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College Catalog 2016-2017 ARCHIVED CATALOG
Political Science Courses
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Department of Political Science
PLSC 020 - Service in International Relations
This course is designed to augment PLSC 220 by offering students an opportunity to do a community engagement/service learning project that would augment and complement what they learn in class. Under faculty supervision students will identify a community-based project to undertake either individually or as part of a team that will enable them to apply the theoretical approaches that they learn in class to a “real world” setting. Projects may include working with an immigrant/diaspora population to help them prepare for US citizenship, working with an internationally-focused NGO, or working with a policy advocacy group that has an international focus. The course may be taken for 0 to 1 credit in conjunction with PLSC 220 . Service Learning Course.
Pre-req: Instructor permission
Co-req: PLSC 220
0 or 1 credits
PLSC 028 - Model UN Conference
Participation in annual conference of Model United Nations of the Far West. May be repeated for credit
Pre-req: PLSC 228
0 or 1 credits
PLSC 100 - Introduction to Political Science
Political Science as the study of political behavior from various perspectives-individual, group, national, and international; exploring the role of science, values, and theories in the study of politics and providing examples of American, comparative, and international politics. Students participate in a simulation exercise to experience major aspects of political behavior. Each department member participates in some aspect of this course.
3 credits
PLSC 110 - American Government & Politics
A historical and institutional examination of the founding debate. US political branches, political behavior, and the policy process in the United States, focusing on the definition and realization of democracy, as well as civil liberties and civil rights. Satisfies the state teaching credential requirement in American Constitution.
3 credits
PLSC 140 - Comparative Politics
Compares different ways of organizing politics in more and less developed countries in various regions of the world. Primary themes include political legitimacy and authority, representation, and patterns of political change.
3 credits
PLSC 190 - Selected Topics
May be repeated for credit
1 to 4 credits
PLSC 202 - The President & Congress
Development of the presidency and Congress, their functions, relationships, and problems; comparative consideration of other political, executive and legislative bodies.
Pre-req: PLSC 110 recommended
3 credits
PLSC 203 - Race & Ethnicity in American Politics
This course looks at the struggle for civil rights and civil liberties among racial minorities since the nation’s founding. Special attention will be paid to different theories of race and racism in this course.
Pre-req: PLSC 110 recommended
3 credits
PLSC 205 - Women and U.S. Politics
Examines the changing role of women in American politics and society, including the suffrage movement, the ERA, work and career patterns.
Cross-listed with GEN 205
3 credits
PLSC 206 - The Media & the Political Process
We will examine the US media landscape, looking at the role of media in a democracy. Additional topics include: media consolidation, media bias, war coverage, the rise of the internet as an alternative media source, and media coverage of elections.
3 or 4 credits
PLSC 207 - Elections and Participation
This course will examine the electoral process In the United States at all levels of government, focusing on apportionment and gerrymandering, campaign financing, and television advertising. We will also examine social movements and other means of political participation.
3 credits
PLSC 208 - California Politics & Government
The political process in California - nominations and elections; structure and operation of state and local institutions; leading policy problems.
3 credits
PLSC 212 - Urban Politics
This course examines the historical development of US cities, and their configuration in the federal system. We will discuss the rise of the sunbelt, the flight to suburbs, and land use and zoning issues, as well as looking at the lingering effects of racial segregation and discrimination in the US cities.
Pre-req: PLSC 110 recommended
3 credits
PLSC 220 - International Relations
Development of international politics since World War I; basic concepts and theories regarding political interaction among nation-states, emphasizing national interest and security, the exercise of power and its limits, and international conflict and cooperation.
3 credits
PLSC 228 - International Organizations
An examination of the nature of international organization and globalist theory; special emphasis on the United Nations: its role in peace and security, economic and social affairs, sustainable development, humanitarian affairs, and human rights; the role of member states and non-governmental organizations; preparation for the Model United Nations of the Far West conference.
3 credits
PLSC 245 - From Russia With Feeling
Russia-the interaction of history, culture, literature, and politics; life under the Tsars, the Bolshevik revolution, the Stalinist purges, Russia at war; and modern Russian politics through lectures, serious games, films, and literature.
4 credits
PLSC 246 - Russian Politics
An examination of Russia and Soviet politics since the 1917 revolutions with special emphasis on the Stalinist era, cold-war revolutions, and modern-day Russia’s attempt at a transition to democracy.
3 credits
PLSC 252 - Latin American Politics
Comparison of political systems of Latin American nations; emphasizes dynamics of political change and problems of democracy.
Pre-req: PLSC 140 recommended
3 credits
PLSC 253 - Political Diversity in Latin America: Race, Religion & Gender
Using film, explores the origins, organization and political implications of ethnic, religious, and gender diversity in Latin America, from colonialism through the present.
4 credits
PLSC 260 - Public Administration & Policy
Policy-making, management, personnel, and budgeting in the context of political administrative responsibility, tensions between the classic democratic model and bureaucratic planning; methods used to study public policy; policy formulation, implementation and impacts; contemporary issues and compliance problems.
3 credits
PLSC 270 - Introduction to Judicial Process & Behavior
Judicial decision-making processes; recruitment, socialization, and behavior of judges and lawyers; other participants in the judicial process; relationships with the other policy-making institutions.
Pre-req: PLSC 110 recommended
3 credits
PLSC 280 - Political Methodology
An examination of the major and issues of empirical political science and the use of simulation in the development of theories or models.
Pre-req: PLSC 110 , PLSC 140 , or PLSC 220
3 credits
PLSC 285 - Theories and Paradigms in Political Science
An analysis of predominant theories and paradigms in political science and their application to political phenomena, including such approaches as systems theory, decision-making theory, group theory, game theory, comparative methodologies, realism, neo-liberal institutionalism, constructivism, feminism, and public policy analysis. The course will also explore the application of normative theories such as those of Aristotle and Machiavelli to modern empirical approaches. Students will also examine the nature of hypotheses and theories in political science and prepare a research design incorporating the materials discussed in class.
Pre-req: Sophomore standing or above
3 credits
PLSC 290 - Selected Topics
May be repeated for credit
1 to 4 credits
PLSC 295 - Independent Study
Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.
1 to 4 credits
PLSC 302 - The President and Congress
Development of the presidency and Congress, their functions, relationships, and problems; comparative consideration of other political, executive and legislative bodies.
3 credits
PLSC 304 - Political Parties, Interest Groups and the Media
An examination of the development and evolution of American political parties, focusing on the role of parties in government, in the electorate, and as institutions. We will also examine the founding debate on factions, the US two- party system, a comparative analysis of parties in the world, and third parties.
Pre-req: PLSC 110
3 credits
PLSC 305 - Washington Winterim
Field work, on-the-scene learning experience in Washington, D.C. Lectures, discussions, briefings, site visits, and individual research projects on aspects of national politics government, and public policy.
Pre-req: Instructor permission
4 credits
PLSC 306 - The Media & the Political Process
We will examine the US media landscape, looking at the role of media in a democracy. Additional topics include: media consolidation, media bias, war coverage, the rise of the internet as an alternative media source, and media coverage of elections.
3 or 4 credits
PLSC 312 - Urban Politics
This course examines the historical development of US cities, and their configuration in the federal system. We will discuss the rise of the sunbelt, the flight to suburbs, and land use and zoning issues, as well as looking at the lingering effects of racial segregation and discrimination in the US cities.
Pre-req: PLSC 110 recommended
3 or 4 credits
PLSC 330 - Human Rights and Humanitarian Assistance
The nature of human rights and humanitarian assistance and their role in the global community; how human rights are established, defined, monitored, and enforced and the actors, issues and obstacles involved in the delivery of humanitarian assistance, with special emphasis on the role of the United Nations in this process.
Pre-req: Sophomore standing or above
Cross-listed with GEN 330
3 credits
PLSC 332 - American Foreign Policy
Historical evolution of American foreign policy from independence to the present; the decision making process; problems and prospects in contemporary foreign policy. Service Learning Course.
3 credits
PLSC 333 - International Political Economy
Surveys an influential area of international relations which analyzes the interplay of politics and economics in the international milieu. While the course focuses on contemporary debates over the importance of economic variables in political systems, these issues are analyzed within the context of formative debates such as realism vs. idealism; neomercantilism vs. Laissez faire; and dependency vs. neoinstitutionalism in a variety of regional settings.
Pre-req: PLSC 220
3 credits
PLSC 339 - Military Strategy & Arms Control
An examination of the development and application of military strategy, focusing on concepts such as deterrence, preemption, weapons of mass destruction and counter-terrorism, with emphasis on the current and future roles of arms control in national security policy.
3 credits
PLSC 340 - Political Violence
Explores the motivations and causes of political violence, including guerrilla warfare, terrorism, military coups d’état and genocide, looking at various regions of the world.
Pre-req: PLSC 140 or PLSC 220
3 credits
PLSC 356 - Middle Eastern Political Systems
Comparative approach to the heritage and institutions of Islam and Israel; stresses problems of political development and Arab-Israeli relations.
Pre-req: PLSC 140 recommended
3 credits
PLSC 358 - African Political Systems
Comparative study of political change in Africa south of the Sahara; traditional political systems, colonialism, nationalism, and problems of nation building and development.
Pre-req: PLSC 140 recommended
3 credits
PLSC 362 - Federalism and Urban Life
Team research considers the impact of federal, state, and local programs on local political and social life; may include housing, poverty, the environment, crime and punishment, and mass transportation issues. May be repeated for credit
Pre-req: Instructor permission
3 credits
PLSC 365 - Warfare: In Pursuit of Military Security
Examines war as a human activity, raising issues of civil-military relations, organizing for war, notions of a military-industrial complex, and philosophical, psychological and political aspects of war. Includes guest speakers, films, and field trips. Designed to capture the reality of combat and its costs; to familiarize students with key political, philosophical, and psychological issues of war and peace. Helps students to understand combat.
4 credits
PLSC 370 - Introduction to Judicial Process & Behavior
Judicial decision-making processes; recruitment, socialization, and behavior of judges and lawyers; other participants in the judicial process; relationships with the other policy-making institutions.
3 credits
PLSC 372 - American Constitutional Law
The Supreme Court’s role in the governing process; constitutional questions on separation of powers, federalism and government property relationships; civil rights and government property relationships; civil rights and liberties. Satisfies the state teaching credential requirement for American Constitution.
3 credits
PLSC 376 - Law and the Courts
The U.S. judicial process in selected areas of public law and criminal justice; emphasis on reforming and perfecting the system.
4 credits
PLSC 380 - Normative Political Theory
Western political philosophy from Plato to Marx: the development of normative theory and its relevance to modern political analysis and contemporary politics; emphasis on Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Marx.
Pre-req: Sophomore standing or above
3 credits
PLSC 390 - Selected Topics
May be repeated for credit
1 to 4 credits
PLSC 395 - Independent Study
Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.
1 to 4 credits
PLSC 400 - Seminar in American Politics
Seminar dealing with such subjects as American political parties, nominations, campaign, elections, voting behavior, interest groups, and the political novel.
Pre-req: Instructor permission
3 credits
PLSC 420 - Seminar in International Relations
Survey of international relations theories and methodological problems in research; completion of independent research project.
Pre-req: Instructor permission
3 credits
PLSC 440 - Seminar in Comparative Politics
Substantive and methodological problems in comparative politics research; completion of independent research project.
Pre-req: Instructor permission
3 credits
PLSC 460 - Seminar in Public Policy
Seminar will focus on a vital topic of public policy, emphasizing administrative aspects of policy making and implementation.
Pre-req: Instructor permission
3 credits
PLSC 470 - Seminar in Public Law
Seminar dealing with such subjects as jurisprudence, constitutional law, civil rights, and judicial process.
Pre-req: Instructor permission
3 credits
PLSC 480 - Seminar in Political Theory
Seminar dealing with such subjects as normative political thought, empirical political theory, and political literature.
Pre-req: Instructor permission
2 or 3 credits
PLSC 490 - Selected Topics
May be repeated for credit
1 to 4 credits
PLSC 495 - Independent Study
Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.
1 to 4 credits
PLSC 496 - Internship
Supervised field experience in local, state, or national government, law, and practical politics. International organizations, interest groups, and non-governmental organizations with political missions may be considered. Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.
Pre-req: Instructor permission
1 to 9 credits
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