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Course Descriptions

Group 1:

POLS 130
American Politics
3 Semester Hours

A survey of the basic structure and procedures of the American political system.

Political Science majors and minors only.

POLS 135
Contemporary American Politics
3 Semester Hours

An overview of the major political processes in contemporary American life.

Non-Political Science majors only.

POLS 150
Comparative Politics
3 Semester Hours

Analyzes political institutions and policies in democratic and authoritarian countries. Combines conceptual understanding with case studies from Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Political Science majors and minors only.

POLS 155
Comparative Foreign Governments
3 Semester Hours

Analyzes political institutions and policies in democratic and authoritarian countries. Combines conceptual understanding with case studies from Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Non-Political Science majors only.

POLS 198
Special Studies
1-3 Semester Hours

POLS 199
Independent Studies
1-3 Semester Hours

POLS 210
Empirical Approaches to Politics
3 Semester Hours

This course introduces the assumptions of the scientific approach in the study of politics, the process of concept formation, and research design. Includes data analysis laboratory sessions.

Prerequisite: POLS 130.

POLS 220
Survey of Political Thought
3 Semester Hours

An overview of major issues and key concepts in political theory. The course develops students' writing skills.

POLS 298
Special Studies
1-3 Semester Hours

POLS 299
Independent Studies
1-3 Semester Hours

POLS 380
Washington Internship
1-6 Semester Hours

The academic component of a supervised internship in Washington, D.C.

Credit/No Credit grading only.

POLS 381
Internship
1-3 Semester Hours

The academic component of a supervised internship in an appropriate agency in Los Angeles or Sacramento.

In addition to the internship itself, the student must meet regularly with a faculty member selected prior to the start of the internship and write a research paper.

Credit/No Credit grading only.

POLS 382
Washington D.C. Politics
3 Semester

Hours A part of The Washington Center academic internship program, this course is a comprehensive refl ective examination and evaluation (in portfolio format) of the student’s academic and internship experience.

POLS 385
Political Films and Media
3 Semester Hours

An examination of the role of print and electronic media in politics and an exploration of political themes as presented in movies.

POLS 398
Special Studies
1-3 Semester Hours

POLS 399
Independent Studies
1-3 Semester Hours

POLS 430
Campaign
1 Semester Hour

A study of the candidates and issues involved in the fall campaign of each election year.

Offered for Credit/No Credit only.

POLS 435
The Politics of California
1-3 Semester Hours

An examination of the structure and dynamics of California government and politics.

POLS 485
Practicum in Politics
3 Semester Hours

Involves a combination of field work with assigned readings, research, and group discussion with others engaged in these same endeavors.

POLS 491
Special Studies
1-3 Semester Hours

POLS 498
Special Studies
1-3 Semester Hours

POLS 499
Independent Studies
1-3 Semester Hours

POLS 581
Honors Seminar
3 Semester Hours

A particularly challenging senior seminar for students contemplating graduate work. Also provides preparation for writing a senior thesis.

Prerequisites: POLS 210, 220, senior standing, and consent of instructor.

POLS 590
Senior Thesis
3 Semester Hours

The senior thesis provides the opportunity for students to complete a substantive research project to culminate their study of Political Science.

Prerequisites: POLS 210, senior standing, and consent of department chairperson. Also, the student must obtain the written approval of the faculty supervisor the semester prior to writing the thesis.

POLS 591
Honors Thesis
3 Semester Hours

This is an opportunity for Honors-Eligible students to complete a substantive research project to qualify for Departmental Honors.

Prerequisite: POLS 581.

Group 2: Political Thought

POLS 323
American Political Thought
3 Semester Hours

A study of the origin and development of liberal democracy from Hobbes and Locke to contemporary American thinkers and groups.

POLS 324
Marx and Marxism
3 Semester Hours

An examination of the Marxist contribution to socio-political thought from Marx to the current era.

POLS 325
Classical and Christian Political Theory
3 Semester Hours

A survey of Western policital thought from ancient Greece through the Renaissance.

POLS 326
Modern Political Theory
3 Semester Hours

A survey of Western policital thought from the Renaissance through the 19th Century.

POLS 327
Contemporary Political Theory
3 Semester Hours

A survey of 20th Century and 21st Century policital thought.

POLS 392
Special Studies in Political Thought
1-3 Semester Hours

POLS 420
Ethics, Politics, and Policy
3 Semester Hours

An examination of the ethical dimensions of domestic policy and political action. The course combines theoretical analyses and case studies.

POLS 421
Ethics of War
3 Semester Hours

An examination of the ethical dimensions of military and political action, with special attention to just war theory and its applicability to today’s world. The course combines theoretical analyses and case studies.

POLS 422
Human Nature and Politics
3 Semester Hours

An examination of how conceptions of human nature have shaped our conception and practice of the good life and the good polity.

POLS 423
Political Rhetoric
3 Semester Hours

An examination of how rhetoric shapes political life and social goals. This course analyzes how the structure and content of arguments helps to create political narrative and guide political action.

POLS 492
Special Studies in Political Thought
1-3 Semester Hours

POLS 520
Modes of Political Inquiry
3 Semester Hours

An examination of the major frameworks of political inquiry: traditional, behavioral, and critical approaches.

Prerequisite: POLS 210.

POLS 521
Visions of Freedom
3 Semester Hours

This course focuses on issues such as “what is a free society?” and “why is freedom important?” Also examines legal and constitutional issues of freedom.

POLS 592
Special Studies in Political Thought
1-3 Semester Hours

Prerequisites: POLS 210 and senior standing.

Group 3: U.S. Politics

POLS 332
Campaigns and Elections
3 Semester Hours

An examination of the electoral process in the United States covering political participation, campaigns, and institutional arrangements at all levels of government.

POLS 333
Congressional Politics
3 Semester Hours

A study of the workings of the U.S. Congress with an emphasis on the legislative process. Course is primarily conducted as a simulation of either the House or Senate.

POLS 334
Presidency
3 Semester Hours

A study of the powers, process, and problems of the modern United States presidency.

POLS 336
Courts, Law, and Socitey
3 Semester Hours

A study of how America’s courts really work, focusing on the role of judges, juries, and attorneys.

POLS 337
Racial and Ethnic Politics
3 Semester Hours

Comparative analysis of racial and ethnic groups within the United States political system. A focus on the effect of political institutions on minority groups at federal, state, and local levels. Examines the experience of minority groups to illuminate political process in the U.S.

(See CHST 337)

POLS 338
Civil Rights Movements
3 Semester Hours

An analysis of the current issues and controversies facing several civil rights movements.

POLS 339
Media and Politics
3 Semester Hours

An examination of the broad array of news and information sources in the U.S. A particular focus on media trends and how information dissemination affects democratic principles.

POLS 393
Special Studies in U.S. Politics
1-3 Semester Hours

POLS 431
Public Opinion and American Culture
3 Semester Hours

An examination of public opinion and political participation in terms of their development, trends, measurement, and influencing factors.

POLS 432
Interest Groups and Advocacy
3 Semester Hours

An examination of the role of groups and advocacy organizations in the U.S. Central assignment of the course will be a founding of an interest group.

POLS 436
Politics of Los Angeles
3 Semester Hours

A study of the structure and dynamics of county, city, and special district governments in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

POLS 437
Chicana/o Politics
3 Semester Hours

A study of the social and political development of the Chicano community in the United States.

(See CHST 337)

POLS 438
Women and Politics
3 Semester Hours

An analysis of the issues and topics resulting from the intersection of gender with the political system.

POLS 439
Political Psychology
3 Semester Hours

A study of the relationship between selected psychological and social-psychological characteristics of individuals and political behavior.

POLS 493
Special Studies in U.S. Politics
1-3 Semester Hours

POLS 593
Special Studies in U.S. Politics
1-3 Semester Hours

Prerequisites: POLS 210 and senior standing.

Group 4: Public Administration and Policy Analysis

POLS 340
Public Administration
3 Semester Hours

Introduction to the problems, principles, and theory encountered in the field of public administration.

POLS 341
Race, Class, Culture, and Public Policy
3 Semester Hours

An examination of the linkages between race, social class, culture, and public policy in discussions of two important public policy issues in the United States: the creation and persistence of the urban underclass and changes in the racial, economic, political, and cultural characteristics of the United States due to recent patterns of immigration.

POLS 345
Urban Politics
3 Semester Hours

Analysis of political institutions and processes in urban areas of the U.S., including policy-making processes, power structures, urban problems, and inter-governmental relations.

POLS 349
African Americans and U.S. Public Policy
3 Semester Hours

The course examines the historical role of race and African American racial identity in contemporary public policies such as Affirmative Action, racial profiling, social welfare, and the Voting Rights Act.

POLS 394
Special Studies in Public Administration and Policy Analysis
1-3 Semester Hours

POLS 440
Public Policy Analysis
3 Semester Hours

An examination of the processes by which public policy is formulated, implemented, and evaluated. Emphasis will be placed on policy planning and evaluation competencies.

POLS 446
Public Policy on Aging
3 Semester Hours

An introduction to the field of political gerontology with an emphasis on the public policies that affect the elderly population.

POLS 447
Overcoming Poverty: Research and Internship
3 Semester Hours

Seminar organized around overcoming poverty in the developing world. Students design a nonprofit organization, prepare a Fulbright proposal, and intern with a local NGO.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor required.

POLS 494
Special Studies in Public Administration and Policy Analysis
1-3 Semester Hours

POLS 540
Education Policy
3 Semester Hours

A senior seminar examining selected dimensions of education policy in the United States.

Senior standing required.

Prerequisites: POLS 210.

POLS 594
Special Studies in Public Administration and Policy Analysis
1-3 Semester Hours

Senior standing required.

Prerequisites: POLS 210.

Group 5: Comparative Politics

POLS 351
Politics of the European Union
3 Semester Hours

An analysis of the political structures and processes of Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and other European nations.

POLS 352
Russia and Eastern Europe
3 Semester Hours

An analysis of political processes and recent changes in Eastern Europe and in the republics that made up the former USSR.

POLS 353
Politics in the Middle East
3 Semester Hours

An overview and analysis of the major patterns and problems in political development and life in the Middle East and North Africa from a cross-national perspective.

POLS 354
Politics of Latin America
3 Semester Hours

Analyzes political institutions and processes in Latin America. Emphasizes current political and economic challenges to democratic consolidation in the region.

POLS 355
Politics of Asia
3 Semester Hours

An analysis of political institutions and political processes in Asian political systems, with special emphasis on China, Japan, and India.

POLS 356
Politics of Africa
3 Semester Hours

An analysis of the problems and prospects for political, economic, and social development in Africa south of the Sahara.

POLS 357
U.S.-British Politics
3 Semester Hours

A comparative study of political systems of the United States and Great Britain.

POLS 358
Politics of Development
3 Semester Hours

An analysis of the various theoretical approaches to understanding the political economy of developing nations and the empirical consequences of development strategies.

POLS 395
Special Studies in Comparative Politics
1-3 semester Hours

POLS 450
Asian Political Thought
3 Semester Hours

An overview of traditional Asian political thought. This course examines the role that ideologies such as Buddhism,
Confucianism, and Taoism have had in shaping the political landscape of China, Korea, and Japan.

POLS 451
National Identities
3 Semester Hours

The course uses empirical evidence and theoretical concepts of race, ethnicity, and gender to draw comparisons of national identity in countries on both sides of the Atlantic.

POLS 456
Identities in African Diaspora I: The Americas
3 Semester Hours

The course examines the political identities of peoples of African descent in North America, South America, and the Caribbean.

POLS 457
Identities in African Diaspora II: Western Europe
3 Semester Hours

The course examines the political identities of peoples of African descent in Western Europe.

POLS 458
Political Leadership
3 Semester Hours

A study of the sources and uses, limits, and possibilities of leadership in the political arena. The course focuses on leadership and followership in political systems across cultures and systems but focuses on the United States.

POLS 495
Special Studies in Comparative Politics
1-3 Semester Hours

POLS 550
Comparative Human Rights
3 Semester Hours

Examines the tension between human rights and national sovereignty and analyzes how international norms are changing the domestic protection of human rights. Explores how human rights are defined and derived, surveys the historical development of human rights law, and studies enforcement mechanisms and international tribunals.

Senior standing and Political Science majors only.

POLS 551
New Social Movements
3 Semester hours

The course analyzes sociopolitical movements across western cultures from the student movements, anti-war protests, and women’s movements of the 1960s and 70s to contemporary social movements.

Senior standing required.

Prerequisites: POLS 210.

POLS 595
Special Studies in Comparative Politics
1-3 Semester Hours

Senior standing required.

Prerequisites: POLS 210.

Group 6: International and World Politics

POLS 360
World Politics
3 Semester Hours

An analysis of how nations behave and why. International conflict and cooperation, with an emphasis on nation-state interaction.

Political Science majors and minors only.

POLS 361
International Cooperation
3 Semester Hours

A study of the patterns of formal institution building and informal regime definition that underlie and define the development of cooperative relationships among the nations of the world.

POLS 362
International Security
3 Semester Hours

A survey of challenges to security and peace in modern international relations, such as war, the nuclear peril, terrorism, revolution, ecological dangers, economic pressures, and sociodemographic crises.

POLS 365
United States Foreign Policy
3 Semester Hours

Analysis of recent United States foreign policy with a focus on the policy making and implementation process.

POLS 396
Special Studies in International and World Politics
1-3 Semester Hours

POLS 461
United States and Latin America
3 Semester Hours

A survey of the international relations between the United States and the countries of Latin America.

POLS 465
World Political Economy
3 Semester Hours

A study of international political economy with an emphasis on North-South relations.

POLS 496
Special Studies in World Politics
1-3 Semester Hours

POLS 560
Global Agenda
3 Semester Hours

A senior seminar focusing on global political dynamics, transformations, and issues.

Senior standing required.

Prerequisites: POLS 210.

POLS 596
Special Studies in World Politics
1-3 Semester Hours

Senior standing required.

Prerequisites: POLS 210.

Group 7: Public Law

POLS 370
Elderly and the Law
3 Semester Hours

A study of the intersection of aging issues with the legal system including advance directives, guardianships, wills and trusts, assisted living arrangements, health care benefits, age discrimination in employment, long term care, and elder abuse.

POLS 397
Special Studies in Public Law
1-3 Semester Hours

POLS 471
United States Constitutional Law: Case Method I
3 Semester Hours

Judicial, executive, and legislative power; individual rights.

POLS 472
United States Constitutional Law: Case Method II
3 Semester Hours

Freedom of Speech and Equal Protection.

POLS 475
International Law
3 Semester Hours

Focus on some of the major doctrines of international law and the processes of making and implementing law in the contemporary international system.

POLS 497
Special Studies in Public Law
1-3 Semester Hours

POLS 570
Child Advocacy Seminar
3 Semester Hours

Internship and seminar exploring family and juvenile law with an emphasis on Los Angeles.

Prerequisites: POLS 210, senior standing, and consent of instructor.

POLS 571
The Law and Presidential Power
3 Semester Hours

A senior seminar examining the ways and extent to which the Constitution and statutes empower and enchain the American President.

Senior standing required.

Prerequisites: POLS 210.

POLS 572
Women and the Law
3 Semester Hours

This course focuses on the evolution and current situation of how women and their related issues fare in the legal system, including domestic violence, child custody, reproductive rights, marriage and divorce, domestic partnerships, education, employment, sexual harassment, prostitution and pornography.

Senior standing and Political Science majors only.

POLS 597
Special Studies in Public Law
1-3 Semester Hours

Senior standing required.

Prerequisites: POLS 210.

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