Political Science
Political Science
A Political Science major offers an education in government and political issues, local, national and global. A variety of courses in Political Science develop skills in research and analysis of government institutions, political behavior, the public policy process and global politics. Topics include the interpretation and use of constitutions, the politics of the legislative process, the impact of money and lobbying on elections, campaigns and public policy decisions, the role of political parties, interactions between national, state and local government, the role of executive leadership including the United States President, the impact of bureaucracies on public and personal life, the judicial process and the criminal justice system, comparative government, international relations, globalization and a wide range of issues that affect the lives of citizens. Development of skills in research, critical thinking, persuasive argument in debate, and analytical writing are primary goals of instruction in political science. All courses provide a stimulating foundation for the life of an educated citizen.
This course introduces students to the discipline and subfields within Political Science. Basic political concepts, political ideologies, political institutions and political systems are examined. The concepts of power, law, justice, democracy, social welfare and liberty will be discussed in relation to contemporary institutions of government. The impact of international and transnational influences on domestic politics will be analyzed. This course includes the study of California Government.
This course provides a study of the Constitutional principles, institutions and politics of American Government with special attention to the dynamics of representative government evident in voting, campaigns, political party politics, legislative process, presidential leadership and the public policy process. The California Constitution and government will be examined.
This course offers an introduction to the study of principles, institutions and procedures characteristic of government in the United States, national, state and local. Special attention is given to the American legal system including its development, structure and history; the judicial process and judicial interpretations of constitutional principles regarding federal-state relations, legislative authority, presidential authority, civil liberties and civil rights. This course includes study of the California Constitution and analysis of the California legal system. Issues including immigration, police authority, juvenile crime, due process in court proceedings and punishment policies are debated. Also included is a review of the principles of legal ethics. This course partially fulfills a state requirement in American Institutions.
An introduction to international relations theory, this course examines national, international, transnational, and sub-national actors and their institutions, interactions and processes as they relate to global issues. The role of international institutions such as the United Nations and the World Bank, the activities of non-governmental organizations and the goals and methods of protest movements are described. Topics to be discussed include the impact of globalization, international trade, transnational corporations, mass communication technology, global migration, massive arms distributions and the sources of armed conflict.
This course surveys the political life and institutions of a number of foreign countries. The impact of politics in developed and developing countries is examined on the local, state and international levels. Political and economic development, political conflicts, civil war, revolution, civic participation and their relationship to global forces are all examined in an effort to identify both similarities and differences in people’s attempts to grapple with government problems throughout the world.
This course is an introduction to political theory in which students explore the most significant concepts in political science including: power, justice, equality, punishment, and freedom. Students will engage in the analysis of selected political theories, political ideologies, and the application of political theory to contemporary problems.
This course is a survey of selected themes, problems, and personalities which have been associated with the creation of both official and covert American relationships with foreign powers. The course examines how U.S. involvements with nations in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia have interacted with and impacted American society, economics, and democratic institutions with an emphasis on CIA actions performed by the U.S. in the latter half of the 20th Century. Credit will not be awarded for both the honors and regular versions of a course. Credit will be awarded only for the first course completed with a grade of C or better or “P.”.
This course is a survey of selected themes, problems, and personalities which have been associated with the creation of both official and covert American relationships with foreign powers. The course examines how U.S. involvements with nations in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia have interacted with and impacted American society, economics, and democratic institutions with an emphasis on CIA actions performed by the U.S. in the latter half of the 20th Century. Honors work challenges students to be more analytical and creative through expanded assignments, real-world applications, and enrichment opportunities. Credit will not be awarded for both the honors and regular versions of a course. Credit will be awarded only for the first course completed with a grade of C or “P” or better.
Designed for selected students interested in furthering their knowledge of political science on an independent study basis; assigned problems will involve library, lab and field work.