For the finals period, we will be using the following readings in sequence.
As participation in this online session. Each student is expected to comment in the comment box his/her block/surname, first name middle initial. Please log-in using his/her official UST google account. Part of being in the professional world means that you have a professional email account. A professional-looking email such as name@gmail.com or rmcastillo@gmail.com, or castilloronald@gmail.com are in a way acceptable. But an institutional email e.g. rmcastillo@ust.edu.ph trumps the others because it attests to your institutional affiliation. This is also the reason why I used the blog for today instead of using Blackboard. It forces you to use your gmail account on two things: logging in and downloading from the Gdrive.
For the finals period, we will be covering the following: Comparative Politics, Political Theory and Philosophy, International Relations, and Public Policy Administration. These are but a few of the sub-disciplines of political science. The perspectives or approaches to political science all relate to each of the sub-disciplines. As is, I've been considering you, and have been thinking of trimming down your burden. Hence, you will see at the end of this online post the selected readings for this period. You will notice that I've melded Public Policy and Administration with two other disciplines. Be warned, Landman's is quite technical. Rice and Stewart's is mathematical, Youatt's is philosophically weird.
Comparative politics is the experimental science of political science. It studies political institutions and behavior. It is through this sub-discipline that we, political scientists, can analyze, ponder, and comment on everyday politics.
Political Theory and Political Philosophy helps us understand the different ideologies and the foundations of political thinking. By the way, there is a difference between political theory and philosophy.
International Relations is where political science scholars enter the world of diplomacy. Where the intrigues in local politics are grander, being on an international scale. This does not simply introduce you to being diplomats, but it introduces you to be state managers.
Public Policy and Administration is a separate degree (AB Pub Ad) but we also study it as a sub-discipline because being statesmen and women, the technicalities of policymaking and policy administration are both important in the delivery of and maintenance of the salus populi.
Among the reading's is Robert's Rules of Order which is the seed from which all parliamentary rules across many institutions across the world are based. I want you to learn it, and work as one (each block) to simulate a parliamentary body, i.e. court, senate, House of Representatives, a cabinet meeting, etc. Parliamentary Simulation will start on November 16, 2019. I will preside in the first session, but each class must be able to do it on their own in the next two. The theme per session will be International Relations for Session 2, and Political Philosophy and Public Policy on Session 3. For the first, it will just be a dust-up so that we can start the gears going. It's going to be a review and an initial practice, the theme will be Philippine Institutions and Electoral Behavior. Parliamentary Simulation will be held on November 22 and 23. It will be graded on the following criteria: (a) complete class participation, (b) masterful use of the 4 classes of motions (the four classes were used within the two day simulation, (c) maximization of the theme, (d) observation of parliamentary rules and behavior, and (c). Each category will be given one of three marks: 1 for mediocre quality of output, 3 for average quality, and 5 for excellent, total of 25 marks.
Be ready to recite at least 10 Latin maxims when we get back. Create your own Bend and Snap and do it after you recite. That will be a 15 point recit. The Latin maxims are actually called Brocards in law school. They are Latin expressions that date back to as ancient as the time of Cicero, but they are not all from Cicero. They eventually were called brocards because of Fr. Burchard who compiled several and made use of them.
Enjoy the vacation, balance it with your readings and coordinating with blockmates.
See you in a week.
Valar morghulis.
Readings:
Parliamentary Rules and Procedure
Comparative Politics
Putting the Science in Political Science
Political Theory and Philosophy, and Public Administration
Power, Pain, and the Interspecies Politics of Foie Gras
International Relations and Public Policy
U.S. - Philippine Defense Alliance