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THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES ST. AUGUSTINE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES GOVT 1001 - INTRODUCTION TO POLITICS II COURSE OUTLINE SEMESTER 2 2010/2011 Lecturer Contact Email Address Room Number Office Hours : : : : : Mr. Maukesh Basdeo 1-868-662-2002 Ext. No. 3850 maukesh.basdeo@sta.uwi.edu Faculty of Social Sciences Office Monday 5pm 7pm Thursday 11pm 1pm This course is intended to introduce students to a basic understanding of the structure and processes of modem politics. The course is mainly designed to provide students with an awareness of political ideas and concepts based on the writings of a variety of thinkers and philosophers. However, it also addresses important political issues related to electoral systems and American, British and Commonwealth Caribbean systems of government.

As such students are expected to develop a basic knowledge of: (a) (b) (c) Primary concepts and theories associated with the discipline of political science Some of the Political Systems in the world, their similarities and differences Central issues of Politics in the Caribbean and globally

In addition this course aims at strengthening students ability to think out political and other affairs for themselves. Students are encouraged to recognize and reject prejudices, blind partisanship and dogma of all types. Hence, the lectures, tutorials and examinations are designed to develop powers of analysis, evaluation and civic engagement in students.

Students will be expected to use their own initiative in getting their readings and they should also be prepared to utilize other readings outside of the course outline where necessary. The course is designed to elucidate and analyse the following areas: LEARNING OUTCOMES By the end of the Semester students should: A] B] C] D] Be conversant with concepts and theories in the study of Politics Have a critical appreciation of the value of Political analysis Have a conceptual grasp of the different types of ideologies that exist Be able to apply concepts and theory to an empirical study of the Caribbean

METHOD OF TEACHING Teaching will be by way of weekly three hours lectures utilising PowerPoint slides. The actual slides used in the weekly lectures will not be made available. However, a summary of each topic will be made available on the student portal. Therefore, students are advised to attend classes. EXAMANIATION Students will be evaluated via a final exam which would account for 100% of their final mark. Students will be asked to answer two questions, one from Section A and one from Section B. The final exam paper would include six questions. MARKING CRITERIA The following criteria are for guidance only, and do not preclude the need for the application of sensible discretion by examiners. A+ Exceptional 86%-100% An exceptional answer to the question Clear, sharply focused and incisive argument displaying outstanding skill in elucidating concepts, conducting analysis and marshalling evidence. Shows outstanding knowledge of the topic and associated literature, a well expressed

and highly sophisticated understanding, and an ability to fully integrate ones own approach within the wider literature. Outstanding quality of analysis and approach is maintained consistently throughout the entirety of the piece of assessed work. Displays originality in handling the problem, with an exceptional degree of insight and independent thought. Excellent literary style and presentation, including economy of expression, and very good grammar and punctuation. A 70%-85% An outstanding answer to the question Clear, sharply focused and incisive argument displaying outstanding skill in elucidating concepts, conducting analysis and marshalling evidence. Shows a comprehensive knowledge of the topic and associated literature, a well expressed and highly sophisticated understanding, and an ability to integrate ones own approach within the wider literature. Excellent quality of analysis and approach is maintained consistently throughout the piece of assessed work. Displays originality in handling the problem, with an outstanding degree of insight and independent thought. Excellent literary style and presentation, including economy of expression, and very good grammar and punctuation. A- 67%-69% An excellent answer to the question Clear, sharply focused and incisive argument displaying impressive skill in elucidating concepts, conducting analysis and marshalling evidence. Shows a very wide knowledge of the topic and associated literature, a well expressed and sophisticated understanding, and negligible errors and omissions. Very high quality of analysis and approach is maintained consistently throughout the majority of the piece of assessed work. Displays originality in handling the problem. Excellent literary style and presentation, including economy of expression, and good grammar and punctuation.

B+ 63%-66% A very good answer to the question Clear, well-focused and logical argument displaying skill in elucidating concepts, conducting analysis and marshalling evidence. Shows evidence of reading in breadth and depth, sound understanding and minimal errors and omissions. Adopts a thoughtful, non-standard approach in handling the problem. Effective literary style and presentation, including adequate economy of expression, and good grammar and punctuation. B 60%-62% A good answer to the question Clear, well-focused and logical argument displaying skill in elucidating concepts, conducting analysis and marshalling evidence. Shows evidence of reading in breadth and depth, with signs of sound understanding and minimal errors and omissions. Adopts a thoughtful and appropriate approach in handling the problem. Effective literary style and presentation, including adequate economy of expression, and acceptable grammar and punctuation. B- 57%-59% A solid answer to the question Reasonably clear, fairly well focused and generally coherent argument displaying some skill in elucidating concepts, conducting analysis and marshalling evidence. Shows familiarity with the main sources, with signs of a satisfactory grasp of the main points, few errors and omissions, and minimal padding. Adopts an acceptable but rather standard approach in handling the problem. Adequate literary style and presentation, including reasonable economy of expression, and generally acceptable grammar and punctuation. C+ 53%-56% An adequate answer to the question Somewhat vague, ill-focused and/or inconsistent argument nevertheless displaying some skill in elucidating concepts, conducting analysis and marshalling evidence.

Shows evidence of reading of the main sources, but some of the main points poorly understood, some significant errors and omissions, and/or some padding. Approach in handling the problem either quite routine or compromised by uneven understanding. Weak literary style and/or presentation, possibly including clumsy expression, and some unacceptable errors or grammar and punctuation.

C 50%-52% A poor answer to the question. Unclear, ill-focused and/or illogical argument nevertheless displaying some skill in elucidating concepts, conducting analysis and marshalling evidence. Shows some evidence of reading or other learning but only limited understanding of the issues raised, with some major errors and omissions, and/or significant padding. Approach in handling the problem not completely unsound but superficial and flawed by limited understanding. Poor literary style and/or presentation, probably including clumsy expression, and many unacceptable errors of grammar and punctuation. C- 47%-49%) A minimal answer to the question Unclear, unfocused and/or illogical argument displaying only minimal skill in elucidating concepts, conducting analysis and marshalling evidence. Shows some evidence of reading or other learning but poor understanding of the issues raised, with many errors and omissions, and/or significant padding. Approach in handling the problem largely unsound on account of carelessness or lack of essential information. Poor literary style and/or presentation, including clumsy expression, and many unacceptable errors of grammar and punctuation. D+ 43%-46% A poor answer to the question Very limited, unclear, unfocused and/or illogical argument displaying no skill in elucidating concepts, conducting analysis or marshalling evidence. Shows some evidence of very limited reading or other learning but poor understanding

of the issues raised, with many errors and omissions, and/or significant padding. Approach in handling the problem largely unsound on account of carelessness or lack of essential information. Very poor literary style and/or presentation, including clumsy expression, and many unacceptable errors of grammar and punctuation. D 40% - 42% A very poor answer to the question Very limited, unclear, unfocused and/or illogical argument displaying no skill in elucidating concepts, conducting analysis or marshalling evidence. Shows some evidence of very limited reading or other learning but poor understanding of the issues raised, with many errors and omissions, and/or significant padding. Approach in handling the problem largely unsound on account of carelessness or lack of essential information. Very poor literary style and/or presentation, including clumsy expression, and many unacceptable errors of grammar and punctuation. Fail less than 40% Poor fail 30%-39% A mostly irrelevant answer to the question Almost total absence of argument and/or mostly irrelevant to the topic. Shows no evidence of reading or other learning displays very poor understanding of the issues raised and consists mainly of errors and/or considerable padding. Approach in handling the problem unsound on account of carelessness or lack of essential information. Very poor literary style and/or presentation, including clumsy expression, and many unacceptable errors of grammar and punctuation, and/or of very short length. Extremely Poor Fail 0%-29% A completely irrelevant answer to the question Absence of argument and/or irrelevant to the topic. Shows no evidence of reading or other learning, displays no understanding of the issues raised and consists mainly of errors and/or considerable padding.

Approach in handling the problem unsound on account of carelessness or lack of essential information. Very poor literary style and/or presentation, including clumsy expression, and many unacceptable errors of grammar and punctuation, making it incomprehensible, and/or of very short length.

Students must attend examinations as scheduled by the Universitys Examinations Office. Exam timetables will be published prior to each examination period. You may access this via the Student Portal. Exam timetables will also be posted on Faculty notice boards. READING LIST It is essential for those who wish to do well in this course to read widely and to use the resources of the library creatively and extensively. A short reading list is suggested, with copies of most of the volumes listed available in the bookstore and in the library. However, in case of the unavailability of any of these books, it is strongly advised that the many alternatives, which are available in the library be used for essay and exam preparation. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Ponton & Gill - Introduction to Politics Terence Ball & Richard Dagger - Political Ideologies and the Democratic Ideal Ebenstein & Ebenstein - Introduction to Political Thinkers Ebenstein & Ebenstein - Introduction to Political Thinkers Ball and Dagger Political Ideologies and the Democratic Ideal

SECTION II

GENERAL EXAMINATION REGULATIONS 19. Any candidate who has been absent from the University for a prolonged period during the teaching of a particular course for any reason other than illness or whose attendance at prescribed lectures, classes, practical classes, tutorials, or clinical instructions has been unsatisfactory or who has failed to submit essays or other exercises set by his/her teachers, may be debarred by the relevant Academic Board, on the recommendation of the relevant Faculty Board, from taking any University examinations. The procedures to be used shall be prescribed in Faculty Regulations.

Therefore, students are advised to attend classes.

1.

CLASSICAL THINKERS:

Plato & Aristotle

(a) (b)

Plato's ideas on the construction and governance of a State. Aristotle's theories of systems of government.

Readings: Ebenstein & Ebenstein - Introduction to Political Thinkers Sabine & Thorson - History of Political Theory Plato - The Republic Aristotle - The Politics Geraint Williams - Political Theory in Retrospect David Thomson (ed.) - Political Ideas Ball and Dagger Political Ideologies and the Democratic Ideal Tutorial Topic: What factors, for Plato and Aristotle, were critical in the construction of a state? 2. THEORIES OF THE STATE: Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau (a) (b) (c) Hobbes' Leviathan Locke's Fiduciary Trust Rousseau's General Will

Readings: Ebenstein & Ebenstein - Introduction to Political Thinkers Sabine & Thorson - History of Political Theory Thomas Hobbes - The Leviathan John Locke - Two Treatises on Government Jean-Jacques Rousseau - The Social Contract Geraint Williams - Political Theory in Retrospect David Thomson (ed.) - Political Ideas Iain Hampsher-Monk - A History of Modern Political Thought Ball and Dagger Political Ideologies and the Democratic Ideal Tutorial Topic: Examine and discuss the views of Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau on the subject of the state of nature and the civil state. 3. EDMUND BURKE AND CONSERVATISM

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(a) (b) (c) (d)

Counter- revolution History and Tradition Moral Values Status Quo vs. Change

Readings: Edmund Burke - Reflections on the Revolution in France Iain Hampsher-Monk - A History of Modern Political Thought Sabine & Thorson - History of Political Theory Geraint Williams - Political Theory in Retrospect David Thomson (ed.) - Political Ideas John Plamenatz - Man and Society, Vol.1 Ball and Dagger Political Ideologies and the Democratic Ideal Tutorial Topic: Examine and discuss the importance of history and tradition in Burke's political thought.

4.

KARL MARX, V.I. LENIN AND COMMUNISM (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) Influences on Marx Class struggle and class consciousness Stages of history The Vanguard Party Marxism-Leninism

Readings: Ebenstein & Ebenstein - Introduction to Political Thinkers Sabine & Thorson - History of Political Theory Marx & Engels - The Communist Manifesto Karl Marx - Capital V.I. Lenin - Collected Works Geraint Williams - Political Theory in Retrospect David Thomson (ed.) - Political Ideas Iain Hampsher-Monk - A History of Modern Political Thought T. Bottomore - Karl Marx: Selected Writings G.W.F. Hegel - The Philosophy of Right

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Ball and Dagger Political Ideologies and the Democratic Ideal Tutorial Topic: Compare and contrast the views of Marx and Lenin on the dictatorship of the proletariat and how it would be achieved.

5.

MAX WEBER AND BUREAUCRACY (a) (b) (c) Bureaucracy and Authority Dictatorship of the Official The Protestant Ethic

Readings: Gerth & Mills - From Max Weber: Essays in Sociology Max Weber - The Theory of Social and Economic Organization Max Weber - The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism Brian Fry - Mastering Public Administration Seymour Lipset - Political Man Tutorial Topic: Discuss Weber's concepts of authority and the Protestant Ethic.

6.

MONTESQUIEU AND THE SEPARATION OF POWERS (a) (b) (c) (d) Montesquieu's philosophy of the Separation of Powers Political Liberty of Man Constitutional Foundation for Democratic Government Montesquieu's Philosophical Influence

Readings: Montesquieu - The Spirit of the Laws Ponton & Gill - Introduction to Politics Madison et al. - The Federalist Papers Walter Bagehot - The English Constitution David Thomson - Political Ideas Tutorial Topic: Discuss Montesquieus idea of political liberty and its relationship to the separation of powers principle.

7.

JEREMY BENTHAM AND JOHN STUART MILL AND LIBERALISM

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(a)

Utilitarianism

(b) Laissez-faire (c) Representative Government Readings Ebenstein and Ebenstein Introduction to Political Thinkers Iain Hampsher-Monk - A History of Modern Political Thought Sabine & Thorson - History of Political Theory Geraint Williams - Political Theory in Retrospect Ball and Dagger - Political Ideologies and the Democratic Ideal Tutorial Topic: Examine and discuss the views of Jeremy Bentham on the greatest happiness for the greatest number and the views of John Stuart Mill on representative democracy.

8.

ELECTORAL SYSTEMS (a) (b) (c) (d) First-past-the-post Proportional Representation Second Ballot Mixed Systems

Readings E. Lakeman - How Democracies Vote S.E. Finer - Comparative Government Wooding et al. - Thinking Things Through Wooding et al. - Report of the Constitution Commission Hyatali et al. - Thinking Things Over Blais & Massicotte - "Electoral Systems" in Comparing Democracies by Le Duc, Niemi and Norris (eds.) pp. 49 - 81 Patrick Emmanuel - Elections and Party Systems in the Commonwealth Caribbean Robert Richie - Reflecting All Of Us: The Case for Proportional Representation Jack Vowles (ed.) - Voters Victory? New Zealand's First Election Under PR Tutorial Topic: Critically examine the electoral formulae of plurality, majority and proportionality.

9.

THE AMERICAN AND BRITISH SYSTEMS OF GOVERNMENT

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(a) (b) (c)

Presidential and Parliamentary Systems Rigid and Weak Separation of Powers Written and Unwritten Constitutions

Readings: V. Bogdanor - The Monarchy and the Constitution John P. Mackintosh- Government and Politics of Great Britain Anthony Birch - The British System of Government F.W. Benemy - The Elected Monarch Ivor Jennings - British Constitution F. Ogg - Introduction to American Government A. Potter - American Government and Politics R. Young - The American Congress S.E. Finer - Comparative Government Tutorial Topic: Compare and contrast the main features of the British and American systems of government.

10.

WEST INDIAN GOVERNMENT (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) Crown Colony Government and Post-war constitutional reform Representative and Responsible Government Federation, the Jamaican Referendum and British Policy on Independence Sovereignty, Self-determination and Independence Westminster - Whitehall Model

Readings Gordon Lewis - The Growth of the Modern West Indies Lowenthal et al. - The Aftermath of Sovereignty Hyatali et al. - The Report of the Constitution Commission, 1990 S. Ryan - Race and Nationalism in Trinidad and Tobago S. Ryan (ed.) - The Independence Experience F. Phillips - Freedom in the Caribbean H. Ghany - Kamal: A Lifetime of Politics, Religion and Culture J. La Guerre (ed) -Issues in the Government and Politics of the West Indies Ann Spackman - Constitutional Development of the West Indies

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Cynthia Barrow-Giles Introduction to Caribbean Politics Tutorial Topic: Examine and discuss the main features of the WestminsterWhitehall model in the Commonwealth Caribbean.

POSTSCRIPT The readings listed under each heading are merely basic and the lists are by no means exhaustive. You may also consult the following journals: Caribbean Affairs; Parliamentary Affairs; Political Studies; Caribbean Issues; The

Parliamentarian; World Politics; Caribbean Quarterly; The Round Table; The Journal of Legislative Studies. Essential texts may be drawn from Terence Ball and Richard Dagger Political Ideologies and the Democratic Ideal or Sabine and Thorson A History of Political Theory or Ebenstein and Ebenstein Introduction to Political Thinkers or Iain Hampsher-Monk - A History of Modern Political Thought.

January 18, 2011