Politics shapes many of the major challenges facing contemporary societies, from climate change and technological innovation to economic development, public health, and international security. Yet political decisions often appear difficult to understand, and public debates are increasingly marked by polarization, mistrust, and misinformation.
This course provides students with the tools to better understand how political systems operate, how public opinion is formed, and how collective decisions are made. Through real-world examples and contemporary case studies, students will explore topics such as democracy, elections, political participation, the role of the media, social movements, environmental politics, and the governance of emerging technologies.
The course is designed for students with no prior background in political science and emphasizes practical applications rather than theoretical specialization. By the end of the semester, students will be able to critically analyze political developments and better understand the forces shaping public debate and policymaking.
