Examines the U.S. Constitution, the U.S. system of governments and the ideas and values on which they are based. Fulfills state code requirements for U.S. Constitution and California State and Local Government. Students who believe they have a good fundamental knowledge of the institutions of American Government are encouraged to consider a designated upper division course to fulfill the state requirement.

Explores some of the most influential works of politics and political writing in American history, and challenges contemporary analysis of political institutions and processes. Examines the structure of the Constitution, issues of federalism, the growth of civil rights, and the processes of government, with a comparative element. Explores the unique characteristics of California state politics.

Introduction to the meaning of higher education, the resources of the University, and skills for lifelong learning. Designed to help students develop academic success strategies, and to improve information literacy, intercultural competence, and integrative thinking. Provides students with the opportunity to interact with fellow students and seminar faculty to build a community of academic and personal support. Units may not be applied toward Political Science, International Relations, or Political Science-Journalism majors, or Political Science minor.

Basic introduction to global politics focusing on a broad range of issues and problems relating to conflict and cooperation among nations, and on similarities and differences among nations' governmental institutions, structures and processes.

Examines the foundations of scientific research methodology in political and social science. Designed to introduce students to the basic conceptual, observational and analytical methods of empirical research in political science and related social sciences.

History of political theory, covering some important thinkers and topics during the Ancient, Medieval and Early Modern periods.

History of political theory, covering some important thinkers and topics from the Early Modern period to the early 20th century.

Current issues in political thought, with emphasis upon developments in the political philosophies of democracy, fascism, communism, conservatism, liberalism. Ideas are analyzed with reference to assumptions on which they are based and their relevance for political institutions and problems.

Assessment of ideas that are central to the development of an American political tradition, as those ideas influence government at the federal, state and local levels. Meets the state requirements in U.S. Constitution and California State and Local Government.

Analyzes the basic writings and ideas of Socialist and Marxist writers and the implications of their ideas.

This course examines major problems that have shaped the modern world, the historical and intellectual roots of the modern world, and debates over the meaning of modernity. Considers how both advocates and critics of modernity have understood the relation of history, philosophy, politics, nature, religion, economics, and other key concepts. Specific topics may include: the development of modern science, technological progress, democratic institutions, capitalism, colonialism, secularization, religious tolerance, and individual freedom.

Basic junior level course in Public Law. A study of leading decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court and other materials pertaining to the power of Congress, the President and the Judiciary; relations between states and nation; and civil rights. Considers such topics as the separation of powers, judicial review, Congress, and the President.

Prerequisite: GOVT 1 or GOVT 150

Basic junior level course in Public Law. A study of rights and immunities under the U.S. Constitution: examines leading decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court and other materials pertaining to freedom of expression, freedom of association, equality and due process of law.

Prerequisite: GOVT 1 or GOVT 150

Basic junior-level course in International Relations. Current international tensions; the motivating forces influencing world politics; and the role of diplomacy and international organizations in resolving conflicts.

Examines human efforts to create supranational organizations to promote world peace and prosperity. The focus will be on social, political, and economic activities and problems which have developed and proliferated since the end of the second World War.

Prerequisite: GOVT 1 or GOVT 150

Analyzes the interaction between politics and economics at the international level. Covers basic theoretical approaches; historical evolution of international economy; creation and role of international financial institutions; development issues; globalization and integration.

Seminar experience for upper level Government and International Relations concentration majors. Students will prepare for and participate in a national intercollegiate model UN conference.

Note: Course repeatable with instructor permission.

Prerequisite: Junior status or above, a minimum 3.0 GPA in the major, GOVT 130 and/or GOVT 140, or instructor permission.

Explores the nature of, and issues in, globalization. It does so in five parts. Part I examines alternative conceptions of globalization. Part II identifies and examines the primary forms of economic globalization. Part III considers globalization's effects on the territorial state, the welfare state, organized violence, culture, immigration, gender, and the environment. Part IV investigates the politics of the anti-globalization backlash. Part V concludes with an assessment of the shape and future of contemporary globalization.

Prerequisite: An upper division course in the field and/or instructor permission.

Survey of the field of comparative government and politics including a review of historic uses of comparison in political science research but with emphasis on the methods of study and analytical means of research currently employed. The subject matter of study: national political systems of all types and the component parts of political systems will be an integral feature.

Prerequisite: GOVT 1 or GOVT 150

Examines the social, political, cultural, and economic factors which have been important to the African diaspora. Examines how African people have responded to those factors, both in terms of formal, political thought, and in terms of political movements and political institutions. Examines thought and practice, comparability to Africa, U.S., Caribbean, Central and South America.

Cross Listed: ETHN 141; only one may be counted for credit.

Explores the entire conflict process associated with war from a variety of theoretical and methodological angles, including rationalist and behavioral models. Examines the concept of war and why wars begin. Looks at how violent international conflict is resolved. Investigates the role of the international community in the management of violent conflict, how peace processes are implemented, what leads to successful negotiations, and how war crimes and post-conflict reconciliation issues are resolved.

Prerequisite: GOVT 1 or GOVT 150

Study of national and regional politics, governmental institutions and public problems in Europe since 1945. In different semesters there may be investigation of several, but varying, national systems, of cross-national political behavior, or of regional integration processes. May be taken more than once if there are different topics and instructor permission.

Prerequisite: GOVT 1 or GOVT 150

Survey of governmental institutions and political processes in East and Southeast Asia. Focuses on the region's politics, dynamic economic growth, complex security context, resurgence of nationalism, and attempts to build multilateral institutions.

Students will engage in a cross-national research agenda. Students will conduct original research in comparative politics. Countries and topics acceptable for comparison will vary with instructor.

Prerequisite: GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M or ENGL 109W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M or ENGL 109W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70 or 71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X. POLS or IR majors or instructor consent only.

Federal system of government; the U.S. Constitution; legislative, executive, and judicial processes; political parties, interest groups, and the relationships and obligations of citizens to their government(s). Fulfills the California state graduation and credential requirements for U.S. Constitution and California State and Local Government. May be substituted for GOVT 1, but may not be used as an elective toward the major.

Examines the ways in which political behavior is shaped by individual beliefs, personalities, cognitive patters, biases, and other psychological mechanisms. Students will engage with a wide range of research on topics such as cognitive styles, personality, obedience, psychological roots of terrorism, the psychology of ideology, and the role of emotion in politics.

Cross Listed: PSYC 153

Examination and analysis of American political parties. An exploration of the nature and functions of political parties including party organization, electorate, and government. Topics include the various historical party systems, the two-party system, elections, and campaign financing. Includes discussion of the presidential nominating process.

Prerequisite: GOVT 1 or GOVT 150

Examination and analysis of the institutions, the people and the behavior that make up the legislative process. Considers the nature of representation and the role and impact of such factors as committee structure, political parties, interest groups, and others on public policy. Focus is on both the U.S. Congress and the California State Legislature.

Prerequisite: GOVT 1 or GOVT 150

How we learn and change our political beliefs, including the influence of media, religion and social standing. The various forms of political participation; who participates and who doesn't and why. The meaning and conduct of elections in the modern era.

Examines the phenomenon of political underrepresentation in the U.S.A. It will identify significant affected groupings, examine the conditions which have resulted in such underrepresentation, evaluate the effects of underrepresentation on the lives of affected groups, and consider relevant political strategies. Emphasis on particular groups may vary with instructor.

Prerequisite: GOVT 1 or GOVT 150; and GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M or ENGL 109W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M or ENGL 109W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70 or 71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X.

This course examines the influence of socially constructed meanings of femininity and masculinity on the political participation of women, candidate selection, election campaigns, and electoral outcomes in executive and legislative offices in the U.S. and worldwide. Students will develop a rich understanding of the relationship between gender and women's political representation and analyze and discuss institutional, structural, cultural, and historical conditions associated with women's voting behavior, political advancement, leadership styles, and impacts of political representation on women.

Provides a broad overview of the politics of gay rights in the United States. Particular emphasis is placed on gay rights at the state level (where the vast majority of policy is made) and major legal strategies and court rulings affecting the gay rights movement, since judiciaries have been the main venue for advancing gay rights arguments.

Prerequisite: POLS 1 or POLS 150

Systematically and analytically examines the predominant political trends, concepts, and policies presently impacting Latino/a communities. Includes such topics as an examination of Latino/a identity, immigration and citizenship, political organization and participation, and relationships with other minority groups in the United States.

Prerequisite: GOVT 1

Examines the policy development process in the U.S. by exploring the ideological predispositions of the American public, the analytical approaches applied to policy development and assessment, and the institutional and political environment in which policy is made. Typically, the understanding derived from this examination is applied to several policy issues of current interest.

Prerequisite: GOVT 1 or GOVT 150 and GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 70+, or at least a C- in ENGL 109M or ENGL 109W.

Politics of human interaction with land, air and water. Political analysis of agenda setting, policy formation and administration (national, state, and local) of environmental programs. Focus on contemporary issues such as energy alternatives, management of toxics, land development, and pollution control.

Cross Listed: ENVS 171; only one may be counted for credit.

California state, city and county politics and government. Comparisons with governments in other states. Meets State requirements in California State and Local Governments. Permits students who have fulfilled U.S. Constitution requirement in another state to meet graduation requirements for California State and Local Governments.

Prerequisite: GWAR certification before Fall 09, WPJ score of 70+, or at least a C- in ENGL 109 M/W. Minimum GPA of 2.5 (both in the major and overall).

Provides individualized learning opportunities (1-3 units per semester) for engaging in peer advising along with elective activities such as tutoring, assisting faculty with research, event planning and other activities of a comparable nature. Students should be upper division students or graduate students. The units may not be applied towards unit requirement of the Government major, Government IR and Government/Journalism.

Note: This course may be repeated up to a total of six units.

Prerequisite: Instructor permission

Provides opportunity for lower division students, students on probation, and newly declared majors to be mentored by more advanced upper division students or graduate students. This peer advising will help students meet academic deadlines, achieve academic success, become engaged in campus activities and integrated into the Government Department. Units may not be applied towards unit requirement of the Government major, Government IR and Government/Journalism

Note: This course may be repeated one time only for unit credit.

Prerequisite: Instructor permission

A graduate-level seminar which introduces students to the research and literature in major fields in political science. Explores the norms of writing across the political science discipline, including for example: formal academic writing, policy writing, persuasive advocacy writing, methodological writing, and peer review. Broadly examines the literature from International Relations, Comparative Politics, American Politics, Political Theory, and Methods.

Examination of the theory and practice of international relations including such subfields as international law, international organization, foreign policy and national security policy.

Note: May be repeated for credit with permission of Graduate Coordinator.

Prerequisite: Upper division course in the field and/or instructor permission.

Cross Listed: IA 210; only one may be counted for credit.

Advanced study of California's state and local governments, with emphasis on political history, political institutions, and the role of direct democracy on the state's government, budget and politics. Demographic and geographic elements will be scrutinized through a political focus. California's policy and political process will also be examined, as well as discussion of various political reforms.

Note: Undergraduates may take the course with instructor permission.

Prerquisite: Must be an unclassified Graduate or a Masters degree student in Government, Public Policy & Administration or Internationl Affairs

In-depth exploration of the socio-economic problems of urban and metropolitan areas and an evaluation of proposed political and governmental solutions.

Note: May be repeated for credit with permission of Graduate Coordinator.

Cross Listed: PPA 284; only one may be counted for credit.

Supervised work experience in an approved legislative or administrative office at some level of local or state government, or in a politically-related organization that is concerned with government. Supervision is provided by the faculty instructor and responsible officials in the work situation.

Note: Open to all graduate students, subject to instructor permission. No more than 3 units of GOVT 295 may be counted toward the Master's degree.

For advanced graduate students who have demonstrated their ability to carry on advanced, independent research. Permits a student to pursue study and research in an area not otherwise available through the regular curriculum. Student must be advanced to candidacy.

Should be taken after completion of all other requirements for the degree. Students may choose from the following options, which they must declare when they advance to candidacy: Thesis, Project, or Comprehensive Examination.

Prerequisite: Advanced to candidacy.