Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide.

Price: $72.95

Format:
Paperback 560 pp.
tables, boxes, photographs, 189 mm x 246 mm

ISBN-10:
0199231338

ISBN-13:
9780199231331

Copyright Year:
2009

Imprint: OUP UK

Share on Facebook

Add to Favourites Tell a Friend


Introduction to Politics

Robert Garner, Peter Ferdinand and Stephanie Lawson

Introduction to Politics brings together an expert team of authors to produce the definitive introductory politics textbook. The book is divided into three sections, reflecting the areas of expertise of each of the three authors: concepts and ideologies, comparative politics, and International Relations.

This is an intellectually stimulating, yet accessible, introduction to the subject, which reflects the realities of current global politics. The book moves beyond a descriptive account of the subject; instead, students are introduced to the debates and inherent complexities of the topics covered. The book's analytical approach will challenge students, rather than providing them with one definite line of argument.

The book avoids a focus on Western democracies and assumptions of liberal democratic supremacy, instead illustrating points by using examples from a wide range of countries. Further, a third of the book is dedicated to international relations, and throughout, the book considers transnational factors and forces.

Introduction to Politics is accompanied by an innovative Online Resource Centre, which includes:

For Students:

Multiple-choice questions
Flashcard glossary
Web links
Further information on key thinkers

For Lecturers:

Expanded case studies from the book with embedded links to relevant news articles, web video and research
Role-play activities
PowerPoint slides
Discussion questions

Readership : First year undergraduate students taking an introductory politics module as part of a single or combined honours BA Politics degree.

Introduction: The Nature of Politics and Political Analysis
Robert Garner: Concepts and Ideologies
Politics and the State
Political Power, Authority and the State
Democracy and Political Obligation
Freedom and Justice
Traditional Ideologies
Challenges to the Dominant Ideologies
Peter Ferdinand: Comparative Politics
Institutions and States
Law, Constitutions, and Federalism
Legislatures and Legislators
Bureaucracies, Policy Studies, and Governance
Votes, Elections, Parties
Civil Society, Interest Groups and the Media
Political Culture
Stephanie Lawson: International Relations
Sovereignty, the State and International Order
Traditional Theories of International Relations
Alternative Approaches to International Relations
Security and Insecurity
Diplomacy and Foreign Policy
International Organizations
International Political Economy
Conclusion

Online Resource Centre - http://www.oup.com/uk/orc/bin/9780199231331/

Robert Garner is Professor of Politics at the Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Leicester. Peter Ferdinand is Reader in Politics and International Studies at the Department of Politics and International Studies, and Director of the Centre for Studies in Democratisation, at the University of Warwick. Stephanie Lawson is Professor in Asia-Pacific Studies at the Department of Politics and International Studies, University of Birmingham.

Making Sense in the Social Sciences - Margot Northey, Lorne Tepperman and Patrizia Albanese

Special Features

  • Broad coverage includes concepts and ideologies, comparative politics, and International Relations, offering students a thorough grounding in the subject and reflecting the way in which modules are changing to position domestic politics in a more international context.
  • The book moves beyond a descriptive narrative, taking an analytical approach that ensures students are challenged and appreciate the complexities inherent in the subject.
  • The book focuses on non-Western systems as appropriate, using examples from a wide range of countries, including the Islamic states, Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa, thus allowing students to appreciate the nature of current global politics.
  • 'Case Study' boxes and numerous examples ensure that the book consistently demonstrates the practical application of political concepts.
  • Excellent learning features throughout support student learning, including reader's guides, key points, questions, guide to further reading, boxes, cross-references linking together the chapters, and a glossary.
  • Photographs are used throughout to illustrate examples and help to create a visually appealing book.
  • Four colour text helps to aid navigation.
  • Accompanied by an innovative Online Resource Centre that is well integrated with the book, and includes further case studies.