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Political Science Course Offerings

Please see the section on "Course Description Symbols and Terms" in the University Catalog for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units. All courses are lecture and discussion and employ letter grading unless otherwise stated. Some prerequisites may be waived with faculty permission. Many syllabi are available on the Chico Web.

An examination of major political problems challenging America today. Emphasis on class discussion of controversial topics involving political policy in the context of the study of political science. This is an approved General Education course.

Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in POLS 391E is highly recommended.

The political dynamics of selected third world nations. Major emphasis will be on problems of poverty, colonialism, comparative political structures and behavior, imperialism, and international relations. The course will also focus on tensions in the political culture between traditional and non-traditional values in contemporary third world societies. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western course.

This course is an introduction to the social sciences that uses power as a unifying theme. The course will look at issues in political behavior, the role of political and economic institutions, and how behavior and institutions affect politics, economics, and public policy. Students will apply the basic tools of social science to look at historical examples of issues in social science, with a focus on contemporary applications. Students will also work in a computer lab that introduces them to the power of information and methods of finding and using social science data on the Internet.

An introduction to the structure, composition, and performance of the judicial process and its role in the resolution of societal conflicts. Following an examination into the nature of law, the course will focus on the essential actors in the process and review the performance of their roles. Issues critical to a free society — freedom of speech, rights of the accused, equal protection — will be studied to illustrate the politics of distributing "justice" by means of the courts. This is an approved General Education course.

A survey of public relations: problems and issues, organization and operations, skills and techniques, careers and opportunities. This course is also offered as JOUR 244.

An investigation of Who gets What, When, and How in national, state, and local politics. Also includes principles of American governmental institutions, federal systems, congress, president, and courts. Fulfills California state graduation and credential requirements for the American Constitution. (Satisfies requirement in California Administrative Code, Title 5, Section 40404.) CAN GOVT 2.

Please see the description above. This course is for students in the Honors in General Education Program.

This course provides an opportunity for students to explore topics from their American government class in more detail. The course includes discussion of problems and assignments, as well as work on student speaking, study, and testing skills. Credit/no credit grading only.

This course is for special topics offered for 1.0–3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered.

The history and philosophy of criminal justice in America; recapitulation of the system; identifying the various sub-systems, role expectations, and their interrelationships; theories of crime, punishment, and rehabilitation; ethics, education, and training for professionalism in the criminal justice system.

This course provides an introduction to the juvenile justice system in the United States. Juvenile justice is a key component of the overall criminal justice system. The course highlights the activity in the main institutions of juvenile justice (the police, the courts, and corrections), examines past practice as well as concentrating on current policies, explores some of the reasons for treating juveniles differently from adults, and investigates future policy in juvenile justice.

This course examines criminal investigation techniques and includes a survey of a wide variety of topics in criminal investigation. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of education toward gaining employment and enhancing law enforcement careers. During the semester, students participate in a Chico community service learning project.

Prerequisites: POLS 250 or faculty permission.

Examines current and developing programs and issues in the field of criminal justice.

Prerequisites: Upper-division standing.

An examination of major political problems challenging America today. Emphasis on class discussion of controversial topics involving political policy in the context of the study of political science. This is an approved General Education course.

The political dynamics of selected third world nations. Major emphasis will be on problems of poverty, colonialism, comparative political structures and behavior, imperialism, and international relations. The course will also focus on tensions in the political culture between traditional and non-traditional values in contemporary third world societies. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western course.

The purpose of this course is to examine the political dynamics and impact of regional and intra-regional population and economic shifts in the United States. The focus will be on the changing nature of political power and inequalities linked to these population and economic changes. Among the topics to be covered are Politics in an Advanced Industrial Society; Emerging Political Institutions; The Politics of Growth and Decline; The Development of a National Growth Policy; Inequality and Political Power; The Role of the State in Addressing Political, Economic, and Local Inequalities. Specific policy areas will be examined.

The course directs students to a broader and deeper awareness of their abilities, strengths, and skills. Then this expanded awareness is related to appropriate majors, minors, academic specialties, campus resources, and career relevant alternatives. Credit/no credit grading only.

An interdisciplinary survey of the history and politics of Central America. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Non-Western course. This course is also offered as LAST 321.

Analysis of the roles of women in politics; volunteer, candidate, elected official. Considers politics of the women's movement and women's issues. This is an approved General Education course. This course is also offered as WMST 324.

Origin and development in the nineteenth century of dialectical and historical materialism, emphasizing the implications of Marxist philosophy for an understanding of nature, knowledge, revolution; doctrinal evolution from Marx to Mao. This is an approved General Education course. This course is also offered as PHIL 325.

Analysis of the role of race and ethnicity in the American political process, including a critique of their role in local, state, and national elections. Factors accounting for participation and non-participation will be analyzed. This is an approved Ethnic course. This course is also offered as MCGS 327.

This course covers the use of computers and other tools to find different kinds of information relevant to social science research; how to evaluate the information found for reliability, authority, and purpose; how to properly use and cite information; and how to use computer applications to organize and present information. The course should be taken in the sophomore or junior year, either before or concurrently with POLS 331.

Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher.

An introduction to the discipline of political science, with emphasis on the major controversy of substance and method therein. Should be taken at the beginning of the junior year. This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors.

This course covers use of computers and the Internet in political science research. 2.0 hours activity. Credit/no credit grading only.

Prerequisites: POLS 442.

Introduction to the United Nations, its procedures and current issues on its agenda to prepare delegates to participate in the National Model United Nations Conference held in New York City during the spring recess. 2.0 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.

Prerequisites: POLS 340, POLS 442.

Individual and group research on an assigned country and its U.N. policy positions — plus mock session activities — to prepare delegates to represent that country at the National Model United Nations Conference held in New York City during the spring recess. Either attendance at the New York City conference or a 15-page research paper on a U.N. agenda topic is required. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.

Concepts in international politics, with emphasis on the analysis of contemporary global issues. Recommended for secondary teachers. This is an approved General Education course.

Prerequisites: POLS 341.

Introduction to methods, objectives, and techniques of scientific study of international politics. Analysis of selected examples of behavioral research in international politics. Examples will normally include cross-cultural research, comparative elites, global and regional political change, events data analysis, war and peace studies.

Course analyzes post-World War II American foreign policy. It examines the origins and development of the cold war, with attention to nuclear capabilities, the growth of national security bureaucracy, and the impact on American society. Special attention is given to the decision-making process as well as to theories of personality, organizational behavior, and the political process as these affect the cold war basis of American foreign policy. This is an approved General Education course.

Analysis of the international relations of the Pacific Basin area, with emphasis on the period since 1975. This course is also offered as INST 446D.

Social science-based analysis of the interaction of law and its social contexts. Course elements include fundamentals of legal systems, their institutional structures, and critical issues. Case studies and interpretive themes will provide analytical focus.

Prerequisites: POLS 250.

This course examines the history, philosophy, evolution, and legal obligations of the police and the roles, functions, and policy issues associated with policing in a democratic society.

Prerequisites: POLS 250.

This course surveys corrections in the United States, including the history, philosophy, and evolution of correctional systems; correctional institutions, community-based corrections, and correctional policy issues.

This course considers the historical development of probation and parole, addresses questions regarding how and why probation and parole have changed over time, and outlines how community corrections are influenced by the constraints of the criminal justice system and how it is affected by public perceptions of crime and criminals. Students assess the success and feasibility of community corrections given current resources and public sentiment. Finally, the course addresses the population of offenders that are on probation and parole, their likely backgrounds and futures.

Prerequisites: Upper-division standing.

An investigation of Who gets What, When, and How in national, state, and local politics. Also includes principles of American governmental institutions, federal system, congress, president, and courts. Fulfills California state graduation and credential requirements for the American Constitution. (Satisfies requirement in California Administrative Code, Title 5, Section 40404.)

2.0 hours activity. Credit/no credit grading only.

2.0 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.

Weekly viewing of a political film, with lecture-discussion session led by a faculty member who has a special interest in the subject matter of the film. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours activity.

Prerequisites: Faculty permission.

Individual consultation with faculty in working on special projects, reading lists, or areas of deficiency. Credit/no credit grading only.

This course is for special topics offered for 1.0–3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered.

This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0–3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only.

Students examine how the law (made by judges, legislators, and voters) has influenced and continues to influence the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals. Students critically analyze how the rights of sexual minorities have developed or failed to develop. The class includes discussion of gay movements' politics, accomplishments, and opponents. Finally, contemporary issues surrounding legal and political issues that impact sexual minorities are addressed. This course is also offered as MCGS 401.

Analysis of the American federal system and the role of state governments, with special emphasis directed to the government and politics of California. Among the major topics considered: the state political system; the political environment; party, interest group, citizen, and media inputs.

Discussions relating to the history and development of local government. The present structure of local government in the United States and selected foreign countries. Current problems and changing functions affecting local governments.

Prerequisites: POLS 402 and POLS 473 are recommended.

Course will focus on the lobbying process at the state and national level and will consider the role interest groups play within the American-state governmental milieu.

Prerequisites: HCSV 131 is recommended.

An analysis of the political forces, both private and public, which have an impact upon the health industry in the United States. Focusing on problems related to the delivery of health care, the course will cover such issues as availability, accessibility, appropriateness, acceptance, accounting, and alternatives. This course is also offered as HCSV 435.

Prerequisites: Faculty permission.

This course is a seminar on selected topics in US, state, and local politics. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.

Examination of the international political economy and Third World development. Specific focus is on the crisis of the world capitalist system and the international and national attempts to restructure levels of that system. The question of development is discussed from various ideological perspectives, along with the political-economic implications of industrialization and the debt crisis in the Third World. Case studies on the political economy of development are offered, Mexico and South Korea, for example.

Study of selected Middle East governments and political processes. Politics analyzed from the late Ottoman period to the contemporary era. Special emphasis given to post-World War II developments, including nationalism, industrialization, cultural, and religious traditions.

Comparative analysis of selected black African countries. Varying patterns of traditional culture, colonialism, and independence movements will be presented. Other themes to be stressed include methods of disengagement from neo-imperialistic controls since independence.

A study of the similarities and differences of the Latin American republics, concentrating on structures of government, historical traditions, political parties, and the role of the military. After a general introduction to these topics and the area, the class will emphasize an in-depth study of selected Latin American nations.

An examination of the politics of Asia. Emphasis may vary among East, South-East, and South Asia. The study of the response of Asian political systems to the dual challenges of modernization and Western pressure will be combined with an analysis of contemporary political institutions and events.

This course will provide a well-rounded understanding of the foundations of contemporary Russian and East European political institutions and politics. This entails analysis of the historical roles of nationalism, communist values, and Soviet behavior as they relate to the development of Russia and the new states of the former Soviet Union. Special emphasis will be given to questions of nation-building, legitimacy, and political leadership.

A study of selected governments of Western Europe, with emphasis as well on regional coordination (the Common Market and related institutions) in the post-World War II period.

A survey of the government and politics of Canada. Focus will be on the growth and function of Canadian parliamentary democracy, the development of provincial power, and the dynamics of public policy-making in the Canadian administrative and legislative systems.

Analysis of the international political economy and industrial- post-industrial societies. Specific focus on the internationalization of capitalism and major institutions of the international political economy in the post-Cold War era; the competing models of North Amerian, European, and Asian political economies; trade, investment and security issues among industrial nations; and relationship of industrial nations' policy to the political economy of the developing world.

This course will examine the Israeli political system from its early development to the present. The class will focus on the Zionist ideology of the founders and the transformation of that ideology during the state-building period. Israeli political institutions will be examined along with historical and contemporary political conflicts, the vagaries of the peace process, and Israeli-American relations. This course is also offered as MJIS 418.

Readings and research in comparative government.

Prerequisites: POLS 331 or permission of instructor.

Investigation of methodology and the techniques used in the study of political phenomena, with emphasis on the construction of appropriate research designs, data collection, and analysis.

Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher.

This investigation of methods and theory in political science is directed to individual research interests and problem development for the honors thesis. This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors.

A study of the learning of political attitudes; the role of the family, school, peer group, and others in the political socialization process; the process of accommodation or non-accommodation to the value patterns of society and ultimate political behavior.

Evolution of American political parties; issues dividing the electorate; organization of parties; nominations, campaigns, elections, voting behavior; the role of money in the party process; party responsibility; evaluation and reform of parties; some reference to foreign parties. Considers parties as some of the major value maximizers among people.

Analysis of major factors in group and individual opinion formation, with emphasis on politics, opinion measurement, and the role of mass media in the political process. This course is also offered as CMST 424, and JOUR 424.

Prerequisites: SOCI 310 or SWRK 330; SOCI 315 or other statistics course by permission of instructor. CMST majors: COM 202. POLS majors: POLS 421.

A practical, integrative course in which a survey research project will be conducted.

In this class, students discuss how the criminal justice system and civil law affect women's lives and their experiences with the state. Students take a historical view on how women have made progress towards equality in the United States by using the legal system in a variety of ways and examine women's status as criminal justice professionals, victims, and perpetrators of crime and how the criminal justice system deals with women in these positions. This course is also offered as WMST 426.

An exploration of campaigns and elections in the United States with emphasis on the activities and strategies of candidates for office, the behavior of voters, the role of political parties, interest groups, and the media, and the financing of campaigns.

An examination of the relationships of politics and the mass media. Includes a project involving media analysis and campaigns or public policy decisions. This course is also offered as CMST 428, and JOUR 428.

This is a seminar on selected topics in American politics, including American political theory, institutions, and processes. This seminar assesses the substantive knowledge, critical analysis, writing, speaking, and computer skills of senior-level students.

Considers tensions between the democratic and republican claims in formative periods: Puritan, Revolutionary, Constitution, Jacksonian, and Civil War. Addresses modern implications. Uses primary sources and novels.

Considers competing democratic and republican claims in the context of social Darwinism, Populism, Progressivism, New Deal, and Post-World War II. Uses primary sources and novels.

The classical roots of western political philosophy and their relationship to contemporary political theory. This course is also offered as PHIL 434.

The philosophical framework of political and social change, with emphasis on the French Revolution and on the emergence of liberal ideology as a basis of contemporary radical and liberal political philosophy. This course is also offered as PHIL 436.

An extended discussion of the nature of anarchy, corporatism, oligarchy, classical liberalism, radical liberalism, democratic socialism, communism, and fascism, with a continued focus on these political cultures and their ideological expressions in contemporary politics. This course is also offered as PHIL 437.

The philosophical nature and origins of law. Topics to be examined include theories of law, justice, the relationship of law to morality, natural law, responsibility, punishment, and other basic concepts. Approach is both general theoretical and via case studies. This course is also offered as PHIL 438.

This seminar covers selected topics in political theory and methodology. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units.

Prerequisites: POLS 341, ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher.

Analysis of the dynamics of international politics, with emphasis on the following theories and concepts: images, decision-making, power, the state, nationalism, balance of power, international system, war, alliances, and imperialism. International Relations majors: This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors.

Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, POLS 341.

This investigation of method and theory in political science is directed to individual research interests and problem development for the honors thesis. This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors.

Analysis of the development and activities of various types of international organizations, including the United Nations, multinational corporations, OPEC, the Common Market, the IMF, the World Bank, and such non-governmental organizations as Amnesty International and Greenpeace.

Analysis of the development of international law, the role of international law on international relations, legal problems of world order, and contemporary international legal issues. Case analysis and critical writing required.

Analyzes the foreign policies of the Middle Eastern nations. Emphasizes Arab-Israeli and inter-Arab dynamics, the impacts of Muslim culture, sectarian strife, and the roles of external forces, including the superpowers.

Analysis of the foreign policies of Sub-Saharan nations, including Neocolonialism, Pan-Africanism, regionalism, development, apartheid, African Liberation Movements, and China in Africa.

Patterns of inter-American relations will be explored, with special attention to the effects of dependency on the American states and their reactions to it. Collaboration, avoidance, and resistance by Latin Americans will be examined within the context of the use of diplomacy and of military, political, and economic force by differing groups on both sides.

The foreign policies of the states of Asia will be analyzed; special attention will be given to China and U.S. policies in Asia. This course is also offered as INST 446D.

Analysis of the historic, ideological, and behavioral values of Russian foreign policy. Special attention is given to the domestic context of foreign policy-making and the regional issues facing Russia in the contemporary international system. Emphasis will be on the post-Soviet period.

Analyzes the international relations of Western European nations and international institutions, especially the Common Market. Emphasizes Western Europe as a part of the regional and world dynamics.

An introductory course which develops an understanding of international relations concepts, Canada's place in the international system, external factors affecting Canadian foreign policy, the Canadian decision-making structures and processes, as well as the issues, patterns, and relationships associated with recent Canadian foreign affairs.

Analyzes the Vietnam War as a consequence of foreign policy. Emphasizes the structures, processes, and dynamics of policy design, implementation, and management, especially by the United States.

A multi-dimensional and cross-disciplinary study of the historical and contemporary phenomenon of terrorism and counterterrorist policy. Focus is on terrorism as different from war, the sources and practitioners of terrorism, and the multiple rationales for its use. Study will include both domestic and international terrorism, private and state as well as national and international counterterrorist policy. Particular attention on the threat of terrorism to liberal democracy and development of liberal democratic counterterrorist policy. Selection choice for the Option in Political Affairs.

Analysis of judicial cases and related materials illustrating historical and current interpretations of constitutional problems such as the powers of the courts, congress, and President; and the balance of federal-state power in such areas as commerce and taxation.

Analysis of judicial cases and related materials illustrating historical and current interpretations of constitutional problems such as racial discrimination, criminal procedures, and freedom of speech and religion. This course is also offered as MCGS 451B.

Focus on the various methods of negotiation and dispute resolution including mediation and arbitration with primary emphasis on the legal rights and principles involved in alternative dispute resolution especially in the process of arbitration. Major social and scientific theories of conflict will be explored as well as conventional disciplines and new approaches of conflict avoidance and resolution. Ethical issues involved in negotiation, mediation, and arbitration will be covered.

The study of law from the political, sociological, and behavioral perspectives examining recent and contemporary approaches to the legal process. Other questions about areas of study include: What, if any, are the boundaries of the legal process? To what extent should the legal process be a part of our everyday lives? To what extent is the law political?

Learn techniques of legal research and writing. Write briefs, memoranda, and other legal documents based on library research with cases, treatises, law reviews, statutes, regulations, etc.