Political Science Courses*
POLS 155C • United States Government (3 units)
Designed to acquaint the student with the United States political system, including constitutional developments of the United States and of California, and stimulate reflection on the intersection of Christianity and citizenship.
POLS/HIST 262 • Research Methods in History and Political Science (3 units)
Prerequisite: ENGL 220C or consent of the instructor. Writing intensive class which will teach students proper research techniques and the different aspects of History and Political Science scholarship. Class will focus on how to write a major research paper, book reviews, and other scholarly works.
POLS 270 • Special Topics (1-3 units)
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. Study of a special topic in Political Science. May be repeated for credit.
POLS 301 • Introduction to Political Philosophy (3 units)
Examines perennial questions and diverse responses to political dilemmas such as liberty, equality, power, authority, justice, and law. Looks at thinkers from Plato to the present to evaluate their insights on "the good life."
POLS/AS 320 • American Studies Internship (8 units)
A part-time work experience in Washington, D.C. in a professional setting within the student’s major field of concentration. Students may select placements in such areas as communication arts, urban ministries, marketing and corporate enterprises, law firms, trade associations, federal agencies, or political offices. Any term, limited enrollment. Credit is granted at the discretion of each department.
POLS 325 • Religion and Politics (3 units)
Focuses on the nexus of religion and politics in contemporary life. Themes include political questions religion attempts to answer, theoretical explanations for the impact of religious beliefs on politics, and examples of religion/politics interstices.
POLS/AS 340 • American Studies Seminars (8 units)
An interdisciplinary examination of selected topics in the American political, historical, and cultural context. Includes a two-unit study module, Foundations for Public Involvement, and two three-unit study modules, Domestic Policy Issues and International Policy Issues. Any term, limited enrollment. May be credited as free electives or as departmental units when accepted by individual departments.
POLS 345 • United States Foreign Policy (3 units)
Principles, practice, and ethical issues of United States foreign policymaking. Particular emphasis on the policymaking process.
POLS/HIST 437 • The Christian Right and American Politics (3 units)
Prerequisite: HIST 156C US History. Seminar on the history and political ideology of the Christian Right from its first appearance in the 1930s until today.
POLS/HIST 355 • Immigration History and Policy (3 units)
Explores the history of immigration in the United States as well as traces the development of national immigration policy over time. In addition, the course will explore current policy issues or debates over immigration.
POLS 362 • Constitutional Law I: National Powers (3 units)
Explores Supreme Court case law with regard to the U.S. government's exercise of national powers such as judicial, legislative, and executive power, as well as the commerce clause and takings clause power. In addition, competing theories of interpretation will be examined as frameworks for analyzing Constitutional cases.
POLS 364 • Constitutional Law II: Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (3 units)
Explores Supreme Court case law with regard to civil rghts and civil liberties such as the right to vote, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion among others. In addition, competing theories of interpretation will be examined as frameworks for analyzing Constitutional cases.
POLS 420 • Modern Political Philosophy (3 units)
A survey of political philosophy from Hegel to the present. This course will examine the philosophical origins of Marxism, fascism, and democracy and explore common themes such as the relationship of the state to the individual and modern conceptions of liberty and justice.
POLS 440 • Contemporary American Political and Social Thought (3 units)
Critical examination of selected contemporary works of social theory that have interdisciplinary perspectives. Books are selected for their significance in recent intellectual discourse about American life.
POLS 445 • Problems in Political Science (3 units)
Explores the practical and theoretical dilemmas of contemporary society. Possible questions to address include why some countries fail to successfully democratize, how to conceptualize and practice security in international relations, how public opinion is formed and its consequences for political participation, and how can societies and ethnic groups overcome hatreds and peacefully co-exist.
POLS 450 • Political Science Teaching Internship (1-3 units)
Open to seniors with a grade point average of 3.0 or above with approval of the department chair. Regular hours each week for classes and/or meetings are established at the beginning of the semester. The intern assists an instructor in planning and conducting a course and/or laboratory sessions. May be repeated for a maximum of six units.
POLS/HIST 454 • History/Political Science Internship (1-3 units)
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. Internship with VU, local museum, archives, government office, or political campaign. May be repeated for credit.
POLS/HIST 455 • Research Assistantship (1-3 units)
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. Advanced work in research in History and/or Political Science in an on-going project with the cooperation and supervision of a faculty member. Students will meet with instructor weekly to discuss findings and progress.
POLS 456 • United States Congress (3 units)
Explores the development and operation of Congress as an institution. It also explores the nature of the members and their behavior in office. Important and timely issues relating to Congress will also be explored.
POLS 460 • Problems of the Third World (3 units)
An examination of the challenge and prospects of political, economic and social development in the Third World. Critical analysis of theories of underdevelopment and strategies for promoting development.
POLS 469 • Special Topics: U.S. (1-3 units)
Experimental or occasional courses not offered on a regular basis. May be repeated for credit.
POLS 470 • Special Topics: Non-U.S. (1-3 units)
Experimental or occasional courses not offered on a regular basis. May be repeated for credit.
POLS 472 • United States Presidency (3 units)
Explores the historical development and operation of the Presidency as an institution. The performance of individual presidents and issues such as presidential electronics, rhetoric, war powers, secrecy, and executive-congressional relations will also be explored.
POLS 480 • Individual Studies (1-3 units)
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor and division chair. May be repeated for credit.
POLS/INTB 482 • International Politics (3 units)
Examination of the concepts and principles of the international political system.
POLS 490 • Seminar (1-3 units)
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. Mutual investigation of one topic in political science of particular relevance to upper division history and political science majors. May be repeated for credit.
* This information is provided for ease of use, however it is not the official record. See the academic catalog for official course descriptions and requirements.