A survey of the major dynamics within the political world. The course focuses on political behavior, structures of government, the people and processes of politics, and the challenges currently facing countries around the world. In this course, we will explore a variety of contemporary issues, including inequality, poverty, nationalism, democratization, political violence, and development.

A study of American political ideas, governmental institutions, and political processes at the national, state, and local levels. The study also describes and evaluates the major policy commitments of the national government.

An introduction to politics, using an interdisciplinary approach to contemporary controversies surrounding issues of ethnicity, socioeconomic class, and gender. The course includes historical, legal, and political perspectives.

An investigation of the structures of international relations with reference to conflict and cooperation. Topics include the national interest, alliances, the causes of war, conflict resolution, diplomacy, and international law.

An examination of the scope of the discipline of political science and the research methods used in the study of political phenomena.

A survey of the six major geographical regions of the world, and the interaction between the geological and geographical environments and the social and cultural structures of the peoples of those regions.

This course explores the democratization process from start to finish, including all phases from cracks in the authoritarian regime to consolidation and issues of transitional justice. The course also deconstructs the process in stages so as to provide an overview of conditions that might help or hinder the process. Particular attention is given to "third wave" transitions (1974-1991), such as Portugal, Chile, Argentina, Germany, and the former Soviet Union. Current-day examples of transitions to and away from democracy are included as well.

A survey of the basic tenets of constitutional law with an emphasis on civil liberties embodied in the Bill of Rights and major Supreme Court decisions.

Study of canonical texts by important political thinkers throughout the history of Western civilization, such as Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke, Marx, and Foucault. Issues of enduring interest to political philosophers, such as freedom, justice, and authority are discussed.

Foundations of democratic theory and the development of political thought in the American experience, from its Enlightenment roots to post-modern challenges.

A survey of the development of various strands of feminist thought and engagement in current conversations within and about feminism.

This course analyzes the American electoral process with regard to the history of the political party system, recent trends in partisanship and vote choice, basic techniques of political advertising, and the role of television news, the Internet, and other electronic media in campaigns.

The first part of this course explores traditional theories and modern scientific studies of war. The course then moves to an analysis of the Vienna and Versailles peace conferences, alternative peace paradigms, and then methods of peace research and avenues of policy action.

The course introduces students to urban politics in a discussion of the history of American cities, primarily through the lens of race and class. The course also includes the most significant political and policy problems affecting American urban areas, including violence, education, housing, and employment.

An introduction to the political processes and institutions within countries, with a focus on comparing these across regions. Topics include political socialization, political participation, policymaking, and the way in which policy decisions end up affecting society. These issues will be explored in two ways: comparisons across countries and an in-depth country analysis of eight specific countries.

A study of the legislative and executive branches of American government. Topics include the structure and functions of the United States Congress and the presidency, relations between the branches, and the role of interest groups in influencing legislators and executives.

This three-course sequence of classes in political issues and governmental processes is taken in either Sacramento, California, or Washington, D.C. the sequence is taken in conjunction with POL 4060 and together the courses provide students with politically contextualized study and experience in government. Available only through the Sacramento Semester Program in Sacramento, or the American Studies or Washington Semester Program in Washington, D.C.

This sequence of classes in political issues and governmental processes is taken while the student is studying abroad in a state capital, Washington, D.C., or another country. The sequence provides students with the opportunity for contextualized study and experience.

An examination of women's role in political life. The content includes analysis of gender as a legitimate category of political inquiry, gender-based social movements, women's political participation, and the impact of political systems and public policy on women.

A study of the policy-making process, including the roles of public opinion and the president, the United States Congress, and the bureaucracy. The course also investigates the challenges and opportunities facing the United States in the new post-Cold War world of economic competition.

This course reviews and evaluates the evolving mechanisms for global order and justice. Primary attention is given to the United Nations system, international law, and the expansion of international regimes.

This course presents theories and models of international trade and money, and government policy and macroeconomic stabilization, with a focus on global economic issues and applied economic topics. The economics of global cities, urban problems, poverty, labor, immigration, utilization of resources, environmental stewardship, globalization, gender, crime, and violence will be discussed.

This course introduces advanced students in an undergraduate program to the development and content of international law, in particular its role in the current practice of international relations. Topics include laws of war, use of force, minority rights, environmental law, and the future of international law.

A study of the policymaking process in the United States, illustrated by an in-depth study of three contemporary public policy issues. We will discuss theories and policies, as well as critiques of them, in terms of equality, democracy, and citizenship. Students will then become a "policymaker" and a "policy analyst."

An in-depth study of selected issues in contemporary world politics, such as arms control issues, environmental issues, convergence issues, and virtual diplomacy.

This course examines political ideologies that shape beliefs, values, and actions of political movements and regimes. Topics include totalitarianism, authoritarianism, socialism, and democracy. Includes an in-depth study of democratic theory and practice globally.

This course reviews the causes of such gross violations of human rights as genocide, torture, and "ethnic cleansing," the corpus of international human rights law, and emerging areas of human rights concern.

This course looks at the theories and concepts behind studies of social movements and seeks to answer such questions as "Why do they happen?" and "Are they effective?" In addition to theory, the course utilizes case studies of particular social movements in world politics, such as urban protests, civil rights movements, environmental causes, democratization efforts, religious movements, and gender-related movements.

A learning experience in a work environment at a selected governmental or public advocacy site. Students are under the supervision of an on-site supervisor and an academic advisor.

The Senior Seminar is the capstone experience for all Political Science and International Studies majors, representing the culmination of the knowledge and skills students have developed throughout their previous courses. All Political Science and International Studies majors must take this course in their senior year.

An individualized study of a topic applying the special skills of a political scientist. The project must be approved and supervised by an academic advisor.