C A L I F O R N I A   S T A T E   U N I V E R S I T Y   B A K E R S F I E L D 2001-2003 Catalog

Dorothy Donahoe Hall, B115
(661) 664-2359
(661) 664-2017 (fax)
email: tgiblin@csub.edu
http://www.csub.edu/polisci/

Program Description

The Political Science Department has two principal goals. The first is to provide students, whatever their career aims, with the kinds of information they will need to function as effective citizens. The role of citizen in a democratic system is one which demands that people be able to make rational choices. To make such choices, a person needs to know his or her own values, to know which issues need attention, to identify the available alternatives, and to know the probable consequences of these alternatives. The Political Science Department helps students become aware of their own values and helps them identify critical issues. This department and others in the behavioral sciences bear the major responsibility for helping students gain the kind of understanding of their political and social environment, which enables them to identify possible alternatives and to predict their probable consequences. Our objective is not to produce mere consumers of information but to educate creative participants in our political life.

The second goal is to help those for whom the study of politics may be useful career preparation. Those who major or minor in Political Science can expect to develop an understanding of contemporary political systems and institutions, to become acquainted with the basic tools of political science, and to become aware of the relationships between this field of study and the other social sciences. Many of our courses involve students in direct, original research. Such experiences have been shown to be valuable as preparation for lives devoted to government service, journalism, politics, law, community leadership, teaching, and business.

Requirements for the Major in Political Science

A student must demonstrate a familiarity with basic tools underlying modern social sciences including competency in statistics. Familiarity with data processing and electronic data retrieval and communication is also required. All majors should develop at least one applied skill in foreign language, field research, data analysis, film production, or other state-of-the-art methodology.

To facilitate this, the Department both teaches itself and accepts transfer credits from other programs of five units of internship, cooperative education, and certificate courses in addition to the political science laboratory required of all majors. Further, the Department assumes a responsibility for assessment of student outcomes apart from grades students earn in specific courses. Assessment is a collaborative process in which students and graduates provide portfolios, job histories and other information on the value of their major or minor in Political Science.

All majors must satisfactorily complete at least ten full courses in Political Science, of which at least eight must be at the upper division level. Course programs for majors in Political Science are developed in close consultation with a faculty advisor interested in the student’s intellectual growth and development and in his/her eventual career plans.

Required Courses

1. One introductory course in Political Science

(Students meeting this requirement at CSUB should choose PLSI 101.)

2. MATH 140 Elementary Statistics or PSYC 200 Introduction to Statistical Methods in Psychological Research, or other college math course, such as Mathematical Reasoning or Business Statistics.

3. PLSI 300 Political Inquiry and PLSI 380 Political Science Laboratory

4. PLSI 333 Political Philosophy

5. At least one course in international or comparative politics, chosen from among:

a. PLSI 302 American Foreign Policy

b. PLSI 304 International Politics

c. PLSI 305 Government and Politics in Europe

d. PLSI 306 European Political Cultures

e. BEHS 307 Developing Political Systems

f. PLSI 308 Government and Politics of China

g. PLSI 309 Government and Politics of Latin America

h. PLSI 322 Government and Politics of Japan

i. PLSI 323 Government and Politics of the Middle East

j. PLSI 324 Politics of Mexico

6. At least one course in American politics, chosen from among:

a. PLSI 312 Political Parties and Elections

b. PLSI 314 Judicial Politics

c. PLSI 316 Congress

d. PLSI 317 The Presidency

e. PLSI 319 California Politics and Public Policy

f. PLSI 320 Social Groups and Political Power in America

g. BEHS 321 Community Politics

h. PLSI 329 Chicano Politics

7. Four additional courses in Political Science, one of which may be lower division. However, activities courses and lower division internships, do not satisfy this requirement. Consult your advisor.

8. Completion of an empirical research paper in one of the upper division courses taken at this University for credit in the major other than PLSI 300, PLSI 380, or PLSI 490; student must obtain primary data for analysis, or reformulate existing data in acceptable mode of secondary data analysis. Requires a grade of "B" for honors in the major.

9. PLSI 490 Senior Seminar in Political Science

10. The satisfactory completion of one of the three options listed below:

a. A special minor.

b. A minor consisting of at least 20 quarter units within a minor program designed by another discipline.

c. An interdisciplinary concentration or minor in one of the especially developed areas (see "Interdisciplinary Concentrations and Minors").

 

Requirements for the Major in Political Science with a Concentration in International Relations

Political Science majors who wish to focus their studies on international relations should satisfy the requirements listed below. This course of study is designed to facilitate learning the basic concepts, theories, and methods of international relations and to train students in research, analytical, and communication skills that focus on the uses of international relations training. The program is designed to satisfy the needs of both students who wish to pursue graduate and vocational objectives in the field, and for those whose goals are the advancement of their understanding of this aspect of human activity.

Employment opportunities for international relations graduates exist in both national and international government, business, electronic and print journalism, teaching, and international service. Computer, analytical, and statistical skills developed in the concentration are particularly important in the vocational applications of international relations study.

Required Courses

1. One introductory course in Political Science.

(Students meeting this requirement at CSUB should choose PLSI 101.)

2. MATH 140 Elementary Statistics or PSYC 200 Introduction to Statistical Methods in Psychological Research, or other college math course, such as Mathematical Reasoning or Business Statistics.

3. PLSI 300 Political Inquiry and PLSI 380 Political Science Laboratory

4. PLSI 333 Political Philosophy

 

Five additional courses from areas 5 through 8 are required. Select at least one in each of these areas listed below. Five units of Model United Nations may be used as one of the five courses required.

5. At least one course in political economy, chosen from the following:

a. ECON 311 The Pacific Rim Economics

b. ECON 312 Economies of the Middle East and North Africa

c. ECON 370 Economics of Environmental and Safety Regulation

d. ECON 410 International Economic

Development

e. ECON 440 International Economics

f. PLSI 304 International Politics

g. BEHS 307 Developing Political Systems

h. PLSI 404 Politics of International

Commerce

6. At least one course in European-Atlantic politics, chosen from the following:

a. PLSI 102 World Politics

b. PLSI 305 Governments and Politics in

Europe

c. PLSI 306 European Political Cultures

d. PLSI 404 Politics of International

Commerce

e. HIST 440 Twentieth-Century U.S.

Diplomatic History

7. At least one course in non-western politics, chosen from the following:

a. BEHS 307 Developing Political Systems

b. PLSI 308 Government and Politics of China

c. PLSI 309 Government and Politics of Latin America

d. PLSI 322 Government and Politics of

Japan

e. PLSI 323 Government and Politics of the Middle East

f. PLSI 324 Politics of Mexico

8. At least one course in American Policy, chosen from the following:

a. PLSI 302 American Foreign Policy

b. PLSI 303 American Defense Policy

c. PLSI 309 Government and Politics of

Latin America

d. HIST 440 Twentieth-Century U.S.

Diplomatic History

9. An upper division course in U.S. institutions, chosen from the following:

a. PLSI 314 Judicial Power and the

Constitution

b. PLSI 316 Congress

c. PLSI 317 The Presidency

d. PLSI 319 California Politics and

Public Policy

10. BEHS 321 Community Politics

11. Completion of an empirical research paper in one of the upper division courses taken at this University for credit in the major other than PLSI 300, PLSI 380, or PLSI 490; student must obtain primary data for analysis, or reformulate existing data in acceptable mode of secondary data analysis. Requires a grade of "B" for honors in the major.

12. PLSI 490 Senior Seminar in Political Science

13. The satisfactory completion of one of the three options listed below:

a. A special minor.

b. A minor consisting of at least 20 quarter units within a minor program designed by another discipline.

c. An interdisciplinary concentration or minor in one of the especially developed areas (see "Interdisciplinary Concentrations and Minors").

 

Requirements for the Major in Political Science with a Concentration in Pre-Law

Political Science majors who wish to focus their studies on pre-law should satisfy the requirements listed below. This course of study is designed to facilitate learning basic concepts, theories, and methods of research that are important to attorneys and to others whose work requires understanding of common and statutory law. Although it is a major that is taken by many undergraduates who intend to apply to law school, each student should realize that law schools admit the graduates of all majors so long as they have the requisite reasoning, analytical, and writing skills. Political Science majors are often preferred not only because they may have such skills, but also because they are familiar with the institutional environment of our legal system. This concentration within Political Science attempts to provide the student not only with the analytical skills, but also with substantive knowledge of our political and legal institutions.

Other careers pursued by pre-law graduates include law enforcement, political management, business, and teaching.

Required Courses

1. One introductory course in Political Science

(Students meeting this requirement at CSUB should choose PLSI 101.)

2. MATH 140 Elementary Statistics or PSYC 200 Introduction to Statistical Methods in Psychological Research, or other college math course, such as Mathematical Reasoning or Business Statistics.

3. PLSI 300 Political Inquiry and PLSI 380 Political Science Laboratory

4. PLSI 333 Political Philosophy

5. At least one course in international or comparative politics, chosen from the following:

a. PLSI 302 American Foreign Policy

b. PLSI 304 International Politics

c. PLSI 305 Government and Politics in

Europe

d. PLSI 306 European Political Cultures

e. BEHS 307 Developing Political Systems

f. PLSI 308 Government and Politics of China

g. PLSI 309 Government and Politics of Latin America

h. PLSI 322 Government and Politics of

Japan

i. PLSI 323 Government and Politics of the Middle East

j. PLSI 324 Politics of Mexico

6. Two courses in public law or legal reasoning chosen from the following:

a. PLSI 314 Judicial Power and the

Constitution

b. PLSI 315 Civil Liberties

c. PLSI 370 Legal Reasoning

7. Three additional courses in Political Science, one of which may be lower division. However, activities courses and lower division internships, do not satisfy this requirement. Consult your advisor.

8. Completion of an empirical research paper in one of the upper division courses taken at this University for credit in the major other than PLSI 300, PLSI 380, or PLSI 490; student must obtain primary data for analysis, or reformulate existing data in acceptable mode of secondary data analysis. Requires a grade of "B" for honors in the major.

9. PLSI 490 Senior Seminar in Political Science

10. The satisfactory completion of a minor or augmented major designed to improve skills needed in the practice of law or to introduce the student to a substantive area of law in one of the three options listed below:

a. A special minor.

b. A minor consisting of at least 20 quarter units within a minor program designed by another discipline.

c. An interdisciplinary concentration or minor in one of the especially developed areas (see "Interdisciplinary Concentrations and minors").

 

Special Minor in Pre-Law

Four courses selected from the following. Two courses must be taken from Economics and two from Philosophy.

1. ECON 201 Essentials of Microeconomics

2. ECON 404 Law and Economics

3. PHIL 311 Marx and Marxism

4. PHIL 332 Ethics Theory

5. PHIL 333 Political Philosophy or

PLSI 333 Political Philosophy and Thought

6. PHIL 334 Law and Morality

7. PHIL 335 Philosophy of Law

8. PHIL 350 Symbolic Logic

9. PHIL 498 Special Topics

American Institutions Requirement

Satisfaction of the American Institutions requirement (see page 78) shall be met by no less than one course in United States History and one other course in United States and California government or by examinations administered respectively by the History and Political Science Departments. For courses in the Political Science Department which satisfy the United States and California Government portions of the American Institutions Requirement, see page 78.

Requirements for the Minor in Political Science

Four courses totaling 20 quarter units in Political Science (at least three of which must be upper division) with an average of "C" or better. No more than five units in the minor may be internship, cooperative education, or applied course work.

Courses which will be of special interest to students without substantial quantitative skills include PLSI 302, PLSI 306, PLSI 308, PLSI 312, PLSI 315, PLSI 317, PLSI 319, BEHS 321, PLSI 322, PLSI 323, PLSI 328, PLSI 333, and PLSI 334. Other courses may be suitable depending on the instructor’s announced objectives and approach.

Teaching Credential – Single Subject in Social

Science

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) has authorized CSUB to offer an approved single subject matter preparation program in Social Science. The following course pattern satisfies all requirements for this preparation program within the BA in Political Science. (Courses satisfying requirements for the Political Science major are in bold type. )

Requirements for the Social Science Preparation Program

A. Basic Core Requirements

(13 courses, 65 quarter units)

1. Early United States History

(HIST 231)

2. Modern United States History

(HIST 232)

3. Foundations of Western Civilization

(One course selected from HIST 202, 204, or RS 401)

4. Making of the Modern World

(One course selected from HIST 102

HIST or 206)

5. World Civilization: Asia, Africa

(One course selected from ECON 311, 312, HIST 424, 425, 426, PLSI 308, 322, or 323 )

6. Cultural Geography

(One course selected from GEOG 302, ECON/GEOG 395, HIST 330, or PLSI 332 )

7. American Government/United States Constitution

(One course selected from PLSI 314, 315, 316, or 317 )

8. International Relations/ Comparative Government

(One course selected from HIST 436, PLSI 304, 305, 306, 309, or 404 )

9. Microeconomics

(ECON 201)

10. Macroeconomics

(ECON 202)

*11. Cultural/Ethnic Perspectives

(One course selected from HIST 465, 466, 468, SOC 327, 335, 336, 337, or 338)

*12. Gender Perspectives

(One course selected from ANTH 338, HIST 462, PSYC 421, SOC 365, or ECON 380)

13. California Perspectives

(One course selected from HIST 370, 371, or PLSI 319 )

 

* Must select one course in #11 or #12 from

Anthropology, Psychology, or Sociology.

 

B. Breadth and Perspectives (5 courses, 22 quarter units)

1. United States History

(One course selected from HIST 351, 352, 355, 356, 357, or 358)

2. World Civilization: Europe, Latin America

(One course selected from ANTH 350, HIST 306, 307, 308, 309, 325 340, 442, 443, or PLSI 309 )

3. International Comparative Economics

(One course selected from ECON 410 or

ECON 440)

4. Ethical/Religious Perspectives

(One course selected from RS 110, 111, 313 331, 345, or 348)

5. Integrative Course

(INST 390)

 

Students should consult the sections above for additional requirements for a BA in Political Science with a General Concentration, International Relations Concentration, or Pre-Law Concentration. Taken alone, the Social Science Preparation Program is neither a degree program nor a major.

Course Descriptions

Lower Division

PLSI 101 American Government and Politics (5)

An examination of the ways in which those who practice political science view the American political system. Students can expect to gain a basis for systematic, informed thinking about the processes by which Americans govern each other and govern themselves, the manner in which those processes affect the policies we adopt in response to issues, and the way in which issues influence changes in the decision-making processes. (CAN GOVT 2) [F, W, S]

PLSI 102 World Politics (5)

An examination of western political, economic, religious, social, and cultural traditions from the seventeenth century to the present. Students will study the emergence of the modern nation state system, the origins of international law and organization, the origins of socialist revolution, and the impact of technology on society in the 20th century. The course concludes by focusing on world problems such as the threat of nuclear war, environmental pollution, global inequality, and the international debt crisis. [W]

PLSI 208 The Politics of Change in Asian

Societies (5)

An examination of the economic, social, and geographical factors of political culture in the Asian nations of Japan and India. The focus of the course is on a comparative study of change in the two societies, particularly on the interaction of cultures and politics in the processes of modernization.

PLSI 218 Politics in the Novel and Film (5)

An analyses of the form, content, and effect of various sorts of political novels and films, paying special attention to the emergence and success of various sorts of political expression at different points in American political experience. Students can expect to gain an acquaintance with the conventions of novels and films, a basis for systematic, informed criticism of such works, and some understanding of the nature of political life.

PLSI 240 Honors Seminar: The Nature of

Politics (5) (Formerly PLSI 240.800)

An examination of some of the central concepts of political science and some of the continuing issues of politics. Students can expect to gain exposure to and practice in each of the major kinds of activity in which political scientists engage. Emphasis will be on the preparation, presentation, and critical evaluation of a series of brief papers. Prerequisite: Freshman standing and invitation by the department.

INST 275 Administrative Processes in

Government (5)

(For course description, see listing under "Interdisciplinary Courses.")

PLSI 277 Special Topics (1-5)

An examination of selected contemporary political problems. Subjects vary from term to term but might include such topics as the politics of Black America, the politics of student protest, the politics of ecology, etc. Prerequisite: one course in Political Science or consent of instructor. May be repeated once for credit. [F, W, S]

PLSI 289 Experiential Prior Learning (variable units)

Evaluation and assessment of learning which has occurred as a result of prior off-campus experience relevant to the curriculum of the department. Requires complementary academic study and/or documentation. Available by petition only, on a credit, no-credit basis. Not open to postgraduate students. Interested students should contact the department office.

Upper Division

PLSI 300 Political Inquiry (5)

An analysis of political science methods and the design of political research. Includes an examination of social problems, formulation of research hypotheses, and introduction to social science statistics. For continuation, see PLSI 380. Prerequisite: one course in Political Science and sophomore standing. [F, W]

PLSI 302 American Foreign Policy (5)

An analysis of the major schools and approaches in the study of U.S. Foreign policy. Particular attention is paid to historical, ideological, and economic influences on the decision-making process. Includes a survey and evaluation of the major developments in U.S. foreign policy from the Cold War to the current Post-Cold War system.

PLSI 303 American Defense Policy (5)

An examination of the theoretical and pragmatic factors relevant to the formulation and execution of U.S. national defense policy. The course will focus on the role of various factors (executive, legislative, public opinion, military, etc.) in the defense policy-making process.

PLSI 304 International Politics (5)

An examination of theories and logic behind nation-state strategies with regard to power, defense, stability, and economic development, among others. This course examines the theories that explain how states prioritize goals by analyzing state actions via individual, state, and international levels of analysis.

PLSI 305 Governments and Politics in Europe (5)

A study of governments, politics, and international organization on the European continent. Focus on elections in and policy making by national and supranational organizations including the traditional nation-states, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the Common Market.

PLSI 306 European Political Cultures (5)

A study of socialization and society in European nations and regions with an emphasis on cultural nationalism, socialism, postmaterialism, and other value orientations that affect political outcomes. Studies of generational change, migration, alienation, and other phenomena in both large and small European national communities.

BEHS 307 Developing Political Systems (5)

(For course description, see listing under "Interdisciplinary Courses.")

PLSI 308 Government and Politics of China (5)

An examination of institutions, participants, and processes of government in China. This course examines the impact of ideology and leadership in the processes of modernization and liberalization in contemporary China.

PLSI 309 Government and Politics of Latin

America (5)

A comparative analysis of selected nations in Latin America, with a primary focus on the Southern Cone region (especially Argentina, Brazil, and Chile) and Central America. Emphasis is on social and economic structures as determinants of contemporary politics and policy change in Latin American society. Challenges to development are also examined within the contemporary "neoliberal" policies currently practiced throughout the region.

BEHS 311 Small Group Dynamics (5)

(For course description, see listing under "Interdisciplinary Courses.")

PLSI 312 Political Parties and Elections (5)

An examination of the organization and activities of American political parties and of our electoral system. Students can expect to gain acquaintance with several critical perspectives toward these processes as they relate to the popular control of government as well as an opportunity to systematically develop their own perspective regarding that topic. Prerequisite: upper division standing or permission of the instructor.

PLSI 313 Electoral Behavior (5)

An analysis of the political, social, and psychological factors which promote or inhibit individual participation in electoral activity. This course emphasizes the dynamics involved in individual voter choice, campaigning, party identification, and actively seeking elective office Prerequisites: upper division standing or consent of instructor.

PLSI 314 Judicial Power and the Constitution (5)

An examination of the judicial role in American constitutional adjudication, both historical and contemporary. Investigating constitutional provisions, political party philosophies, legal career patterns, and other factors that shape judicial responses. Prerequisite: one course in Political Science or consent of instructor.

PLSI 315 Civil Liberties (5)

An examination of the principles, reasoning, and politics of private and individual rights in the U.S. Emphasis on Equal Protection, Criminal Justice Due Process, Freedom of Expression, and Right to Privacy. Prerequisite: one course in Political Science or consent of instructor.

PLSI 316 Congress (5)

An examination of Congressional decision making and the factors that shape legislative processes. Students will analyze the history of the institution, the electoral process that leads to service in the national legislature, and the rules and norms that govern its internal processes. Prerequisite: one course in Political Science or consent of instructor.

PLSI 317 The Presidency (5)

An examination of the constitutional design and practical operation of the American Presidency. The course includes investigations into the nature of executive leadership, the constitutional and administrative powers of the president, legislative-executive relations, and role of public opinion, and the role of personality as expressed in presidential character.

PLSI 319 California Politics and Public Policy (5)

An examination of the issues, institutions, and processes that affect public policy in California. Topics include the constitution, the history and political culture, and the variance of influence among such issues as taxes, education, criminal justice, and home rule for local governments.

PLSI 320 Social Groups and Political Power in America (5)

An examination of the ways in which nongovernmental groups influence the formation, direction, execution and change in public policy in America. Emphasis is on factors that contribute to such influences. Students can expect to pursue a research project on a selected topic. Prerequisite: PLSI 300.

BEHS 321 Community Politics (5)

(For course description, see listing under "Interdisciplinary Courses.")

PLSI 322 Government and Politics of Japan (5)

An examination of the institutions and processes of government in Japan. The period covered will include the final years of the Tokugawa Government, the Meiji Restoration, the war years, and contemporary democracy. Special attention will be given to the government role in the economy, changing party politics and public protests as determinants of Japanese interests in the 21st century.

PLSI 323 Government and Politics of the Middle East (5)

An examination of contemporary conflicts and policies among nations in the Middle East. Emphasis is on religion, nationalism, political sovereignty, and economic modernization affecting regional relations. The role of the United States will also be discussed.

PLSI 324 Politics of Mexico (5)

An analysis of the historical and social roots of Mexican politics and contemporary policy issues in Mexico. Particular emphasis is given to U.S.-Mexican relations, challenges of development and peasant economies, the history of one party rule in the 20th century, NAFTA, and the key issues surrounding "post-PRI" Mexico.

PLSI 328 Public Opinion, Propaganda, and

Media Politics (5)

An examination of the psychological processes involved in the formation and change of public opinion. Attention focused on the role of propaganda in attitude acquisition and change. Several examples of political propaganda and mass appeals will be examined. Prerequisite: upper division standing.

PLSI 329 Chicano Politics (5)

An overview of Chicano political experience in the U.S. that is of people of Mexican descent. Particular emphasis on cultural background, social history, politics, education, and the law. Other issues deal with political impacts of Chicano family structure and social anthropology.

BEHS 330 Political Psychology (5)

(For course description, see listing under "Interdisciplinary Courses.")

BEHS 331 Political Sociology (5)

(For course description, see listing under "Interdisciplinary Courses.")

PLSI 332 Political Geography (5)

Lectures, analysis and field work on the relationships between physical and cultural geography and the power in nations, states, and communities. Case studies in both U.S. and other nations and GIS exercises. Satisfies the Geography requirement for Liberal Studies. Cross-listed as GEOG 332.

PLSI 333 Political Philosophy and Thought (5)

An analysis of the basic theories of the nature and role of social and political life. Historical positions such as those of Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke, Mill, Hegel, and Marx are examined to bring to light the concepts of right, equality, justice, obligation, utility. Lecture and discussion. Carries credit in either Philosophy or Political Science. Cross-listed as PHIL 333.

PLSI 334 Democratic Theory (5)

An analysis of fundamental assumptions about democratic government and practices. Students can expect to develop tests for evaluating performance of political institutions and practices based on the results of that examination. Special attention will be given to American experience as a whetstone for shaping those tests. Prerequisite: upper division standing or consent of instructor.

PLSI 339 Women in Politics (5)

The course presents a general understanding of feminist concepts and gender cultural differences that affect American and International politics. For American politics, the emphasis is on how gender ideas affect public opinion, voting patterns, campaigning and women as leaders. The course applies a gender lens to basic questions of international relations, such as national security questions, economic development, and foreign policy.

INST 369 Environmental Politics (5)

(For course description, see listing under "Interdisciplinary Courses.")

PLSI 370 Legal Reasoning (5)

Consideration of and practice in the logic, analysis, data interpretation, and writing that characterizes Anglo-Saxon jurisprudence. Special topics taken from contemporary issues such as freedom of speech, abortion, sports law, entertainment law, and antitrust policy.

PLSI 371 Model United Nations (2-5)

Study of the United Nations (U.N.), its operations, and its affiliated organizations. Study and analysis of one or more countries’ positions and policies at the U.N. Participation in regional or national Model United Nations simulations. Enrollment is typically for two quarters: one of U.N. and country study and one for the simulation. Credit varies; may count five units for credit in the International Relations concentration of the major or the minor.

PLSI 377 Special Topics (1-5)

An intensive examination of issues of current political concern with attention to the development of the problem and alternate ways of responding to it. The issues examined vary from term to term but include such topics as political corruption, the political implications of multinational corporations, terrorism and political subversion, etc. Prerequisite: upper division standing, or permission of instructor. May be repeated for different course content.

PLSI 379 Real Property Law (5)

Analysis of the law governing real property entitlements with some attention given to historical development. Title; landlord-tenant relationships possessory estates; estates in land; concurrent ownership; future interest; conveyances; deeds; restrictions on property rights. Does not satisfy requirements for the major or minor in Political Science. Prerequisite: BA 372.

PLSI 380 Political Science Laboratory (2)

Continuation of PLSI 300, with emphasis on inferential statistics, data management including SPSS and Excel, and other computer-based analytical techniques. Prerequisite: PLSI 300. [W, S]

BEHS 400 Data Processing in the Behavioral

Sciences (5)

(For course description, see listing under "Interdisciplinary Courses.")

PLSI 404 Politics of International Commerce (5)

An examination of the international political economy focusing on the structures and patterns of trade and trade agreements. Particular emphasis is given to international banking, currency exchange, problems of international lending, debt management in developing countries and the former Soviet bloc, and multinational corporate approaches to economic development. Agreements and protocols of the post-WWII period and the World Trade Organization are emphasized throughout.

PLSI 418 Politics and Culture (5)

Study of the relationship between culture and politics, with emphasis on how culture and subculture shape political processes and values; how politics is represented in popular culture; and how regimes utilize popular culture to achieve their goals in domestic and foreign policy. Among the forms of popular culture in these analyses will be music, film, literature, and sports. Emphasis is on the U.S., but with attention also to other nations and cultures. Prerequisite: upper division standing.

BEHS 471 Colonialism and Culture Change (5)

(For course description, see listing under "Interdisciplinary Courses.")

PLSI 477 Selected Topics in Political Science (1-5)

Current concerns challenging the discipline’s theories and methods. Topics include governmental regulation of innovation in medical treatment, ethics in the intelligence community, the impact of development on ideology, politics and mass media, etc. Offered periodically to respond to student and faculty interests. Prerequisite: upper division standing. May be repeated for different course content.

PLSI 480 Directed Research Seminar in Political Science (5)

Student conducts and writes up an individual study under faculty supervision. Prerequisite: PLSI 300 and consent of instructor.

PLSI 481 Directed Research in Political Science (1-5)

Student conducts and writes up a research project under faculty supervision. Prerequisite: PLSI 490 and consent of instructor. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only.

PLSI 489 Experiential Prior Learning (variable units)

Evaluation and assessment of learning which has occurred as a result of prior off-campus experience relevant to the curriculum of the department. Requires complementary academic study and/or documentation. Available by petition only, on a credit, no-credit basis. Not open to postgraduate students. Interested students should contact the department office.

PLSI 490 Senior Seminar (6)

This course reflects on the nature of the discipline of Political Science. A central question the students resolve in this course is: What is a political scientist? The seminar format of the course facilitates formal discussions of theories, formulation of research questions, and integration of student major with his/her minor. Students will each design a portfolio that demonstrates a set of competencies for a political scientist. [S]

PLSI 496 Internship in the Political Process (1-5)

Students are assigned to either public or private agencies involved in the public choice process. Supervision of internship is shared by agency director and the course instructor. Assigned readings and projects where appropriate. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Up to five units may be applied to elective requirements in the major. With departmental approval, additional units (up to a total of ten) may be used if the internship experience generating the additional units is in a different institutional setting or involves a significantly greater responsibility on the intern’s part.

PLSI 497 Cooperative Education (5)

The Cooperative Education program offers a sponsored learning experience in a work setting, integrated with a field analysis seminar. The field experience is contracted by the Cooperative Education office on an individual basis, subject to approval by the department. The field experience, including the seminar and reading assignments, is supervised by the cooperative education coordinator and the faculty liaison (or course instructor), working with the field supervisor. Students are expected to enroll in the course for at least two quarters. The determination of course credits, evaluation, and grading are the responsibility of the departmental faculty. Offered on a credit, no-credit basis only. (See statement on credit under PLSI 496, above.)

PLSI 499 Individual Study (1-5)

Consent of department.

Graduate Courses

BEHS 500 Quantitative Methods in the Behavioral Sciences (5)

(For course description, see listing under "Interdisciplinary Courses.")

BEHS 501 Philosophy and Methodology of the

Behavioral Sciences (5)

(For course description, see listing under "Interdisciplinary Courses.")

BEHS 695 Master’s Thesis in Behavioral

Science (5-9)

PLSI 699 Individual Graduate Study (1-5)

Investigation of an approved project leading to a written report. Project selected in conference with professor in area of major interests; regular meetings to be arranged with professor.