Political Science Course DescriptionsLOWER-DIVISION COURSES1. Introduction to U.S. Politics Critical analysis of U.S. political values, institutions, and processes. America's political tradition, the Constitution, the presidency, Congress, the bureaucracy, Supreme Court, elections, political parties, interest groups, mass media, political opinion and participation, domestic policies, and foreign policy. (4 units) 1A. and 2A. Critical Thinking and Writing I and II A two-course, themed sequence featuring study and practice of academic discourse, with emphasis on critical reading and writing, composing processes, and rhetorical situation. The second course will feature more advanced study and practice wof academic discourse, with additional emphasis on information literacy and skills related to developing and organizing longer and more complex documents. Themes may address political movements and political change. These classes do not satisfy political science major or minor requirements. Successful completion of CTW I (POLI 1A) is a prerequisite for CTW II (POLI 2A). (4 units each quarter) 2. Introduction to Comparative Politics Government and politics in several modern states. Emphasis on the development of analytical abilities and critical skills in the evaluation of political culture, processes, and institutions. (4 units) 3. Introduction to World Politics Compares the political cultures, processes, and institutions of China, India, and Mexico. The student fulfills an Arrupe Placement with an immigrant client from a Confucian, South Asian, or Latin American country. Note: This course requires participation in community-based learning (CBL) experiences off campus. (4 units) 25. Introduction to International Relations Conceptual models used to analyze international relations, contemporary problems of world politics, and the methods states use to provide peace and security. (4 units) 30. Introduction to Political Philosophy An exploration of some of the principal themes and questions of political philosophy through the writings of authors such as Plato, Machiavelli, Marx, and Mill. Prominent themes include theory and practice, individual liberty, morality and politics, freedom, obligation, and justice. (4 units) 40. Politics of U.S. Economic Policy Covers basic concepts in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and international economics in order to demonstrate the relationship between the science of economics and the politics of U.S. economic policies. Case studies such as poverty issues, agricultural policies, and immigration and international trade dynamics will demonstrate how economic and political issues, as well as domestic and international policies are interrelated. (4 units) 45. Criminal Justice System Basic understanding of the U.S. criminal justice system: police, courts, probation, imprisonment, parole, relations with other governmental agencies. Goals, successes, and failures of the system, and possible remedies. (4 units) 50. World Geography Provides an understanding of world geography through an appreciation of contemporary global problems. Problems include the environmental crisis, international relations, demographic trends, and economic development. Special emphasis on world hunger and the roots of Third World poverty. (4 units) 55. Cross-Racial Electoral Politics Examination of the historical and contemporary political movements among the major minority groups in the United States since the 1960s. The origins and goals of the Black Power movement, the Chicano/a movement, the Asian-American movement, and the Native American movement will be focused on during the quarter. Each of these movements embodies similar and different trails with regard to their respective group's quest for political power and elected representation. Due to the contemporary immigration trends, Latinos and Asian Americans have challenged the black-white paradigm that has traditionally defined U.S. racial politics in local- and state-level politics. The result, in some instances, has been interracial competition and conflict at these levels. The necessary elements needed to build and to sustain multiracial coalitions along with the political future holds for these minority groups will be addressed. Also listed as ETHN 55. (5 units) 99. Political Science Research This course provides the necessary toolsd to understand, critically evaluate, and perform political; science research. Students will learn how to conduct a literature review, produce an annotated bibliography, and propose a theoretically informed research design. Topics include case selection; measurement of variables; hypothesis testing; qualitative research methods including interviews, content analysis, and ethnography; survey research; and interpretation and presentation of charts and tables. (4 units) UPPER-DIVISION COURSESPrerequisites for all upper-division courses: 1. For Political Philosophy courses, POLI 30 is required. 2. For International Relations courses, POLI 25 is required. 3. For Comparative Politics courses, POLI 2 is required. 4. For U.S. Politics courses, POLI 1 is required. 5. For Applied Quantitative Methods courses, POLI 1, 2, and 25 are required. Poli 99 is a required prerequisite for Poli 101. 6. For senior coursework, at least one upper-division lecture course from the corresponding area (1–4 above) is required. Note: In special cases, the instructor of a particular course may make an exception to these requirements. 101. Applied Quantitative Methods An applied introduction to statistical techniques that are especially relevant to data from the social sciences. (5 units) Selected topics in political philosophy. (5 units) 107. American Political Thought Selected topics and themes in the history of American political thought. (5 units) 111. History of Political Philosophy I: Greek and Christian Development of Western political thought from its Greek origins in the work of Plato and Aristotle through the work of Aquinas. (5 units) 112. History of Political Philosophy II: Liberalism and Its Roots Western political thought from Machiavelli through the origins of liberalism in the writings of Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau. (5 units) 113. History of Political Philosophy III: Post-Liberal Theories Writers and themes in 19th- and 20th-century political thought including Marx, Nietzsche, Freud, and Lenin. (5 units) International Relations 116A. Model United Nations Prep Model United Nations is a simulation program in which students participate in mock sessions of the United Nations. POLI 116A is a preparatory course for the Model UN conference in spring quarter. Students will learn about the principles of international law and conflict resolution. (1 unit) 116B. Model United Nations: International Conflict Simulation Simulated United Nations sessions, representing member-nations, debating and preparing resolutions, and engaging in other aspects of diplomacy. Prerequisite: POLI 116A. (1 unit) 117. International Humanitarian Action: Darfur Explore the role of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in the humanitarian crisis in Darfur with the use of a conflict resolution simulation. By acting as members of NGOs involved in this human tragedy, student students experience simulated civic engagement on an international level. They come to understand and act in an aid system where NGOs are among many organizations facing constraints and opportunities to effect change in coutries suffering and recovering from humanitarian disaster. (3 units)
The origins, evolution, and aftermath of the wide-ranging struggle—among the United States, the Soviet Union, and their allies— that dominated politics in the second half of the 20th century. (5 units) 119. The European Union Evolution of European political, social, and economic integration in the post-war period. Emphasis on the institutions and politics of the European Union since the Maastrict treaty, and current issues of European integration, such as the addition of new members, monetary union, and internal democratization. (5 units) 120. Mass Media, Information Technology, and International Politics Use of computer-based simulations and multimedia sources to understand international negotiation and foreign policy decision making. (5 units) 121. International Political Economy An introduction to the politics of the world economy. Topics include: Liberalism, Realism, and Structuralism as competing approaches to political economy; regionalism, and globalization; the international trading and financial systems; multinational corporations; development and debt. (5 units) 122. East Asian International Relations International political developments in East Asia from 1900 to the present. Analyses of geographic environment, political forces, and the impact of differing cultures on governmental decision making. Prerequisites: POLI 2 or 25. (5 units) 124. Law, Security, and Force An examination of traditional international legal principles involving the use of force in self defense with case studies to understand how the justification of armed conflict is changing. Discussion of the international community's adjustment to the evolving nature of sovereignty, increasing globalization, and national defense. (5 units) 125. International Law Sources, nature, and functions of international law in world politics. Special attention to the subjects of international law, international transactions, and the rules of war. Viewpoints presented from Western and Third World perspectives. (5 units) 126. International Organization International organization in world affairs. Political, economic, and social role of the United Nations, regional organizations, specialized agencies, and nonstate transnational actors. (5 units) 127. Special Topics in International Relations Selected topics in International Relations. (5 units) 128. U.S. Foreign Policy Aims, formulation, and implementation of U.S. foreign policy since World War II, focusing on diplomacy, war, security, and trade. (5 units) Comparative Politics131. The Military and Politics Case study of wars in Vietnam to understand civil-military relations, the causes of military intervention, legitimacy-building efforts, and withdrawal from politics. (5 units) 132. Transnational Political MovementsExamines the various forms and dynamics of organizations, activists, and movements that engage in collective action to transform institutional policies and practices across nation-state boundaries. How social movements, international protests, and NGOs interact with nation-state governments as well as economic and cultural institutions and why certain communities engage in transnational political contention. Designed to be a collective learning experience in which students examine and interrogate scholarship about social movements, globalization, and identity in transnational perspective. (5 units) 133. Political Parties, Elections and Policy An examination of how parties and elections mobilize people, what determines election victories, and how parties and elections affect state and national government policies. A focus on American politics in contrast to the processes in democracies in Western and Eastern Europe. Students will be engaged in an on-campus simulation of an election. (5 units) 134. Race and Ethnicity in the Politics of Developed States The role of racial/ethnic identity and conflict in the politics of states such as Germany, South Africa, the United States, the former Soviet Union, and the former Yugoslavia. (5 units) 136. Politics in Central America and the Caribbean Political cultures, processes, and institutions of Mexico and selected Central American and Caribbean states. Governmental organization, dependency, development, and political violence. 136A. The Political Structures and Processes in El Salvador and Central America Examines the governmental institutions and political processes in Central America. Topics include forms of government, the role of political parties, electoral systems, and local government. Offered through the Casa de la Solidaridad in El Salvador. Taught in Spanish. (5 units) 137. Politics in Latin America An overview of politics in selected Latin American countries. Case studies will focus on historical legacy, citizen participation, political party systems, democratic governance, and economic development. (5 units) 139. Religion and Politics in the Developing World A comparison of the relationships between religion and politics in Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Emphasis on the current political influence of traditional organization and belief. (5 units) 140. Politics in Less-Developed Countries Multidisciplinary study of the problems and politics of political development in Latin America, Africa, and/or Asia. Case studies of communist and capitalist approaches to political development. Impact of international politics on internal development. (5 units) 142. Politics in the Middle East Designed to give students an understanding of the complexities of Middle East politics, the importance of the region to the world, and the role history and religion have played in the political and social development of the various countries in the region. (5 units) 143. Democracy and Democracy Building Designed to give students and understanding of theories of democracy and how democracies are built out of military defeat (Germany and Iraq) and internal change either by leaders relinquishing power or popular uprising. Course includes reports of participants about decision making in democratizing processes. (5 units) 144. European Politics An examination of European politics and the European Union in terms of popular participation, party structures, and political institutions. Emphasis on cross-national comparisons and simulation exercises. (5 units) 145. Politics of Former Communist States An examination of the communist era in the former Soviet Union and the transformation that resulted from its failures. Emphasis on political economy, ethnic relations, and the development of democratic institutions in the new states. (5 units) 146. Politics of African Development Examines why Africa is the poorest region of the world, focusing on legacies of colonialism, failed political systems, poor economic choices, and external interventions. Discussion of how some states have collapsed into warlordism, civil war, and genocide and how others are creating democratic movements to reverse a history of economic decline. (5 units) 147. Politics in Japan An overview of politics and political economy in modern Japan. Emphasizes the role of history and culture in shaping postwar political institutions; the interaction of political parties and the bureaucracy in policymaking; and the role of the state in economic development. (5 units) 148. Politics in China Origins of revolution in modern China, the politics of social and economic modernization in China since 1949, the problems of bureaucratization, political participation, and the succession to Deng Xiaoping. (5 units) 149. Special Topics in Comparative Politics Selected topics in comparative politics. (5 units) U.S. Politics 150. The Presidency Analysis of the presidency as it has evolved throughout U.S. history. Comparison of presidential powers with those of Congress, the courts, the bureaucracy, the press, political parties, and the public. (5 units) 151. The Congress History, structure, and policies of Congress. Congressional elections and theories of representation, the committee system and congressional norms, lobbying, congressional ethics and reforms, and the power of Congress relative to the president and the bureaucracy. (5 units) 152. Political Participation An examination of who participates in U.S. politics and the various forms of political participation. Elections, political parties, interest groups, community organizing, and political protest. (5 units) 153. Minority Politics in the United States Survey course with a focus on the historical and contemporary struggles of minority groups in the United States. The minority groups analyzed comparatively within a political and institutional context are African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, Native Americans, minority women, gays, and the physically disabled. Various issues include theories of race, ethnicity, gender, and class to understand how these variables serve as a basis for identification and political mobilization in American politics. (5 units) 154. Women and Politics A consideration of the various ways women have changed "politics as usual." Examination of the status of women today, varieties of feminist thought, women as voters and as an interest group, women in public office, and public policy issues. (5 units) 155. Political Psychology This course serves as a n introduction to the interdisciplinary field of political psychology, which applies theoretical ideas from psychology to understand political processes. Political psychology tends to focus on how politics works at the individual (micro) level. This course will focus on the psychological roots of public opinion and the political behavior of ordinary citizens through an application of psychological theories about personality, learning, cognition, emotion, social influence, and group dynamics to individuals' political attitudes and behaviors. (5 units) 156. Politics and Mass Media An examination of the politics of the mass media, interactions between politicians and the media, the effects of mass media on political life, and public opinion, concerns of racial and ethnic minorities, and the ethcis of media work. (5 units) 157. Environmental Politics and Policy This course examines environmental politics, policy, and governance in the last half century. Part one of this course reviews major environmental legislation in the United States including the Endangered Species Acts, Clean Water Act, Clear Air Act, and policy responses to global warning. In part two, learners step back to interrogate the power dynamics, social movements, legal battles, and struggles over meaning and representation that accompany significant social change. The final section examines the rise of global environmental governance highlighting the role of non-profit organizations, civil societies, and corporate firms as voluntary environmental regulation moves from the margins to the mainstream. A concluding discussion identifies avenues for civic engagement, accountability, and environmental citizenship. Learners will gain insight into the policy-making process by participating in simulation games, reading and research assignments, developing tools to access policy outcomes, and finding strategies to identify political opportunities. Prerequisite: ENVS recommended. Also listed as ENVS 122. (5 units) 158. Housing and Homelessness Policy Substantive in-depth study of 159. The Constitution and Constitutional law doctrines and decisions regarding civil, economic, and political liberties.Topics include free speech and association, freedom of the press, religious freedom, economic liberties and property rights, and privacy rights. (5 units) 160. The Constitution and Equality Constitutional law doctrines and decisions regarding the 14th Amendment's guarantee of equal protection. Topics include race discrimination (particularly school desegregation and affirmative action), sex discrimination, discrimination against the poor, and discrimination based on sexual orientation. (5 units) 161. Law and Politics in the United States Examination of the U.S. legal system. Topics include legal culture, the adversary system and its alternatives, system participants (litigants, lawyers, and judges), judicial selection, and legal versus political influences on judicial decision making. Special attention to the question of the capacity of courts to serve as agents of social change. (5 units) 162. Urban Politics Examination of political processes in the U.S. city. Special attention to the structures and institutions of urban political power and the changing forms of political action. Discussion of the historical development of urban social life, political cultures, racial/ethnic and class communities, political economy, and urban planning. (5 units) 163. State and Local Politics A consideration of the politics and processes of state and local governments, with particular attention given to California state, county, and municipal politics. Topics include federalism, executives, legislatures, courts, interest groups, parties, elections, financing, and issues such as education, welfare, criminal justice, transportation, housing, and urban growth. (5 units) 164. Studies in Public Policy Selected topics and problems in public policy as views from a political insider's perspective. Taught by a political practitioner. (2 units) 165. Public Administration Administration of public policies in terms of broad questions of democratic theory. Organizational theory, public employees, budget making, policy evaluation, and public finance. (5 units) 166. California Politics An examination of the structures and processes of California politics: the state's constitution, legislature, governor, courts and executive agencies. Special attention to democratic dilemmas of citizen participation (elections, ballot initiatives), legislative gridlock (redistricting, budget), and crucial policies (education, health and welfare, immigration, criminal justice, energy and environment). (5 units) 167. Making Public Policy An examination of the nature of U.S. public policy and policy analysis through the use of texts and case studies. Stages of policy development (how an idea becomes a policy, agenda-setting, implementation, analysis, and evaluation). Ethical issues in public policy. (5 units) 168. Special Topics in Public Policy Substantive in-depth study of U.S. housing and homelessness policy, including causes and correlates of homelessness such as poverty, unemployment, drug/alcohol addiction, mental illness, crime, disorder, HIV/AIDS and lack of affordable housing. Arrupe placement required. (5 units) 169. Special Topics in U.S. Politics Selected topics in U.S. Politics. (5 units) Applied Quantitative Methods 100. Research Methods in Political Science An introduction to some of the competing theories, paradigms, and methods used to analyze politics. After a general discussion of the philosophy of science—especially the debate about whether a "science" of politics is possible—students examine various approaches to the study of politics, including case studies, historical analysis, formal theories, and statistical models. (5 units) Senior Course Work 180. Honors Research Projects Independent research and writing on a selected topic or problem. Limited to members of the Political Science Honors Program. (5 units) 192. Seminar in Comparative Politics Selected topics in comparative politics in various states and regions. (5 units) 195. Seminar in U.S. Politics Selected topics and problems in the American political system. (5 units) 190. Seminar in Research Methods Plan and conduct political science research on selected topics, such as political communication and socialization. (5 units) 191. Seminar in Political Philosophy An examination of Frank Herbert's Dune series and other science fiction classics, focusing on politics, war, religion, Jihad, multiculturalism, and ecology. (5 units) 193. Seminar in Political Philosophy Selected topics in political philosophy. (5 units) 196. Seminar in International Relations Selected aspects of international political behavior. (5 units) Public Sector Studies 45. Criminal Justice System Basic understanding of the U.S. criminal justice system: police, courts, probation, imprisonment, parole, relations with other governmental agencies. Goals, successes, and failures of the system, and possible remedies. (5 units) 164. Studies in Public Policy Selected topics and problems in public policy viewed from a "political insider's" perspective. Taught by a political practitioner. (2 units) 167. Making Public Policy An examination of the nature of U.S. public policy and policy analysis through the use of texts and case studies. Stages of policy development (how an idea becomes a policy, agenda-setting, implementation, analysis, and evaluation). Ethical issues in public policy. (5 units) 168. Special Topics in Public Policy (Housing & Homelessness Policy) Substantive in-depth study of selected issues in U. S. public policy, such as health care, criminal justice, housing, and homelessness. Emphasis on the intersection of policy areas. Arrupe placement required. (5 units) 197A. Public Sector Study and Internship Directed internship in local government agencies, legislative bodies, political parties, interest groups, public or government affairs departments of corporations, or nonprofit organizations, integrated with classroom analyses of professions in public sector, frequent guest speakers, and research project. Open to qualified juniors and seniors. (variable units) 197B. Public Sector Study and Internship Directed internship in local government agencies, legislative bodies, political parties, interest groups, public or government affairs departments of corporations, or nonprofit organizations, integrated with classroom analyses of professions in public sector, frequent guest speakers, and research project. Open to qualified juniors and seniors. (variable units) 198. Public Service Internships Directed internship in government agencies, legislative bodies, political parties, or interest groups, public or government affairs departments of corporations, or nonprofit organizations. Open to qualified juniors or seniors with permission of the instructor. (variable units) Special Courses 199. Directed Reading Independent study. Intensive work in areas not fully covered in upper-division courses. Written outline of the proposed course, required form and all necessary signatures, must be submitted at least one week prior to registration. (1–5 units) |
