May 18, 2024  
College Catalog 2018-2019 
    
College Catalog 2018-2019 ARCHIVED CATALOG

Course Descriptions


 

Organizational Leadership

  
  • ORGL 331 - Theories and Practices of Leadership


    Students will encounter the question, “What does leadership have to do with the liberal arts?” Through the systematic study of individual, group, and organizational behaviors and processes, students will explore answers to this question. The course will integrate the arts, humanities, and social science disciplines, using texts, weekly field trips, and case studies from various types of organizations. We will explore leadership from several different perspectives including: leadership and personal integrity; leadership and paradigm shifts; reframing organizations; and systems thinking. Topics include the structure of organizations, the values and culture of organizations, motivation, leadership, power, cooperation, decision-making, and organizational change.

    Pre-req: Junior standing or one introductory SOC or BSAD course.
    3 credits
  
  • ORGL 335 - Leadership Practicum


    This course helps student develop their leadership skills through positions in the Business Leadership Group, the SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) Chapter, and the Rotaract Club. Students develop and demonstrate leadership skills by planning and carrying out business and community related meetings and events both on and off campus. 0-1 credits. May be repeated for credit one time, and subsequently for zero credits.

    Cross-listed with BSAD 335  
    0 - 1 credits
  
  • ORGL 340 - Humanistic Values and Management


    This course focuses on the moral dimension of executive leadership that affects organizations internally and externally. The course explores how leadership, which has moral ramifications, is inextricably linked to the achievement of an organizational collective purpose by leaders and followers.

    Pre-req: ORGL 285  or BSAD 130  
    Cross-listed with BSAD 340  
    3 credits
  
  • ORGL 355 - Dynamics of Leading Change


    This course involves students in a dialectic investigation of organizational change using competing perspectives. Our inquiry will be augmented with a set of case studies involving organizational change. Upon completion of the course students should understand the challenges of leading organizational change and develop a set of tools for increasing the possibility of a successful outcome.

    Pre-req: ORGL 285  and BSAD 130  
    Cross-listed with BSAD 355  
    3 credits
  
  • ORGL 395 - Independent Study


    0 - 4 credits
  
  • ORGL 480 - Leadership Policy and Strategy


    This capstone course is taken concurrently with the praxis requirement and focuses on developing and executing an effective strategy. Course includes use of case studies and interaction with practicing executives. This course is not a substitute for BSAD 489  .

    Pre-req: ORGL 285  
    3 credits

Philosophy

  
  • PHIL 050 - Meet and Talk


    Informal philosophical discussion in the home of one of the faculty members.

    1 credits
  
  • PHIL 100 - Philosophical Questions


    An introduction to philosophy-metaphysics, epistemology, and value theory-through an examination of some of the “big questions”: What is reality?  Is truth merely subjective?  Is knowledge possible?  Are human beings just complicated machines?  Does free will exist?  Why should we be moral if we can get away with being immoral?  Is there any reason, other than blind faith, to think that God exists?

    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 105 - Introduction to Ethics


    This course presents various traditional and critical approaches to moral and ethical issues and uses them to understand practical problems in daily life.

    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 190 - Selected Topics


    May be repeated for credit

    1 to 4 credits
  
  • PHIL 220 - Philosophical Issues in Imaginative Literature


    Develops an understanding of the philosophical enterprise through discussion of works of fiction that raise issues of a philosophical nature.

    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 230 - Philosophical Issues on Film


    Addresses philosophical questions posed by some of the masterpieces of world cinema; students view feature-length films, read relevant philosophical texts, and explore connections between the films and texts.

    Pre-req: INTD 100 
    3 or 4 credits
  
  • PHIL 250 - Philosophy of Love and Human Sexuality


    An examination of the constructions of female and male sexuality and some of their ethical and political implications; contemporary issues including promiscuity, child abuse, prostitution, pornography, and marriage.

    Cross-listed with GEN 250 
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 260 - Eco-Philosophy


    The evolution of theoretical responses to unprecedented environmental crises such as Global Warming and mass extinctions-from application of traditional ethical theories to the development of comprehensive alternative environmental philosophies.

    Pre-req: PHIL 105  recommended
    Cross-listed with ENST 260 - Eco-Philosophy  / GEN 260 
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 270 - History of Social Thought


    Historical approaches to the foundations of the state, and feminist and anti-racist critiques of that social contract tradition.

    Pre-req: INTD 100 
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 280 - Philosophy of Simplicity


    This course explores the theory and practice of simplifying one’s life. Readings come from eastern and western traditions, ancient and modern, with a particular focus on the Quaker practice of simplicity as a way to live in accordance with one’s conscience. There will also be a one-week retreat at Hsi Lai Temple to experience the Buddhist approach to simplicity.

    4 credits
  
  • PHIL 290 - Selected Topics


    May be repeated for credit

    1 to 4 credits
  
  • PHIL 295 - Independent Study


    Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.

    1 to 4 credits
  
  • PHIL 300 - Early Chinese Philosophy


    The early period of Chinese philosophy: Confucianism and Daoism, as well as other thinkers and schools of thought, all of which were influential in the development of cultures across East Asia.

    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 302 - Development of Buddhist Philosophical Thought


    The development of Buddhist philosophical thinking as it began in India and flourished in China and Japan. There will also be a one-week retreat at Hsi Lai Temple, as the course is offered during Jan term.

    Pre-req: Previous course in philosophy recommended
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 305 - Seminar in Philosophical Buddhism


    Focused study on a Buddhist text in preparation for a week-long meditation retreat at Hsi Lai Temple.

    Pre-req: PHIL 302 , Buddhist Philosophy, is recommended but not required
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 307 - Chinese Buddhism: Philosophy and Practice


    An investigation into the practice of Chinese Buddhism as it takes place at a traditional Chinese Buddhist monastery. The program will specifically explore the history of central Buddhist tenets and look at ways in which they are realized within a living Buddhist monastic community. This program will also afford students the opportunity to engage with and participate in some of the aspects of Chinese Buddhist monastic life. The program will accomplish these goals through lectures and discussions on Buddhist philosophy, religious practice, material culture, and religious texts as well as structured discussions with Buddhist monks and nuns and active involvement with the monastic community and its culture.

    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 310 - Classical Philosophy


    Greek and Roman thought as the foundation for Western philosophy with an emphasis on Plato and Aristotle.

    Pre-req: Previous course in philosophy recommended
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 312 - Medieval Philosophy


    Examines the period from the beginning of Christian philosophy through the High Middle Ages to the breakdown of the Medieval synthesis; focuses on Augustin and Aquinas.

    Pre-req: Sophomore standing or above; previous course in philosophy recommended
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 315 - Modern Philosophy


    Major Continental and British philosophers of the 17th and 18th centuries, beginning with Descartes and ending with Kant.

    Pre-req: Sophomore standing or above; previous course in philosophy recommended
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 317 - Nineteenth Century Philosophy


    This course explores the thought of Hegel, Marx, Nietzsche, and Kierkegaard, all very difficult thinkers who were influential in forming the modern “continental” tradition in philosophy.

    Pre-req: One previous course in philosophy.
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 320 - Philosophy Retreat Internship


    This internship provides students who have been to the Hsi Lai Temple retreat before with an opportunity to go again as retreat staff. Interns will help students prepare for the experience prior to the retreat and to integrate their experience afterwards. Service Learning Course.

    Pre-req: One previous retreat experience
    4 credits
  
  • PHIL 326 - Symbolic Logic


    An introduction to formal structures of reasoning through analysis of the logical forms of language and thought; readings and problems in logic and logical theory. Recommended for students considering Law School

    Pre-req: Sophomore standing or above recommended
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 330 - Ethical Theories


    The traditional Western theories of ethics are put to the challenge of adequacy to the global world of the 21st century. Readings from both historical and contemporary philosophers.

    Pre-req: One course in PHIL
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 340 - Contemporary Social Philosophy


    Concepts in social philosophy such as justice, welfare, the individual, community, and society; contemporary problems such as the just allocation of resources, the individual in relation to society, and the relationship between law and morality.

    Pre-req: Junior standing or above, or one course in PHIL
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 345 - Philosophy of Art


    Philosophical reflection on the nature of the arts: the plastic arts (painting, sculpture, etc.), literature, music, and the performance; topics include the definition of art, critical appraisal, artistic creativity, aesthetic experience, and the role of audience and institutions.

    Pre-req: Completed 60 credits or one PHIL course
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 350 - God and Religion


    The idea of God; proofs for the existence of God; the nature of religious language; the problem of evil; arguments for and against the supernatural.

    Pre-req: Junior standing or above, or one course in PHIL
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 360 - Philosophy of Mind


    Critical examination of the major theories about the nature of mind; an exploration of selected topics, including the mind-body relationship, personal identity, artificial intelligence, intentionality, and free will.

    Pre-req: Junior standing or above, or one course in PHIL
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 385 - Feminist Philosophy


    An examination of the primary feminist responses to the omission of gender as fundamental category of analysis in social and political theory – liberal, socialist, Marxist, radical, anti-racist, and ecofeminist.

    Pre-req: One course in PHIL or GEN
    Cross-listed with GEN 385 
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 390 - Selected Topics


    May be repeated for credit

    1 to 4 credits
  
  • PHIL 395 - Independent Study


    Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.

    1 to 4 credits
  
  • PHIL 425 - Seminar in Philosophy


    A focused study of some aspect of philosophy; contact instructor for details. May be repeated for credit

    Pre-req: Junior standing or above, or one course in PHIL
    3 credits
  
  • PHIL 490 - Selected Topics


    May be repeated for credit

    1 to 4 credits
  
  • PHIL 495 - Independent Study


    Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.

    1 to 4 credits
  
  • PHIL 498 - Senior Thesis and Colloquium


    This advanced seminar supports and directs senior majors in the research and writing of their Senior Thesis. The Senior Thesis, usually a year-long project, is the required paper-in-the-major.

    Pre-req: Senior standing
    0 to 3 credits

Physics

  
  • PHYS 100 - Astronomy of the Solar System


    This is a general astronomy course suitable for non-science students. Topics covered include historical astronomy, orbits and gravity, light and telescopes, and the planets and other minor bodies in the Solar System. Short labs/activities will be part of the class. Some nighttime observing will be involved.

    Pre-req: Any MATH class or a score of 1 or higher on the Math Placement Exam
    3 credits
  
  • PHYS 101 - Astronomy of Stars, Galaxies and the Universe


    Topics covered include the structure and physics of the sun and stars (including star formation, stellar energy sources, stellar death, and black holes), galaxies, and the universe as a whole (including the big bang theory, and the structure, history, and future of the universe). Short labs/activities will be part of the class. This is a general astronomy course suitable for non-science students. PHYS 100  is not a prerequisite for this course, and students may take either or both of PHYS 100  and PHYS 101, in any order.

    Pre-req: Any MATH class or a score of 1 or higher on the Math Placement Exam
    3 credits
  
  • PHYS 103 - The Nature of Light


    This is a one-semester algebra-based course. Topics covered include both geometrical optics (reflection, refractions, lenses, mirrors, telescopes) and physical optics (interference, polarization). This course is taught in an activity-based workshop format.

    Pre-req: Any MATH class or a score of 1 or higher on the Math Placement Exam
    3 credits
  
  • PHYS 104 - Energy and the Environment


    This is a one-semester algebra-based course satisfying the Comm. I requirement. Topics covered include a description of what we mean when we talk about energy, and a survey of the known methods to change energy into useful forms. The class will also look at social issues, such as the advantages and disadvantages of different types of energy transformation and how different societies use the energy they produce.

    Pre-req: Any MATH class or a score of 1 or higher on the Math Placement Exam
    3 credits
  
  • PHYS 106 - The Nature of Sound


    This course will examine what sound waves are, how they are produced and how we perceive them. Topics that will be covered include: measurement of the speed of sound; the natural vibrations of strings and air columns and their relationship to musical scales and intervals; the perception of loudness and pitch and its relation to the structure of the human ear; (Fourier) analysis of the frequency spectrum of sound waves.

    Pre-req: MATH 76 or a score of 1 or higher on the Math Placement Exam
    3 credits
  
  • PHYS 107 - Quantum Physics for Poets


    Since the time of Galileo, nature was thought to be deterministic. The universe was orderly, exact, and predictive. At the start of the 20th century, all of that changed. The photon was discovered: the dual wave and particle nature of light. Developed by Einstein and Planck, the photon led to the idea that energy comes in discrete chunks. This led to Heisenberg developing the Uncertainty Principle and Schrödinger developing the Schrödinger Equation. Nature was no longer deterministic but now considered probabilistic. This new paradigm led to discoveries that seemed to defy reality. Class meetings will consist of discussions regarding the readings, in-class activities, and videos that will present the material in a conceptual manner. Prior knowledge of higher level math or physics will not be required. Topics covered will include the nature of light, the Schrödinger Equation, Quantum Tunneling, Entanglement, Teleportation, Special and General Relativity, and String Theory.

    3 credits
  
  • PHYS 135A - Algebra-based Physics I (Mechanics)


    First course in a two-semester sequence of algebra-based physics. Topics covered are kinematics and mechanics. This course is taught in an activity-based workshop format. First course in a two-semester sequence of algebra-based physics.

    4 credits
  
  • PHYS 135B - Algebra-based Physics II (Electricity, Magnetism and Modern Physics)


    Second course in a two-semester sequence of algebra-based physics. Topics covered are electricity, magnetism and modern physics. This course is taught in an activity-based workshop format. Second course in a two-semester sequence of algebra-based physics.

    Pre-req: PHYS 135A 
    4 credits
  
  • PHYS 150 - Calculus-Based Physics I (Mechanics)


    Topics covered include vectors, projectile motion, Newton’s laws, gravitation, momentum, and energy. This course is taught in an activity-based workshop format. This is a one-semester, calculus based introductory physics course that can serve as an entry to the major, or that can be taken to satisfy the science division breadth requirement.

    Pre-req: MATH 139A  or MATH 141  (may be concurrent)
    4 credits
  
  • PHYS 180 - Calculus-Based Physics II (Electricity, Magnetism and Thermodynamics)


    Topics covered include electrostatics, circuits, magnetostatics, electromagnetic induction, heat and temperature, thermodynamic engines, and ideal gasses. This course is taught in an activity-based workshop format. This is a one-semester, calculus-based introductory physics course that is normally taken after PHYS 150.

    Pre-req:   or   and   (may be concurrent)
    5 credits
  
  • PHYS 190 - Selected Topics


    May be repeated for credit.

    1 to 4 credits
  
  • PHYS 250 - Computational Oscillations & Waves


    Analysis of damped and driven oscillators and resonance phenomena in various physical contexts; coupled oscillators and modes. Solutions of the wave equation, superposition, traveling waves, standing waves. Introduction to non-linearity. Heavy use of computers and computational techniques are stressed throughout the course.

    Pre-req: PHYS 150 and MATH 141B
    3 credits
  
  • PHYS 260 - Search for Extraterrestrial Life


    Does life exist elsewhere in the universe? This course examines this question in detail, from the possibility of fossil bacteria existing on Mars to the possibility of advanced races colonizing the galaxy. Topics studied include: the detection of planets around other stars, the evolution of life and intelligence on Earth, the search for life in our Solar System, radio astronomical searches for extraterrestrial intelligence, and UFO and alien abduction phenomena. Content will be the same as INTD 217 with the addition of an appropriate technical assignment for those completing the course under the physics cross-listing. Intended for Physics majors completing the astronomy emphasis.

    Pre-req: PHYS 250
    Cross-listed with INTD 217
    4 credits
  
  • PHYS 275 - Optics & Modern Physics


    Geometrical and physical optics, wave-particle duality, quanta, atomic and nuclear physics, elementary particles.

    Pre-req: PHYS 180  and MATH 241  (may be concurrent)
    4 credits
  
  • PHYS 290 - Selected Topics


    May be repeated for credit

    1 to 4 credits
  
  • PHYS 295 - Independent Study


    Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.

    1 to 4 credits
  
  • PHYS 305 - Robotics with Arduino


    Continuation of PHYS205.  Topics include: Advanced programming in LabVIEW including state machines, GUI design, debugging techniques, references, calling, dll’s, making executables, and performance issues.  Design of simple analog and digital circuits as needed.  Students will each complete a portion of a sbustantial class interfacing project and will participate in the integration of the individual components to produce a testing station.

    Pre-req: PHYS 180 and COSC 120.
    Cross-listed with COSC 340
    3 credits
  
  • PHYS 306 - Computer Logic and Circuit Design


    The basics of digital logic design. Among the topics included in this course are: binary representation of information, Boolean algebra, truth tables, combinatorial logic, Karnaugh maps, memory elements, flip-flops, latches, registers, RAM and variations. ALU’s, control logic, and finite state machines. The design of a simple computer. Gates and their implementation with transistors and integrated circuits.

    Pre-req: PHYS 180, COSC 120
    Cross-listed with COSC 330
  
  • PHYS 310 - Mechanics


    Systematic exposition of Newtonian mechanics; conservation laws, systems of particles, rigid body motion, central forces and orbital mechanics, non-inertial reference frames. Lagrange’s and Hamilton’s equations of motion. Special relativity.

    Pre-req: PHYS 250  and PHYS 275 
    3 credits
  
  • PHYS 315 - Statistical Physics


    Physics of large scale systems consisting of many particles. Statistical mechanics, kinetic theory, thermodynamics and heat. Introduction to quantum statistics. This course has an emphasis on computation.

    Pre-req: PHYS 250  and PHYS 275 
    3 credits
  
  • PHYS 320 - Optics


    The nature of light. Geometrical, physical, and quantum optics. Light rays, lenses, and optical instruments. Light waves, superposition, interference, and diffraction. Photons, spectra, lasers, interferometry, fiber optics, and nonlinear optics.

    Pre-req: PHYS 250  and PHYS 275 
    3 credits
  
  • PHYS 330 - Electromagnetic Theory


    Electro- and magneto- statics in vacuum and in matter, scalar and vector potentials, and electrodynamics. Maxwell’s equations and electromagnetic waves.

    Pre-req: PHYS 250  and PHYS 275 
    3 credits
  
  • PHYS 350 - Quantum Mechanics


    General formalism; operators, eigenfunctions and eigenvalues. The Schrodinger equation. One dimensional quantum systems. Angular momentum.

    Pre-req: PHYS 250  and PHYS 275 
    3 credits
  
  • PHYS 360 - Astrophysics


    Stellar structure, stellar spectra, nuclear energy generation, and stellar evolution. The interstellar medium, galaxy structure and dynamics, and cosmology.

    Pre-req: PHYS 250  and PHYS 275 
    3 credits
  
  • PHYS 375 - Solid State Physics


    Crystals and electrons in crystals. Crystal structures and binding. The reciprocal lattice and phonons. Free electron gas, energy bands, and Fermi surfaces. Metals, semiconductors, insulators, and superconductors. Electronic and magnetic properties of solids.

    Pre-req: PHYS 250  and PHYS 275  
    3 credits
  
  • PHYS 380 - Experimental Physics


    Laboratory experiments taken from a wide variety of topics in physics including experiments of historical importance, atomic and nuclear physics, x-ray physics, condensed matter physics, and signal processing. Error analysis and statistical treatment of data.

    Pre-req: PHYS 250  and PHYS 275 
    3 credits
  
  • PHYS 390 - Selected Topics


    May be repeated for credit

    1 to 4 credits
  
  • PHYS 395 - Independent Study


    Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.

    1 to 4 credits
  
  • PHYS 396 - Physics Research


    Independent research under the direction of a faculty member. Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.

    1 to 3 credits
  
  • PHYS 490 - Selected Topics


    May be repeated for credit

    1 to 4 credits
  
  • PHYS 495 - Independent Study


    Credit and time arranged. May be repeated for credit.

    1 to 4 credits
  
  • PHYS 499A - Senior Seminar I in Physics


    Readings will be assigned from both text books and major journals, and students will be expected to engage in independent library research. Each student will give several presentations based on these readings. Students will complete a significant independent study project, leading to a major term paper that satisfies Whittier College’s Paper-in-the-Major requirement (COM4), and a presentation open to the entire college community.

    Pre-req: Instructor permission
    1 credits
  
  • PHYS 499B - Senior Seminar II


    Continuation of PHYS 499A 

    2 credits

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
 

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