Learn how to discuss the major works and figures of political thought, dive into Western and American politics, and examine the role that ethical, cultural, religious, and moral principles play in public policy. You can earn a free certificate of completion for any of these online Political Science courses, or use many of them to earn credit in leading college programs.

In our Political Science courses, you will learn to:

  • discuss the development of the nation-state and various systems of government, including democracy;
  • explain the role and functions of political parties; and
  • analyze the impact of media on the public and the state.

POLSC101: Introduction to Political Science

  • Time: 111 hours
  • Free Certificate
Survey the basic principles, terminology, and methods of political science in this course, which combines a historical study of the discipline's greatest thinkers with an analysis of contemporary issues.

POLSC201: Introduction to Western Political Thought

  • Time: 120 hours
  • Free Certificate
Examine the major texts and figures in the history of political thought, including Plato, Machiavelli, and Rousseau. Topics of analysis include power, justice, rights, law, and issues of governance.

POLSC221: Introduction to Comparative Politics

  • Time: 75 hours
  • Free Certificate
Survey the governments and politics of several contemporary societies in the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East by exploring political leadership, representative mechanisms, legal processes, and the extra-institutional behaviors of voting culture, ethnic conflict, and corruption.

POLSC232: American Government

  • Time: 31 hours
  • Free Certificate
Learn about the structure and processes of the U.S. political system: its constitutional foundations, the electoral process, political participation, the Congressional decision-making process, the executive branch, and federal courts.

POLSC401: Ethics and Public Policy

  • Time: 29 hours
  • Free Certificate
Examine the role that ethical, cultural, religious, and moral principles play in the formulation and execution of public policy by lawmakers and other public officials. Topics include domestic and international policy, justice, equality, fairness, individual liberty, free enterprise, charity, and human rights.

POLSC402: Global Justice

  • Time: 31 hours
  • Free Certificate
Explore the contemporary debates and controversies around global justice, including topics like human rights, national and cultural boundaries, distributive justice, global inequality and poverty, environmental devastation, and violence against women and children.