Course Descriptions
Lower Division
PSCI 1201 American Government (3 units)
Critical analysis of American political structures and processes. Meets U.S. Constitution and California state and local government requirements for General Education. Satisfies G.E. area D1. (CAN GOVT 2) (Fall, Spring)
PSCI 1202 Service Learning in American Democracy (1-6 units)
An opportunity to link concepts from American Government (PSCI 1201) to an experience in community agencies and organizations through service learning. Guidance is provided in laboratory for reflecting on experience. Corequisite: PSCI 1201
PSCI 1210 American Government Exam (3 units)
Examination course which allows students who are knowledgeable about American government to meet the G.E. requirement for the course by examination. Texts are assigned. The Political Science Department does not provide instruction or support for the course other than a syllabus.
PSCI 1250 State and Local Government Exam (1 unit)
Examination course which allows students who are knowledgeable about California State and local government to meet the G.E. requirement for the course by examination. Texts are assigned. The Political Science Department does not provide instruction or support for the course other than a syllabus.
PSCI 2000 Introduction to Political Science (3 units)
Examination of the foundations of political science and political behavior in the West. Emphasis is placed on broadening the understanding of political science as a discipline. Recommended for majors. Satisfies G.E. area D2. (Fall)
PSCI 2030 Global Politics (3 units)
Introduces the basic characteristics of the modern interdependent world: interdependence, multiple perspectives, cultural diversity, ideological diversity, world capitalism, global politics, socialist revolution. Satisfies G.E. areas D2 and G.
PSCI 2950 Selected Topics in Political Science (1-5 units)
(Topics to be specified in Class Schedule) Development of a selected branch of political science. Topics may vary each term. Different courses may be taken for credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Upper Division
PSCI 3000 Ancient & Medieval Political Thought (3 units)
Political thought of Greeks, Romans, and early Christians. Examines questions such as the nature of justice, the best form of political authority, and the proper relationship between religion and government. Prerequisite: PSCI 1201.
PSCI 3010 Modern Political Thought (WP) (3 units)
Political thought from the seventeenth century to present, with emphasis on such European philosophers as Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Marx. Satisfies upper-division writing proficiency requirement. Prerequisites: Completion of the Writing Proficiency Screening Test with a passing score and PSCI 1201.
PSCI 3030 American Political Thought (3 units)
Examines selected American views of political life. Individuals or movements from the following list will be selected and analyzed: Puritanism, Jefferson, Madison, Hamilton, Marshall, the Jacksonians, Pro- and Anti-Slavery Thought, Populism, Progressivism, Nativism and the Ethnic Experience, Black Political Thought, Contemporary Conservatism.
PSCI 3055 Marx on the Human Condition (3 units)
Examines Marx’s unique and controversial contributions as one of the most important political thinkers of the modern era. Concludes with a consideration of relevance of Marx’s thought in the era of globalization. Satisfies G.E. area F3.
PSCI 3210 Legislative Process (3 units)
Examines the organization and operation of the United States Congress. Emphasis is placed on legislative behavior, committee decision-making, leadership strategies, and congressional reform. Prerequisite: PSCI 1201. (Fall)
PSCI 3220 Constitutional Law (4 units)
Studies the nature and scope of judicial review in American politics, focusing specifically on the development of lines of precedence in the areas of presidential and congressional power, federalism, equal protection, and privacy. Prerequisite: PSCI 1201.
PSCI 3225 Civil Liberties (4 units)
Examines selected issues in American civil liberties, emphasizing such areas as speech, press, religion, and criminal procedures. Designed especially for prelaw students. Satisfies G.E. area F3. Prerequisite: PSCI 1201.
PSCI 3230 Political Parties and Interest Groups (4 units)
Studies the organization and activities of political parties and interest groups in the American political system. Emphasis is placed on the varieties and techniques of interest groups, the role of parties in elections and party reform. Prerequisite: PSCI 1201.
PSCI 3235 Political Campaigns and Elections ( 3 units)
Examines the principal features and consequences of American political campaigns; emphasis is placed on campaign strategies, the media; polling, contributions, and electoral outcomes. Prerequisite: PSCI 1201.
PSCI 3240 Media and Politics (4 units)
Examines political roles of mass media in American politics, including television news effects on political attitudes, political actors’ use of media, and media’s influence on democratic governance. Prerequisite: PSCI 1201.
PSCI 3250 Public Opinions and Voting Behavior (4 units)
American voting behavior, psychological dimensions of citizen decision-making in a democracy, political attitudes and beliefs, and campaign tactics. Field work. Prerequisite: PSCI 1201.
PSCI 3304 Introduction to Public Administration (WP) (4 units)
(Formerly PSCI 3300) An introduction to the study of principles and problems in administrative procedure in public organizations. Specific areas of examination include the relationship between bureaucratic and democratic theory, organization theory, personnel administration, fiscal and budgetary policy, and regulatory administration. Satisfies upper-division writing proficiency requirement. Prerequisites: Completion of the Writing Proficiency Screening Test with a passing score and PSCI 1201.
PSCI 3314 Corruption in Government (4 units)
Explores the nature, scope, and impact of government corruption and reform measures employed to combat it. Special emphasis is placed on investigating systemic corruption and its political-economic connections.
PSCI 3320 Executive Legislative Relations (3 units)
Examines the organizational and policy dimensions of presidential–and bureaucratic–congressional relations. Topics covered include executive privilege, congressional investigations, impoundment, impeachment, and the legislative veto. Prerequisite: PSCI 1201.
PSCI 3330 California Politics (3 units)
Study of politics and decision-making in California. Emphasis is placed on the ways public officials and private groups interact in the political arena. Prerequisite: PSCI 1201.
PSCI 3400 Introduction to Comparative Politics (3 units)
Introductory course in the field of comparative politics. It introduces the students to comparative analysis concepts, political socialization and culture, interest groups and interest articulation, political parties and interest aggregation, public policy, class analysis, elite analysis, and dependency theory. The methods will be applied to political experiences from various countries around the world. Prerequisite: PSCI 1201.
PSCI 3410 Comparative Politics: Latin America (4 units)
General survey of the politics of Latin America. Course includes historical factors affecting the nature of contemporary politics; the nature of contemporary political developments; the role of such forces as military, the church, and the United States; and the nature of revolution in Latin America. Prerequisite: PSCI 1201. (Spring)
PSCI 3430 Comparative Politics: Middle East (3 units)
Broad survey of Middle East politics since World War II. Emphasis will be given to the major issues facing the region, and economic links between the Middle East and the developed world.
PSCI 3444 Gender and Sexuality in the Middle East (4 units)
(Same as GEND 3444) Study of women and sexuality in the Middle East region with special emphasis on the Arab world. Deals with the issues of gender conflict and the changing roles of women in society. Also deals extensively with the subject of the impact of Islam on the lives of women and men. The subject of feminism in the Middle East also will be covered. Satisfies G.E. area G.
PSCI 3450 Comparative Politics: Eastern Europe (3 units)
Analysis of government, politics, and political development in Eastern European political systems. Prerequisite: PSCI 1201. (Fall)
PSCI 3470 Comparative Politics: Asia (3 units)
Survey of the political systems of China, Japan, and India, and of selected other Asian nations. Description and analysis of government, political institutions, political culture, and historical background of the major Asian powers and of states where significant instability exists. Prerequisite: PSCI 1201.
PSCI 3600 International Relations (4 units)
Introduces the elements of international relations. Work in lab simulation will be an integral part of the course. Prerequisite: PSCI 1201. (Fall)
PSCI 3700 Ethnic and Gender Politics (4 units)
(Same as GEND 3700) Focuses on the politics of ethnicity and gender. It will begin with a consideration of the Europatriarchal ideology underlying social relations in capitalist societies, investigate the impact of these relations on peoples experiencing colonization (Native Americans, African-Americans, Mexican-Americans, Asian-Americans, other “Third World” peoples, and women everywhere) and discrimination because of sexual preferences, and conclude with critical perspectives arising out of contemporary liberation movements. Satisfies G.E. area G.
PSCI 3810 Multicultural Community Building and Conflict Resolution (3 units)
Combines information about ethnic immigrants and indigenous people of the United States with emphasis upon skill acquisition in relating multiculturally. Community building/conflict resolution skills emphasized. Satisfies G.E. area G. Meets multicultural requirement for Subject Matter Preparation Programs in Single and Multiple Subjects.
PSCI 4040 Politics in the 21st Century (3 units)
Explores the emerging politics of the 21st century including critiques of modernism, colonialism, and the bureaucratic state. The course will examine post-modern strategies for social change. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing or consent of instructor.
PSCI 4050 Political Ideologies (4 units)
(Formerly Big Arguments: Clashes and Connections) Examines four key ideologies that shape contemporary debates about politics: liberalism, socialism, nationalism, and democracy. Satisfies G.E. area F3.
PSCI 4055 Money and Power (4 units)
Examines three fundamental aspects of political power: the control of economic resources, the application of military force, and the construction of political beliefs.
PSCI 4060 Globalization and Democracy:
Ideals and Institutions (4 units)
Globalization, especially the internationalization of finance, is having a profound effect on democratic institutions. Examines the origins and evolution of globalization processes and their consequences for democracy. Prerequisites: American Government and Macroeconomics. At least one course in International Relations or Comparative Government also is recommended.
PSCI 4214 The Judicial Process (4 units)
(Formerly PSCI 4210) Study of judicial decision-making and of the organization of the American court systems. Emphasis is placed on both the federal and state courts. Includes analysis of controversies surrounding the courts, e.g., “assembly-line justice” in the trial courts. Prerequisite: PSCI 1201. PSCI 3220 is strongly recommended.
PSCI 4220 Simulation—Supreme Court Decision-Making (3 units)
Study of decision-making in the United States Supreme Court through the use of discussions and simulations of the decision process. Prerequisite: PSCI 1201. (Spring)
PSCI 4230 The Presidency (3 units)
(Formerly The Chief Executive) Study of the chief executive in American national government. The roles, responsibilities, powers, and limits of the President and other decision-makers in the Executive Branch are analyzed, and the centrality of the executive in the American political system is emphasized. Prerequisite: PSCI 1201.
PSCI 4300 Organization Theory (4 units)
Concentrates on structural and behavioral approaches which have contributed to the understanding of organizations. The literature on organizations is reviewed. The meaning of organizations in contemporary society is emphasized. Prerequisite: PSCI 1201. PSCI 3304 recommended. (Spring)
PSCI 4305 Gender Politics at Work (3 units)
(Formerly Changing Sex Roles in Organizations) (Same as GEND 4305) Deals with changes in the work environment resulting from the influx and upward mobility of women into professional positions. Addresses the dynamics of the change for both men and women. Specific topics include changing demographics, cultural taboos, problems, and the legal climate. (Summer)
PSCI 4311 Women in American Law (3 units)
(Same as GEND 4311) Designed to examine American law, focusing upon significant, recent, and current cases and opinion which act to discriminate between the rights, duties, and obligations of men and women on the basis of gender.
PSCI 4314 Ethics in Government (4 units)
Primary goals are to promote an awareness of ethical issues in government, the development of moral judgment and growing commitment to act responsibly in public service. Emphasis will also be placed on the linkages between the individual, political organizations, and American society. Prerequisite: PSCI 1201 or consent of instructor.
PSCI 4315 Public Policy-Making (3 units)
Addresses two areas of the policy-making process: a) the role of social/political institutions with particular attention to administrative agencies, interest groups, and the judiciary in addition to the presidency and Congress; b) principal models of policy formation including elitism, systems theory, and incrementalism. Policy-making in a number of specific domestic problem areas will be studied. Prerequisite: PSCI 1201. PSCI 3304 recommended. (Spring)
PSCI 4316 Teaching Democracy in the Classroom (3 units)
Concepts of democracy and citizenship are introduced. Pedagogy for introducing concepts to children through age appropriate exercises will be covered within the State Frameworks for the Social Sciences.
PSCI 4318 Environmental Policy and Politics (4 units)
(Formerly MDIS 4400 Politics of the Environment) Analyzes local, national, and global environmental problems and the public response by focusing on notions of environmental quality, political actors’ roles in translating these visions into policy, and policy effectiveness. Satisfies G.E. area F3. Prerequisite: PSCI 1201.
PSCI 4320 Immigration and Refugee Policy (3 units)
Examines the roles of political actors and public policy in determining how and why individuals are either encouraged or restricted entry into the U.S. Prerequisite: PSCI 1201.
PSCI 4325 Land Use Planning (3 units)
Examines city and county land use policy-making and issues in California. Focus is on the nature and design of general plans and zoning ordinances; the roles played by planners, planning commissions, city councils, Boards of Supervisors, and the courts; and the impact of land use decisions on agriculture and urban development in the Central Valley. Prerequisite: PSCI 1201.
PSCI 4326 Planning Issues and Agriculture (4 units)
Examines the political and public policy effects of planning. Focus is on the relationship between planning and the protection of agricultural resources as well as other community objectives.
PSCI 4330 Urban Politics (4 units)
Study of politics, organization, and problems at the urban level with emphasis on the responses of state and federal governments to the needs and demands of cities. Prerequisite: PSCI 1201.
PSCI 4340 Political Demography (3 units)
Examines the political and policy implications of population movements and trends. To be taken concurrently with PSCI 4342. Prerequisite: PSCI 1201.
PSCI 4342 Political Demography Lab (1 units)
Computer application of demographic methods and principles, includes mapping of demographic data. To be taken concurrently with PSCI 4340.
PSCI 4350 Government, Business, and the Economy (3 units)
Examines government regulation of the business community, the administration of national economic policy, and the impact of public policy and political events on private sector behavior. Prerequisite: PSCI 1201.
PSCI 4600 Statistical Analysis for Politics (4 units)
(Formerly PSCI 4110) Addresses applications of statistical analysis for political and social research, involving the use of computerized statistical programs for social science data analysis. Corequisite: PSCI 4602. (Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 4 hours)
PSCI 4640 Foreign Policy Issues (3 units)
Seminar which deals with contemporary issues in international relations. May be repeated once for credit.
PSCI 4650 International Relations:
Model United Nations and Arab League (3 units)
Offers a study and practice of model United Nations and model Arab League; it offers the students an intensive scholarly and practical experience of the workings of UN and Arab League in addition to the study of the country of representation. Students will learn about globalization through the actual simulation of UN debates.
PSCI 4654 Politics of the Arab-Israeli Conflict (4 units)
Study of the origins and evolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict in its various dimensions. Includes a study of Zionism and Palestinian nationalism and their relations through history with Palestine/Israel. Prerequisite: PSCI 1201 or consent of instructor.
PSCI 4680 U.S.-Latin American Relations (4 units)
U.S. policy towards Latin America: who makes it, how it is made, what it is. Latin American reactions to U.S. policy. Latin American policy initiatives. U.S. intervention in Latin America. Prerequisite: PSCI 1201.
PSCI 4700 The Political Novel (4 units)
Examines the ways in which political activity and belief give shape to certain novels, particularly in America.
PSCI 4710 Politics and Film (3 units)
Course explores American politics through the medium of dramatic and documentary films. Films are used to examine political behavior, capitalism, justice, domestic and foreign policy, lawmaking, and the media.
PSCI 4910 Cooperative Education (2-4 units)
Provides an opportunity to acquire relevant, practical experience in supervised paid employment within the discipline. Students are placed in private or public sector positions under the supervision of the employer and departmental Co-op coordinator. May be repeated for a total of 8 units depending upon departmental policy. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing and consent of departmental coordinator.
PSCI 4940 Public Administration Internship (3 units)
Study of the scholarly and field dimensions of employment in the public sector. This course is designed for students who are serving as interns in public agencies. Prerequisite: PSCI 1201.
PSCI 4950 Selected Topics in Politics and Public Administration (1-5 units)
(Topics to be specified in Class Schedule) Development of a selected branch of political science. Topics will vary each term. Different topics may be taken for credit.
PSCI 4980 Individual Study (1-4 units)
For students capable of independent work and in need of advanced and specialized study. May be repeated for a total of 6 units. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
