Department Chair:  Stanley Clark

Department Office:  Business Development

Center, A248

Telephone:  (661) 654-2141

email:  tgiblin@csub.edu

Website:  www.csub.edu/polisci/

Faculty:  D. Apollon, M. Ault, K. Bragg, R. Geigle,

M. Martinez, C. McCall (Emeritus), K. Price

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.  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 thirteen full courses in Political Science, of which at least ten 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 (63 units)

General Core Requirements (38 units)

A.   Lower Division Required Courses (12 units)

      PLSI 101 American Government & Politics (5)

      MATH 140 Statistics (5) or

      PSYC 200 Introduction to Statistical Methods in Psychological Research (5)

      PLSI 290 Political Science as a Profession (2)

B.   Upper Division Required Courses (21 units)

      PLSI 300 Political Inquiry (5)

      PLSI 304 International Relations (5)

      PLSI 333 Political Philosophy & Thought (5)

      PLSI 490 Senior Seminar (6)

C.   Experience/Methods (5 units - choose from one of the following)

      PLSI 380 Political Science Laboratory (5)

      PLSI 496 Internship (5)  Note: A single five unit course is required to satisfy this requirement.  Additional internship courses may be taken for variable credit of two to five units.

      PLSI 481 Directed Research (5)

Program Concentrations (10 units)

Choose one of the following concentrations:

A.   American (10 units)

      This course of study is designed to facilitate learning the basic concepts, theories, and methods of institutions and behaviors of American government and to train students in research, analytical, and communication skills that focus on the uses of American Government and policy.

      Select two of the following courses:

      PLSI 313 Electoral Behavior and Political Parties (5)

      PLSI 316 Congress (5)

      PLSI 317 The Presidency (5)

      PLSI 335 American Political Theory (5)

B.   International Relations (10 units)

      This course of study is designed to facilitate learning the basic concepts, theories, and methods of international relations and comparative politics.  Students are trained in research, analytical, and communication skills that focus on the uses of comparative and international relations training.

      Select two of the following courses:

      PLSI 306 European Political Cultures (5)

      PLSI 308 Government and Politics of China (5)

      PLSI 309 Government and Politics of Latin America (5)

      PLSI 322 Government and Politics of Japan (5)

      PLSI 404 Politics of International Commerce (5)

C.   Pre-Law (10 units)

      This course of study is designed to facilitate learning the basic concepts, theories, and methods of research that are important to attorneys and to others whose work requires understanding of common and statutory law.

      Select two of the following courses:

      PLSI 314 Judicial Power and the Constitution (5)

      PLSI 315 Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (5)

      PLSI 370 Legal Reasoning (5)

      PLSI 335 American Political Theory (5)

Political Science Studies Courses (15 units)

Select three courses not taken for the concentration from the list below; only one of these may be lower division.

PLSI 208 The Politics of Change in Asian Societies (5)

PLSI 218 Politics in the Novel and Film (5)

PLSI 302 American Foreign Policy (5)

PLSI 303 American Defense Policy (5)

PLSI 306 European Political Cultures (5)

BEHS 307 Developing Political Systems (5)

PLSI 308 Government and Politics of China (5)

PLSI 309 Government and Politics of Latin America (5)

BEHS 311 Small Group Dynamics (5)

PLSI 313 Electoral Behavior and Political Parties (5)

PLSI 314 Judicial Power and the Constitution (5)

PLSI 315 Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (5)

PLSI 316 Congress (5)

PLSI 317 The Presidency (5)

PLSI 319 California Politics and Public Policy (5)

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

BEHS 321 Community Politics (5)

PLSI 322 Government and Politics of Japan (5)    

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

PLSI 324 Politics of Mexico (5)

PLSI 325 The Government, Politics, Economy, and

Foreign Policy of Russia (5)

PLSI 328 Media, Propaganda, and Public Opinion (5)

PLSI 329 Latino Politics (5)

BEHS 330 Political Psychology (5)

BEHS 331 Political Sociology (5)

PLSI 332 Political Geography (5)

PLSI 334 Democratic Theory (5)

PLSI 335 American Political Theory (5)

PLSI 339 Women in Politics (5)

PLSI 340 Racial & Ethnic Politics in the United States (5)

INST 369 Environmental Politics (5)

PLSI 370 Legal Reasoning (5)

PLSI 371 International Organizations (5)

PLSI 376 Terrorism, War, and the Politics of the Middle East (5)

PLSI 379 Real Property Law (5)

PLSI 404 Politics of International Commerce (5)

PLSI 411 U.S. Immigration Politics and Policy (5)

PLSI 418 Politics and Culture (5)

Portfolio Requirement

Every student who completes the major in Political Science in any one of the three concentrations - American, International Relations, or Pre-Law is required to prepare a portfolio that displays what has been gained from the major in Political Science.  The portfolio is a collection of materials gathered from work done in various classes sanctioned by the Political Science Department.  This collection addresses each of the competency goals outlined by the Political Science Department, which is detailed on the Department web page and is available in the Department office.

To create a portfolio, each student will have to provide evidence of competency in the following areas: political understanding, theory building, data analysis, formal presentations, research methods, basic computer management, and personal career management.  Demonstrating individual competency in these areas will require that each student provide evidence of his/her work and accomplishments from individual classes, internships, and research projects.  Portfolios should be seen as “works in progress” during your tenure here, and must be turned in to the responsible faculty member teaching Senior Seminar 490 when you take the Senior Seminar course.  No student will be allowed to graduate from Senior Seminar with a portfolio project that receives a “B-“ or less.  Questions about the portfolio may be directed to the student’s advisor, or to any Political Science faculty member.

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

a.   Completion of a minor program approved by another discipline and listed in the catalog.

b.   An interdisciplinary concentration or minor listed in the catalog (see “Interdisciplinary Concentrations and Minors”).

c.   A special minor approved by the student’s advisor and the Dean of Undergraduate Studies.

The requirements to graduate with Honors in Political Science are a 3.0 overall GPA, a 3.3 GPA in the major, and a Directed Research course (PLSI 481) with a minimum grade of B.

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 335 Philosophy of Law

7.   PHIL 350 Symbolic Logic

8.   PHIL 498 Special Topics

American Institutions Requirement

Satisfaction of the American Institutions requirement 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 pages 62-63).

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 313, 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.

Social Science Teacher Preparation Program within the BA in Political Science

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) has authorized CSUB to offer an approved single subject matter preparation program in Social Science.  The generic Social Science Teacher Preparation Program is listed under Teacher Preparation/Subject Matter Programs.  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

Basic Core Requirements (13 courses, 65 units)

1.   Early US History (1 course)

      HIST 231

2.   Modern US History (1 course)

      HIST 232

3.   Foundations of Western Civilization (1 course)

      HIST 202, 204, 210, 211

4.   Making of the Modern World (1 course)

      HIST 102, 206

5.   World Civilization:  Asia, Africa (1 course)

      ECON 311, 312; HIST 423, 424, 425, 426, 481; PLSI 308, 322, 323

6.   Cultural Geography (1 course)

      GEOG 302; ECON/GEOG 395; HIST 330; PLSI 332

7.   American Government/US Constitution (1 course)

      PLSI 314, 315, 316, 317

8.   International Relations/ Comparative Government (1 course)

      HIST 436; PLSI 304, 306, 309, 404

9.   Microeconomics (1 course)

      ECON 201

10.  Macroeconomics (1 course)

      ECON 202

*11.      Cultural/Ethnic Perspectives (1 course)

      HIST 460, 465, 466, 468; RS 326; SOC 327, 335, 336, 337, 338

*12.      Gender Perspectives (1 course)

      ANTH 438; ECON 380; HIST 421, 462; PLSI 339; PSYC 421; SOC 370

13.  California Perspectives (1 course)

      HIST 370, 371; PLSI 319

*Must select one course in #11 or #12 from Anthropology, Psychology, or Sociology.

Breadth and Perspectives (5 courses, 22 units)

14.  US History (1 course)

      HIST 351, 352, 356, 357, 358, 359

15.  World Civilization:  Europe, Latin America (1 course)

      ANTH 350; HIST 306, 307, 308, 309, 325, 340, 442, 443; PLSI 309

16.  International Comparative Economics (1 course)

      ECON 311, 410, 440; PLSI 404

17.  Ethical/Religious Perspectives (1 course)

      RS 110, 111, 316, 320, 323, 348

18.  Integrative Course (1 course)

      INST 390

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

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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. 

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)

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.

PLSI 290 Political Science as a Profession (2)

This course introduces students to the basic set of career choices available to political scientists.  Department faculty members share their personal work experiences and community speakers describe their activities.  Students learn strategies for writing and analysis as a political scientist.  Each student develops a career plan that includes: a timetable, a professional resume, and an assessment of technical and research skills.

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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.  Prerequisite: one course in Political Science and sophomore standing.

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 Relations (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 306 European Political Cultures (5)

A study of socialization and society in European nations and regions with an emphasis on cultural nationalism, socialism, post-materialism, and other value orientations that affect political outcomes.  Studies of generational changes, 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 313 Electoral Behavior and Political Parties (5)

An examination of the organization and activities of political parties and electoral behavior in America combined with an analysis of the political, social, and psychological factors that promote and inhibit individual and group participation in electoral activity.  Within the context of voting behavior, this course explores political parties in America and how they attempt to win popular control of government through the electoral process.  Prerequisite:  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. Particular emphases on federalism, separation of powers, and other topics on the exercise and extent of national power. Prerequisite:  one course in Political Science or consent of instructor.

PLSI 315 Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (5)

An examination of the principles, reasoning, and politics of private and individual rights in American constitutional adjudication.   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 impact of policies regarding such matters as taxes, energy, education, criminal justice, immigration, 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 325 The Government, Politics, Economy, and Foreign Policy of Russia (5)

This is a course in the politics, government, and economy of contemporary Russia.  The course will be divided into three parts, the first of which will focus on the pre-Communist and Communist period following the 1917-1923 civil war and the formation of the Soviet Union.  The second will focus on the Cold War development of the USSR, the final decade of the Communist system, and the collapse of the state in the period from 1989 through 1992.  The third part of the course will examine post-Soviet Russia.

PLSI 328 Media, Propaganda, and Public Opinion (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 Latino Politics (5)

An overview of Latino political experience in the U.S. with special attention to Mexican-Americans.  Particular emphasis on cultural background, social history, politics, education, and the law.  Other issues deal with political impacts of Latino family structure and Latinos’ role in the economy.

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)

This course examines various theories of the nature of social and political life.  Significant contributions to Western political philosophy, such as those of Plato, Hobbes, Locke, Mill, Marx, and Rawls, will be examined along with the concepts of rights, equality, justice, obligation, liberty and utility.  Additional readings may contribute to analysis of the development of political institutions and civil society in the West and their effects on non-European nations and cultures.  This course 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 335 American Political Theory (5)

This course investigates the theoretical foundations, the functional processes, and contemporary theories of the American Regime.  Students investigate the political and social institutions established under the U.S. Constitution, review important changes in the political and social institutions, and study changes in relations between government and citizens.  Taken as a whole, the themes explored in this course lie at the intersection of politics, philosophy, history, and sociology, and should appeal to students wishing to pursue a career in teaching civics or social studies at the secondary school level.

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.

PLSI 340 Racial & Ethnic Politics in the United States (5)

Focus on political experiences of African Americans, American Indians, Asian Americans, and Latinos.  This course examines the major theories explaining American politics in light of race and ethnicity.  Particular emphasis on intra- and intergroup conflict and cooperation, and the nature and dynamics of American political values, discourse, leadership, organizations, institutions, and policies, when analyzed from the perspectives of four major racial and ethnic groups.

INST 369 Environmental Politics (5)

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

PLSI 370 Legal Reasoning (5)

Discussion and practice in the logic, analysis, data interpretation, and writing that characterizes Anglo‑Saxon jurisprudence.  Special topics taken from contemporary issues include torts and remedies, administrative authority, freedom of speech, death penalty, entertainment law, and antitrust policy.

PLSI 371 International Organizations (5)

The subject matter of this course is the network of international organizations redefining global politics.  By the end of the 20th century, international organizations challenge the nation-state’s political authority and power.  Two types of international organizations are examined in this course: intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).  This growth of transnational organizations reflects the processes of social, economic, and technological globalization that creates a complex network of participants in global politics.

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 (5)

One of the alternatives for applications after PLSI 300, with emphasis on practice of social research, including inferential statistics, data management using SPSS, and other computer-based analytical techniques, and other skills important in political science careers.  Prerequisite: PLSI 300.

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 411 U.S. Immigration Politics and Policy (5)

This course explores the politics of the social, cultural, demographic, economic, and security impacts of immigration on American society and how politics shape U.S. immigration policy on issues of family reunification, human rights, civil liberties, civil rights, and State roles in integrating immigrants into U.S. society.  Comparisons to immigrations politics in European Union and other nations and regions.

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 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 300 and consent of instructor. 

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.  Synthesis and integration of coursework is the focus of this course. The seminar format facilitates discussions of theories, and research questions including those that cross boundaries between the disciplines. Analysis and policy essays along with a portfolio that demonstrates a set of competencies in political science.

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.

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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.