Political Science

Catalog Home

Faculty Office Bldg. (47), Room 14
Phone: 805.756.2984
https://politicalscience.calpoly.edu

Interim Department Chair: Ning Zhang

Academic Programs

Program name Program type
Global Politics Minor
Law and Society Minor
Political Science Minor, BA
Public Policy MPP

The Political Science Department offers instruction leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Master of Public Policy degree. Through the required and elective courses, the department prepares students to become informed, active individuals. Undergraduate and graduate programs emphasize the comprehension of political thinking and the application of communication and analytical skills, and prepare students for careers in research and survey analysis, administration, teaching, business, graduate studies, or leadership positions in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

In addition to the undergraduate major and the graduate program, the department offers minors in Political Science, Global Politics and Law and Society. General Education courses in the department expose students to political thought, the fundamentals of U.S. politics, global issues, and the politics of foreign countries. The department supports internship opportunities in local, state, and federal agencies in federal agencies, applied public policy research, law, and non-profit agencies.

Undergraduate Programs

BA Political Science

The major provides students with insights into the behavior of countries, individuals, and groups as they pursue their political and economic interests. Students considering work in related fields such as law, education, administration, government, and business gain basic knowledge of principles and practices in those areas. Additionally, students who are planning graduate work can establish a sound foundation for advanced studies in political science, law, public administration, business administration, urban planning, and other related fields.

Concentrations

American Politics

Study of American governmental institutions, campaigns and elections, parties, public policy, and social movements. Provides students with a broad knowledge of the American political system that can prepare them for careers in government employment at the local, state, or national level, campaign advising, policy analysis, urban and regional planning, or leadership positions in advocacy groups.

Global Politics

Study of international and comparative politics, politics of developing areas, and U.S. foreign policy. Prepares students for careers in the diplomatic corps, foreign policy analysis, transnational nongovernmental organizations, intelligence analysis, or international business.

Pre-Law

Study of American constitutional law, civil liberties, civil rights, jurisprudence and judicial process. Prepares students for careers in law. Some students may apply to law school to continue their preparation for the legal profession. Others may seek careers in law-related professions such as law enforcement, judicial administration and legal assistance.

Individualized Course of Study

As an alternative option to one of the concentrations, students may pursue a course of study that meets their individual needs and interests.

Degree Requirements and Curriculum
 

Global Politics Minor

The minor consists of required coursework and approved electives. Details are available from the Political Science Department. Minor is not open to POLS majors in the Global Politics concentration.

Minor Requirements
 

Law and Society Minor

The minor consists of required coursework and approved electives. Details are available from the Political Science Department. Minor is not open to POLS majors in the Pre-Law concentration.

Minor Requirements
 

Political Science Minor

The minor consists of required coursework and approved electives. Details are available from the Political Science Department.

Minor Requirements

Master of Public Policy

General Characteristics

The Master of Public Policy degree program (MPP) is professionally oriented, and open to students who wish to pursue analytic careers in government, nonprofit organizations, consulting, advocacy and related policy occupations. The program is structured to prepare graduates with competence and creativity to excel in careers in the ever-changing world of public policy. The core courses cover public policy, public policy analysis, economic and regulatory policy, research design, quantitative methods, leadership, policy internships, and graduate seminar.

The MPP program is designed to meet the needs of those who have earned baccalaureate degrees in a variety of disciplines, including, but not limited to, economics, history, political science, social sciences, psychology, city and regional planning, business administration, education, environmental studies, and natural resource management.

The program is two years in duration for students taking 8 or more units per term. It consists of 50 approved units (not including courses necessary to compensate for deficiencies). Because of the sequencing of courses, students admitted to the program are expected to begin study in the fall quarter. In their second year, students undertake the development, presentation, and discussion of individual research projects in a two-term seminar (POLS 590). After the completion of POLS 590, students are required to pass a comprehensive exam. The program offers students opportunities to develop close working relationships with faculty. Self-directed study, tailored to student interest and needs, is encouraged.

Prerequisites

Students entering the program are expected to bring with them backgrounds in certain basic subject areas or to make up deficiencies in these areas after admission. These include the following Cal Poly course or its equivalent: STAT 217 Introduction to Statistical Concepts and Methods.

Admission Requirements

  1. Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university;
  2. A grade point average of not less than 3.00 in all undergraduate coursework;
  3. Related undergraduate coursework or work experience;
  4. The quality of previous educational and professional experiences measured by:
    1. Biographical and career data (resumes, examples of reports, letters of recommendation, etc.),
    2. Professional training in fields such as budgeting, management, and supervision in the public, health, or nonprofit sectors, and
    3. A personal statement describing a student’s experience and reasons for applying to the program
    4. GRE scores are recommended, but not required, for admission.
  5. For applicants whose preparatory education is principally in a language other than English, a TOEFL score of 550 or higher (or 213 on the new conversation scale for the computer-based TOEFL exam).

Program of Study

Graduate students must file a formal study plan with their major professor, graduate committee, department, college and university graduate studies office no later than the end of the first quarter of study. The formal program of study must include a minimum of 50 units. All courses on the formal study plan must be taken on a graded basis unless specified in the course catalog as credit/no credit (CR/NC).

Degree Requirements and Curriculum

Blended BA Political Science + Master of Public Policy

A blended program provides an accelerated route to a graduate professional degree, with simultaneous conferring of both Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Students in the blended program are provided with a seamless process whereby they can progress from undergraduate to graduate status. Students are required to complete all requirements for both degrees, including senior project for the Bachelor’s degree.

Eligibility

Students majoring in BA Political Science are eligible for the blended program in Master of Public Policy.

Participation in a blended program is based upon prior academic performance and other measures of professional promise. Refer to Graduate Education for more information and for the minimum criteria required to be eligible for a blended program at Cal Poly. Contact the Graduate Program Coordinator in the Political Science department for any additional eligibility criteria.

How to Read Course Descriptions

POLS Courses

POLS 111. California Constitution and Government. 1 unit

Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP

Basic aspects of California state government. Satisfies GE D1 for students who have passed both AP US Government and US History exams, or transfer students who have received advice in writing from the Office of the Registrar to take POLS 111. Course may be offered in classroom-based or hybrid format. 1 lecture.

POLS 112. American and California Government. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP

2020-21 or later: GE Area D1

2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area D1

Study of U.S. and California government institutions, politics, issues and political behavior. Constitutional, historical, social, economic, and cultural perspectives. Relationships to social, economic, and political inequality, and unequal treatment of historically marginalized groups and efforts to address unequal treatment. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Area D1.

POLS 180. Political Inquiry. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP

Introduction to the scope, language, concepts and approaches employed in political science and the social sciences. Includes emphasis on basic methodological and research strategies for assessing political issues, and an overview of the subfields of political science. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures.

POLS 225. Introduction to International Relations. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: F, W

Introduction to the basic concepts, issues, and theories surrounding the study of international politics. Changes in the nature of conflict, power, and national interests in the post-Cold War era. Role of states, non-governmental actors, and international organizations in the global arena. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures.

POLS 229. Introduction to Comparative Politics. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: F, SP

Introduction to basic concepts, issues, methodology, and theories in comparative politics. Major issues/theories include electoral laws and party systems, parliamentary and presidential institutions, socialization, democratization, corporatism and pluralism, religious and cultural impacts on politics. Topics explored through politics of countries and regions throughout the world. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures.

POLS 230. Basic Concepts of Political Thought. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: F, SP

Introduction to political theory. Focuses on concepts like: authority, liberty, equality, law, justice, community, rights, citizenship, property, class conflict, and constitutionalism. Readings from major thinkers, such as Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Machiavelli, Locke, Hobbes, Rousseau, Marx, Nietzsche, Rawls, and others. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures.

POLS 245. Judicial Process. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP

The nature of the legal system. Topics may include: private and public law, civil and criminal law, trial and appellate courts, criminal procedure, judges, attorneys, and juries. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures.

POLS 270. Selected Topics. 1-4 units

Term Typically Offered: TBD

Prerequisite: Open to undergraduate students and consent of instructor.

Directed group study of selected topics. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures.

POLS 285. Model United Nations. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: F

Prerequisite: One course in POLS or consent of instructor.

Introduction to the United Nations and major issues that confront it. Preparation for participation in collegiate Model United Nations conferences. Rules of procedure and debate, preparation of country position papers, and resolution writing. 4 lectures.

POLS 295. Foundations of Mock Trial. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: F

Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area D1 and consent of instructor.

Introduction to evidence, trial procedure, objections, and witness examination. Preparation for intercollegiate mock trial competitions (held in winter and spring). Extensive hands-on experience in researching, preparing, and arguing a legal case. 4 lectures.

POLS 308. Political Violence and Conflict Resolution. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: SP

Prerequisite: POLS 225 or POLS 229.

Causes, methods, and consequences of non-state groups that use violent means to pursue revolutionary, separatist, or ideological goals both domestically and internationally. Dynamics of ethnic conflict, terrorist movements, paramilitary groups, insurgencies, and narco-trafficking. Processes of conflict resolution in divided societies through military responses, negotiated settlements, democracy, and peacekeeping missions. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures.

POLS 310. The Politics of Race, Class, Gender and Sexuality. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: W

USCP

Prerequisite: Completion of Area D1. Recommended: POLS 112.

The social construction of gender, race, ethnicity, class and sexuality as analytical concepts and social locations. Using a variety of sources - political essays, critical theory, and memoir - the course analyzes how gender, race, ethnicity, class, and sexuality are shaped by social, cultural, and political contexts. 4 lectures. Fulfills USCP.

POLS 315. The American Presidency. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: F

Prerequisite: Completion of Area D1. Recommended: POLS 112.

Nature and problems of contemporary presidential leadership emphasizing the impact of Congress, bureaucracy, public opinion, the courts, non-governmental factors, and the party system upon presidential power. 4 lectures.

POLS 316. Political Participation. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: F

Prerequisite: Completion of Area D1. Recommended: POLS 112.

Role of political participation as manifested through social, psychological, and institutional constraints. Analysis of consensus and conflict in present day political participation as reflected in electoral, protest, and related behavior. 4 lectures.

POLS 317. Campaigns and Elections. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: SP

Prerequisite: Completion of Area D1. Recommended: POLS 112.

Focus on contemporary political campaigns and elections in the U.S. Campaign management, message development and delivery. Impact of political ideology, mass media, technology, pressure groups on electoral outcomes. 4 lectures.

POLS 319. United States Congress. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: W

Prerequisite: Completion of Area D1. Recommended: POLS 112.

Congressional elections and their effects on congressional actions, including the organization, procedures and consequences of the legislative process in Congress. 4 lectures.

POLS 321. Comparative Political Culture. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: SP

Prerequisite: POLS 229.

Survey of major concepts and theories of political culture and relationships among culture, politics, and society. Cultural influences of Christianity, Confucianism, Islam, and contemporary democratic, civic culture. The role of political culture in the industrialization process and post-colonial and post-communist transitions. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures.

POLS 324. International Relations Theory. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: TBD

Prerequisite: POLS 225 or POLS 229.

Survey of theoretical approaches to the study of international political processes and issues, including foreign policies, global political issues, cooperation and conflict. Analyses of selected problems to elucidate differences between realist, liberal, socialist, constructivist, and other theories. 4 lectures.

POLS 325. Global Political Issues. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: F, W

2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area D

2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area D5

Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and one lower-division course in GE Area D.

Concepts and theories in international relations and contemporary global issues. Application of principles of international relations to political issues and subjects which affect our lives. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

POLS 328. Politics of Developing Areas. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: W

Prerequisite: POLS 225 or POLS 229.

A detailed survey of the domestic politics of developing countries from a comparative perspective. Assessment of theories of development with appropriate examples taken from particular areas and countries. Repeatable to 8 units with different subtitles (e.g., 'Latin America,' 'East Asia,' 'Africa'). The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures.

POLS 329. Ancient and Medieval Political Thought. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: TBD

Prerequisite: POLS 230.

Political theory from ancient Greece, ancient Rome, and the Medieval period. Readings from major authors, such as Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, and others. 4 lectures.

POLS 330. Modern Political Thought. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: TBD

Prerequisite: POLS 230.

Theories of political participation and the relationship between the individual and the state as developed in the works of influential thinkers such as Locke, Rousseau, Mill and Marx. 4 lectures.

POLS 331. Contemporary Political Thought. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: TBD

Prerequisite: POLS 230.

Ideas of major contemporary political thinkers, such as Wolff, Singer, Rawls, Strauss, MacKinnon, Beauvoir, Dewey, Walzer and others in historical context, compared and contrasted. 4 lectures.

POLS 332. World Food Systems. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: SP

Sustainability Focused

Prerequisite: Junior standing.

Integrated, interdisciplinary study of the technologies of global food production, environmental and social issues related to the application of those technologies, and moral and ethical issues associated with global food production and distribution. Emphasis on the politics of change. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures.

POLS 334. Jurisprudence. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: TBD

Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area D1. Recommended: POLS 112.

Normative and analytical problems concerning law. Nature of law and legal systems including liberty and justice. Topics may include the connection between law and morality, feminist and critical race perspectives, crime and punishment, and economic analysis of the law. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures.

POLS 337. U.S. and China in the Contemporary World. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: TBD

2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area D

2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area D5

Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and one lower-division course in GE Area D.

Investigation of China's political history with close attention to past and present U.S.-China relations. Topics include the conflict over Taiwan, territorial disputes in the South China Sea, and ongoing economic cooperation and competition, concerning trade and debt. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

POLS 338. Critical Issues in American Politics. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: W, SP

2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area D

2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area D5

Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and completion of GE Area D1. Recommended: POLS 112 (GE Area D1).

Examination of significant social, legal, economic and political issues that face the country and how the basic institutions of government-national, state, local-are responding to them; assessment of policies to correct these problems. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as HNRS/POLS 338. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

POLS 339. Authoritarian and Democratic Rule. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: TBD

2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area D

2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area D5

Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and one lower-division course in GE Area D.

A comparative examination of governing institutions used throughout the world. Emphasis on the diversity of governmental designs found within both authoritarian and democratic regimes. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

POLS 340. American Judicial Politics. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: W

Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area D1. Recommended: POLS 112.

Empirical aspects of the decision making of federal and state courts, with an emphasis on understanding how interactions between the courts and other political factors shape judicial behavior. 4 lectures.

POLS 341. American Constitutional Law. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP

Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area D1. Recommended: POLS 112.

United States Supreme Court decisions in the areas of separation of powers, judicial review, commerce clause, federalism, due process. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures.

POLS 342. Constitutional Theory. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: W

Prerequisite: POLS 245. Recommended: POLS 112 or POLS 341.

Competing theories of constitutional interpretation. Emphasis on the conflict between judicial review and democracy, effects of political events on constitutional evolution, merits of different approaches to constructing constitutional meaning. 4 lectures.

POLS 343. Civil Rights in America. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP

USCP

Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area D1. Recommended: POLS 112.

Case-based examination of discrimination based on race, ethnic, gender, and sexual orientation in the United States. Emphasis on the Supreme Court's interpretation of the Equal Protection Clause. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures. Fulfills USCP.

POLS 344. Civil Liberties. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP

Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area D1. Recommended: POLS 112.

Role of Supreme Court as interpreter of civil liberties. Topics may include freedom of expression and religion, search and seizure, due process of law. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures.

POLS 347. Politics and Popular Culture. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: TBD

Prerequisite: POLS 112.

Intersection of politics and mass media. How political actors use popular culture to establish issue agendas, convey political concepts, symbolism, rhetoric and values. 4 lectures.

POLS 348. Early American Political Thought. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: TBD

2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area D

2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area D5

Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); completion of GE Area D1; and one course in GE Area D2 (or in GE Area D3 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs). Recommended: POLS 112 (GE Area D1).

The central political ideas of America's leading thinkers from the arrival of the Mayflower to the Civil War. Selections may include readings of American political ideas from Winthrop, Paine, Publius, Hamilton, de Tocqueville, Douglass, Calhoun, Thoreau, and Lincoln, among others. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

POLS 349. Contemporary American Political Thought. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: TBD

2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area D

2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area D5

Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and completion of GE Area D1. Recommended: POLS 112 (GE Area D1).

The central political ideas of America's leading thinkers from the Civil War to the present. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

POLS 351. Public Policy and Administration. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: F, W

Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area D1. Recommended: POLS 112.

Systematic and critical approach to evaluating and designing public policies and the development of management functions in government. Attention given to intergovernmental relations and case studies in economic development, health, the environment, and other policy areas. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures.

POLS 359. Research Design. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP

Prerequisite: STAT 217.

Methodology and research design used in qualitative and quantitative analysis. Examination of multiple methods used to analyze political phenomena in the political science discipline. 4 lectures.

POLS 361. Data Analysis in Political Science. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP

Prerequisite: POLS 359.

Survey of data analysis in political science, up to and including multiple regression. Software instruction to facilitate understanding of quantitative approaches to political research. 4 lectures.

POLS 375. California Politics. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: F

Prerequisite: Completion of GE D1. Recommended: POLS 112.

Political culture, processes, behavior, institutions, public policy and distribution of power in California state and substate governments. 4 lectures.

POLS 380. Religion and Politics in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: W

Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better. Recommended: Completion of one class in POLS or RELS.

The root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its current manifestation. Possibilities for solutions from the perspectives of religious studies and political science. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as POLS/RELS 380.

POLS 381. Peace and War. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: SP

Prerequisite: POLS 225 or POLS 229.

Dynamics of interstate peace and war. Topics include: military strategy, the military-industrial complex, arms races and disarmament, diplomacy, deterrence and pre-emption, collective security and alliance behavior, civil-military relations, post-conflict reconstruction, and the role of international law and organizations. 4 lectures.

POLS 382. Comparative Foreign Policy. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: TBD

Prerequisite: POLS 225 or POLS 229.

Systematic analysis of the international and domestic pressures leading different states to take particular foreign policy stances, with appropriate examples taken from different regions of the world. Discussion of contemporary foreign policy issues and responses. 4 lectures.

POLS 383. Politics of the European Union. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: TBD

Prerequisite: POLS 225 or POLS 229.

History and development of the European Union in the context of theories of regional integration. Overview of institutional and policymaking machinery of the EU. Current issues facing member states. Impact of EU on US interests and world politics more generally. 4 lectures.

POLS 384. Comparative Law. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: TBD

Prerequisite: POLS 225 or POLS 229.

Survey of cultural, historic, institutional, and social contexts of legal traditions. Emphasis on comparing western common and code law to Confucian, Islamic, indigenous and other nonwestern societies. Comparative topics may include prison reform, property rights, constitutional law, international law, rule of law, and the judicialization of politics. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures.

POLS 385. Advanced Model United Nations. 2 units

Term Typically Offered: W, SP

CR/NC

Prerequisite: POLS 285.

Preparation for participation in collegiate Model United Nations conferences. Rules of procedure and debate, preparation of country position papers, and resolution writing. Discussion of current issues of concern to the United Nations. Credit/No Credit grading only. Total credit limited to 6 units. 2 lectures.

POLS 386. Government Internship. 2-12 units

Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP

CR/NC

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Recommended: Junior standing with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Supervised work experience in a government or related public agency. Intern will function as an employee subject to all the duties and responsibilities of employees engaged in comparable work. 30 hours of work experience per unit of credit. Total credit limited to 12 units. Credit/No Credit grading.

POLS 387. Research Internship. 1-8 units

Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP

CR/NC

Prerequisite: POLS 359 and POLS 361.

Faculty-supervised research experience on various topics related to politics and government. Student research assistantship with a faculty member engaging in a research project. Total credit limited to 8 units. Credit/No Credit grading only.

POLS 395. Advanced Mock Trial. 2 units

Term Typically Offered: W

CR/NC

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Advanced preparation for participation in intercollegiate mock trial competitions. Emphasis on advanced topics and techniques related to evidence, trial procedure, objections, and witness examination. Extensive hands-on practice in arguing a legal case. Credit/No Credit grading only. Total credit limited to 4 units. 2 lectures.

POLS 400. Special Problems for Advanced Undergraduates. 1-4 units

Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP

Prerequisite: Consent of department chair.

Individual investigation, research, study, or survey of selected problems. Total credit limited to 8 units.

POLS 417. Feminist Legal Theory. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: TBD

Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area D1. Recommended: POLS 112.

Different approaches to US feminist legal theory and topics in gender and US law. Topics covered include employment, domestic violence, sexual harassment, reproductive justice, sex work, rape, and welfare reform. 4 seminars. Crosslisted as POLS/WGQS 417. Formerly WGS 417.

POLS 419. Social Movements and Political Protest. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: W

Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area D1. Recommended: POLS 112.

Selected U.S. social movements, including abolitionism, feminism, civil rights, gay rights, the Christian right, and environmentalism. Political opportunities and constraints that impact collective political action, and effects of grassroots struggles for justice in U.S. politics and society. 4 lectures.

POLS 420. Contemporary U.S. Foreign Policy. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: W

Prerequisite: POLS 225 or POLS 229.

Historical influences and theoretical assumptions behind U.S. foreign policy. Examination of American power and influence, examining key concepts from public opinion, business interests, executive privilege, diplomacy, propaganda, trade, and military strategies. 4 lectures.

POLS 425. Comparative Political Corruption. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: TBD

Prerequisite: POLS 112 and POLS 229.

Examination of the causes and effects of corruption in the United States and around the world, and the problems corruption causes in different societies. Particular attention will be placed on the role of political and social institutions. 4 seminars.

POLS 426. International Organizations and Law. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: W

Prerequisite: POLS 225 or POLS 229.

Analysis of contemporary international legal issues, such as arms control and nonproliferation, intellectual property rights and the World Trade Organization, and human rights and the United Nations. Case studies drawn from advancements in the biological sciences, such as those affecting public health. 4 lectures.

POLS 427. Politics of the Global Economy. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: TBD

Prerequisite: POLS 225 and one course in GE Area D2 (or in GE Area D3 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

Political conflicts surrounding the trading, financial, and security structures of the international economy. Motivations, resources, and responses of states, international organizations, multinational corporations and other nonstate actors as they address economic, political, environmental, and security issues within these structures. Desirability and inevitability of globalization. 3 lectures and a research paper.

POLS 428. Issues and Topics in Comparative Politics. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: TBD

Prerequisite: POLS 229.

Selected topics and issues in the field of comparative politics. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures.

POLS 429. Issues and Topics in International Relations. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: W

Prerequisite: POLS 225.

Selected topics and issues in the field of international relations. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 4 lectures.

POLS 430. Advanced Topics in Political Theory. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: TBD

Prerequisite: POLS 230.

In-depth examination of a theme or thinker in political theory. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 4 lectures.

POLS 431. Issues and Topics in American Politics. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: TBD

Prerequisite: POLS 112 and junior standing.

Selected topics and issues in the field of American politics. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 4 lectures.

POLS 435. Political Communication. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: SP

Prerequisite: POLS 112 and Junior standing.

Introduction to political communication. Concepts, theories and methods from areas such as communication, media studies, journalism, political science, and public policy. How language and non-verbal communication used by the media, government, and other actors shapes public perception of and behavior in the social, political, and scientific world. 4 lectures.

POLS 440. California Student Bill Project. 2 units

Term Typically Offered: TBD

Prerequisite: POLS 112 and consent of instructor. Recommended: POLS 375.

Experiential, project-based course where students will draft a bill and work to move it through the California Legislature toward becoming law. Field trip may be required. Total credit limited to 6 units. 2 seminars.

POLS 445. Voting Rights and Representation. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: W

USCP

Prerequisite: POLS 112.

Philosophical, legal, and behavioral analysis of electoral representation; the 1965 Voting Rights Act; vote dilution; racial and partisan discrimination; voter identification and voter suppression. Similarities and differences across and within racial/ethnic/political groups in the US with regards to effective representation. 4 lectures. Fulfills USCP.

POLS 451. Technology and Public Policy. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: W

Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area D1. Recommended: POLS 112.

Exploration of the historical and contemporary political influences shaping modern science and technology policy. Addresses sources of technological innovation, such as public-private partnerships, military R & D, democratic governance, and competitiveness among industrialized nations. Case studies may include cybersecurity, geoengineering, nanotechnology, and neurosciences. 4 seminars.

POLS 452. Technology and International Development. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: F

Prerequisite: One course in GE Area D2 (or in GE Area D3 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

Examines potential for advanced technologies to support international development from political and social science perspective. Reviews historical efforts toward and socio-economic contexts of global development. Analyzes current applications of advanced technology for sustainable development, democracy-building, education, healthcare, and policy reform. 4 seminars.

POLS 455. Grant Writing. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: SP

Prerequisite: Junior standing and POLS 112.

Provides instruction in writing grants, evaluating grant proposals, and in researching and cultivating funding sources while considering organizational mission and program development. 4 lectures.

POLS 457. U.S. Reproductive Politics. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: TBD

Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area D1. Recommended: POLS 112.

Multi-disciplinary approach to the study of the law and politics of reproduction in the United States. Topics studied include histories of reproductive regulation, abortion law and politics, technology and fertility, and social policy and reproductive control. 4 seminars. Crosslisted as POLS/WGQS 457. Formerly WGS 457.

POLS 459. The Politics of Poverty. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: F

Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area D1. Recommended: POLS 112.

Analysis of the politics and policies associated with the American welfare state, focusing on welfare and homelessness policies. Exploration of the causes of poverty and how social policy responds to poverty. 4 lectures.

POLS 461. Senior Project I. 2 units

Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP

Prerequisite: POLS 359, POLS 361, and senior standing.

Selection and completion of a project under faculty supervision. Project results presented in a formal paper.

POLS 462. Senior Project II. 2 units

Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP

Prerequisite: POLS 359, POLS 361, and senior standing.

Selection and completion of a project under faculty supervision. Project results presented in a formal paper.

POLS 470. Selected Advanced Topics. 1-4 units

Term Typically Offered: TBD

Prerequisite: POLS 112 and junior standing.

Directed courses on timely issues and topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 12 units. 1 to 4 lectures.

POLS 471. Urban Politics. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: W

Prerequisite: POLS 112.

Theoretical approaches, concepts, and politics associated with urban governments. Urban power structures, the relationship between urban society and politics, and inter-governmental relations. 3 lectures and a research paper.

POLS 500. Independent Study. 1-4 units

Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP

Prerequisite: Graduate standing with minimum of 12 units.

Individual research, studies, or surveys under the supervision of the faculty. Total credit limited to 4 units.

POLS 510. Research Design. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: F

Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor.

Approaches to policy research, question development, hypothesis framing, literature reviews, sampling, measurement, and approaches to analysis. 4 lectures.

POLS 515. Public Policy. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: F

Prerequisite: Graduate standing, or consent of instructor.

Theoretical and practical approaches to public policy making and contemporary policy issues such as markets; regulation; criminal justice; housing; environment; poverty; health care and education. 4 lectures.

POLS 518. Public Policy Analysis. 5 units

Term Typically Offered: W

Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor.

Contextual, problem oriented analysis of the societal problems and possible solutions to them. Development and use of concepts and tools related to policy evaluation with particular emphasis on qualitative methods. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures, 1 activity.

POLS 540. Leadership and Management in Public Policy. 2 units

Term Typically Offered: SP

CR/NC

Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor.

An exploration of the changing notion of leadership in public policy. Focus on understanding and developing leadership capacity within the complex inter-organizational structure in which the student works. Credit/No Credit grading only. 2 seminars.

POLS 550. Regulatory and Economic Policy. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: TBD

Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor.

Theories of regulatory and economic policy, including markets and market failures, politics of economic policy, and applications of government regulatory and economic policy, and skills and experience necessary to social and economic questions. 4 seminars.

POLS 560. Quantitative Methods. 5 units

Term Typically Offered: SP

Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor.

Social science methodology focusing on research design and quantitative methods used in policy and political research, such as multi-regression, non-linear techniques, diagnostics and time series. Advanced computer packages used to analyze challenging data sets. 4 lectures, 1 activity.

POLS 568. Topics and Issues in Public Policy. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: TBD

Prerequisite: POLS 515 or consent of instructor.

Selected advanced topics applicable to public policy problems. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 3 seminars and a research project.

POLS 570. Selected Advanced Topics. 1-4 units

Term Typically Offered: TBD

Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor.

Directed group study of selected topics for graduate students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures.

POLS 586. Policy Internship. 4-8 units

Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP

CR/NC

Prerequisite: Completion of 12 units in the Master of Public Policy Program, and consent of instructor.

Supervised work experience in a government or related public agency. Intern will function as an employee engaged in comparable work. Credit/No Credit grading only. Total credit limited to 8 units.

POLS 590. Graduate Seminar. 4 units

Term Typically Offered: F, W

Prerequisite: POLS 560 or consent of instructor.

Seminar designed as a culminating component to the Master of Public Policy Program. Individual research under the supervision of the faculty within a small discussion environment, leading to a graduate project or paper that demonstrates practical mastery of the MPP curriculum. Total credit limited to 8 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 seminars.

POLS 595. Directed Readings for MPP Comprehensive Exams. 2 units

Term Typically Offered: SP

CR/NC

Prerequisite: POLS 590.

Directed readings and preparation for Master of Public Policy (MPP) comprehensive exams. Regular consultation between advisor and student. Credit/No Credit grading only. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 2 seminars.

Craig Arceneaux
B.A., California State University, Fullerton, 1989; M.A., Ohio State University, 1991; Ph.D., University of California, Riverside, 1997.

Nancy Arrington
B.A.,University of Texas, Austin, 2010; MIP Univerity of Georgia, 2012; Ph.D. Emory University, Georgia, 2018.

Martin Battle
B.A., University of Sheffield, 1997; M.A., University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 2000; Ph.D., Washington University, St. Louis, 2006.

R.G. Cravens
B.A., Sewanee: The University of the South, 2010; M.A., University of Tennessee, 2014; Ph.D., University of Tennessee, 2017

Christopher Den Hartog
B.A., University of California, San Diego, 1996; Ph.D., 2004.

Ronald Den Otter
B.A., University of California, Davis, 1989; J.D., University of Pennsylvania, 1992; Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles, 2003.

Jennifer Denbow
B.S., University of Michigan, 2003; J.D., University of California, Berkeley, 2007; Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley, 2010.

Leanne Giordono
B.A., Economics, Franklin and Marshall College ,1993; M.P.A., Princeton University 2000; Ph.D., Public Policy, Oregon State University 2018.

Shelley L. Hurt
B.A., University of California, Berkeley, 1995; M.A., New School for Social Research, New York, 2001; Ph.D., 2010.

Michael Latner
B.A., California State University, Chico, 1995; M.A., University of California, Irvine, 2006; Ph.D., 2008.

Anika Leithner
Vordiplom, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany, 1999; M.A., University of Colorado, 2002; Ph.D., 2006.

Matthew J. Moore
B.A., Eugene Lang College, 1997; Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University, 2004.

Allen K. Settle
B.A., University of California, Santa Barbara, 1966; M.A., 1967; Ph.D., 1970.

Jean M. Williams
B.A., Pomona College, 1988; M.A., The Johns Hopkins University, 1996; Ph.D., 1998.

Ning Zhang
B.A., Peking University, Beijing, China, 1999; Ph.D., University of California, Santa Barbara, 2007.