This free online political science course explores the principles, history and application of political ideologies.

Political ideas play a crucial role in shaping the political systems, laws, policies and values that underpin national and international societies. The influence of political ideologies extends far beyond the confines of policy-making and governance. They encompass a range of beliefs, theories and philosophies that shape and influence how societies are organised, governed and understood. Political ideologies are intricately interwoven into the fabric of societal norms, impacting everything from law enforcement to education, healthcare and even personal relationships.

This political science course reviews political theories, political thought and the concepts of power and authority. We compare 'hard' and 'soft' power and explain how authority is exerted through institutions. We then explore the core ideas of liberalism and the theorists who formulated them. The course discusses equality and social justice in the context of liberal democracy. We then move on to the ideology of conservatism and explore the nuances of human nature.

The course investigates the core concepts and applications of socialism and nationalism in ancient and modern times. We then examine the principles of feminism and compare the central perspectives of liberal, socialist and radical feminists. We explain how to reconcile cultural diversity with civic unity through multiculturalism. Finally, we examine the central features of anarchism and ecologism, which emphasises the importance of sustainability. Political ideologies have played a key role in the shaping of the modern world and continue to evolve today. Sign up for this political science course to deepen your understanding of the complex interplay between rights, justice, freedom and equality in this multifaceted world.