The study of political philosophy often begins with the study of Plato and Aristotle, his student, who were the first to articulate theories of political philosophy. It progresses through St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas to writers such as Machiavelli, Marx, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, John Stuart Mill and Thoreau. It also deals with the major schools of political thought such as Marxism, Socialism, Communism, Capitalism and Democracy.
A political science student looks at history not just from the perspective of what occurred, but why it occurred. He would look at the reasons behind the event and draw conclusions about the political forces at work. History describes the application of some political theories and gives rise to others.
Global and regional geography plays an important role in international politics. Although it does not take a central role in the understanding of politics, it is a significant factor in strategic international relations. The failure of Germany's campaign against Russia in World War II was directly related to the German Command's failure to understand the geography and climate of Russia. The Russians' failure in Afghanistan was directly related to the terrain of the country. The student of political science will closely study the geography of the world.
Economics has a major impact on political behavior, both nationally and internationally. Jobs, interest rates, the money supply, trade surpluses and deficits are all part of economics, and economics drives a lot of politics. From the mayor of a small town to the president of a country, all politicians must take economics seriously as their constituents are affected by their decisions. The student of political science should also be a student of economics.
Political sociology deals with the relationship between the state and society. It looks at how social issues and trends affect politics, and what social forces change public policy. It may also deal with the effect of socioeconomic position on public policy--for example, which political party represents which class in society.