Political Science

Introduction to United States and California government and politics, including constitutions, political institutions and processes, and political actors. Examination of political behavior, political ideas, and public policy.

A comparative study of the constitutional principles, governmental institutions, and political problems of selected governments. This course is designed to introduce students to the central themes of comparative politics. This includes discussions of methodology, the nature of the state, political culture, democracy and political and economic development.

Introduction to political theory, ancient, modern, and contemporary. An examination of the general or abstract principles of politics.

This course surveys the recent phenomenon called globalization. The course analyzes competing political theories and perspectives on globalization and examines actual policies, including the possibilities and limitations that globalization offers to and imposes on everyday life.

Introduction to International Relations, with emphasis on International Relations theory.
Issues covered include war and conflict, international order, diplomacy, human rights,
terrorism, international political economy and environment.

This course surveys the role of race and ethnicity in American politics. Theories of race and identity, and political experiences and power patterns in U.S. politics are explored through political science approaches by African Americans, Asian Americans, Latino/Hispanic Americans, European Americans, Indigenous/First Nation Americans, and Multiracial Americans.

Introduction to public policy, including key political actors and institutions involved in policy making, public policy theories, the context of the policy process, policy evaluation, and analysis of alternative policy approaches.

The constitutional systems, political processes, and social problems of Latin American nations

Introduction to politics and public policy of gender in the United States, including women's and LGBTQ politics and policy. An analysis of American politics and public policy through a gendered lens. An examination of the development and current role of gender in rights, representation, and public policy.

Introduction to the political science subfields and the environment, focusing on environmental politics and policy in the United States, comparative environmental politics and policy, environmental issues in international relations, and ecopolitical thought.

An individualized reading or research program where students work one-on-one with a faculty member on topics in political science.

An individual's civil and criminal rights under the Constitution. Analysis of leading cases and legal principles which protect individual freedom with a civil liberties and civil rights perspective.

Comparative political science regional survey of the governments and politics of the Middle East and North Africa.