Academic Catalog 2024-2025

POL - Political Science

POL 1001  Understanding the Political World (GE)  (3 Units)  

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.

Letter grade.  
(GELO2C)  
POL 1065  U.S. Democracy (GE)  (4 Units)  

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.

Meets the United States Constitution requirement to obtain a California teaching credential. Letter grade.  
(GELO2C)  
POL 1090  The Politics of Race, Class, and Gender (GE)  (WS)  (4 Units)  

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.

Letter grade.  
(GELO2C)  
POL 2030  Introduction to International Relations  (4 Units)  

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.

Letter grade.  
POL 2070  Scope and Methods of Political Science  (4 Units)  

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

Letter grade.  
POL 2090  World Regional Geography  (3 Units)  

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.

Letter grade.  
POL 3001  Transitions to Democracy  (4 Units)  

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.

POL 3020  U.S. Constitution and Civil Liberties Law  (4 Units)  

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.

Letter grade.  
POL 3021  Western Political Thought  (4 Units)  

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.

Letter grade.  
POL 3025  American Political Thought  (4 Units)  

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

POL 3030  The Development of Feminist Thought  (WS)  (4 Units)  

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

Letter grade.  
POL 3041  Campaigns and Elections  (4 Units)  

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.

Letter grade.  
POL 3051  War and Peace Studies  (4 Units)  

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.

POL 3060  Urban Politics  (4 Units)  

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.

Letter grade.  
POL 3070  Comparative Politics  (4 Units)  

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.

Letter grade.  
POL 3080  Congress and the Presidency  (4 Units)  

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.

POL 3090  American Capitals Program  (9 Units)  

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.

POL 3091  Off-Campus Political Studies Program  (3-12 Units)  

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.

POL 4015  Women and Politics  (WS)  (4 Units)  

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.

Letter grade.  
POL 4020  United States Foreign Policy  (4 Units)  

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.

Letter grade.  
POL 4035  Global Governance  (4 Units)  

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.

Letter grade.  
POL 4037  International Economics  (3 Units)  

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.

Also offered as ECO 4010.  
Prerequisite(s): ECO 1001 and ECO 1002 or consent of instructor.  
POL 4038  International Law  (4 Units)  

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.

Letter grade.  
POL 4041  Issues in Public Policy  (4 Units)  

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."

Letter grade.  
POL 4042  Contemporary Issues in World Politics  (4 Units)  

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

POL 4044  Contemporary Political Ideologies  (4 Units)  

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.

POL 4050  Issues of Global Human Rights  (2 Units)  

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.

Letter grade.  
POL 4055  Protest and Social Movements in World Politics  (4 Units)  

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.

Letter grade.  
POL 4060  Internship in Political Science  (1-4 Units)  

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.

May be repeated up to a total of four (4) units. Letter grade.  
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.  
"C" Designation is for California Internships. "E" Designation is for Out of State Internships.  
POL 4073  Senior Seminar in Political Science and International Studies  (3 Units)  

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.

Letter grade.  
Pre or Corequisite(s): POL 2070 or equivalent and Senior standing.  
POL 4090  Special Studies in Political Science  (1-4 Units)  

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.

May be repeated up to a total of eight (8) units.  
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.