This course is an introduction to the field of political science through examination of the fundamental principles, concepts, and methods of the discipline, and the basic political processes and institutions of organized political systems. Topics include approaches to political science, research methodology, the state, government, law, ideology, organized political influences, governmental bureaucracy, problems in political democracy, and international politics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify, describe, define, analyze, and explain relationships among the basic principles and concepts of political science and political processes and institutions of contemporary political systems.