and Bod in.

PSC503: Nigerian Political System

General Political, Economic and Social Frameworks within which Nigerian Politics and Ihe governmental institutions develop and function. The federal arrangement and division of powers. The Nigerian Constitution. Topical issues in Nigerian Politics. Nigerian Political parties and their role in development with particular reference to the democratic process.

PSC 504: Elements of Public Administration

Meaning and nature of administration. Relationship between politics and administration. Concepts and approaches to the study of Public administration, Theories of administration. The new Public administration. Theories of Leadership, Motivation etc.

PSC 507: Elements of Logic and Methods of Political Inquiry

Political Science and the scientific method. The Logic of Political enquiry. The research process. Theory in social research. The research hypothesis. Test of validity and reliability. Methods of data collection and data analysis.

PSC 511: Local Government Administration in Nigeria

Meaning and nature of local government Powers and function of local government. Sources of local government finance. Problems of Local Government in Nigeria. Local government and local administration. Relationship between the local government and other levels of government in Nigeria.

PSC 512: Local Government and Community Development

Meaning and Functions of Local Government. Role of Local Government in rural development. Ins rationalization of the process of community development. Rational Procedure of Village, town and regional planning. Methods of integrating important economic, social, political and physical facilitates. Examination of the various types of social organization, leadership, systems of social values and the factors that facilitate effective community development projects.

PSC 513: Local Government Law and Practice

The constitutional status of local governments. Powers and Functions of local government. Local Government bye laws and juries die tonal matters. Sources of Local bye laws. Relationships between local government and national/state governments, etc.

PSC 514; Programme Planning and Evaluation

Development planning and the role of different tiers of government. Project development, implementation and monitoring within the scope of development plans. Theories of project monitoring and evaluation. The role of management science in project Implementation – PPBS, PERT, etc.

PSC 515: Resources Management

Public Organization theories. Strategic Planning for Organizational Development. Manpower Planning and human resources management. Budgeting and Financial administration,

PSC 521: Administrative Theories and Practice

Meaning and nature of administration. Management theories. Leadership. Motivation. Problems of administrative communication. Management Information Systems. Policy Implementation Process and Problems.

PSC 522: Principles of Management

Examine the relationship between administration and management. Scientific Management. General administrative Management. Bureaucracy. Human relations and the human side of enterprise. Modern Management theories.

PSC 523: Organizational behavior and Administrative Process

The   Managers   terrain.   Organizational   Culture.    Organizational

Environment and Organizational behavior. Decision making and the essence of the manager’s job. Leadership. Motivation theories, Communication and Interpersonal relations. Foundations of individual and group behavior.

PSC 524: Introduction to Public Policy

Meaning and Nature of Public Policy. Features of Public Policy. Relationship between policy and plan. Approaches to Policy Making –Rational Comprehensive Approach. Incrementalism Mixed Scanning Implementation. Relationship between politics and administration in policy formulation and implementation. Policy Analysis.

 

HIGHER DEGREES: MSc PROGRAMMES

Master of Science Programme

(A)       Compulsory/Core Courses

PSC 601: Contemporary Political Theory

The course deals with advanced aspects of modem and contemporary political thought. Themes for critical analysis include relationship between political theory and science of politics, knowledge and ideology, nationalism and imperialism, revolution and war, secularism and religious messianism, general wil! and popular sovereignty, decolonization and demo era tizatioris, class and division of labour, the nature of capitalist civilization and globalization. These will involve reference to the 19′h and 20lh century political theories particularly to the works of Hegel, Marx, Durkheim, Weber, Pareto, Gramscl, Satre, Mannheim, Lenin, Laski, Sung, Ake etc.

PSC 602: Research Methodology and Techniques

The course acquaints students with the methodology and techniques in political and social research. It covers such areas like research designs, formulation of research problems, variables and their relationships, operationalization of concepts, empirical references, hypothesis testing, sample methods, techniques of data gathering, analysis and interpretation, measures of variability, organization and description of’data, summary measures of characteristics and the logic of difference from sample to population.

PSC 609:         Research Thesis

Each master degree student will, after he has passed the stipulated course work, write a thesis on a chosen topic after due approval by the DPSC.

(B)        Area of Specialization Courses

(1)

POLITICAL THEORY AND METHODOLOGY

PSC 611 Classical and Medieval Political Thought

A critical review of the major theories and thinkers in ancient and medical political era, from the Greece-Roman period to the 16th century. Emphasis will be on the works of Plato, Aristotle, the Stoics, St Augustine, Aquinas up to Machiavelli and Bodin.

PSC 612: African Political Thought

Examination of selected theories on African Political thought from the pre-colonial era to the present day. General historical survey of the structures and processes of indigenous political systems from its origins to the present. A detailed study of the responses and challenges of political theories of contemporary issues of political development and social change in Africa.

PSC 613: Liberalism and the Democratic Process

A critical examination of the content and development of the political theory of liberalism with particular emphasis on the relationship between thought and existential conditions.

 

PSC 616: Empirical Political Analysis

Critical study of selected themes such as systems analysis, structural functionalism, political culture, games and roles theories, the role of facts, methodology of science and basic statistical concepts and processes in empirical political theorization. Emphasis on multivariate data analysis relevant to the social sciences such as multiple regression analysis and time series analysis multiquation and dimensional analysis. General theories of political behavior. Voting behavior and the electoral process. Opinion polls and the problem of quantification,

PSC 617: Quantitative Research and Statistical Process

Rational models of choice such as difference equations, questing, model, marker chain and major process, game theory, linear programming, decision analysis, simulation and cost-benefit analysis with illustrations drawn from electoral politics, class conflict, political economy and international conflicts.

PSC 618: Nigerian Political Thought

The course focuses on selected themes on Nigeria political experience and

Behavior.

The Nigerian project and the democratic process, challenges of leadership, electoral campaigns/electioneering. This will necessarily involves reference to the political ideas and challenges of Nigerians from the pre-colonial era to the present data – Othman Dan Fodio, jaja of Opobo, Hebert Macau ley, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Beilo, Tafawa Balewa, Mbonu Ojike, Claude Ake, Gain Fawehimi, Eskor Toyo, Balevabe Musa etc.

 

(ii) NIGERIA GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

PSC 621: Colonialism and Social Formation

This course will critically analyze pre-colonial African social formations and their semi-transformation under various stages of colonialism and neocolonialism; it will examine the articulation of social classes as well as the nature of contemporary African social formations.

PSC 622: Theory and Practice of Nigeria Federalism

Analysis of the theory of federalism with reference to a study of Federalism as a form of union with emphasis on the historical development of Nigeria federalism from historical legal form to a political-administrative form of union. The dynamics of federal system focusing on federal-state intergovernmental relation in Nigeria and their impact on political and policy process.

PSC 625: Public Opinion, Pressure Groups and the Nigeria Project

The course analysis the origin, nature and role of public opinion, pressure groups and related organizations in the Nigeria project particularly in the democratic process. The social dynamics in political interest aggregation and articulation.

PSC   626:   Theory   and   Practice   of   Local   Politics   and   Community Development

Theory and techniques involve conscious, deliberate efforts of human, social and economic development, institutionalization of the process of community development. Rational procedures of village, town or regional planning method of collecting and integrating important economic, social, political and physical facilities. Analysis of leadership structure, their relationship with the masses, occupational groups etc and their impact on government and politics at the local level. Examination of the various types of social organizations, leadership, system of social values and the factors facilitating effective community development projects. The role of politics and local governments in societal engineering and community projects.

 

PSC 627: Political Economy of Nigeria’s development

This entails a critical study and analysis of theories and practices of development in Nigeria. It examines public finance pattern and administration as well as the allocation in Nigeria. It will also examine alternative paths and strategies to debt management, foreign investment and related issues.

(iii) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

PSC 631: Theories of International Relations

A critical analysis and appraisal of analytical models of explaining the distribution of power, interaction among states, national interest and instruments of foreign policy. Concepts of functionalism, conflict resolution and bargaining as paradigms of international politics, pivotal roles of decision-making and communication in the theories of international system. The role of international law in international relations.

PSC 632: Diplomacy and Strategic Process

An Assessment of diplomatic theory and practice in contemporary international relations. Examination of the concept and practice of strategy in war and politics as well as ‘the relationship between strategic and conventional systems.

PSC 633: International Structures and Processes

This entails a critical study of international organizations and laws and their role in international conflicts and mechanism for international conflict resolution,

 

PSC   634:   Seminar on   Comparative   African Foreign   and   Strategic Policies

Comparative analysis of the external and domestic resources of foreign policy in Africa. Focus on African interaction interest and with developed states. The seminar will also attempts to improve Africa in interest in the global scene, the strategies used and the impact of competitive and international interaction on the global system and on African States.

 

HIGHER DEGREES: DOCTORAL PROGRAMMES

 

PSC 701 Critical Issues in Political Theory and Methodology

The course entails further assessment of some critical themes, theories and methods in political science. This will necessary involve critical analysis of the social origins, nature and essence of politics, state and government, ends and means of political action; the theory and practice of power, authority and legitimacy in a democratic process; reactions, reform and revolution vis-a-vis the problems or challenges of postmodern political theory and theorization.

The course will also address key issues and processes in logic and methods of political research, research design, data collection and analysis. It covers areas like formulation of research and statistical hypotheses, testing, techniques hypothesis of data gathering, analysis and interpretation etc.

PSC 702 Globalization and Third World Social Formations

The evolution, nature, principles and implications of globalization as well as response by Third World Social formation to the challenges of globalization shall be critically analyzed. This will include a thorough examination of economic, technological, security, social, political, cultural dimensions of globalization. The issue of appropriate approach to the resolution of Third World Underdevelopment will also be critically addressed.

PSC 709 Prospectus and Dissertation

The writing and presentation of dissertation in the candidates area of specialization will be preceded by a successful public defence of prospectus (proposal presentation)

9,7.2      COURSE DESIGN (Area of Specialization Courses)

1.          POLITICAL THEORY AND METHODOLOGY

PSC 713 African Political: Though Theories t and Practice

Survey of the critical themes in African political thought from the Ethio-Egyptian times to the present day. Topics include African consciousness, contributions to civilization and the challenges of contemporary civilization.

PSC 714:         Logic and Methods of Normative and Empirical Political

Inquiry

Analysis or scrutiny of the question of value and fact in political investigation and theory building. This involves critical examination of various aspects of political research process including data collection, analysis and interpretation techniques. Relationship between political inquiry and political theory will also be scrutinized. The philosophical framework, methodological possibilities and instrumental functions of normative and empirical political theories as well as patterns of explanation including functional and causal analysis will be examined. The role of quantitative and non-quantitative methodologies and approaches in data gathering and data analysis will also be investigated and interrogated

  1. NIGERIAN POLITICS AND DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

PSC 723 Politics of Nigeria’s Development

This course will emphasize case studies and research projects in Nigeria’s political, social and economic development, it will examine the growth and development of dominant classes in Nigeria, public policy in the area of trade and foreign investment, the role of state in economic life, the history and distinctive character of labour and the nature of regional uneven development in Nigeria.

PSC 724          Structures     and     Processes     of     Local     Politics     and

Community Development

Critical analysis of the prospects and problems of rational process of community (village/town) development in the rural and urban communities in Nigeria. Procedures for local or community planning, methods of collecting and integrating relevant facilities in community studies as an arena of interaction in Nigeria. Role of local government in community projects. Case studies of community development projects.

 

STUDIES

PSC 733 Advanced Diplomacy and Strategic Process

The course involves a critical analysis of diplomatic practices in contemporary international relations. It will also assess the principles and processes of strategy in war and politics as well as the relationship between strategic and conventional systems.

PSC 734          Political Economy of International Relations

This involves examination of the role of trans-national corporations and international financial institutions in the development and under development of world economies. It also includes analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of various initiatives to strengthen/weaken the economies of some, at the expenses of the others. Topics include regional integration, south south cooperation, WTO, NEPAD, the role of G8 and D8 etc.

  1. PUBLIC POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION

PSC 743          Advanced   Labour   Relations   and   Public   Resource

Management                                                       

An analysis of the structure and role of manpower at all levels of Nigerian government; focusing on the development of public service, manpower planning and unionization of public personnel relations. Techniques of contract negotiations and administration. Conflicts and impasse resolution procedure and variety and complexity of law under which public sector labor relations occur.

PSC 744 Comparative Public Policy Analysis

A comparative analysis of the dynamics of public policy. Processes of public policy-making and implementation – strategies and problem. Case studies.