John Kropf introduces Diablo Valley College's Political Science 240 course and explains how the lectures will complement the textbook. He distinguishes political theory from ideology and outlines how concepts, generalizations, laws, and theories are developed. The lecture contrasts empirical and normative approaches, discusses the contestability of political concepts, and explores idealism, materialism, power, authority, constraint, and political economy. It concludes with an overview of the course website, weekly assignments, readings, videos, and the upcoming lecture on the state and freedom.
